If you’re looking for a little bit of adventure in the small city of Amarillo, TX, turn to no other place than Wonderland Amusement Park. Wonderland is Amarillo’s first and only amusement park located north of Downtown Amarillo in Thompson Park. It is next to the Amarillo Zoo, Ross Rogers Golf Course, and the Thompson Park Pool. Thompson Park also features a lake where geese regularly flock to and that visitors can fish at and stroll around. There are several playgrounds around the park for kids to play at and even a two disc golf courses including The Grove Disc Golf Course and Disc Creek Disc Golf Course.
Wonderland Amusement Park was opened in 1951 as Kiddie Land by Paul and Alethea Roads. The original park had a total of three rides. They were called the Hershell Kiddie Boat Ride, the Lil’ Dipper Roller Coaster and the Kiddie Car Ride which was hand-built by Paul himself. The park would not have been built in Amarillo without the convincing of the director of Amarillo’s Parks and Recreation, Mark Miles. The Roads were looking for a place between Amarillo and San Angelo to erect their beloved vision. Once they saw the blank canvas that is now Thompson Park, they didn’t think it would be a good idea, but once they headed back to San Angelo, the pair were second guessing themselves and decided to give it another look.
The couple decided to go with the area because of a promise by Mr. Miles to plant trees and make other various improvements. After the park was up and running, it didn’t take long for the word to spread. Residents began catching on and the amusement park grew into a full time gig for Paul Roads. More rides were added in 1969 in order to expand the park. With these new rides, Alethea and Paul decided it was time for a name change and thus Wonderland Amusement Park was born.
The park features coasters and thrill rides including the Texas Tornado, Drop of Fear, Fantastic Journey, Cyclone, Hornet, Texas Intimidator, and Mouse Trap. Water rides and slides are also a big feature in the park. The water rides include the Thunder Jet Racers, Big Splash Log Flume, Pipeline Plunge, Rattlesnake River, and Shoot the Chute. If you brought the family along, enjoy the classics such as Crazy Couch, Old Tymer Cars, Fiesta Swing, Bumper Cars, Himalaya, Sky Ride, Sky Rider, Pirate Ship, The Rainbow, Scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl, Wonder Wheel, and Balloons. For the kids, the park has Boats, Helicopters, the Frog Hopper, Kiddie Bumper Cars, Umbrella Car Ride, Merry-Go-Round, and Train. Miniature Golf is available to play for a $7 fee. This feature is located in the south west section of the park and has 18 challenging holes.
Wonderland Amusement Park is located at 2601 Dumas Dr, Amarillo, TX 79107. A staff member can be reached at (806) 383-3344 for more information and to answer any questions. While the park is closed during the winter and fall months, amusement park go-ers can visit the park from April through September.
Read more about various features of the Amarillo area here.