Amusement Parks: Rotary Storyland and Playland

Rotary Storyland and Playland are two amusement parks located in Fresno, California.

They are two smaller amusement parks linked together and were originally set up by 7 local rotary clubs for the benefit of the local children in the area.
Playland was the brainchild of Dr. Joe Logan who was the President of the North Fresno Rotary Club back in 1955 with Storyland opening 7 years later in 1962.

The Storyland amusement park is a ‘walk-through’ experience of Mother Goose stories as well as featuring other well-known nursery rhymes and stories. Favourite tales include Hansel & Gretel, Peter Pan, the Three Little Pigs, Alice in Wonderland and Humpty Dumpty and by purchasing one of the magic storybook keys, this brings the stories to life. There is also a miniature train ride at the amusement park for youngsters to enjoy.

Both amusement parks are located in the historic Roeding Park, opposite the Chaffee Zoo and Playland has 13 small rides including an express train, ladybugs, a bungee trampoline and the Shipwreck Cove boat ride.

One of Storyland amusement park’s other main aims, in addition to providing young children with fun and entertainment, is to promote early literacy and, through its field trips, it has teamed up with parents and teachers with the aim of demonstrating to young children just how much fun reading can be.

Although both parks are relatively small in scale, you can really give your young child a memorable day packed full of entertainment, especially if you combine your visit to the amusement parks with a trip to the zoo close by,

Seasonal special events are also hosted at the amusement parks. These include an Easter celebration, an ice cream special event featuring face painting and a Halloween Haunted House full of tricks and treats.

In addition to the amusement park’s daily entrance fees, family memberships are also available combining both parks and they include discount offers to visit the Chaffee Zoo. Open from early February until November, both amusement parks operate from 10.30am until 5.30pm. The amusement parks also cater for private birthday parties.