Kiddie Park
Rating
Family of 4
$30-$60 for 2 adults + 2 young kids (ride tickets or wristbands; check kiddiepark.
Duration
1.5-3 hours
Best Ages
2–8
About
Kiddie Park in San Antonio is a genuine piece of American amusement history: continuously operating since 1925, it's one of the oldest amusement parks for young children in the United States. What makes it remarkable is not scale or technology, but authenticity — vintage rides designed for small children, operating in largely original form, in a setting that hasn't been corporatized out of its soul.
The signature attraction is a 1918 Herschell-Spillman carousel, a working antique that young children have ridden for over a century. Alongside it are miniature versions of classic rides — a Ferris wheel, airplane ride, train, and other attractions scaled for the toddler-through-early-elementary age range. For kids ages 2-8, this is exactly the right size: nothing overwhelming, everything accessible.
Located at 3903 N St Mary's St in the Brackenridge Park corridor near Alamo Heights, Kiddie Park sits adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo — a combination that makes for an ideal full family day. You could do the Zoo in the morning and Kiddie Park after lunch, or vice versa.
The park is only open Friday through Sunday, 9AM-5PM — a critical operational detail. It's completely closed Monday through Thursday. Plan accordingly.
With 1,446 Google reviews at 4. 3 stars, the rating reflects a mix of genuine historical enthusiasm from families who love its charm and some dissatisfaction from visitors expecting more modern amenities. If you understand what Kiddie Park is — a lovingly preserved vintage children's park — the experience consistently delivers.
If you're expecting a Six Flags-style operation, recalibrate expectations.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Friday, Saturday, or Sunday mornings — note it's only open 3 days per week
Wait Times
10-20 min for popular rides on busy days
Nearby Food
San Antonio Zoo is adjacent with food options. The Brackenridge Park area and nearby Broadway Ave have casual dining. The Alamo Heights neighborhood nearby has good restaurant options.
Why Kids Love It
Kiddie Park has been operating in San Antonio since 1925 — it's one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks for young children in the United States. The vintage, small-scale rides have a charm that modern theme parks can't replicate: a 1918 wooden carousel, a miniature Ferris wheel, and rides clearly sized for toddlers and young children. For kids ages 2-7, this is genuinely magical in a way that bigger parks aren't.
What Parents Say
“The price was a bit to much but my kids had fun. They had good rides for toddlers but i wouldn't take a kids older than 7. Its more for just small kids.”
From Reddit Parents
“Whenever Kiddie Park is open that lot is full and it always seems like shit show to try and find parking.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Open 1925 — one of the oldest continuously operating children's amusement parks in the US
- Only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (closed Mon-Thu) — check hours before visiting
- Vintage 1918 carousel is the signature attraction — a genuine piece of American history
- Designed entirely for young children ages 2-8; older kids may find it underwhelming
- San Antonio Zoo is adjacent on the Brackenridge Park corridor — combine both for a full day
- Bring cash — confirm current payment options on the website
What to Bring
- Sunscreen (outdoor, limited shade)
- Water and snacks
- Cash for rides and concessions
- Hat for kids
Cost Info
Admission Prices
- Adult
- free
- Child
- $3
Tips to Save
- Only open Friday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM.
- Go early — the park is smaller and shade is limited, so afternoon heat can make it uncomfortable.
- Wristband deals are typically better value than individual tickets for visits over 90 minutes.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9AM-5PM
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 9AM-5PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 9AM-5PM
- Thursday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed