New for 2024 New for 2023 New for 2022 Census Record Holders World View Inversions. True Sunshine. Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. The remains of Funtown USA are fading into the past, its go-karts and arcade games long gone. Name . AncoraThemes 2023. Sea World San Antonio is loved by marine fans and offers shows, rides and a vast animal park. 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-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. 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. Amusement parks are in the man's blood. RELATED: Things we'll never see again in San Antonio. It also had bumper boats and batting cages, video games and skee ball. New MTB trails anticipated July 1. Playland Park closed on Labor Day September 1, 1980. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. A ballroom, Olympic-size swimming pool and 18-hole golf course followed. When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." 1971 - 1973 A park visitor slides down after climbing the thatched tree-house at Houston's Busch Gardens. Contact Us. 2023 Nonprofit journalism for an informed community. 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. Experience the citys historical significance through tours, festivals and seasonal events. But memories of the go-karts stand out for most. Hector Pena, who is listing the property on behalf of the current owners, Ferdinand and Marilyn Javier, said the amusement park was once owned by Jerry Arredondo, who declined to be interviewed for this story. | @smartinezwrites, 9 defunct amusement parks, attractions that all San Antonians miss, EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. History [ edit] Gordon Hartman speaks at TEDx San Antonio in 2021 Considered the place to be at the time, the cool hangout with go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf opened 1978 and closed in 2015. Now the site of a church, the now-shuttered Pear Apple County Fair was located not far from the Ingram area off of Loop 410. FORGOTTEN FUN: Houston's short-lived theme park: Busch Gardens. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? All Day Park Hours: Closed . Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. One (1) Train Ride | Value up to $6 275 West Main St. Santaquin, UT 84655. I think sunshine amusement park was ran by a shady person who ran drugs and other not so legal stuff through it. The coaster came down while his arm was stretched across the track and cut it off. 1984 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. Kiddie Park is located in San Antonio and was opened in 1925. Along with the higher-priced mini-monorail that toured the grounds, El Trenecito was just around for the well-remembered fair. 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. 1968 - 2005A rider gets splashed on AstroWorld's Bamoo Shoot Ride on June 1, 1973. Roller Skating,. 1971 - 1973Bird watching was a full-time job for Busch Gardens staffers Jerry Franklin, left, Sally Chalmers and Carla Taft. All Day Park Hours: 11am - 5pm EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. Remembering the long-lost amusement parks of Texas. Then storms, fires and erosion eventually destroyed all of the facilities. 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! Morgans Wonderland offers 25 Ultra-Accessible attractions, sprawled across a 25-acre oasis of inclusion. A ballroom, Olympic-size swimming pool and 18-hole golf course followed. Summertime in San Antonio! Endless summer attractions, festive and cultural events, thrilling theme park rides, historical and interactive museums, outdoor fun and so much more. The former Pear Apple County Fair, a staple of the 1990s, is now the home of a church. 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. April 2023 was San Antonio's rainiest month in 1.5 years! Then storms, fires and erosion eventually destroyed all of the facilities. But San Antonios oldest amusement park, Kiddie Park, founded in 1925, remains open at its new location near the zoo. Another Houston theme park that also has a devoted following, albeit a smaller one, is Playland Park. 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. 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. Our park is truly one-of-a-kind and has become one of San Antonio's well-known attractions. 1965 - 1990Sea-Arama was one of the first ocean-themed parks in the world, according to the site: Remembering Sea Arama Marineworld. 88 . Splashtown closed up shop after decades of providing summertime fun and serving as an escape from the heat for San Antonians of all ages. The historic River Walk winds almost three miles through the heart of San Antonio. 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. We had Aquarena Springs in San Marcos with "mermaids" and Ralph the swimming pig, famous for his swine dive. When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; . More by Shari Biediger, Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). ADDITIONAL LINKS 1965 - 1990Before we had Sea World, Texans spent summer vacations visiting Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston. It had bumper cars and paddle boats, a swinging pirate ship and Ferris wheel, and a fateful roller coaster called the Wildcat. 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. 1913 - 1967With ships frequently hitting the bridge, access became limited. 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. San Antonio, Texas, United States. Some parks suffered tragic accidents and weren't able to recover. Ask anyone of a certain age in Houston about what they miss in the city and the thing they will likely bring up (besides less traffic and Earl Campbell) is theme parks. 