Remember when summer meant piling into the family car for a day of thrills at your favorite Georgia theme park? Sadly, many beloved amusement destinations that once delighted generations of Georgians have vanished. These forgotten playgrounds were more than just rides and games – they were places where memories were made, first dates happened, and childhood wonder came alive. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through four amazing Georgia theme parks that no longer exist but still live on in the hearts of those who experienced them.
1. Funtown: Valdosta’s Once-Thriving Amusement Park

Once a bustling amusement center in Valdosta, Funtown brought joy to thousands of South Georgia families. The park featured a variety of classic rides, including a wooden roller coaster that twisted and turned above the grounds, becoming a favorite for thrill-seekers.
Funtown originally opened in 1961 and quickly became one of the top weekend destinations for South Georgia families.
It was a beloved local destination throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, offering families a day of fun with its carnival-style attractions, miniature golf, and arcade games. During the summer, the park hosted community events, including Fourth of July fireworks and local school fundraisers.
Its snack bar was known for hand-dipped corn dogs and fresh lemonade that drew long lines. The wooden coaster, known as the “Rattler,” was constructed by the same designers who worked on Coney Island rides.
Funtown even had its own theme song, played during commercials on Valdosta’s local TV station. In the late ’80s, park management attempted to expand with a water slide section, but it failed to draw expected crowds.
Unfortunately, economic downturns and increasing competition from larger theme parks ultimately led to its permanent closure in the early 1990s. After closure, attempts to revive the site as a seasonal fairground were short-lived due to lack of funding.
Today, the park’s skeletal remains, including the rusting frame of its Ferris wheel, stand as a haunting reminder of a once-vibrant playground that time has left behind. The property is occasionally used for photography projects and urban exploration.
2. American Adventures: Marietta’s Family-Friendly Alternative

Tucked behind White Water in Marietta, American Adventures offered something special for younger children from 1990 to 2008. Unlike its thrill-seeking neighbors, this modest park specialized in gentler attractions perfect for families with small children.
The park opened as part of a broader trend of “kiddie parks” that targeted families with children under 10. Visitors fondly recall the antique cars, pint-sized roller coaster, and the beloved train that circled the property.
The indoor arcade featured classic games like Skeeball and Pac-Man, earning it a loyal crowd year-round. It offered birthday party packages that became wildly popular among Marietta residents.
The park’s interactive games and playground areas provided endless entertainment at a fraction of Six Flags’ price. What made American Adventures unique was its manageable size – parents could actually relax while keeping an eye on their adventurous little ones.
A small petting zoo was added in 1995 but was later removed due to maintenance costs. American Adventures was also known for its annual Halloween and Christmas events tailored to younger kids.
Economic challenges following the 2008 recession ultimately led to its closure. Many staff members were local teens working their first summer jobs, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The property was eventually absorbed by Six Flags, which repurposed the land for water park expansion.
Former guests still treasure their memories of this charming “starter” theme park. Today, only a few concrete slabs and faded signage remain, hidden behind newer park structures.
3. Dixieland Fun Park: Brunswick’s Coastal Entertainment Center

Along Georgia’s coast, Dixieland Fun Park entertained visitors from 1967 until 2003. Located just outside Brunswick, this quirky attraction combined traditional carnival rides with unique coastal charm. Dixieland first opened with just three rides and gradually expanded over its 36-year history.
The park’s signature attraction was the roller coaster, which gave riders spectacular views of the marshlands before plunging them into heart-pounding drops. Its roller coaster, “Marsh Runner,” was one of the few in Georgia with an ocean-view drop.
Salt air and sunshine created the perfect backdrop for the park’s log flume and classic Tilt-A-Whirl. It had a beachfront boardwalk theme that included souvenir stands and hand-painted murals. Visitors devoured fresh seafood from the park’s restaurant while enjoying live music performances that featured local talent. Families often spent entire weekends there, especially during the summer tourist season.
Hurricane damage in the early 2000s, coupled with declining attendance, sealed Dixieland’s fate. Damage from Hurricane Floyd in 1999 forced costly repairs that the park struggled to fund.
Attempts to attract investors for renovation in the early 2000s were unsuccessful. The property has partially returned to natural wetlands, though locals still point it out when passing by on Highway 17. Today, environmental groups monitor the site as it transitions back into protected marshland.
4. Southeastern Fun Fair: Atlanta’s First Major Amusement Center

Before Six Flags dominated Georgia’s theme park scene, Southeastern Fun Fair reigned supreme from 1948 to 1967. The park originally opened on land once used for state fairs and agricultural shows. Located where Atlanta’s Midtown now stands, this pioneering park introduced many Georgians to their first roller coaster experience.
The park’s art deco entrance arch welcomed visitors to a wonderland of mechanical marvels and sweet treats. Its signature roller coaster, the Cyclone, was a wooden behemoth inspired by Coney Island’s original.
During its heyday in the 1950s, celebrities often made appearances, and the dance pavilion hosted some of the earliest rock and roll performances in the South. The dance pavilion introduced thousands of teenagers to swing, jazz, and early rockabilly music.
In the summer, the park often hosted beauty pageants and community talent competitions. The Ferris wheel became an Atlanta landmark, visible from miles away when lit up at night. Southeastern Fun Fair was known for its penny candy shop and cotton candy sold in pastel-colored bags.
Movie theaters in Atlanta would play pre-show ads encouraging families to visit on weekends. Urban development pressures and changing entertainment trends eventually forced its closure. By the mid-1960s, traffic congestion and safety concerns became major challenges for the park.
Not a single ride remains today – luxury condominiums and office buildings stand where thousands once screamed on the “Cyclone” coaster. The only memorial is a small plaque near 10th Street commemorating this lost piece of Atlanta’s recreational history. Though little remains, local archives preserve original maps, ticket stubs, and promotional posters.
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