sunshine amusement park san antonio

1984 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. 1980sThis amusement park was located on Roosevelt and Southcross. At the Roosevelt and Southcross intersection, Sunshine Amusement Park opened in the 1980s and had a considerable variety of rides. Visit our park to experience accessible rides. Defunct, Operated from s to s. Maps; Parks nearby. 1940 to mid-1980sPlayland Park was Texas' first amusement park. He died at a hospital hours later. The park had hundreds of exotic, tropical birds from Asian and South America. 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. 2023 Visit San Antonio. Craig Hlavaty is a freelance writer for chron.com and the Houston Chronicle. One of San Antonio s, and the United States , most photographed attractions is The Alamo, and should not be missed by anyone visiting the city. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use|Accessibility Statement|Sitemap. Stomach-hurling, whiplash roller coasters seem to have been a staple of teenage summers since they were invented. There was also an adjacent water park. NowPlayingUtah.com is an event promoter and does not plan any of the events you see here. But memories of the go-karts stand out for most. Summer at Sundance. Here are some amusement parks and attractions that San Antonio was able to enjoy before they were eventually closed. Search Roller Coasters Amusement Parks Companies People. A ballroom, Olympic-size swimming pool and 18-hole golf course followed. DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! Visible from the highway, a taller sign, faded and crumbling, remains in position over the graffitied cement walls of the old batting cages. Sarah Martinez is a culture reporter for MySA. 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. 1965 - 1990Sea-Arama was one of the first ocean-themed parks in the world, according to the site: Remembering Sea Arama Marineworld. When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." 1951 - 1996"Mermaids" put on shows that could be seen from an underwater submarine theater. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. Cristina Santoyo posted to Facebook that she remembers going to Funtown with her brother. 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. Catch a glimpse of San Antonio from above while riding the Whirling Wonder ferris wheel. Guided by its mission of inclusion, the park strives to bring together guests of all ages and all abilitiesthrough the power of inclusive play. San Antonio, TX 78233; Monday April 24. The remains of Funtown USA are fading into the past, its go-karts and arcade games long gone. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? 1984 - 1985There were also swan pedal boats. Owner Louis Slusky also owned and operated the miniature train at the Hermann Park Zoo for decades. 1913 - 1967Pleasure Pier began with a dance hall and roller coaster. 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. Five years later, the Rocket was dismantled and resurrected as the Phoenix at Knoebels Amusement Park in Pennsylvania. (This photo was captured after the park closed.). Even abandoned, the water park remained popular. For several decades, the original "Playland" sign stood at the original gate, the last remnant of the park. 1971 - 1973A clown lets a youngster ride a wild tricycle, 1971. We were so excited when it was done and couldnt wait to go, Alingod said. San Antonio, Texas, United States. (This photo was captured after the park closed. | @smartinezwrites, 9 defunct amusement parks, attractions that all San Antonians miss, EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. No trip to Kiddie Park is complete without having a face painted with your childs favorite things! Some parks suffered tragic accidents and weren't able to recover. That includes some very big and often beloved places to have fun. 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. Orlando's exciting theme parks make it a perennial Florida favorite for kids of all ages. Kiddie Park is the oldest childrens amusement park in the country it was established in 1925 and renovated in 2009! 1942. Family launches GoFundMe to help man shot during Fiesta in S.A. 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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. "Great place for everyone!! 1913 - 1967Pleasure Pier began with a dance hall and roller coaster. One (1) Carousel Ride | $3 Value But they just kind of abandoned it.. It has been relocated to San Antonio Zoo, so a great pitstop in between visiting animals and other fun exhibits. 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. 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. 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 35 years, locals could head on over to the park for an unbeatable view of the Alamo Citys skyline, hence the name. Rides & Attractions. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011Developers picked up the project again in 2014, with the vision of a 500-acre Disney-esque park. Head over to our event calendar for regular updates and event details. Slusky is the brains and drive behind 25-acre Adventure Pointe, which is under construction off I-45 south of League City. Slusky said that weather permitting and barring any building delays, the park may open by June. 1984 - 1985The theme park was based on the worlds of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons like "The Flinstones," "Yogi Bear" and "Scooby-Doo.". Experience America's Oldest Children's Amusement Park UNLIMITED RIDE BANDS $14 Purchase Includes: Unlimited Kiddie Park Rides Kiddie Park Rides Are $3 Each Purchase Wristbands UNLIMITED RIDES MEAL DEAL $16 Purchase Includes: One (1) unlimited rides wristband | $14 Value 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 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. The former spot for fun was abandoned for quite some time. It was located at South Main between Murworth and Westridge. mid-1940s to 1980Playland Park closed in 1980. Today, the location is a campus of the Alamo Colleges District and no trace remains of the original park. 1965 - 1990Before we had Sea World, Texans spent summer vacations visiting Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston. Remembering the long-lost amusement parks of Texas. 