Historians believe the first amusement parks failed because they consisted of sliding down brontosaurus necks that led to agape T-rex mouths. Enjoy evolved entertainment with today's Groupon: for $9, today's deal gets you one wristband good for admission and all rides at Joyland Amusement Park (up to an $19.76 value) in Lubbock. Open for more than 35 years, Joyland boasts a wide range of raucous rides suitable for all ages, including bumper cars, a 140-foot Dare Devil Drop, tilt-a-whirl, and an original early 20th-century C.W. Parker Company carousel. In addition to landlubber jaunts, Joyland also hosts a number of aqueous rides for those who wish to speed, twist, and splash simultaneously. Amateur earthlings shorter than 48 inches may be required to ride with a full-grown companion.
Reviews
TripAdvisors give Joyland Amusement Park an average of 3.5 owl eyes:
- Both our kids loved Joyland! – 2doxiesandatoddler
- It wasn't super big, which made it fun, you could easily get from one ride to another, it wasn't loud, it was fun and most of all, safe. No lines, or if there was one, it was short. – SanAngeloBeatlesFan
Joyland Amusement Park
In 1973, Jimmy and Katie Dean signed the papers to purchase Joyland Amusement Park, which had fallen into neglect after first opening in the 1940s. They thoroughly revamped the 13 attractions the park had then, and Katie still helps manage the more than 30 kiddie, thrill, family, and water rides that send guests rolling, spinning, and splashing today. From the Skyride's gondolas that sail high overhead, families take in scenic vistas of an antique carousel, the speedy Galaxi coaster, and a log flume powered by Old Faithful’s underachieving brother. Joyland opens its gates from mid-March until early fall, closing in the winter months for rollercoaster-hibernation season.