It's that time of year again: Plugging Kiddieland.

[Chitown]

Seems to be a ritual for me.

If you can't wait for SFGAm to open on April 26th, Kiddieland in Melrose Park is opening this year on April 12th (2 weeks earlier).

They are adding 2 new rides ( a junior swing ride and a Zamperla Tornado).

With these 2 new attractions going in, hopefully this is a good sign this park won't be closing in a couple years.

Go out and support this park. Free unlimited soda and some pretty cool rides along with the woodie Little Dipper.

http://www.kiddieland.com/pricesandhours.asp

[FParker185]

BTW, if anyone plans on going those first few weekends, any day that's yellow on that calendar, or any day when the weather is questionable, make sure to call the park before you go. At least a few times it's been closed when I planned on going. Basically if any part of the day is below freezing or forcast calls for rain, there is a very good chance they will not open.

[Coaster Justin]

Also Safariland Amusement Park is around there with a Coaster.

I went last year for the "Ride Off" when in July they would raise prices. However, I supported the park by eating there 2x. Shapiro, go to Kiddieland or Holiday World if you want to know how to run family-friendly parks.


I actually met with the general manager when he was walking around. I suggested buying a Carnival Coaster and Enclosing It. I know is was dumb.

Also from last year, I will never go on an Eli Ferris Wheel again. And my mom is scared of Monster rides because of the Polyp.

[ttd rox]

I guess I never realised how early it opened.

[superflybri]

man... I loved this place when I was a kid.. But now?! I thought about going for a second but opted not to...

BTW: Did they ever repaint little dipper.. I know from some pictures I've seen it looks extreamly dirty, tacky, just yuck! And does it still use the hand breaks?

[FParker185]

Little Dipper was repainted a few years ago and it does still use hand breaks.

[superflybri]

good deal... I was looking at old pictures then.. Boy did it look dirty..

[FParker185]

just noticed this on their website...

2008, Today, finds KIDDIELAND at the begining of its 80th season as a family owned and operated amusement park. It has over 30 rides and attractions and is Chicagoland's oldest family amusement park. "We are about Family, because we are Family". The Park has the reputation of being one of the finest traditional parks in the country. It is with great pride that at the start of its eightieth year in 2008, KIDDIELAND continues to provide affordable memorable family fun, in a clean, safe, happy environment.

We at KIDDIELAND remain ever greatful for the opportunity to serve our Guests who have proven to be both loyal and supportive of our philosophy. It is our sincere hope that we can extend our lease and continue on for an additional seventy-nine years.

[ttd rox]

^That's a long time!

[Coaster Justin]

Couldn't they just buy Land somewhere else and move all the portable attractions on new land? The little Dipper Could be moved like Little Amerricka did.

[Trailblazer Tony]

I love Kiddieland, but I'll only head out there when i'm doing our charity night there. And they always add some smaller new rides every other year....the Moser drop ride and the Whip kiddie ride were added fairly recently (within the past 3 years). It'll be nice to finally get a big kids ride though! (even though the Tornados make me sick)

[FParker185]

I always thought Kiddieland needed a Rock O Plane. Something that takes you upsidedown but only if you decide to do so, and if you know how it can be a damned intense ride

Also the traditional nature of the ride would be a good fit.

[cycamps]

I've never been to Kiddieland before, so I suppose it's about time to get up there...