Playland Park 🇺🇸

If you are exploring the rich history of Houston, Texas, you will want to learn about Playland Park, an iconic former amusement park located at 9200 South Main. Operating from 1940 until 1967 under owner Louis Slusky, this classic venue offered thrilling entertainment before closing just prior to nearby AstroWorld's 1968 debut. Though the site was later redeveloped into retail space and apartments, its legendary past remains a fascinating slice of Texan heritage. When you look back at what made the park famous, the premier star was the Giant Skyrocket.

Billed as the largest wooden roller coaster in the South, this massive ride originally opened at Venice Park before legendary coaster designer John A. Miller relocated it to Playland in 1941. You would also find Texas' first elevated monorail train briefly operating nearby. Next to the park sat the Playland Speedway, an adjoining racetrack opened in 1948 that hosted thrill-seeking demolition derbies and legendary local drivers like A.

J. Foyt. Although a tragic 1959 crash led to the racetrack's closure, the story of Playland Park endures. Be careful not to confuse this historic Houston destination with San Antonio's former park of the same name!

What to see at Playland Park

• The Giant Skyrocket wooden coaster, standing 110 feet tall with a 90-foot drop
• Playland Speedway, which hosted demolition derbies and driver A. J. Foyt
• Texas' first elevated monorail train, which briefly operated near the park
• Historic coaster relocation work by famous designer John A. Miller

Visiting tips

Do not confuse Houston's former Playland Park with the San Antonio park of the same name that featured The Rocket coaster.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Playland Park is easy to reach on Houston’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Houston Zoo and Six Flags AstroWorld. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Houston travel guide.