From Rides To Ruins: Texas Amusement Parks That Time Forgot
Texas used to be packed with amusement parks that brought joy to countless families. Now many of those magical places sit empty, with rusted rides and overgrown walkways.
I’m taking you on a journey through some forgotten parks that once thrilled visitors across the Lone Star State.
1. Wonderland Amusement Park, Houston
Back in the 1960s, Houston families flocked to this beloved park for weekend fun. Wonderland featured classic rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl and bumper cars that kept kids laughing all day long.
It closed its gates in the early 1970s after financial troubles hit hard. Today, the land has been completely redeveloped, leaving only memories and old photographs behind.
Former visitors still share stories about the cotton candy stands and the wooden roller coaster. Those happy times remain frozen in the hearts of Houstonians who grew up there.
2. Six Flags AstroWorld, Houston
AstroWorld opened in 1968 and became Houston’s premier theme park destination for nearly four decades. Families traveled from across Texas to experience the legendary Texas Cyclone roller coaster and thrilling water rides.
Six Flags shut down the park in 2005, shocking millions of loyal fans. The decision came down to real estate value rather than poor attendance numbers.
Now a parking lot sits where screams of joy once echoed through the air. Many Texans consider its closure one of the state’s biggest entertainment losses ever.
3. Playland Park, San Antonio
Operating from 1942 to 1980, Playland brought affordable entertainment to San Antonio’s working-class families. Kids squealed with delight on the colorful carousel while parents watched from nearby benches eating popcorn.
The park featured a massive swimming pool that provided relief during scorching Texas summers. Admission prices stayed low, making it accessible to everyone in the community regardless of income.
When it finally closed, developers transformed the property into a shopping center. Old-timers still reminisce about first dates and birthday parties spent at Playland.
4. Joyland Amusement Park, Lubbock
Joyland opened in 1947 and served as Lubbock’s primary entertainment spot for over fifty years. The park’s wooden roller coaster became a rite of passage for West Texas teenagers seeking thrills.
Financial struggles forced closure in the 1970s, though parts reopened briefly before shutting down permanently. Nature has slowly reclaimed the grounds, with weeds growing through cracked pavement and faded paint peeling everywhere.
Urban explorers sometimes visit the eerie remains, capturing haunting photographs of decaying rides. Local preservation groups have discussed saving what’s left, but nothing concrete has happened yet.
5. Fiesta Texas Old Site, San Antonio
Before becoming the Six Flags park we know today, Fiesta Texas had humble beginnings in a limestone quarry. The original vision included showcasing Texas culture through music, food, and themed areas representing different regions.
Construction started in 1991, transforming the rocky terrain into a world-class entertainment venue. The quarry walls provided natural amphitheater settings for spectacular shows and performances.
Though the park still operates successfully, the original independent ownership changed when Six Flags took over. Many longtime fans miss the authentic Texas flavor that defined those early years completely.
6. Crystal Beach Park, Galveston
Crystal Beach combined the best of both worlds with sandy beaches and exciting amusement rides. Families could swim in the Gulf of Mexico, then head straight to the midway for games and attractions.
The park operated during the golden age of Texas beach tourism in the mid-twentieth century. Hurricane damage and changing vacation trends eventually made operations too costly to continue running profitably.
Only foundation remnants and local memories survive today where the park once stood proudly. Beachgoers walking the shore sometimes discover old ride parts buried in the sand after storms.
7. Lost Pines Resort Amusement Area, Bastrop
Nestled among beautiful pine forests, this resort offered families a peaceful getaway with bonus entertainment. The amusement area featured smaller rides perfect for young children and miniature golf courses.
It never competed with major theme parks but provided simple pleasures for weekend visitors. The resort focused more on nature activities, making the rides a charming secondary attraction.
Wildfires in 2011 devastated the area, destroying much of the historic pine forest surrounding it. The resort rebuilt but chose not to restore the old amusement section permanently.
8. Kiddieland Amusement Park, Austin
Austin’s Kiddieland specialized in entertaining the youngest visitors with gentle rides and colorful attractions. The miniature train that circled the property became every toddler’s favorite adventure during visits there.
Parents appreciated the safe environment where kids could explore without overwhelming crowds or scary rides. The park maintained reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for birthday celebrations and school trips.
Urban development eventually claimed the land where Kiddieland once operated so successfully. Former guests now share their childhood memories online, keeping the park’s spirit alive digitally.
9. Alpine Playland, Alpine
Way out in West Texas, Alpine Playland brought rare entertainment to an isolated mountain community. The park may have been small, but it meant everything to local families with few other options nearby.
Summer nights at Playland created magical memories under star-filled desert skies for generations. The Ferris wheel lights could be seen for miles across the flat landscape surrounding town.
When it closed, Alpine lost more than rides, it lost a gathering place that connected neighbors. Some original equipment reportedly still sits in storage, waiting for someone to restore it someday.
