They say everything is bigger in Texas and that goes for their amusement parks too! Some of these parks are best enjoyed over a weekend some in an afternoon. Here are 5 of the best, unique amusement parks in Texas to visit.
Galveston Island Pleasure Pier
Dating back to the late 1940s, Galveston Island Pleasure Pier was developed as a place of entertainment for the military and their families. There is a large U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, US Coast Guard MSST and Homeland Security in Galveston today. Though the pier was closed down in 2008 due to sustaining horrific damage from Hurrican Ike it did reopen in 2012. Though the renovations and repairs were vast, today’s Galveston Island Pleasure Pier is filled with nostalgic nods of yesteryear with exciting rides like a thrilling roller coaster with four loops and a sea dragon ship that swings riders out over the water. There is also a full selection of carnival-style games, wonderful restaurants and fantastic shopping throughout the pier.
Sea World San Antonio
One of our favorite things to do on vacation is to visit an aquarium or zoo. Sea World takes our love for amusement rides and animal combining them into a fun-filled day at Sea World Antonio. Sprawling over 250 acres just outside of the west side of San Antonio is where you will find Sea World in Texas. Filled with wild rollercoasters and areas to cool off on water rides you also find plenty of hands-on experiences like feeding the sea lions. One of our favorite things to do while at Sea World is to make pressed pennies at all the machines, they are scattered throughout the park and make wonderful mementos our vacations. For our family, Sea World is a full day park or 2 days if you want to take in all the educational shows and ride all the rides.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
We had so much fun at Six Flags Chicago last summer that we couldn’t leave Six Flags Fiesta Texas off this list. Six Flag is easily a park you can spend the whole day at and still not experience it all. Not only is there the whole amusement park to explore but there is also a waterpark! We can easily spend the whole weekend at Six Flags. Opening in the 90s the Fiesta Texas location is broken up into 5 sections. One section is a 1920s-style Western town, another section a German theme village, the next a boardwalk, the fourth a 1950s themed area complete with fictional high school, and the last section is an area known as Los Festivales, which hosts the park’s most popular summer shows. Each section is filled with thrilling rides, shopping, and eateries.
Six Flags Over Texas
Remember when I said they do everything bigger in Texas?? Just to prove my point, there are TWO Six Flags in Texas. The second one is located in Over, Texas, just 15 miles outside of Dallas. Six Flags Over Texas sprawls over 212 acres and is filled with over 100 rides, shows, and attractions to fill your stay. Other Six Flags have iconic rollercoasters like the Joker but Six Flags Over Texas has a unique hypercoaster called the Titan. There are also tamer rides perfect for the family members making this a park for the whole family to enjoy.
Wonderland Park
Wonderland Park makes me think of the movie Wonderpark. But you won’t find any talking animals here! You’ll find Wonderland Park inside of Thompson Memorial Park in Amarillo Texas. Opening in 1951, it’s a park that has been around for a long while. With over 60 rides to enjoy, the highlight of Wonderland is their double-loop steel roller coaster known as the Texas Tornado. If thrill rides are not your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of water slides and kiddie rides for the whole family to enjoy. There is also a mini-golf course, an arcade full of fun games, and a snack shack. Be sure to check the park hours before you go, they are open weekends and some evenings.
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