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San Antonio is home to some of the most exciting and unique attractions in Texas. Splashtown closed up shop after decades of providing summertime fun and serving as an escape from the heat for San Antonians of all ages. Orlando's exciting theme parks make it a perennial Florida favorite for kids of all ages. Prior to this it operated as a small venue at Brackenridge Park ca. It had bumper cars and paddle boats, a swinging pirate ship and Ferris wheel, and a fateful roller coaster called the Wildcat. Bexars Eye: Fort Sam Soldiers Practice Mindfulness in Resiliency Kitchen, Bexars Eye: Southsider Finds a Home Among the Birds at Mitchell Lake, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. 275 West Main St. Santaquin, UT 84655. Next door, keep cool on our 5 tropically themed splash pads at Morgan's Inspiration Island. Children ages 1-12 can enjoy all the rides that made Kiddie Park a San Antonio tradition! During the Summer of 2019, San Antonio Zoo landed on an agreement to take over the historic park and started carving a path for its new relocation at the zoo. Playland Park closed down after it was purchased by an individual and then sold to AstroWorld a few years later. After a day of exploring and adventuring in the Alamo City, take comfort in knowing you have a great place to stay in our remarkable San Antonio hotels, resorts, B&Bs and more. Sunshine Amusement Park San Antonio: 1980s (c.) Vickery Park Dallas: 1940s-1976 Wet 'n Wild: Garland: White Water Grand Prairie: 1982-1986 Zero Gravity Amusement Park: Dallas: 1992-2021 Utah. Teens and adolescents of the 80s and 90s will no doubt miss the fun-filled days of Malibu Castle. 1968 - 2005The Texas Cyclone was built as a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone, but taller and faster. Summertime in San Antonio! A forever-missed attraction from San Antonios past, Playland Park was a staple in the city and took pride in being the first amusement park in Texas. Guided by its mission of inclusion, the park strives to bring together guests of all ages and all abilitiesthrough the power of inclusive play. All Rights Reserved. AncoraThemes 2023. 5223 David Edwards San Antonio, TX 78233; 210-495-5888; 210-637-3486; Park Information. Bring in the summer with exciting events like our Pride River Parade, Armed Forces River Parade, Fiesta Noche del Rio, 4th of July Celebrations all over the city, Saturday Night Rodeos at Tejas Rodeo Company and more. True Sunshine. The precursor to AstroWorld, Playland Park had a tilt-a-whirl, loop-de-loop and "rollie" coaster. (This photo was captured after the park closed.). mid-1980s to 2005Located in west Houston, this mega-complex was a huge indoor kids playground, complete with bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, a bowling alley and Ferris wheel. Along with the higher-priced mini-monorail that toured the grounds, El Trenecito was just around for the well-remembered fair. mid-1940s to 1980sPlayland Park's slogan: "The fun spot of San Antonio.". At the time, my dad played softball at Kennedy Fields every Friday night, so we were able to see the weekly progress.. 1984 - 1985It featured a carousel, a Scooby-Doo roller coaster, an enormous jungle gym and puppet shows. The go-karts were fast because the track was so small compared to the North Sides Malibu Castle, and the price to ride was cheap, he said. mid-1980s to 2005Located in west Houston, this mega-complex was a huge indoor kids playground, complete with bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, a bowling alley and Ferris wheel. San Antonios mix of historical landmarks and exciting attractions makes it a great destination for travelers of all ages. The roller coaster operated from 1947 until the park's closure in 1980. Then storms, fires and erosion eventually destroyed all of the facilities. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has a long, proud history which has brought us to where we are today. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. Located at South General McMullen Drive and U.S. Highway 90, Funtown opened in the early 1980s, and while the exact date appears lost to history, Southsiders remember the anticipation. mid-1970s to 2004Until it was demolished in 2012, Castle Golf and Games was located off Loop 610 near U.S. 290. 1984 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. San Antonio, Texas, United States. It had bumper cars and paddle boats, a swinging pirate ship and Ferris wheel, and a fateful roller coaster called the Wildcat. In 2017, the Ultra-Accessible theme park opened its expansion, Morgans Inspiration Island, which was named on the 2018 Worlds Greatest Places list by TIME Magazine. And for. Search Roller Coasters Amusement Parks Companies People. There was also an adjacent water park. Events / Family launches GoFundMe to help man shot during Fiesta in S.A. Cardi B speaks out on viral 'mean girls' TikTok at Astros game, What to know about the invasive hammerhead flatworms in Texas, Boozy Hill Country golf course tees off in New Braunfels, Bed Bath & Beyond San Antonio stores to close out with big sales, Guess the rent of this Leon Valley apartment, Under-the-radar San Antonio burgers to try right now, Texas couple banned from Planet Fitness over harassment, Things we'll never see again in San Antonio, their first dates and back to school parties there. Endless summer attractions, festive and cultural events, thrilling theme park rides, historical and interactive museums, outdoor fun and so much more. It was located at South Main between Murworth and Westridge. EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. 