Things We Miss: Astroworld and Waterworld Theme Parks

Some of the best childhood memories I have growing up as a kid were at Astroworld and Waterworld in Houston. It saddens me to look to the right of 610 as I pass the Astrodome and see a space of empty land. It was my introduction to many awesome rides such as the Bamboo shoots, XLR-8, 'The Ultra Twister,' Texas Cyclone, and of course we can't forget about cooling off at Waterworld.

Most trips started out by catching a game at the 'eighth wonder of the world,' The Astrodome!  You would then close out the day across IH-610. AstroWorld opened on June 1, 1968, across the highway from the Astrodome creating a multi-facility entertainment complex. Six Flags purchased AstroWorld in 1975 which started to bring in the awesome lineup of rides and rollercoasters that became iconic.

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Check out some of the iconic rollercoasters that Astrowold brought us:

Who remembers Texas Cyclone? It was an iconic wooden roller coaster that became a symbol of Houston Texas.

X-L-R-8

X-L-R-8 was the first thrill ride I ever went on. The suspended steel coaster definitely brought up the adrenaline.

TAZ'S TEXAS TORNADO:

This roller coaster didn't open until March 14, 1998, and was renamed Taz Texas Tornado. I still remember Taz in the commercials.

VIPER:

During its run at Six Flags AstroWorld, it featured a tunnel surrounding the first drop. The exterior had a dragon mural although most people mistook it for a Viper. I mean that is the name of the ride.