Kiddieland Shirt

Gone but not forgotten. Melrose Park's very own Kiddieland Amusement Park was the unofficial summer camp for many Chicago-area kids and can trace its roots all the way back to 1929. It all started with just six ponies and a side business venture by a local builder named Arthur Fritz. The park expanded over the decades to include a German carousel, two miniature steam locomotives, a ferris wheel and, of course, the beloved Little Dipper. Disputes with the landowners sadly led to the park closing its doors on September 27, 2009 to make way for a new Costco store. However, the legacy lives on and a few iconic rides have relocated - the Roto-Whirl is at Santa’s Village and the Little Dipper is at Six Flags Great America. You can also pay your respects to the iconic Kiddieland sign which has its final resting place outside the Melrose Park Library.