SAN ANTONIO -- The Kiddie Park has been an iconic fixture on Broadway for nearly a hundred years, and it's dubbed America's oldest children's amusement park.

  • Closed down to move to San Antonio Zoo
  • All the rides are original
  • Some pieces built as far back as the 1920s

After closing down to move to a new location this summer, it's finally reopening Friday at the San Antonio Zoo.

For nearly 30 years, Bob Aston owned the Kiddie Park.

READ MORE | Parents, Kids Enjoy 1 Last Day at Original Kiddie Park Location

"All the rides are original," said the former Kiddie Park owner. "The only rides that are missing is the roller coaster, the 'Little Dipper' and the hand car ride."

Even the gravel was moved from the iconic landmark on Broadway to the San Antonio Zoo.

"We want to keep the old historic nostalgia feel to it but just modify it slightly when it comes to safety and just over all experience," said Ash Harris of the San Antonio Zoo.

 

 

 

Now, a sidewalk makes it easier for everyone, especially those using strollers and wheelchairs, to have fun.

For Aston, walking through the park was like a walk down memory lane.

"These are the little kiddie cars here, I built one of these," said Aston. "Some of these cars are from the 1930s and '20s."

"And this is the newest ride in the park," said Aston. "This was made in 1963, the helicopter and flying saucer ride."

It's all all hand-carved and hand painted.

"And this is the carousel," said Aston. "It's a Herschell Spillman, it has 40 jumping horses and 2 chariots."

But, for Aston, it's no simple merry-go-round.

"I had my birthdays here when I was a kid, everybody did," said Aston. "You went to the doctor, had to get a shot, well you get to go to the Kiddie Park."

Aston walked through the park, pointing out all kinds of rides, some he remembered being made right after World War II. He also pointed out the wooden scalloped roofs he built on the Ferris wheel.

"I am the creator of millions and millions of memories in San Antonio," said Aston.

The grand opening for the Kiddie Park with all those classics, and the new additions, is happening this Friday and through the weekend.

Admission is still free and there's a small charge for each ride.