Paragon Park facts for kids
Paragon Park circa 1914
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| Location | Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts, United States |
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| Closed | 1984 |
| Owner | Larry & Phyllis Stone |
Paragon Park was a popular amusement park located right on Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. It was a favorite spot for families and thrill-seekers for many years before it closed its gates in 1984.
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Exciting Rides and Attractions
Paragon Park was famous for its many fun rides that people of all ages enjoyed. It had a mix of classic attractions and thrilling new ones.
Classic Rides You Might Remember
One of the park's most beloved rides was a traditional Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel. Built in 1928, this carousel featured beautiful hand-carved horses. It was a true piece of art!
Other classic rides included:
- "Auto Scooters," which were exciting bumper cars
- A towering Ferris wheel that offered great views
- A spooky, horror-themed dark ride called "Kooky Kastle"
Thrill Rides and Water Fun
For those who loved speed and drops, Paragon Park had "The Giant Coaster." This was a huge wooden roller coaster that gave riders an amazing thrill.
The park also featured:
- The Sky Lark, a ride similar to a ski lift
- Car-themed rides like "Turnpike Cars," later replaced by the "Indy 500" cars
- A fun water ride called "Bermuda Triangle" (which had different names over the years, like "Congo Cruise")
More Fun Rides at Paragon Park
Over the years, Paragon Park hosted many other exciting rides. These included the Trabant, the Tilt-A-Whirl, and the Galaxy Coaster. Riders could also enjoy the Skydiver, Paratrooper, and the Matterhorn.
Other popular rides were the Himalaya, Round Up, and the Scrambler. For a spinning good time, there were the Crazy Tea Cups and the Twister Kiddie Coaster. Classic rides like the Caterpillar and the Whip were also big hits. The park even had slides like the Batman-slide and Super-slide, along with a Swing ride and Rotor. Many smaller versions of these rides were available for younger children.
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Park entrance in 1908
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Airship Swing c. 1920
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General view c. 1920
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The Palm Garden in 1913
Other Fun Things to Do
Paragon Park wasn't just about rides; it had plenty of other entertainment too!
Games and Food
The penny arcade was a popular spot, filled with games like Skeeball and pinball machines. Along the boardwalk, you could find vendors selling delicious treats. Favorites included fried clams and salt water taffy, which was made right there in a pulling machine for everyone to see. Of course, hot dogs and other yummy foods were also available.
Mini Golf and More
Underneath the big roller coaster, there was a miniature golf course where you could challenge your friends. It was a great way to take a break from the rides.
What Remains Today
Even though Paragon Park closed in 1984, some parts of its history still remain.
The Historic Carousel
The most famous part that still exists is the historic Paragon Park Carousel. It was carefully moved from its original spot and is now located next to the old train station and clock tower. You can still ride this beautiful, classic carousel today!
Other Remnants
Most of the old park site is now used for condominium buildings. However, a small miniature golf course is located where a water slide and other rides once stood. The Dream Machine arcade is still open, as is the historic "Fascination" game room. If you look closely near the parking lot, you might even spot the hidden remains of the "Turnpike Cars" roadway ride, now covered by plants.
The Giant Coaster's New Home
The famous Giant Coaster, which was built in 1917, was taken apart in 1985. But it didn't disappear! It was rebuilt and now operates as The Wild One at Six Flags America. So, a piece of Paragon Park's thrill lives on!
Images for kids
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Paragon Carousel House Today
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Nantasket Beach at Paragon Park