1984 - 1985There were also swan pedal boats. Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; . He may of been related, brothers (? And while Six Flags sends fans head-over-heels screaming and boomeranging back for repeat thrills, the heyday for independent, kitschy theme parks was before the dominance of the Dallas-based chain Six Flags. Kiddie Park has new carnival games, featuring all the classics! 1984 - 1988Magic Landing was one of El Paso's two theme parks operating in the 1980s. RELATED:12 awesome things you can do in S.A. that you couldn't do last summer. There would be a 12-acre water park made from a retreating glacier, an animal park including threatened species and a ride through a land with a fiery volcano and life-sized dinosaurs. Playland Park A forever-missed attraction from San Antonio's past, Playland . Click through the slideshow to see abandoned amusement parks in Texas. There will be a vintage carousel, shipped from Boston, which is being polished, repainted and refinished. Playland Park of San Antonio, Texas should not be confused with Playland Park of Houston, Texas which operated around the same time and had a wooden roller coaster similarly named "The Skyrocket." The park will feature a Main Street area that will house both the vintage 1960 steam engine locomotive and the more modern-looking diesel locomotives he owns. 1951 - 1996Nowadays, the once-famed resort is an environmental education center, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; Plan Your Visit; . 88 . The Zinger roller coaster at the Sunshine Amusement Park, pictured here in 1992. Remembering Playland Park and other old Houston and Texas theme parks of yesteryear. Pear Apple County Fair, on Loop 410 near Bandera and Ingram roads, opened in 1993 and closed in 1997. She is a San Antonio native and an alumna of Syracuse University. 5 farmhouses to book for an agritourism getaway, Preorder 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' today. Kiddie Park is the oldest children's amusement park in the country. At least a few generations of Texans got to experience the San Antonio favorite, which opened in 1985. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011A $500-million dinosaur-themed park project, the venture went bankrupt before the park was actually realized. The coaster came down while his arm was stretched across the track and cut it off. Q: Can I wear my swimsuit to Morgan's Wonderland? We are more than just a theme park! Playland Park was a Houston amusement park that locals and visitors enjoyed from the early 1940s until 1967. There would be a 12-acre water park made from a retreating glacier, an animal park including threatened species and a ride through a land with a fiery volcano and life-sized dinosaurs. Receive the latest news and updates, directly to your inbox! Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map, https://www.partner.viator.com/widgets/hotsellers.jspa, The Amazing Mirror Maze - Vault Lazer Challenge, The DoSeum Childrens Museum Arrives in San Antonio, First Bite: Southerleigh Restaurant and Brewery, Five Facts About Floyd Mayweather You May Not Know. Contact Us. Slusky is the brains and drive behind 25-acre Adventure Pointe, which is under construction off I-45 south of League City. 1940 to mid-1980sPlayland Park was Texas' first amusement park. All Rights Reserved. And while Six Flags sends fans head-over-heels screaming and boomeranging back for repeat thrills, the heyday for independent, kitschy theme parks was before the dominance of the Dallas-based chain Six Flags. Sunshine Park, located at Roosevelt and Southcross, is one of various children's amusement parks that have come and gone in San Antonio in the years leading up to the opening of Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 1992. Add it here, Restaurants / I would play video games inside while he practiced his swing outside in the parks batting cages, she said. 1940 to mid-1980sPlayland Park was Texas' first amusement park. The oldest children's amusement park is Kiddie Park where family fun includes plenty of kiddie rides. Then storms, fires and erosion eventually destroyed all of the facilities. Cristina Santoyo posted to Facebook that she remembers going to Funtown with her brother. More than 100 years ago, San Antonios very own Samuel Weiss opened the Electric Park Company across the street from San Pedro Spring Park. ), mid-1970s to 2004Eventually, the park was demolished for a freeway expansion. We just had such a great time, he said. There was even a roller coaster! This is a carousel. He died at a hospital hours later. Ed Gaida, who lived at Playland Park and had access to records and archives, wrote a book about the park and Johnson.[1]. There was even a roller. 