Adios, Kiddieland

The amusement park loved by kids and remembered fondly by parents will likely close this year, after 80 years in business.

Infighting in the Kiddieland family led to a decision not to renew the lease to the family members who were operating the site, Crain's reported, citing a Kiddieland release.

Most Chicagoans remember going to Kiddieland to ride the Little Dipper for the first time and sucking down as many free Pepsis as they could hold. For parents, the enjoyment is in the nostalgia -- most of the rides haven't changed in decades -- and in the fun of watching your kid experience everything for the first time.

The park owners said they are holding out "little hope that negotiations will offer a last-minute reprieve to keep the park operational."

But the park won't close until at least October, leaving one last season to reminisce, and maybe make a few new memories, too.

Adios, Kiddieland. It's been a great ride.



Care to share your family photos at Kiddieland?  Send them to isee@nbcchicago.com and we'll share them on the site.

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