Big Fun

Memphis Kiddie Park just outside Cleveland has been delighting little ones and their parents with more than 70 years of kid-size thrills.

Each summer since 1952, families across northeast Ohio have visited and loved Memphis Kiddie Park in Brooklyn. Designed and built by Cleveland native Stuart Wintner, the landmark had nine mechanical rides when it opened on May 28, 1952. That lineup included the Little Dipper, which still holds its place in history as the oldest continuously functioning steel roller coaster in North America.

The amusement park, which opens in late May each year, embraces kid-size thrills with 11 rides designed for children under 50 inches tall. All rides are fully restored and bear a retro resemblance to how they appeared in the 1950s. The electric cars curve around a winding track, while the boat ride floats in its water-filled tank. The classic Allen Herschel merry-go-round welcomes all ages to take a spin, and the miniature-golf course provides a fun challenge for kids and adults alike. A concession stand serves classic favorites like popcorn, hot dogs and cotton candy, as well as the park’s best-known snack: funnel cakes.

During its early years, Memphis Kiddie Park saw lots of change while experimenting between rides and attractions, even including live ponies with a little corral at one point. The park’s roots are still present more than 70 years later, thanks to the effort of Memphis Kiddie Park vice president Scott Wintner’s father, Russell Wintner, who spent 10 years or so restoring the attraction to the look and feel of its early days.

Kiddie parks were popular across the country during the mid-20th century. Many closed as interest dwindled over the years, but Memphis Kiddie Park is the oldest of the few remaining “kiddie land” parks in the country, according to Scott Wintner. He adds that the beloved family memories the park helps make is why he believes it has endured.

“It feels really good being now the third generation to operate the kiddie park,” Wintner says. “It’s the people … who are now third and fourth generation sharing it as part of their summer tradition and then coming to us and expressing to us how much it’s meant to them.” 10340 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn 44144, 216/941-5995, memphiskiddiepark.com

Brett Price

Meet Animal

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Take one giant leap and land at the Summer Moon Festival, where the achievements of Wapakoneta’s favorite son, astronaut Neil Armstrong, are commemorated each year. Take part in planetary-themed events running concurrently at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, and head downtown for the street festival with live music, a beer garden, family games and tasty treats. summermoonfestival.com

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Can you hear it? Summer is calling you with the sound of sultry jazz and the irresistible aroma of sizzling ribs. The scenic Scioto Mile along the downtown riverfront provides the perfect backdrop for the Columbus Jazz & Rib Festival, three days of continuous music and barbecue pros serving up mouthwatering grub. hotribscooljazz.org

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Hotel Versailles is the perfect setting for your big day. With 30 boutique hotel rooms, an award-winning culinary team, and outdoor courtyard with fireplace, it offers everything you need in one place.

Call and ask about our wedding and corporate retreat packages at 937.526.3020.

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Get ready for a treasure hunt and explore one of Tuscarawas County’s most storied villages. The Historic Zoar Antiques Show and Artisans Tent features more than 60 dealers as well as high-quality artisans, folk artists and a variety of historic demonstrations. historiczoarvillage.com