1971 - 1973Bird watching was a full-time job for Busch Gardens staffers Jerry Franklin, left, Sally Chalmers and Carla Taft. All other rides are primarily designed for children with no weight or height restrictions. History [ edit] Gordon Hartman speaks at TEDx San Antonio in 2021 Five years later, the Rocket was dismantled and resurrected as the Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. Holidays Spring Summer Fall Summertime Events Some speculated that the opening of SeaWorld San Antonio in 1988 precipitated the parks closing while others, including TNA President Rudy Lopez, remember upkeep of the park was waning and that may have kept people away. Certainly the most iconic piece of art San Antonio has to offer, La Antorcha de la Amistad (The Torch of Friendship) was commissioned as a gift, a token of goodwill between the Mexican. Photo: February 1981. mid-1970s to 2004The final swing on the golf course would shoot the ball into the castle. Summer at Sundance. Many of these parks went under when Six Flags rose in the 1990s, and when Sea World came to San Antonio. Endless summer attractions, festive and cultural events, thrilling theme park rides, historical and interactive museums, outdoor fun and so much more. mid-1940s to 1980Playland Park closed in 1980. mid-1980s to mid-1990s A small but beloved theme park off FM 1960, Games People Play featured three water slides, a batting cage, arcade and a miniature golf course. Contact Us. mid-1970s to 2004Until it was demolished in 2012, Castle Golf and Games was located off Loop 610 near U.S. 290. The park will come alive on Saturday Nights for Noche de Msica with bands as big as Texas performing at Lone Star Lil's, and an epic finale with Festival del Noche Fireworks Spectacular! It also had bumper boats and batting cages, video games and skee ball. mid-1970s to 2004The final swing on the golf course would shoot the ball into the castle. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011Located along U.S. 59 near New Caney, it was to be seven times larger than Houston's AstroWorld with 50 attractions that stress environmental stewardship. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. . It's safe to say that it, like many other long-gone things, has a special place in the collective Houston heart. REMEMBER WHEN: Texas destinations that kids and teens loved but no longer exist. The small, but mighty theme park featured go-karts, carnival rides, and miniature golf. When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." Enjoy the sunshine and take on adventures through our parks and trails. 1984 - 1985There were also swan pedal boats. The museum tells the story for The Alamos fall and displays interesting historical artifacts. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011A $500-million dinosaur-themed park project, the venture went bankrupt before the park was actually realized. At the Roosevelt and Southcross intersection, Sunshine Amusement Park opened in the 1980s and had a considerable variety of rides. Playland Park closed on Labor Day September 1, 1980. Of course, San Antonio has much more to offer than historical sites. Patricia Herrera, a lifelong resident of the Thompson neighborhood where Funtown is located, said she enjoyed the park as a teenager and later took her young nieces and nephews there. From modern luxury in the heart of downtown to family-friendly resorts on the citys outer edge to quaint bed and breakfasts, San Antonio accommodations have just what you are looking for in the perfect place to recharge. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. 1942. Contact Us. 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, 78201 May 26- Mountain opens for Scenic Lift Rides, Ziptour, and Horseback Riding. LUCKY LAND: New China-inspired park in Houston features Forbidden Garden's old terra-cotta soldiers. mid-1940s to 1980sPlayland Park's slogan: "The fun spot of San Antonio.". . The list just keeps on going! Real Estate / 1951 - 1996"Mermaids" put on shows that could be seen from an underwater submarine theater. Splashtown closed in 2021 to make way for a car dealership, which San Antonians are obviously upset about. As there were no blueprints to work with, each individual board was numbered and cataloged on site. The world's largest marine life adventure park and family entertainment showplace presents a splashy lineup of more than 26 shows, thrilling rides, an, Don't see the business you're looking for? Given its dominance as an early amusement park, one that was fully electric, in the city, Electric Park saw a number of performances and was a favorite for locals in the early 1900s. 1968 - 2005A rider gets splashed on AstroWorld's Bamoo Shoot Ride on June 1, 1973. It was the original home of The Rocket, a popular wooden roller coaster. Defunct Roller Coasters: 1. 1951 - 1996"Mermaids" put on shows that could be seen from an underwater submarine theater. April 2023 was San Antonio's rainiest month in 1.5 years! Buy Tickets Donate . 