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. Even abandoned, the water park remained popular. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011A $500-million dinosaur-themed park project, the venture went bankrupt before the park was actually realized. The updated arcade section of the park has new games that dispense tickets you can redeem for awesome prizes! 1971 - 1973Located next to the Anheuser-Busch brewery, Busch Gardens was a 40-acre theme park with hundreds of exotic, tropical birds from Asian and South America plus a domed ice cave featuring sea lions, polar bears and penguins in an arctic environment. mid-1970s to 2004Castle Golf and Games was more than a miniature golf course complex centered around a replica castle. One (1) Kiddie Park Unlimited Ride Wristband | $14 Value. mid-1940s to 1980sPlayland Park's slogan: "The fun spot of San Antonio.". It closed within two years. He died at a hospital hours later. . Five years later, the Rocket was dismantled and resurrected as the Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. Prior to this it operated as a small venue at Brackenridge Park ca. Five years later, the Rocket was dismantled and resurrected as the Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. 1913 - 1967Pleasure Pier began with a dance hall and roller coaster. Prospector View Park & Trailhead; Rodeo Arena; Squash Head Park; Sunset Trails Park; Theodore Ahlin Park. Although new features like modern rides and arcades have been added, most of the park's original rides are still up and running properly. But it wasnt affordable enough for Graces family, she said. Sarah Martinez is a culture reporter for MySA. 1971 - 1973A clown lets a youngster ride a wild tricycle, 1971. For more history, La Villita (the Little Village) in the heart of San Antonio has been restored to look as it did when the Spanish built it in the 1700s. mid-1940s to 1980Playland Park closed in 1980. Playland Park opened in 1943 and was owned by Jimmy Johnson. mid-1940s to 1980sPlayland Park's slogan: "The fun spot of San Antonio.". Click through the slideshow to see abandoned amusement parks in Texas. When it celebrated its grand opening on April 10, 2010, Morgan's Wonderland became the world's first theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind and built for everyone's enjoyment. It closed within two years. And for. 1984 - 1985Unable to compete with Astroworld, HannaBarbera Land was only open for two seasons. Children ages 1-12 can enjoy all the rides that made Kiddie Park a San Antonio tradition! I guess no go-karts because my parents couldnt afford them. Stomach-hurling, whiplash roller coasters seem to have been a staple of teenage summers since they were invented. Though not as popular or fascinating as the Sky Ride, some generations of San Antonians got to experience El Trenecito, a train that gave a ride through HemisFair 1968 and without a track! When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." Felicia Flores also remembered going to the Funtown batting cages with her baseball and softball teams. So many locals' greatest memories were at Playland Park. A weather-worn sign arches over the crumbling asphalt, and a for-sale sign is strapped to the pole nearest the road. There are many ways you can help us build up inclusive and accessible spaces, events, programs, and more. 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." Plan Your Visit . Is the Stanley Quencher tumbler worth its TikTok hype? 5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233. Holidays Spring Summer Fall Summertime Events The historic River Walk winds almost three miles through the heart of San Antonio. Skip to content. Whose tia is in this 1986 photo at Sunshine? AncoraThemes 2023. Since its closure, a new theme park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Originally simply called Fiesta Texas) has been San Antonio's main amusement destination. 5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233; Sunday April 30. He died at a hospital hours later. A round-trip on the monorail cost $1, whereas a trip on the train cost 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. Sunshine Amusement Park At the Roosevelt and Southcross intersection, Sunshine Amusement Park opened in the 1980s and had a considerable variety of rides. (This photo was captured after the park closed. Robbie Brown, of Unknown Ventures, snapped what could be the last photos of Splashtown water park in 2021. Contact Us. Experience the Texas Stingray and Tonga Twister and Summer Spectacular event at SeaWorld & Aquatica San Antonio. 1940 to mid-1980sPlayland Park was Texas' first amusement park. It's one of the most popular amusement parks in Texas, and with good reason. 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. The oldest children's amusement park is Kiddie Park where family fun includes plenty of kiddie rides. Face painting is available on most Saturdays and Sundays. Morgan's Wonderland is the world's first Ultra-Accessible, family fun park located in San Antonio, Texas. Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube. 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. San Antonio Zoo will honor and maintain Kiddie Park . Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania purchased the ride in 1984 and dismantled it in early 1985. Many of these parks went under when Six Flags rose in the 1990s, and when Sea World came to San Antonio. 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Two [potential buyers] told me they wanted to reopen it as Funtown, Pena said. 1971 - 1973 A park visitor slides down after climbing the thatched tree-house at Houston's Busch Gardens. A friend of ours who had a band played there.. Take comfort in knowing you have a great place to stay. It was located at South Main between Murworth and Westridge. 