Kiddieland Amusement Park was a bygone era of summer fun for kids and their parents, with Kiddieland shuttering its doors since 2009. The dispute between the owners of the park and the owners of the land that the park sat on, caused the park to close back in 2009. A Costco now stands in its place after the park was demolished and its historic pieces were auctioned off.
According to an article from WTTW.com called “Remembering Kiddieland” it states that the original candy-colored Kiddieland sign can be found at Melrose Park Public Library. The sign still has Jack and Jill on top but is missing some length of the maypole. Other Kiddieland rides have gone elsewhere, like the Roto-Whip going to Santa’s Village in Dundee. Six Flags Great America obtained The Little Dipper rollercoaster. Plus other rides ending up in amusement parks in New Jersey, Michigan, and Georgia.
When Kiddieland was first established by Arthur Fritz, a local builder and contractor, it was a small venue. In 1929, Fritz purchased some ponies and offered rides to the local children. A few years later, Fritz added some miniature gas powered cars and kept adding more attractions that were sized and geared towards younger children. Additional rides were introduced to visitors in 1940, such as two miniature steam locomotives, German Carousel, the Little Auto Ride, the Roto Whip, and a Ferris wheel. Kiddieland saw its first great expansion in the 1950s with other famous rides being added like the merry-go-round and the Little Dipper. In 1960, the bumper cars replaced the original pony ride.
Arthur Fritz unexpectedly died in 1967 and in 1977, three of Fritz’s grandchildren took ownership of the park and its operation. The grandchildren added more major attractions over the next several decades including a swinging pirate ship, a Log flume, a long water coaster, and many others until Kiddieland closed its doors for good in 2009.
Driving by where Kiddieland once stood, brings up old memories of spending weekends enjoying the rides and snacks the park used to offer. Kiddieland will always have its place in history with the Chicagoland area, as well as a piece of folk’s hearts and memories of enjoying the summer months…with kids and parents soaking up the sun and fun.
