1984 - 1988Magic Landing was one of El Paso's two theme parks operating in the 1980s. 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. Create a bonsai tree out of bricks with this $40 LEGO set, Dyson's air purifying headphones have finally arrived, Save on AeroGarden indoor herb growing kits at Amazon. DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! If he succeeds we think that a lot of people will line up to create some new memories. Some parks suffered tragic accidents and weren't able to recover. He later took his nieces and nephews. One (1) Carousel Ride | $3 Value 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. It was located at South Main between Murworth and Westridge. Splashtown closed in 2021 to make way for a car dealership, which San Antonians are obviously upset about. Events / Name . 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. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. 1968 - 2005AstroWorld was conceived by former Houston mayor Judge Roy Hofheinz to be counterpart to the Astrodome. Other accessible transportation options are to call Yellow Cab of San Antonio at 210-222-2222. Remembering Playland Park and other old Houston and Texas theme - Chron Sunshine Amusement Park At the Roosevelt and Southcross intersection, Sunshine Amusement Park opened in the 1980s and had a considerable variety of rides. Buy Tickets Donate . 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. Park Map & Hours | Where to Stay | Plan Your Visit - Morgan's Wonderland Love it here!! Please support our reporting with a donation to help ensure all San Antonio voters are informed at the ballot box. 5223 David Edwards DrSan Antonio, TX 78233. Morgan's Wonderland - Wikipedia 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. San Antonio, Texas, United States. Kiddie Park's iconic Herschell-Spillman Co. carousel was built in 1918, a good seven years before the park opened. There was also an adjacent water park. Some Houstonians share their earliest memories of Playland Park, here. We are more than just a theme park! Playland Park (San Antonio, Texas) - Wikipedia Some parks suffered tragic accidents and weren't able to recover. RELATED:12 awesome things you can do in S.A. that you couldn't do last summer. Next door, keep cool on our 5 tropically themed splash pads at Morgan's Inspiration Island. 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. All Rights Reserved. One (1) Train Ride | Value up to $6 Playland, at North Alamo Street where the Alamo Colleges headquarters now sits, was open from 1943 to 1980. "Great place for everyone!! 1971 - 1973Bird watching was a full-time job for Busch Gardens staffers Jerry Franklin, left, Sally Chalmers and Carla Taft. 1984 - 1985It featured a carousel, a Scooby-Doo roller coaster, an enormous jungle gym and puppet shows. The shuttered Funtown, closed since the late 1990s, occupied a 2.5-acre property that has changed hands over the years. True Sunshine. Check out immersive art experiences at Hopscotch, see a mini Alamo City at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, visit the states largest cavern tour at Natural Bridge Caverns, marvel at the artworks in one of our many museums, and so much more! mid-1940s to 1980Playland Park closed in 1980. Add it here, Restaurants / Malibu Castle made its debut in 1978 and closed in 2015. EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. While modern updates have been made, the park has preserved its 1920s style by maintaining all the original rides, such as the parks old-fashioned Ferris Wheel and famous hand-carved Herschell Spillman carousel. Is the Stanley Quencher tumbler worth its TikTok hype? The Best 10 Amusement Parks in Sunrise, Florida - Yelp 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. Holidays Spring Summer Fall Summertime Events Nightlife / 1968 - 2005AstroWorld was conceived by former Houston mayor Judge Roy Hofheinz to be counterpart to the Astrodome. Jobs / 1913 - 1967With ships frequently hitting the bridge, access became limited. Morgan's Wonderland has more than 25 Ultra-Accessible accessible rides, playscapes, and interactive elements that the whole family will enjoy. It had bumper cars and paddle boats, a swinging pirate ship and Ferris wheel, and a fateful roller coaster called the Wildcat. AncoraThemes 2023. Contact Us. LUCKY LAND: New China-inspired park in Houston features Forbidden Garden's old terra-cotta soldiers. 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. Visit our park to experience accessible rides. It is the oldest amusement park for children in the United States. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. On April 10, 2010, Morgans Wonderland became the worlds first theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind. Directory / Prospector View Park & Trailhead; Rodeo Arena; Squash Head Park; Sunset Trails Park; Theodore Ahlin Park. 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. Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; Plan Your Visit; . The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has a long, proud history which has brought us to where we are today. 1984 - 1985Unable to compete with Astroworld, HannaBarbera Land was only open for two seasons. 1971 - 1973 A park visitor slides down after climbing the thatched tree-house at Houston's Busch Gardens. One (1) unlimited rides wristband | $14 Value 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. Is Morgan's Wonderland only for people with special needs? | FAQs 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. Create a bonsai tree out of bricks with this $40 LEGO set, Dyson's air purifying headphones have finally arrived, Save on AeroGarden indoor herb growing kits at Amazon. PLUS Six Flags Fiesta Texa will soon welcome ESIX Gaming Powered by Coca-Cola stay tuned for more information! Playland Park A forever-missed attraction from San Antonio's past, Playland . Herrera is a past president of the Thompson Neighborhood Association (TNA) and said she could envision an amusement park there again now that the area is growing again, with new homes and schools being built. Catch a glimpse of San Antonio from above while riding the Whirling Wonder ferris wheel. 5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233; Sunday April 30. 1984 - 1985The theme park was based on the worlds of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons like "The Flinstones," "Yogi Bear" and "Scooby-Doo.". EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. The park features several attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, a catch-and-release fishing lake, a special-event center, and 575-seat amphitheater. A ballroom, Olympic-size swimming pool and 18-hole golf course followed. Here are some amusement parks and attractions that San Antonio was able to enjoy before they were eventually closed. 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. AncoraThemes 2023. Visible from the highway, a taller sign, faded and crumbling, remains in position over the graffitied cement walls of the old batting cages. Established in 1925, Kiddie Park bills itself as America's oldest children's amusement park, a lineage backed up by data from the National Amusement Park Historical Association. (This photo was captured after the park closed.). Playland Park opened in 1943 and was owned by Jimmy Johnson. 1984 - 1985Unable to compete with Astroworld, HannaBarbera Land was only open for two seasons. While modern updates have been made, the park has preserved its 1920's style by maintaining all the original rides, such as the park's old-fashioned Ferris Wheel and famous hand-carved Herschell Spillman carousel. FLA Live Arena tickets discount | Miami | Undercover Tourist Situated at the headwaters of San Marcos River, Aquarena Springs was a popular resort featuring a sky ride, submarine theater and glass-bottom boat tours with program of swimming performances. But memories of the small amusement park are cherished among those who grew up on San Antonios Southwest Side, an area surging with job growth and new development driven by nearby Port San Antonio. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011Developers picked up the project again in 2014, with the vision of a 500-acre Disney-esque park. A friend of ours who had a band played there.. It's safe to say that it, like many other long-gone things, has a special place in the collective Houston heart. Ed Gaida, who lived at Playland Park and had access to records and archives, wrote a book about the park and Johnson.[1]. Today, the location is a campus of the Alamo Colleges District and no trace remains of the original park. His dad had his park, his brother has one in Omaha, Neb., and some of his relatives operate one in Denver, Colo. MOVING DIRT:Work underway on Friendswood doctor's amusement park. 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. Over on the Westside, you used to be able to find Funtown USA, which offered go-karts and arcade fixtures. At the time, my dad played softball at Kennedy Fields every Friday night, so we were able to see the weekly progress.. GoFundMe launched to help man shot during Fiesta in San Antonio, Cardi B speaks out on 'mean girls' in viral TikTok at Houston Astros game, What to know about the invasive hammerhead flatworms spotted in Texas, New Braunfels golf course Sip N Putt is leaving putt putt in the dust, Remaining San Antonio Bed Bath & Beyond stores to close with big sales, Guess the rent of this modern one-bedroom Leon Valley apartment, 7 underrated burgers in San Antonio worth trying. Five years later, the Rocket was dismantled and resurrected as the Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. All Day Park Hours: Closed . 1942. Craig Hlavaty is a freelance writer for chron.com and the Houston Chronicle. Stomach-hurling, whiplash roller coasters seem to have been a staple of teenage summers since they were invented. 