Bartlesville Kiddie Park

In the quiet and cozy city of Bartlesville lies a special place that seems to transport visitors back to the middle of the last century. Bartlesville Kiddie Park is a charming family amusement park in the USA, created specifically for the youngest travelers, primarily children under 7 years old. You won't find loud, extreme roller coasters here; instead, the park is filled with an atmosphere of genuine childhood joy and nostalgia.

The park is famous for its vintage rides, which have been maintained in perfect condition since 1947. It is not just a commercial venue, but a true community project managed by the non-profit Bartlesville Playground Association. The main highlight of the park is its incredible affordability: entry to the grounds is completely free, and a ticket for any ride costs just 50 cents.

Located in a picturesque spot called Johnstone Park, this complex offers safe and gentle entertainment: from classic carousels to miniature trains. To pay for the rides, you need to purchase special paper tickets with cash, which only adds to the park's retro charm.

To confirm current park hours or organize group visits, you can use the following contact details:

The main attraction here is the 17 classic rides, which are perfectly suited for preschoolers. Young adventurers can experience a thrill on small steel coasters like the Dragon Coaster or Little Fire Ball. For those who prefer a gentler pace, there are miniature boats and a traditional carousel with painted horses.

The miniature train, which circles the park grounds, is particularly popular. A nice bonus for all guests: the last train ride before the park closes is traditionally provided for free. Since the rides are geared toward toddlers, there are no strict height requirements on most of them, allowing children to feel completely independent.

The atmosphere is complemented by a very friendly staff who patiently help children settle into their seats and ensure their safety. It is the perfect place for a child's first introduction to the world of amusement parks, free from the stress and hustle of big metropolises.

The Kiddie Park is located within Johnstone Park, right in the heart of the city. The exact address for navigation is: 205 N Cherokee Ave, Bartlesville, OK 74003. If you are traveling from nearby Tulsa, the drive via the US-75 North highway takes approximately one hour. Free parking is provided near the entrance, making it very convenient for family outings.

Within the city, you can use taxi services or drive your own vehicle. Public transportation is not very frequent in this part of the state, so most visitors prefer cars. The park is easy to find by following signs toward the northern part of the downtown area.

The story of this remarkable place began shortly after World War II. The park was founded by Bill and Marjorie Beasley, owners of a local sporting goods store. The idea was born thanks to their young son, Ed, who once asked his parents why their hometown didn't have a special place for children to play. This simple curiosity evolved into a massive community project.

Bringing the vision to life required help from the entire community. Funds to build the first rides were raised collectively: people organized charity dinners and home-baked goods fairs. Thanks to the Beasleys' enthusiasm and the support of local church congregations, the project quickly became a reality.

The park opened its doors in 1947 under the original name Play Pen. Initially located at the corner of West Frank Phillips Boulevard and Santa Fe Street, it featured only five rides, and a ticket for each cost a symbolic 5 cents. Since then, the park has expanded significantly but has maintained its core mission — to be an affordable place of joy for every family.

To fully experience the park and enjoy a leisurely ride on all the favorites, visitors usually need between 1.5 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time for little ones to ride their favorite carousels several times and for parents to take memorable photos in a relaxed setting.

The park is designed so that there are virtually no exhausting queues, making the visit as efficient as possible. If you plan to stop by nearby cafes or walk through Johnstone Park itself, you should set aside a bit more time for your visit.

The park operates on a specific schedule focused on weekends. Generally, the gates are open Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. During the week, the rides usually take a break; however, during the summer season, the schedule may expand—sometimes the park opens in the evening (for example, from 7:00 PM) so that families can enjoy the cooler air.

As the schedule can change depending on the season and weather conditions, it is highly recommended to check for current information on the official website or Facebook page immediately before your trip.

A stroll around the park's surroundings will allow you to better understand the state's industrial and cultural heritage. Several interesting historical sites and cozy spots to grab a bite after playing are located very close by.