We’ve already given you a list of the weird and wonderful things that Houston currently has to offer, but what entertained locals and visitors in decades past?
These wackiest destinations may have been replaced by parking lots or have fallen into disrepair, but they were once premier locations for family fun. Here are five Houston attractions we’ll always miss.
Opening in 1984, Magic Island is considered one of Houston’s most iconic scenes, with the head of an Egyptian pharaoh facing the highway to greet drivers as they rode past.. This private club featured fine dining while patrons watched magic shows. The club’s goal was to give locals the feeling of visiting Vegas without ever leaving Houston. Magic Island closed in 2008 after Hurricane Ike, but talks of its reopening have been circulating for several years.
This amusement park died soon after it was opened, only operational from 1984 to 1985. Located in Spring, this amusement park was entirely dedicated to characters from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon studio, like “Yogi Bear”, “The Flintstones”, “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!”, and “The Jetsons”. This attraction had rides, a giant ball pit, costumed characters, dance shows, and jungle gyms. Unable to compete with Astroworld, the park closed in 1985 and became Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown.
Houston’s famous Shamrock Hotel opened in 1949 and was the first national media sensation to come out of Houston. This hotel was most famous for its swimming pool, which measured 165 by 142 feet. The pool was routinely described as the biggest outdoor pool in the world and could host exhibition waterskiing. The opening of the pool featured movie stars and Hollywood executives and was so lively that network radio broadcasts covering it had to be cancelled. The Shamrock Hotel closed in the mid 80s due to financial problems. Over 3,000 people protested its demolition in 1986.
This grand event space hosted 9,200 seats and was built in 1937. Performers like Elvis Presley, Prince, and the Beatles graced the main stage, drawing crowds of thousands. It also used to be the venue of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo until 1965. The building was demolished in 1998 to make space for the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
Galveston’s Sea-Arama Marineworld
As one of the first ocean-themed parks in the US, Sea-Arama Marineworld was opened in 1965 and featured performances with dolphins, porpoises, killer whales, and sea lions. Guests could get in line for puppet shows, comedy routines, and the petting zoo. Many drove out from Houston to see marine life and mammals alike. Alligator wrestling and bear tricks were also popular at this Gulf Coast attraction. Sea-Arama Marineworld closed in 1990 after the opening of SeaWorld in San Antonio, which was bigger and attracted more tourists.
