Southern California has been home to a lot of different theme parks over the years. Some are still around and others eventually closed down. If you grew up in SoCal, it’s likely you have wonderful childhood memories of visiting a few of these theme parks. Whether you went with your family or were hanging out with friends, it’s almost guaranteed that you look back on those days spent at the amusement park with fondness and wonder. Here are six theme parks that were once thriving in SoCal that are now only a distant memory. Wouldn’t it be great if we could experience them again?
- Rock-a-Hoola Waterpark in Newberry Springs
Wikimedia Commons The former site of Rock-a-Hoola sits abandoned now, but between 1998- 2001 this was a happening place to be. With a 1950s/1960s theme throughout the park, there was an awesome vibe that included retro music and rides.
- Jungleland USA
Wikimedia Commons Open from 1929 to 1969 on the site of what is now the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, this animal theme park was a destination for kids and their families to see trained animals perform in live shows. If you recall the popular TV show Mister Ed in the 1960s, the talking horse in that show was one of the resident animals at Jungleland USA.
- Marineland of the Pacific in Rancho Palos Verdes
Wikimedia Commons/Gary B Edstrom Long before Sea World, there was Marineland of the Pacific which was open from 1954-1987. When it first opened it was the largest oceanarium in the world. In 1987 it was bought out by Sea World and moved to a new location.
- The Pike in Long Beach
Wikimedia Commons This amusement zone, operating under different names throughout its reign, had a long run from 1902 to 1979. After it closed down for good, the structures were demolished by the city.
- Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead
Flickr/Roadside Pictures Santa’s Village was a popular slice of wintery happiness for over 40 years from 1955 to 1998. If you long for the days of year-round Christmas magic at Santa’s Village, I have some good news for you. Santa’s Village is making a comeback and will be reopening with a new and improved version on the same property called Sky Park at Santa’s Village.
- Lion Country Safari in Irvine
flickr/Orange County Archives From 1970 to 1984, families visited this drive-through wildlife park and viewed the animals from the safety of their cars. It eventually closed in the ’80s due to low attendance.
That was a fun stroll down memory lane. Any other theme parks in SoCal that you remember going to as a kid that are no longer operating today? Let us know on our Facebook page.
Wikimedia Commons
The former site of Rock-a-Hoola sits abandoned now, but between 1998- 2001 this was a happening place to be. With a 1950s/1960s theme throughout the park, there was an awesome vibe that included retro music and rides.
Open from 1929 to 1969 on the site of what is now the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, this animal theme park was a destination for kids and their families to see trained animals perform in live shows. If you recall the popular TV show Mister Ed in the 1960s, the talking horse in that show was one of the resident animals at Jungleland USA.
Wikimedia Commons/Gary B Edstrom
Long before Sea World, there was Marineland of the Pacific which was open from 1954-1987. When it first opened it was the largest oceanarium in the world. In 1987 it was bought out by Sea World and moved to a new location.
This amusement zone, operating under different names throughout its reign, had a long run from 1902 to 1979. After it closed down for good, the structures were demolished by the city.
Flickr/Roadside Pictures
Santa’s Village was a popular slice of wintery happiness for over 40 years from 1955 to 1998. If you long for the days of year-round Christmas magic at Santa’s Village, I have some good news for you. Santa’s Village is making a comeback and will be reopening with a new and improved version on the same property called Sky Park at Santa’s Village.
flickr/Orange County Archives
From 1970 to 1984, families visited this drive-through wildlife park and viewed the animals from the safety of their cars. It eventually closed in the ’80s due to low attendance.
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