1968 - 2005The Texas Cyclone was built as a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone, but taller and faster. They had a racetrack that was really popular the young children could drive as well, she said. 2023 Visit San Antonio. Sunshine Amusement Park Inc in Pipe Creek, TX | Company Info & Reviews Company Information Sponsored Links Company Contacts THOMAS G RIORDAN Agent 229 Nolan San Antonio, TX 78202 Reviews Write Review There are no reviews yet for this company. Electric Park, seen here in 1909, made headlines for so many reasons. 1965 - 1990Sea-Arama was one of the first ocean-themed parks in the world, according to the site: Remembering Sea Arama Marineworld. Enjoy the sunshine and take on adventures through our parks and trails. Prior to this it operated as a small venue at Brackenridge Park ca. Slusky is the brains and drive behind 25-acre Adventure Pointe, which is under construction off I-45 south of League City. The Javiers opened the park again briefly in 2012 as a rehabilitation facility for patients needing physical therapy and pain management, but only for about a year, Ferdinand Javier said. Perhaps they had a coupon. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use|Accessibility Statement|Sitemap. Situated at the headwaters of San Marcos River, Aquarena Springs was a popular resort featuring a sky ride, submarine theater and glass-bottom boat tours with program of swimming performances. But many recall their first dates and back to school parties there. Outside San Antonio sits the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, rated as the countrys best water park by the Travel Channel. Head over to our event calendar for regular updates and event details. Scott came to the Express-News from the San Antonio Current, the Alamo City's alt-weekly publication, where she ran online and social programming. 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. 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. One of San Antonios, and the United States, most photographed attractions is The Alamo, and should not be missed by anyone visiting the city. 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. 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. (This photo was captured after the park closed. 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. All rights reserved, Southwest Rising at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, Still Brewing Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Originally located in Houston, the predecessor to AstroWorld, it moved to San Antonio in the 1960s. New MTB trails anticipated July 1. 1984 - 1988In 1988, an 18-year-old employee was killed while trying to help a visitor retrieve a baseball cap from the roller coaster tracks. 1968 - 2005The Texas Cyclone was built as a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone, but taller and faster. Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; 12 awesome things you can do in S.A. that you couldn't do last summer. In addition to the citys top-notch museums, celebrate and learn more about San Antonios 300+ year history! New for 2024 New for 2023 New for 2022 Census Record Holders World View Inversions. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011Developers picked up the project again in 2014, with the vision of a 500-acre Disney-esque park. Playland Park was in fact Texas' first amusement park. Not only that, but it was also home to the Rocket, Texas' first roller coaster, built in the 1940s. 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. Since its closure, a new theme park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Originally simply called Fiesta Texas) has been San Antonio's main amusement destination. Plus check out one of our many Farmers Markets, pop-up fairs, concerts and more! I think I remember my dad trying with my brother.. Even people who weren't here or weren't alive to experience it will tell you they get the sinking feeling they missed out. Alingods husband, Chuck, said he would go on Friday nights as a freshman in high school and it was always packed with people. It had bumper cars and paddle boats, a swinging pirate ship and Ferris wheel, and a fateful roller coaster called the Wildcat. Questions Post Question There are no questions yet for this company. 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 comments. And for. Children ages 1-12 can enjoy all the rides that made Kiddie Park a San Antonio tradition! One (1) entry into Lory Landing | $3 Value 1913 - 1967Pleasure Pier began with a dance hall and roller coaster. 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. Contact Us. I would play video games inside while he practiced his swing outside in the parks batting cages, she said. AR's Entertainment Hub is a family entertainment facility in San Antonio, TX. 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. 1984 - 1985There were also swan pedal boats. The park had hundreds of exotic, tropical birds from Asian and South America. 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. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania purchased the ride in 1984 and dismantled it in early 1985. While modern updates have been made, the park has preserved its 1920s style by maintaining all the original rides, such as the parks old-fashioned Ferris Wheel and famous hand-carved Herschell Spillman carousel. It has been relocated to San Antonio Zoo, so a great pitstop in between visiting animals and other fun exhibits. Playland Park was a Houston amusement park that locals and visitors enjoyed from the early 1940s until 1967. Photo: February 1981. mid-1970s to 2004The final swing on the golf course would shoot the ball into the castle. Join us for dining, art studio classes, spa treatments, shopping, fly fishing, and horseback riding. ), mid-1970s to 2004Eventually, the park was demolished for a freeway expansion. 1984 - 1988In 1988, an 18-year-old employee was killed while trying to help a visitor retrieve a baseball cap from the roller coaster tracks. 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. 1965 - 1990Before we had Sea World, Texans spent summer vacations visiting Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston. Park City Utah Summer Activities | Sundance Resort Reserve a Park or Facility; Purchase or Renew a Membership; Day Passes; Account; Cart (0) Login ; Select Activity. Santaquin Recreation - ActivityReg mid-1970s to 2004Until it was demolished in 2012, Castle Golf and Games was located off Loop 610 near U.S. 290. Saltair Pavilion, 1900. REMEMBER WHEN: Texas destinations that kids and teens loved but no longer exist. ), mid-1970s to 2004Eventually, the park was demolished for a freeway expansion. 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. Playland Park closed down after it was purchased by an individual and then sold to AstroWorld a few years later. Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; . The long-lost amusement parks of Texas - Chron It was the original home of The Rocket, a popular wooden roller coaster. 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Children ages 1-12 can enjoy all the rides that made Kiddie Park a San Antonio tradition! . Or maybe just me and my sis didnt ride. 2023 Nonprofit journalism for an informed community. Take comfort in knowing you have a great place to stay. Another wanted to use it for a welding and heavy equipment site. Kiddie Parks original location was near the corner of Broadway and East Mulberry Avenue, but the ever-growing site caused issues for parking and expansion. 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? She is a San Antonio native and an alumna of Syracuse University. We are more than just a theme park! The coaster came down while his arm was stretched across the track and cut it off. There was also an adjacent water park. 1913 - 1967With ships frequently hitting the bridge, access became limited. A food and drink scene bursting with flavor and fun. Two [potential buyers] told me they wanted to reopen it as Funtown, Pena said. These 6 classic San Antonio carousels take nostalgia and history by the The coaster came down while his arm was stretched across the track and cut it off. Face painting is available on most Saturdays and Sundays. 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. Plan Your Visit . The Rocket was designed and built by Herb Schmeck and the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Kiddie Park still providing old-fashioned fun and memories Endless summer attractions, festive and cultural events, thrilling theme park rides, historical and interactive museums, outdoor fun and so much more. Morgans Wonderland offers 25 Ultra-Accessible attractions, sprawled across a 25-acre oasis of inclusion. When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." While we as a city love to see new things and businesses pop up around town, there is a lot weve said goodbye to. This is a carousel. 275 West Main St. Santaquin, UT 84655. But many recall their first dates and back to school parties there. Now his son Dr. Harvey Slusky is working ona project in Galveston County that would get him get him into the family business. 1984 - 1988After years of vandalism and arson, Magic Landing was razed to the ground. Another Houston theme park that also has a devoted following, albeit a smaller one, is Playland Park. Calypso Cove | Musical Splash Pad | Morgan's Wonderland The entrance to Playland Park photographed in 2003. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011A $500-million dinosaur-themed park project, the venture went bankrupt before the park was actually realized. ADDITIONAL LINKS More Glossary About This Site Terms Of Use . (This photo was captured after the park closed. Hotels / History [ edit] Gordon Hartman speaks at TEDx San Antonio in 2021 The completely wheelchair-accessible park features more than 25 elements, including rides, playgrounds, and other colorful attractions. 1984 - 1988After years of vandalism and arson, Magic Landing was razed to the ground. Morgan's Wonderland is the world's first Ultra-Accessible, family fun park located in San Antonio, Texas. 1968 - 2005A rider gets splashed on AstroWorld's Bamoo Shoot Ride on June 1, 1973. The arena is known for its hopping atmosphere and top-notch amenities, including a pond of ice that's just perfect for the Panthers to show off their skills.