Tuscora Park features an amusement park designed just for small children and their families. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

If you have small children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or neighborhood kids who seem to spend all summer at your home, you need to make plans now to visit Tuscora Park in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Tuscora Park is a rare and amazing place. What sets it apart is an amusement park designed just for small children and their families. There are no huge, scary rides, long lines, questionable carnival barkers, or out-of-this-world prices.

It has something that most other amusement parks, fairs and transient carnivals do not always deliver – a safe, fun, clean, good old-fashioned atmosphere. I might go so far to employ an overused word these days and say it has authenticity.

We went with our four grandchildren last summer and they (and we, watching them) had an absolute blast. Not only did they get to enjoy every ride open on that day, but they rode their favorites twice.

Tuscora Park’s gorgeous carousel dates back to 1928. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

The park’s rides include a Ferris Wheel (not operating the day we went), a vintage carousel, a kid-sized roller coaster, railroad train ride (adults can ride this and the carousel too), Airplanes, Sky Fighters, Dune Buggies and Swings.

The 1928 Herschell-Spillman Carousel has operated at the park since 1941. If that isn’t the definition of authenticity, I’m not sure what is.

The 16.5-acre park’s history goes even further back than 1941. It was originally developed as an amusement park and dance hall venue in 1907 as a private enterprise, with streetcars bringing passengers to and from the park. The City of New Philadelphia purchased the park in 1912.

Today, the park’s attractions also include three swimming pools including an Olympic-size lap pool, diving pool and kiddie pool. A youth activities center, miniature golf course, concession stand, picnic shelters and tables, playground equipment and lots of trees and green space round out this beautiful park. An adjacent amphitheatre hosts Sunday evening concerts each week during the summer.

Tuscora Park is located at 161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, (303) 343-4644. Find out about other unique Ohio parks and gardens in Dusty Tires.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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