1984 - 1988Magic Landing was one of El Paso's two theme parks operating in the 1980s. Defunct Roller Coasters: 1. True Sunshine. Along with it came Electric Park, which included a number of things to do, such as a Ferris Wheel, carousel, pool hall, a toboggan track (now THAT is a throwback), and boat rides. (This photo was captured after the park closed.). mid-1940s to 1980Playland Park closed in 1980. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. ADDITIONAL LINKS 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. Enjoy the sunshine and take on adventures through our parks and trails. Owner Louis Slusky also owned and operated the miniature train at the Hermann. 1984 - 1985The theme park was based on the worlds of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons like "The Flinstones," "Yogi Bear" and "Scooby-Doo.". STAY COOL TEXAS: Top 21 Texas water parks. From a wheelchair-accessible Ferris wheel to catch-and-release fishing, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy! Playland Park closed down after it was purchased by an individual and then sold to AstroWorld a few years later. All other rides are primarily designed for children with no weight or height restrictions. In 2017, the Ultra-Accessible theme park opened it's expansion, Morgan's Inspiration Island, which was named on the 2018 . AncoraThemes 2023. 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. (This photo was captured after the park closed. 1965 - 1990It also had a 4-acre ski lake for dazzling shows. The amusement park eventually closed in 1917. Adults can join in on the fun and ride free with their child on the Carousel and the Flying Saucers. Many of these parks went under when Six Flags rose in the 1990s, and when Sea World came to San Antonio. For specifics about any event please see contact info provided with event listing or contact the host organization directly. On April 10, 2010, Morgans Wonderland became the worlds first theme park designed with individuals with special needs in mind. San Antonio is constantly changing, especially as of late. beverage |, One (1) admission ticket to San Antonio Zoo |, One (1) Kiddie Park Unlimited Ride Wristband |. If you value our election coverage, will you support it? View Details Kiddie Park Private Party 5223 David Edwards San Antonio, TX 78233; 210-495-5888; 210-637-3486; Park Information. When it first opened, The Rocket was billed as "the largest roller coaster in the world." 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. A round-trip on the monorail cost $1, whereas a trip on the train cost 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. 5 farmhouses to book for an agritourism getaway, Preorder 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' today. 1951 - 1996"Mermaids" put on shows that could be seen from an underwater submarine theater. 1951 - 1996Nowadays, the once-famed resort is an environmental education center, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. 1965 - 1990Before we had Sea World, Texans spent summer vacations visiting Sea-Arama Marineworld in Galveston. 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. In 2019, the county tax assessor appraised the property at $156,450. 1913 - 1967Pleasure Pier began with a dance hall and roller coaster. The roller coaster operated from 1947 until the park's closure in 1980. This portable Cubii under-desk elliptical is $129 off today. But San Antonios oldest amusement park, Kiddie Park, founded in 1925, remains open at its new location near the zoo. Click through the slideshow to see abandoned amusement parks in Texas. Through volunteering, donating, and sponsoring events, anyone can contribute! Plan Your Visit; Tickets; Map; Calendar; FAQs; Park Policies; . The park had hundreds of exotic, tropical birds from Asian and South America. Planning began in 2005, bankrupt in 2011A $500-million dinosaur-themed park project, the venture went bankrupt before the park was actually realized. 5223 David Edwards San Antonio, TX 78233; 210-495-5888; 210-637-3486; Park Information. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? School may be out for the summer, but kids can continue learning, and have fun, at attractions across San Antonio. 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. Plan Your Visit . We just had such a great time, he said. Click through the slideshow to see abandoned amusement parks in Texas. 1984 - 1985There were also swan pedal boats. Universal Parks & Resorts announced Wednesday that it is bringing a "one-of-a-kind theme park" to Texas. Olga Terrazas said they had all their family birthday parties at Funtown, and we also went to small concerts there. Felicia Flores also remembered going to the Funtown batting cages with her baseball and softball teams. 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. I guess no go-karts because my parents couldnt afford them. 1971 - 1973 A park visitor slides down after climbing the thatched tree-house at Houston's Busch Gardens. 1984 - 1988After the death of an employee, the park could not afford the insurance to stay in business. San Antonio is still mourning the loss of the iconic Sky Ride, a staple at one the citys favorite parks. A weather-worn sign arches over the crumbling asphalt, and a for-sale sign is strapped to the pole nearest the road. 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. mid-1970s to 2004Castle Golf and Games was more than a miniature golf course complex centered around a replica castle. 