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There’s no question San Antonio boasts some of the country’s biggest and best amusement, entertainment and water parks – Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, Splashtown and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, for starters. But for
a slice of true Americana, think smaller and step back in time at Kiddie Park, the nation’s oldest children’s amusement park.

Generations of San Antonio locals and visitors alike have taken their kids to the park since it first opened in 1925, and the shaded grounds are still a popular place for children’s birthday parties.

A Children’s Paradise

The rides are sized just right for a little kid (especially those 2 to 6 years old). In fact, adults won’t fit in most rides so children get to claim Kiddie Park as their very own little paradise.

The “Little Dipper” mini-coaster is fun, and not intimidating, as it roars along the tracks. And the colorful Ferris wheel, miniature boat ride and little plane and flying saucer rides are charmingly old-fashioned.

Kiddie Park’s gem is the 1918 antique merry-go-round featuring dozens of hand-carved jumping horses and calliope music that still cast an enchanting spell. Some of the horses are missing tails and legs from their years of use, but that just enhances the park’s vintage ambiance and character.

So does the old-fashioned snack bar that offers spun cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos and drinks. A game room features video games, Skee-Ball and pinball machines. Even the park’s trash cans are designed with kids (and kids at heart) in mind, with a clown head on top and a gaping mouth that “gobbles” trash.

Great Fun, Good Value

The park offers a great value for families. A day of unlimited rides is under $10, and Wednesday’s are discounted Bargain Days. Adults ride free, but they can only fit on two of the rides – the carousel and the helicopter ride.

Kiddie Park is open from 10 a.m. to dark Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to dark Sunday. The park closes for the winter and reopens around mid-February, weather permitting.