Santa's Village (Dundee, IL)?

[nuke]

Another site!

http://www.dispensaskiddiekingdom.com/

I totally forgot about the castle of toys until I looked at that website. I remember driving by and wishing we could go in but the parents always said no. I'm sure that's child abuse.

 

[Stitchfans]

I took oldest DD there many years ago. Sorry to say I don't remember too much about it though. I will have to dig out the photos that were taken then. It was much better though as I recall then Kiddie Land. IMO Kiddie land is a rip off and so lame. Took youngest DD there and just once. That was more than enough.

 

[sallysmom]

How about the Hoot-Toot & Whistle in Elgin? I think it was just a mini train with an actual conductor that took you for rides. I'm sure it's long gone.
Here's an article about it: http://news.gaurc.us/?p=1541

 

[tmq2766]

I live very close to Dundee....

We went to Santa's Village every year when I was a kid and years later I took both my girls there..

Both my girls took skating lessons there before going on to team skating.

There is a book all about the history of Santas Village. I think I saw it at Borders....

 

[KiminChicago]

I had completely forgotten about the Hoot Toot & Whistle! Now I'm going to have to make a special trip up to the Dells to see the train.

What about Adventureland? I think that used to be on Lake Street too. I just remember the giant cowboy and Indian statues that flanked the entrance. I want to say I've seen the statues around somewhere recently too, or at least the cowboy one....

I really miss the old parks that had so many rides for all different age groups. We've been to Great America a few times but the emphasis on all these really tall, really scary rollercoasters is so discouraging. I guess that's why our family has been to Disney way more than we'll ever go to Great America -- give us a good ride that tells a good story and doesn't need to scare the pants off of us!

 

[mickeysgal]

Yes I remember Santa's Village. We took my son when he was a toddler and it was dirty and nasty. I think it closed a year or two later.

KiddieLand is also closing. I think that is the last one of it's kind in the area.

The one in Stickney/Lyons was Fairyland. I loved their peddlecars. I remember going the last weekend it was open with my girlfriend and her sister. We were about 10-12 years old.

Playland Park was in the Palos area. Loved that place too! I'm pretty sure they had the swinging cages.

Does anyone remember Enchanted Forest in Indiana? WE went there for our 8th grade trip.


I'm too young for Riverview but my parents have fond memories of the place.

I think Playland was off of Archer Ave. I don't remember a Fairyland!