1984 - 1985Unable to compete with Astroworld, HannaBarbera Land was only open for two seasons. . Here are some amusement parks and attractions that San Antonio was able to enjoy before they were eventually closed. The shuttered Funtown, closed since the late 1990s, occupied a 2.5-acre property that has changed hands over the years. The amusement park eventually closed in 1917. Save on AeroGarden indoor herb growing kits at Amazon, Dyson's air purifying headphones have finally arrived, Preorder 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' today, Astros vs Phillies: How to get tickets and free swag this weekend, There are a ton of great patio furniture sets on sale right now, Heat and humidity head to Houston as summer approaches, Why this scenic train ride is considered one of Colorado's best. Sunshine Park, located at Roosevelt and Southcross, is one of various childrens amusement parks that have come and gone in San Antonio in the years leading up to the opening of Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 1992. Visit our park to experience accessible rides. Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. San Antonians of a certain generation had Playland Park and the Rocket roller coaster, which was actually the first "rollie" in Texas erected in the 1940s. In 2019, the county tax assessor appraised the property at $156,450. Is the Stanley Quencher tumbler worth its TikTok hype? Jason Martinez said he remembers the discount coupons on the back of H-E-B receipts, making it free to take a turn on the go-karts or play a round of mini-golf. 1965 - 1990Before we had Sea World, Texans spent summer vacations visiting Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston. Sunshine was open in the 1980s and had a rollercoaster and other rides. mid-1980s to mid-1990s A small but beloved theme park off FM 1960, Games People Play featured three water slides, a batting cage, arcade and a miniature golf course. Sea World San Antonio is loved by marine fans and offers shows, rides and a vast animal park. If you value our election coverage, will you support it? mid-1980s to 2005Located in west Houston, this mega-complex was a huge indoor kids playground, complete with bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, a bowling alley and Ferris wheel. He died at a hospital hours later. Questions Post Question There are no questions yet for this company. beverage | Value up to $10, One (1) admission ticket to San Antonio Zoo | Value up to $29.99 A weather-worn sign arches over the crumbling asphalt, and a for-sale sign is strapped to the pole nearest the road. New for 2024 New for 2023 New for 2022 Census Record Holders World View Inversions. Olga Terrazas said they had all their family birthday parties at Funtown, and we also went to small concerts there. 1984 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. It was established in 1925 and a lot of the rides are original but, of course, refurbished. San Antonio is home to some of the most exciting and unique attractions in Texas. Experience the citys historical significance through tours, festivals and seasonal events. RELATED: Things we'll never see again in San Antonio. Sunshine Amusement Park At the Roosevelt and Southcross intersection, Sunshine Amusement Park opened in the 1980s and had a considerable variety of rides. Perhaps they had a coupon. It closed within two years. 1965 - 1990Sea-Arama was one of the first ocean-themed parks in the world, according to the site: Remembering Sea Arama Marineworld. Enjoy the South Texas sunshine and when youre ready, cool down with even cooler indoor experiences including non-stop fun at attractions throughout the city! Choice of one (1) hot dog or one (1) popcorn & one (1) 16 oz. 1971 - 1973 A park visitor slides down after climbing the thatched tree-house at Houston's Busch Gardens. 1984 - 1988After years of vandalism and arson, Magic Landing was razed to the ground. Being from the South Side, we had never seen a place like that, aside from Sunshine Park on Roosevelt.. Nonprofit journalism for an informed community. If you remember Sunshine Park in San Antonio's southside, or you can recall parties at Playland or family vacays to any of Texas' old amusement parks, share your best memories in the. 1984 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. When we finally got to go to Funtown, we didnt get to ride the go-karts, but miniature golf was the best thing ever, she said. For several decades, the original "Playland" sign stood at the original gate, the last remnant of the park. Or maybe just me and my sis didnt ride. GET WET:Typhoon Texas to operate water park in Pflugerville. DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! Adventure Zone at Bear Lake 1951 - 1996Nowadays, the once-famed resort is an environmental education center, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. Nonetheless, people continue to hold these places deep in their nostalgic hearts, and memorial sites are all around from the Facebook group We Miss Games People Play to the blogsMagic Landing In Memoriam and Remembering Sea-Arama. Prospector View Park & Trailhead; Rodeo Arena; Squash Head Park; Sunset Trails Park; Theodore Ahlin Park. Lopez said that, as a teenager, he had a very competitive family, especially his brothers, so the first thing they would do when they got to the park was jump in the go-karts to race. beverage |, One (1) admission ticket to San Antonio Zoo |, One (1) Kiddie Park Unlimited Ride Wristband |. Then and there, Gordon resolved to create opportunities and places where those with and without disabilities can come together for fun and a better understanding of one another. But it wasnt affordable enough for Graces family, she said. This is a carousel. AR's Entertainment Hub is a family entertainment facility in San Antonio, TX. The updated arcade section of the park has new games that dispense tickets you can redeem for awesome prizes! Tucked in a strip of land between the highway on-ramp and a McCoys Lumber and Building Supply store, the old park would be easy to miss if not for the vintage Funtown sign at the entrance, a row of tall junipers on its border and Penas green-and-gold plywood sign advertising its sale. mid-1940s to 1980Located on N. Alamo off Broadway, the site of Playland Park is a12.5 acrevacant lot. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use|Accessibility Statement|Sitemap. Playland Park was in fact Texas'. EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Another Houston theme park that also has a devoted following, albeit a smaller one, is Playland Park. The gate on a chain-link fence is padlocked and overgrown grass and weeds choke a view of whats beyond. mid-1940s to 1980Located on N. Alamo off Broadway, the site of Playland Park is a12.5 acrevacant lot. Party packages start at just $200 and includes a two-hour time block at Kiddie Park, unlimited rides for you and your party members, and a special gift for your child! 1968 - 2005AstroWorld was conceived by former Houston mayor Judge Roy Hofheinz to be counterpart to the Astrodome. Rides & Attractions. San Antonio Zoo will honor and maintain Kiddie Parks nostalgic look and feel while offering the same experience generations of visitors have come to know and love. Jobs / 1984 - 1985Unable to compete with Astroworld, HannaBarbera Land was only open for two seasons. And rides were not safe. 1968 - 2005AstroWorld was conceived by former Houston mayor Judge Roy Hofheinz to be counterpart to the Astrodome. Since the property went on the market for $475,000 in November, then lowered to $375,000, Pena has received several offers, but none attractive enough for the owners to accept. mid-1970s to 2004Castle Golf and Games was more than a miniature golf course complex centered around a replica castle. Adults can join in on the fun and ride free with their child on the Carousel and the Flying Saucers. 1971 - 1973 A park visitor slides down after climbing the thatched tree-house at Houston's Busch Gardens. The park had hundreds of exotic, tropical birds from Asian and South America. Explore exhibits at our world-class museums like: This summer, catch thrills and make a splash at area waterparks and theme parks with new rides and the same great favorites. 5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233; Sunday April 30. Some Houstonians share their earliest memories of Playland Park, here. Best Amusement Parks in Sunrise, FL - Uncle Bernie's Theme Park, All Saints Carnival, Off the Wall GameZone, K1 Speed, Smashouse, Smashit House Kids, Planet Revo, Rainbow Amusements, Festival Fun Park, Hildebrand rides 1984 - 1985There were also swan pedal boats. We are more than just a theme park! 12 awesome things you can do in S.A. that you couldn't do last summer. Click through the slideshow to see abandoned amusement parks in Texas. The Rocket was designed and built by Herb Schmeck and the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Prior to becoming the Department of Parks and Recreation, operations and facilities were managed by 1) the Parks Division, which was responsible for maintaining all physical aspects of parks under the Forester and Fire Warden's Office, and 2) the Department of . 1984 - 1985The theme park was based on the worlds of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons like "The Flinstones," "Yogi Bear" and "Scooby-Doo.". I remember I was surprised that they closed it because it was always pretty busy and active, she said. The coaster came down while his arm was stretched across the track and cut it off. Click through the gallery above for a brief history of Texas theme parks that are long gone but not forgotten, from Sea-Arama in Galveston to El Paso's ill-fated Magic Landing. Five years later, the Rocket was dismantled and resurrected as the Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. Morgan's Wonderland is the world's first Ultra-Accessible, family fun park located in San Antonio, Texas. Nonetheless, people continue to hold these places deep in their nostalgic hearts, and memorial sites are all around from the Facebook group We Miss Games People Play to the blogsMagic Landing In Memoriam and Remembering Sea-Arama. One (1) Kiddie Park Unlimited Ride Wristband | $14 Value. Felicia Flores also remembered going to the Funtown batting cages with her baseball and softball teams. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. Some parks suffered tragic accidents and weren't able to recover. 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[Then] little by little, there were things [the parks operators] werent keeping up with that you couldnt do anymore so I think the interest was lost..