Texas Amusement Parks That Are Gone but Not Forgotten

(Texas) Texas is home to amusement parks offering everything from towering roller coasters and family rides to water slides and animal attractions. These parks feature rides and attractions that cater to a wide variety of people. Toddlers, teenagers, and adults flock to them for the thrills, to seek relief from the Texas heat thanks to the water, and for some family fun. While the theme park industry seems healthy in Texas, there have been some that have closed throughout the years in the Lone Star State.

Growing Up Around Texas Theme Parks

I was bitten by the amusement park bug early on in life. Growing up near one of Texas' premier theme parks, I fell in love with roller coasters and thrill rides at Six Flags Over Texas. Where I grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, I also got to enjoy the benefits of two water parks and a wildlife safari nearby, so theme parks are a big part of my life.

I recently came across a KXAN article listing amusement parks that once operated in Texas. Some of these parks are now empty pieces of land or have been replaced with new development. While they are gone, their memories definitely live on in the minds of those who enjoyed the thrills that they offered.

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Remembering International Wildlife Park and White Water

I mentioned that I grew up with a safari park not too far away from my house. International Wildlife Park in Grand Prairie wasn't far from my house. I remember it as Lion Country Safari. We would go through this drive-thru safari park in our brown Chevrolet station wagon, checking out all the wild animals. Then, not too far from there, was the water park White Water, which I enjoyed as a kid.

Texas Amusement Parks That Have Closed

Looking over KXAN's list, I realized I'd visited more of these attractions growing up than I remembered. Today, those parks are part of Texas amusement park history. Sandy Lake Amusement Park in Carrollton, Aquarena Springs in San Marcos, Six Flags AstroWorld in Houston, and Seven Seas Marine Life Park in Arlington. Great memories were made at all of the places with family and friends.

ZDT's Amusement Park Takes Its Final Ride

Last summer, Texas saw the closing of ZDT's Amusement Park in Seguin. The park property is being redeveloped as ZDT's Plaza.

Texas Theme Parks Still Creating Memories

While we remember those parks, the heavy hitters are still providing thrills and excitement to amusement park enthusiasts. Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio, Schlitterbahn Water Park, Kemah Boardwalk, and Pleasure Pier in Galveston are entertaining millions of guests each year, along with COTALAND, Peppa Pig Theme Park near Fort Worth, and Universal Kids Resort in Frisco.

Whether you're chasing thrills or reliving childhood memories, Texas theme parks have a special place in the hearts of generations of families. Which defunct Texas amusement park do you remember? Share your memories in the comments on our Facebook page.

Six Flags Over Texas Mourns The Loss Of Former Favorite Park Rides

Six Flags Over Texas wrapped up a huge celebration in August as it celebrated its 60th anniversary. During the 60 year history of Six Flags, there has been a handful of memorable rides, attractions and shows that have had to be retired and removed from the park for various different reasons. Here's a look back at them as they were displayed for the parks' 'Fright Fest' event.

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1

The Ultimate Texas Amusement Park List

Here is a look at some of the most fun amusement parks found in Texas.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

15 Defunct Six Flags Over Texas Rides That Have Been Removed But Not Forgotten

These rides once stood proud and brought joy and terror, in some cases, to those who rode them at Six Flags Over Texas. These rides no longer exist at Six Flags Over Texas. Yes, The New Texas Giant is there, but The Texas Giant went through a complete remodel and redesign and received an upgraded steel track and has a new configuration, and is no longer like the OG, The Texas Giant.

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1

Source: Remember These Texas Theme Parks? They’re Gone Now