9 Forgotten Amusement Parks In Texas That Still Fascinate Travelers

Texas once boasted many thrilling amusement parks that have since closed their gates but remain alive in memories. These forgotten playgrounds of joy offered unique attractions that defined childhood summers for generations of Texans. Though they’ve vanished from the landscape, their legacy continues to captivate the imagination of travelers who seek glimpses of these lost entertainment wonderlands.

1. Joyland Amusement Park: Lubbock’s Half-Century of Family Fun

January 2023 marked the bittersweet end for this Lubbock landmark after an impressive 50-year run. What began as a modest Mackenzie Park Playground blossomed into a beloved regional attraction that defined summer memories for generations of West Texans.

The Sand Storm roller coaster’s distinctive rumble could be heard throughout the grounds, drawing thrill-seekers of all ages. Economic challenges and aging infrastructure ultimately sealed Joyland’s fate, but former visitors still swap stories about cotton candy-fueled afternoons and first rides on the Tilt-A-Whirl.

2. Luna Park: Houston’s Roaring Twenties Entertainment Haven

Roaring to life during the jazz age, Luna Park brought Gatsby-era glamour to Houston from 1924 until the Great Depression claimed it in 1934. The park’s crown jewel was the Skyrocket – Houston’s very first roller coaster – which drew gasps from visitors unaccustomed to such daring attractions.

Couples strolled boardwalk-style promenades while orchestras played beneath twinkling lights. The 1929 stock market crash delivered the first blow to Luna Park’s fortunes. Though short-lived by modern standards, this art deco playground established Houston as a city that embraced leisure and spectacle.

3. Magic Landing: El Paso’s Brief But Memorable Adventure

Rising from the desert landscape in 1984, Magic Landing promised El Paso families a local alternative to distant theme parks. The majestic 15-story Ferris wheel offered breathtaking views of three states and two countries – a truly unique perspective available nowhere else.

Children adored the Old Galveston Railway that chugged through carefully landscaped grounds. Tragedy struck in 1985 when a fatal accident cast a shadow over operations. Combined with financial struggles in the border economy, the park couldn’t recover and closed permanently in 1988, leaving behind just four years of bittersweet memories.

4. Six Flags AstroWorld: Houston’s Lost Space-Age Wonderland

Standing tall for nearly four decades, AstroWorld was Houston’s premier destination for thrill-seekers between 1968 and 2005. The park’s iconic Texas Cyclone roller coaster rattled bones and triggered screams that could be heard across the sprawling 57-acre property.

Thunder River made history as the world’s first successful rapids ride, drenching delighted visitors seeking relief from Texas heat. Despite passionate local protests, the land was sold for development, leaving only memories and vintage souvenirs as proof of its existence.

5. Peppermint Park: The Kiddie Kingdom That Moved Three Times

Tiny tots ruled at Peppermint Park, a pint-sized playground that first delighted youngsters in Pasadena back in 1956. Unlike its massive competitors, this charming kiddie park specialized in gentle rides perfect for first-time adventurers still mastering their walking skills.

The candy-striped merry-go-round became an iconic first ride for thousands of Houston-area children. Remarkably resilient, the park relocated twice – to Houston and finally Friendswood – before closing in 1994. Former visitors often describe the distinctive peppermint candy smell that somehow permeated the entire grounds, creating a multisensory memory that lingers decades later.

6. Playland Park: San Antonio’s Wooden Coaster Kingdom

For nearly four decades, Playland Park stood as San Antonio’s premier destination for family outings and first dates. Opening during World War II in 1943, the park’s wooden wonder – The Rocket roller coaster – became a rite of passage for local teenagers looking to prove their courage.

Bumper cars provided a socially acceptable way to crash into friends and strangers alike. The park’s neon-lit midway buzzed with energy on summer nights as carnival barkers enticed visitors to test their skills at various games of chance. Economic downturns and changing entertainment preferences finally shuttered Playland in 1980, but its memory lives on in countless family photo albums.

7. Sandy Lake Amusement Park: Carrollton’s Hidden Gem

Nestled among towering trees, Sandy Lake offered a refreshing alternative to concrete and steel mega-parks from 1971 until 2018. The centerpiece swimming pool became legendary for generations of Dallas-Fort Worth families seeking relief from scorching Texas summers.

School groups flocked to the expansive picnic grounds each spring, making it a cherished end-of-year tradition. The park maintained a deliberately old-fashioned atmosphere with simple rides and carnival games that changed little over its 47-year run. When Sandy Lake unexpectedly announced its closure, longtime visitors rushed for one final visit, creating traffic jams that stretched for miles.

8. Sesame Place: Irving’s Short-Lived Indoor Educational Playground

Long before educational entertainment became mainstream, Sesame Place pioneered the concept in Irving back in 1982. This groundbreaking indoor park brought beloved television characters to life in a climate-controlled environment perfect for Texas weather extremes.

Children navigated giant climbing nets while parents appreciated the subtle learning opportunities embedded in each activity. Despite its innovative approach and beloved character connections, the park struggled to attract sufficient visitors. After just three years, Sesame Place closed in 1985, becoming one of the shortest-lived major attractions in Texas history but leaving behind a blueprint for future educational entertainment venues.

9. Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park: Dallas’ Extreme Adrenaline Factory

Not for the faint of heart, Zero Gravity redefined the concept of thrill rides during its 29-year run in Dallas. Unlike traditional parks with gentle options, every single attraction here was designed to terrify – from the 16-story bungee jump to the aptly named Texas Blastoff human slingshot.

Daredevils traveled hundreds of miles specifically to test their courage against these extreme challenges. The park’s minimalist approach focused entirely on intense experiences rather than themed environments or family entertainment. Real estate development finally claimed the property in 2021, ending nearly three decades of screams that could be heard from neighboring highways.