Zipper (ride) facts for kids
The Zipper is a super exciting amusement park ride that spins and flips you around! It was created by Joseph Brown and built by a company called Chance Rides, Inc.. Since it first appeared in 1968, over 200 Zipper rides have been made, bringing thrills to people all over the world.
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What is the Zipper Ride?
The Zipper is known for its wild and unpredictable movements. It has a tall, rotating boom arm, like a giant clock hand. Attached to this arm are 12 gondolas, which are small cages where riders sit. Each gondola can hold two people.
How the Zipper Works
The ride has several parts that move at the same time, making it extra thrilling:
- The main boom arm spins in a full circle, lifting the gondolas high into the air.
- The gondolas themselves are attached to a chain that also rotates, making them flip upside down.
- Each gondola can also spin freely on its own axis, adding even more unexpected twists!
This combination of movements means no two rides are exactly the same. You might spin, flip, or even hang upside down for a moment!
The Thrill Factor
The Zipper is famous for being a very intense ride. It's not just about speed; it's about the feeling of being tumbled and flipped in many directions. Riders often describe it as a mix of excitement and a little bit of being out of control, which is what many thrill-seekers love. It's a popular ride at carnivals and fairs because it can be easily moved from one place to another.
History of the Zipper
The Zipper was invented by Joseph Brown in the late 1960s. He worked for Chance Rides, Inc., a company known for making many popular amusement rides.
When the Zipper First Appeared
The very first Zipper ride was introduced in 1968. It quickly became a hit because it offered a new kind of thrill that wasn't common on other rides at the time. Its unique design and multiple spinning motions made it stand out. Over the years, the design has stayed mostly the same, proving how popular and well-designed it was from the start.
Images for kids
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Zipper operating at Kent Island, Maryland
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Zipper operating at night
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Original 1970s Zipper on its horizontal side