1951 - 1996Nowadays, the once-famed resort is an environmental education center, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Playland_Park_(San_Antonio,_Texas)&oldid=1114381833, This page was last edited on 6 October 2022, at 06:29. Anytime an AstroWorld milestone comes around and Chron.com loads something up for you all to reminisce on, the memories start flooding back. One (1) entry into Lory Landing | $3 Value 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. Family launches GoFundMe to help man shot during Fiesta in S.A. 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It is the oldest amusement park for children in the United States. Prior to this it operated as a small venue at Brackenridge Park ca. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011A $500-million dinosaur-themed park project, the venture went bankrupt before the park was actually realized. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. 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. 1984 - 1985The theme park was based on the worlds of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons like "The Flinstones," "Yogi Bear" and "Scooby-Doo.". 5223 David Edwards DrSan Antonio, TX 78233. 1951 - 1996"Mermaids" put on shows that could be seen from an underwater submarine theater. There was even a roller. Summer at Sundance. mid-1970s to 2004Until it was demolished in 2012, Castle Golf and Games was located off Loop 610 near U.S. 290. One (1) Carousel Ride | $3 Value 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. 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. 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. (This photo was captured after the park closed.). One of San Antonios, and the United States, most photographed attractions is The Alamo, and should not be missed by anyone visiting the city. 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. 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. The amusement park may have been tiny, but it had all the fun you needed or wanted after opening in the early 1980s. Alingods husband, Chuck, said he would go on Friday nights as a freshman in high school and it was always packed with people. 1913 - 1967With ships frequently hitting the bridge, access became limited. Plus check out one of our many Farmers Markets, pop-up fairs, concerts and more! No trip to Kiddie Park is complete without having a face painted with your childs favorite things! Playland Park opened in 1943 and was owned by Jimmy Johnson. 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. 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. In addition to the citys top-notch museums, celebrate and learn more about San Antonios 300+ year history! At least a few generations of Texans got to experience the San Antonio favorite, which opened in 1985. More Glossary About This Site Terms Of Use . Love it here!! There is a milk bottle toss, soda ring toss, and more! There was even a roller coaster! 1965 - 1990Before we had Sea World, Texans spent summer vacations visiting Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston. Visit our park to experience accessible rides. Now his son Dr. Harvey Slusky is working ona project in Galveston County that would get him get him into the family business. San Antonios mix of historical landmarks and exciting attractions makes it a great destination for travelers of all ages. Choice of one (1) hot dog or one (1) popcorn & one (1) 16 oz. A ballroom, Olympic-size swimming pool and 18-hole golf course followed. 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. The park had hundreds of exotic, tropical birds from Asian and South America. 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. San Antonio, TX 78233; Monday April 24. REMEMBER WHEN: Texas destinations that kids and teens loved but no longer exist. 2023 Visit San Antonio. 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. Sunshine was open in the 1980s and had a rollercoaster and other rides. beverage |, One (1) admission ticket to San Antonio Zoo |, One (1) Kiddie Park Unlimited Ride Wristband |. 5223 David Edwards San Antonio, TX 78233; 210-495-5888; 210-637-3486; Park Information. Amusement park City Years of operation Notes Ref. 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? Shari Biediger is the development beat reporter for the San Antonio Report. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. 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. Adults can join in on the fun and ride free with their child on the Carousel and the Flying Saucers. 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. Stomach-hurling, whiplash roller coasters seem to have been a staple of teenage summers since they were invented. Things to do in Seabrook: A guide to Washington's cozy Des Linden unveils new book, shares race day must-haves. The former spot for fun was abandoned for quite some time. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use|Accessibility Statement|Sitemap. Neighborhoods / Disc Golf; Report Street Light Problem; Streets; Tour Request; Work Order Request; Contact Information. 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. 1942. It closed within two years. It had bumper cars and paddle boats, a swinging pirate ship and Ferris wheel, and a fateful roller coaster called the Wildcat. The small, but mighty theme park featured go-karts, carnival rides, and miniature golf. 1980sThis amusement park was located on Roosevelt and Southcross. 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. This is a carousel. Or maybe just me and my sis didnt ride. Saltair Pavilion, 1900. 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