Joyland Amusement Park

We went cause honestly not much to do in Lubbock, the price was ok maybe a bit high for what it is, but, ok, rides are old, place seems dated, but, kids loved it. My problem with this place was the people that worked there, obviously everyone hated their jobs. They did not help people in and out of rides, I got screamed at cause my 7 year old did not jump on a ride fast enough, attendant actually cursed in front of 3 kids. I spoke to manager he said he would take care of it, but, probably did nothing, oh well never going back. I do think eventually we will read of issues with safety.

Closed until March 2015.
We stopped by to take a look since we were in Mackenzie Park. The owner (?) actually let us in to take pictures and what not in the empty shut down park. He was pretty nice.
The park itself is really nothing too great. It’s more of a fair. There are a couple roller coasters, a handful of rides, and I’m sure there are boardwalk games. If you’re not expecting Disneyland or anything I’m sure this would be a fun day for whole family. The place looked a little rundown and old, but I’m sure they’ll clean it up before they reopen again for the season.

What can be said about Joyland? It’s a realistic mosaic of all things Lubbock: the good, the bad, the sketch. Some rides may make you wonder if they are up to code but at the end of the day you’ve got to give credit to Joyland for even existing. Food is fair enough for park food.
By far one of the most exciting things to do on a Lubbock summer day.

Always fun for the whole family! No, it is not Six Flags, but it is still a blast! My family likes the water rides the best. Food and drinks are pricey, but we go on Free Drinks Night… very good deal!

I was extremely disappointed with my experience at your amusement park this afternoon.
Usually during my sons field trip, we wouldn’t have to pay to be a spectator. As long as we weren’t going to ride the rides we didn’t have to pay. Which in my opinion, we shouldn’t have to pay to just sit there and watch my son have fun.
Sorry, looks like we will be spending our summer days at Wonderland in Amarillo.

I came to Lubbock for this park. Took the kids they had fun. Got a Groupon deal. I don’t like how they measure your kid and if they are under a certain height they have to buy an armband. My 1 yr old had to buy one and she couldn’t even ride half the rides there. I guess that’s how they make their money. Lines for the rides are short, not crowded. Only one area to buy food. Parking is free.

It’s no six flags, but being around this long has let Joyland learn how to make an enjoyable atmosphere. We went for a office party and I was surprised by how much there was for a 4 year old to do… since they kept her occupied I have nothing bad to say about Joyland.

Review on Unilocal about Joyland Amusement Park 12-​24-​2010 JAB edit
Our son has been to going to Joyland since before he was born.
During pregnancy my wife and I took lots of walks: the parks, the mall, even Carlsbad Caverns early on. One day in her 8^th month, for a date, we paid a couple of bucks just to walk around Joyland, have a lemonade and some popcorn.
As we watched all the children squealing with delight, we knew that soon it would be our son holding his hands up high on the kiddy Whip, ringing the bell and dipping his hand in the water on the little boat ride, riding the dragon on the Merry-​go-​round, figuring how to make the kiddy helicopter go up and down, etc, etc. That day was one of the best dates I could have come up with, our dreams for the future.
Later, as we documented his height by the line you have to reach to be tall enough to ride solo, we’ve come to know this family-​owned treasure. The gentle teens that work each ride are chosen for their kindness, and make you happy to be part of the community. David will assure you that he and his staff keep the rides safe and you can see Joyland is a labor of Love as friends run, play and picnic.
Now 12+ years later, we could drop and run, but watching our son and friends tackle older rides, (giant slide, log ride, overhead tram and upside down stuff) we enjoy watching his interaction with friends and others. Did I mention the milestone when he first got to ride the great train by himself? I’d wave goodbye from the platform and run to a watching point after he headed into the tunnel. Part scary, part exciting (me), complete joy for him! Thank you Joyland family for being a part of Max’s raising.
I didn’t mean to be so long-​winded about this experience, but as I ponder the years in Lubbock, the good memories come flying out. On the practical side we enjoyed Joyland on a cloudy day and enjoyed the water sprinklers on the hottest of days. We try to spend the whole day there to ensure a good value and a great night of dreams and sleep!
I have no business connection with Joyland other than to brag on how much we appreciated them in our lives. Sincerest thanks.
Mark Lawson

I had the three day Labor Day weekend to goof off, so my husband and I decided to go to Joyland. We just moved to Lubbock and had never been there before. We also hit up the website for $ 2 off coupons, they have loads of specials on there. Our all-​you-​can-​ride wristbands cost $ 16 each. They do have options where you buy tickets or don’t ride. The park is not that hard to find, just take exit 4 off of I-​27, ride the access road past Parkway street, and turn right into Mackenzie Park (which also curiously advertised something else called «Prarie Dog Town». Later I asked a friend and it is apparently a prarie dog preserve where you can go look at them. We went and it was a lot of fun. Bring carrots and you can feed the critters) and then take the right fork to get to Joyland. There are signs.
Joyland is less like Six Flags, more like the State Fair or a carnival. It has all these old fashioned carnival rides, like bumper cars (rode them 5 times), a Ferris Wheel that allows you to spin the carriage over upside down, a small roller coaster, a mouse coaster, a ride that drops you, a swing ride, and other various rides all with the theme of spinning! They also have three water rides: a tube ride, a slide, and a log ride. I didn’t ride these as it wasn’t all that warm out. There are also a ton of kid rides, like boats, railroad cars, planes, a carousel, etc. Lastly, they have food stands and games where you pay extra to play.
We had a blast, stayed there for about 4 hours and rode tons of rides. There is practically no waiting, a lot of times just one person would be riding all by themselves. It’s carnie fun, check it out.

You have to give Joyland credit for even existing. It’s like Lubbock tried so hard to have an amusement park, and this is the best they could do. But it’s great, for what it is!
It is certainly overpriced, and the rides are lame compared to say Six Flags, but it is an amusement park in Lubbock. Certainly beats spending a crapload of money driving to Dallas and getting into 6 flags.
Totally worth checking out on a warm summer day.