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. And rides were not safe. 1968 - 2005A rider gets splashed on AstroWorld's Bamoo Shoot Ride on June 1, 1973. Kiddie Park's iconic Herschell-Spillman Co. carousel was built in 1918, a good seven years before the park opened. Playland Park was in fact Texas' first amusement 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. The coaster came down while his arm was stretched across the track and cut it off. She is a San Antonio native and an alumna of Syracuse University. 1984 - 1988After years of vandalism and arson, Magic Landing was razed to the ground. 275 West Main St. Santaquin, UT 84655. Prior to that Scott was the web editor at Texas Public Radio, the San Antonio NPR affiliate. 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Over on the Westside, you used to be able to find Funtown USA, which offered go-karts and arcade fixtures. Things to do in Seabrook: A guide to Washington's cozy Des Linden unveils new book, shares race day must-haves. The entrance to Playland Park photographed in 2003. Whose tia is in this 1986 photo at Sunshine? The list just keeps on going! (This photo was captured after the park closed.). 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. . So many locals' greatest memories were at Playland Park. It was established in 1925 and a lot of the rides are original but, of course, refurbished. Adults can join in on the fun and ride free with their child on the Carousel and the Flying Saucers. I think I remember my dad trying with my brother.. (This photo was captured after the park closed. AR's Entertainment Hub is a family entertainment facility in San Antonio, TX. mid-1970s to 2004Until it was demolished in 2012, Castle Golf and Games was located off Loop 610 near U.S. 290. 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. There was also a version in San Antonio. ), with the person who was ran a similar park on Broadway..next to the zoo. Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania purchased the ride in 1984 and dismantled it in early 1985. I remember I was surprised that they closed it because it was always pretty busy and active, she said. 1968 - 2005The Texas Cyclone was built as a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone, but taller and faster. 1913 - 1967With ships frequently hitting the bridge, access became limited. Hotels / City elections are underway in San Antonio and were keeping you up-to-date with comprehensive coverage of key council races and the battle over Prop A. Please support our reporting with a donation to help ensure all San Antonio voters are informed at the ballot box. We are more than just a theme park! 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! FORGOTTEN FUN: Houston's short-lived theme park: Busch Gardens. 1968 - 2005A rider gets splashed on AstroWorld's Bamoo Shoot Ride on June 1, 1973. One (1) entry into Lory Landing | $3 Value 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! Funtown it reads in block letters and a fun town it was. 5 farmhouses to book for an agritourism getaway, Preorder 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' today. 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. 1951 - 1996And who can forget Ralph the Famous Swimming Pig and his notorious "swine dive.". mid-1940s to 1980sPlayland Park's slogan: "The fun spot of San Antonio.". 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Summertime in San Antonio! mid-1970s to 2004Until it was demolished in 2012, Castle Golf and Games was located off Loop 610 near U.S. 290. 12 awesome things you can do in S.A. that you couldn't do last summer. Playland Park opened in 1943 and was owned by Jimmy Johnson. Contact Us. More than 100 years ago, San Antonios very own Samuel Weiss opened the Electric Park Company across the street from San Pedro Spring Park. RELATED: Things we'll never see again in San Antonio. I remember it being all scumy and smelled bad. 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. 1971 - 1973Bird watching was a full-time job for Busch Gardens staffers Jerry Franklin, left, Sally Chalmers and Carla Taft. Kiddie Park has new carnival games, featuring all the classics! Contact Us. Morgan's Wonderland has more than 25 Ultra-Accessible accessible rides, playscapes, and interactive elements that the whole family will enjoy. 1940 to mid-1980sPlayland Park was Texas' first amusement park. This page is not available in other languages. 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. LUCKY LAND: New China-inspired park in Houston features Forbidden Garden's old terra-cotta soldiers. 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. Morgan's Wonderland and Morgan's Inspiration Island offer something for everyone! Two [potential buyers] told me they wanted to reopen it as Funtown, Pena said. Disc Golf; Report Street Light Problem; Streets; Tour Request; Work Order Request; Contact Information. 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. San Antonio Zoo will honor and maintain Kiddie Park . As the precursor to AstroWorld, Playland Park, above, patrons could choose a tilt-a-whirl, loop-de-loop or "rollie" coaster for their scares. All Rights Reserved. 88 . Join us for dining, art studio classes, spa treatments, shopping, fly fishing, and horseback riding. Many of these parks went under when Six Flags rose in the 1990s, and when Sea World came to San Antonio. 1951 - 1996"Mermaids" put on shows that could be seen from an underwater submarine theater. It also had bumper boats and batting cages, video games and skee ball. 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, 78201 Skip to content. There was also an adjacent water park. It was the original home of The Rocket, a popular wooden roller coaster. Here are some amusement parks and attractions that San Antonio was able to enjoy before they were eventually closed. mid-1940s to 1980sPlayland Park's slogan: "The fun spot of San Antonio.". Events / A ballroom, Olympic-size swimming pool and 18-hole golf course followed. 1942. The Zinger roller coaster at the Sunshine Amusement Park, pictured here in 1992. He may of been related, brothers (? 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. 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.