A Day at the Kiddie Park

Hi everyone! It’s Di with You, Me and The Dock. I would like to show you, “Through My Eyes” a great childhood memory of mine. Kiddie Park has not only entertained me, but also my siblings, our children and now grandchildren for many decades. Kiddie Park is one of San Antonio’s most treasured iconic landmarks. It makes for a perfect day to enjoy some old fashion fun. It was established in 1925 and renovated in 2009. The Kiddie Park is the oldest children’s amusement park in the country.

Did you know that the Carousel was introduce to America in the 1800’s? The merry–go–round was manufactured by the Herschell – Spillman Company in North Tonawanda, New York during the First World War. In 1935 P.W. Curry purchased a 1918 hand carved Carousel that became the park’s main attraction. The Kiddie Park Carousel (shown below-right) was recognized by the United States Postal Service. They minted a 25 cent Carousel postal stamp that was issued in October 1989. The Kiddie Park Carousel has provided plenty of fun and excitement to millions and millions of kids of all ages. It will continue to do so for many more generations to come.

The Herschell – Spillman Company’s Carousel has thirty six horses and two chariots that were hand carved by master craftsmen. No two horses are identical. They each have their own uniqueness and style that sets them apart from one another. The decorative sphere rotates on the original bronze bearing that sets on top of the center pole.

Many updates have been made throughout the decades. However, the Park has preserved its 1920’s motif by maintaining its original rides and carnival like feeling. When I was a child, I remember my stomach would get butterflies riding the old fashion Ferris wheel. I would get so excited on how high I would be. The Park offers lots of classic children’s rides. Kiddie Park, has been a historic attraction in San Antonio, Texas for over 90 years.

I have enjoyed so many great memories here at Kiddie Park. My eyes lit up so wide when we would arrive. Your children will enjoy the same fun I experienced as a child. They offer rides, an arcade, carnival games, pony rides, face painting, and a ice skating rink. You can book birthday parties, family fun days and my personal favorite – charity hour. I watch the park bring laughter to the children, and as the kid in all of us surfaces, a smile from the parents as well.

A Charity Hour at Kiddie Park extends support to local non-profits. This hour long event is sponsored in partnership between the park and a charitable foundation. It offers free rides to kids and a 10 percent discount on concessions to the booking organization on any available Saturday. It’s for a great cause that helps underprivileged children.

While I was visiting Kiddie Park, I was able to talk with some of the parents. They were watching their children’s big gleaming smiles, adventurous moves and wondering eyes scanning the park for their next destination. The parents reminisce about their memories coming to Kiddie Park as youngsters. As they were telling me their stories, I could see in their eyes the laughter of times past.

Being born and raised in Texas, it was to my surprise that they installed an Ice Skating Rink. This of course is a winter attraction and is open to adults and children of all ages. I could just see, “through my eyes”, falling down more than being upright and skating.

San Antonio is enriched with an abundance of historical sites, culture and celebrated events. Kiddie Park is an inherent attraction that has been experienced and passed down from generation to generation. No matter where you are from, most everyone can relate to an amusement park as a youngster. I bet Kiddie Park will reignite those cherished memories. Thank you for following along with me today. I hope you enjoyed seeing, “Through my eyes” something that was a part of my youth. I look forward to being your chaperon again in the near future.