You know those places that feel like they’ve been frozen in a jar of 1950s jam? That’s exactly the vibe at Memphis Kiddie Park. Located in Brooklyn, Ohio—just a stone's throw from Cleveland—this spot is basically a time machine for anyone under 50 inches tall. Honestly, it’s refreshing. In an era where every theme park is trying to out-tech the next with VR goggles and $200 fast passes, there is something deeply grounding about a place that still runs on painted steel, popcorn, and genuine nostalgia.
It opened on May 28, 1952. Think about that for a second. While the rest of the world was worrying about the Cold War, Stuart Wintner was busy building a miniature kingdom for toddlers. It’s still family-owned, too. Today, Russell Wintner’s son, Scott, keeps the gears turning. It’s one of the last "kiddielands" left in the United States. Most of these places vanished decades ago, replaced by strip malls or massive corporate megaparks. But Memphis Kiddie Park? It just keeps spinning.
The Roller Coaster History Nobody Talks About
If you’re a "coaster credit" hunter, you probably already know about the Little Dipper. If you don’t, here’s the scoop: this is the oldest continuously operating steel roller coaster in North America. That is a massive title for such a tiny ride. Built by the Allan Herschell Company, it’s been clanking up that lift hill since the park’s first year.
Most people assume "old" means "rickety" or "dangerous," but it’s actually the opposite. The state of Ohio has some of the strictest ride inspections in the country. This coaster is basically the George Clooney of rides—aging gracefully and incredibly reliable. It’s got a single three-car train, and it’s one of the few rides in the park where adults can actually squeeze in next to their kids. Watching a dad try to tuck his knees into a 1952-sized seat is part of the local entertainment.
Why the "Kiddieland" Model Actually Works
There are 11 rides total. They aren't flashy. You’ve got the Pony Carts, the Sky Fighters, and a Merry-Go-Round that features 36 cast aluminum horses. Here is the weird thing about toddlers: they don’t need 4K resolution or 80-mph drops. They just want to feel like they are driving a jeep or flying a plane.
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The park's height limit is the great equalizer. Most rides are strictly for those under 50 inches. This means your three-year-old isn't getting trampled by teenagers or waiting behind a line of 500 people. It’s their world. The adults are just the chauffeurs and the wallet-holders. Speaking of wallets, the pricing is actually human. You don't pay to get in. You pay per ride, and the tickets never expire. You could literally find a ticket from 1995 in your junk drawer and probably use it today (though I'd check with the box office first).
Beyond the Rides: Mini Golf and Concessions
If your kid has a meltdown after too many spins on the Turtle Chase, you can pivot to the miniature golf course. It’s right there on the property. It’s not one of those "adventure" courses with giant volcanoes and motorized obstacles. It’s classic. Green felt, simple challenges, and a great way to kill 45 minutes while the sun starts to set.
And the food? Look, it’s amusement park food. It’s supposed to be messy.
- Funnel Cakes: This is the park's "best-known" snack. If you leave without powdered sugar on your shirt, did you even go?
- Cotton Candy: Spun fresh.
- Hot Dogs and Popcorn: The standard-issue fuel for a day of chasing toddlers.
The Big Creek & Memphis Railway is the other big draw. It’s a miniature train that winds around the perimeter of the park and the golf course. It’s the universal "cool down" ride. Everyone can fit on it, and it gives you a minute to actually breathe and look at the trees.
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Navigating the Logistics (2026 Season)
Planning a trip here isn't like planning a trip to Disney. You don't need a spreadsheet. However, there are a few things that catch people off guard.
The park usually opens in late May, around Memorial Day weekend. In 2026, you're looking at that same late-May kickoff. They operate through the summer and then transition to weekends-only once school starts. Pro tip: Always call the "weather line" or check their site before you head out. If there’s a stray cloud that looks like it might leak, they might close early or stay closed for the day.
The address is 10340 Memphis Ave, Brooklyn, OH. It’s nestled right into a neighborhood area. If you feel like you’re driving into someone’s backyard, you’re probably going the right way. Parking is free, which is a rare win these days.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common mistake is thinking kids can "grow into" the park. Honestly? If your kid is 10 or 11, they might be too big for 80% of the attractions. This park is the "sweet spot" for the 2-to-7-year-old demographic. Once they hit that 50-inch mark, they are relegated to the Train, the Merry-Go-Round, and the Little Dipper.
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Another thing? The "Hand Carts" of the past are gone. They wore out and weren't popular enough to justify the massive repair costs, so don't go looking for them based on old 1980s photos. The park evolves, but it does so very, very slowly.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
To get the most out of Memphis Kiddie Park without the stress, keep these points in mind for your next trip:
- Check the Height First: Use a yardstick at home. If your kid is pushing 49 inches, prepare them for the fact that they might be too big for the boats or the airplanes soon.
- Buy the Ticket Books: It’s almost always cheaper than buying single ride tickets, and since they don't expire, there is zero risk.
- The "Adult Ride" Rule: Remember, adults can only ride the Train, the Merry-Go-Round, and the Little Dipper. Don't try to squeeze into the Jeeps; you'll just embarrass yourself and the ride operator.
- Evening Vibe: If it’s a scorching Ohio July day, go after 5:00 PM. The lights come on, the air cools down, and the atmosphere becomes genuinely magical.
- Group Events: They do birthday parties, but you have to book those months in advance. For the 2026 season, reservations usually open up in early spring.
The reality is that Memphis Kiddie Park shouldn't exist. In a world of rising real estate costs and digital everything, a small-scale, mid-century amusement park is a statistical anomaly. But it survives because it does one thing perfectly: it treats childhood like something that doesn't need to be rushed. It’s a place for first-time riders and fourth-generation memories.
For the best experience this season, check the official Memphis Kiddie Park website or call their status line at (216) 941-5995 before you pack the stroller. Knowing the day's specific hours—especially for the golf course tee times—will save you a lot of headache.