Popular amusement park closes another location, exits state  

Demand for amusement parks is not slowing down, despite economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions. In fact, consumers are more focused on the value of experiences and creating fun memories in times of uncertainty. 

The U.S. amusement and theme park industry is projected to reach a market value of $25.5 billion in 2026, representing a steady increase from $24.62 billion in 2025 as consumers continue to prioritize discretionary spending on experience-first entertainment, according to Mordor Intelligence. 

“Destination parks combine hotels, premium dining, and proprietary IP to justify multi-day visits and maintain a steady cadence of capital refresh,” writes Mordor Intelligence.

 U.S. amusement industry key highlights: Spending versus attendance: Walt Disney Company earnings report data cited by Travel Weekly revealed that while attendance is flat or somewhat lower, consumers are spending more.Consumer preference: More than two-thirds (68%) of consumers prefer family entertainment centers that offer interactive and immersive experiences, including virtual reality.Merchandise spending: Spending on merchandise is increasing, with a 6.24% CAGR forecast through 2031, driven by exclusive collaborations, according to data from Mordor Intelligence. Loyalty shift: Consumers are prioritizing season passes to lock in value; these repeat visitors generate the highest margins through secondary spending on food and merchandise.
Sources: Mordor Intelligence, Business Research Insights 

Despite the demand and projected growth, Adventure Landing is closing another park.

Adventure Landing closes its St. Augustine park after more than 25 years

Adventure Landing will close its St. Augustine park, located at 2780 SR 17, after more than 25 years, reported The Florida Times-Union – Jacksonville. 

The park was constructed back in 1999 and features:

18-hole miniature golf courseMonster Video and Redemption Gaming ArcadeBatting cages with varied skill levels Adventure Speedway Go-KartsOn-site food servicesA themed snack bar
Source: Adventure Landing 

“It’s with heavy hearts that we share that Adventure Landing St. Augustine will be permanently closing on Sunday, April 12. We’ve loved being part of this community — celebrating birthdays, family nights, first dates, and countless memories with all of you. While we’re sad to see this chapter come to an end, we are incredibly grateful for the years of fun and support you’ve given us,” the park shared in a Facebook post. 

Adventure Landing closes its St. Augustine park after more than 25 years. 

Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock.com

Adventure Landing previous closures

The latest closure comes some six months after the company shuttered its Jacksonville Beach location. 

Adventure Landing’s St. Augustine location was the company’s third park in Northeast Florida. Its first amusement park launched in 1995 in Jacksonville Beach. Its second park opened at 4825 Blanding Blvd. in 1996, and the third debuted in 1998 in Daytona Beach. All three parks have closed over the last four years. 

Gradually, Adventure Landing expanded, opening parks in New York, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio.

After its St. Augustine location closes, the company will continue to operate five parks. 

Adventure Landing’s 5 open parks: Buffalo (Tonawanda), NY: Features a mega-arcade, mini-golf, and Teddy Bear Factory.Dallas, TX: Offers go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and batting cages.Raleigh, NC: A longstanding staple on Capital Boulevard (recently confirmed to be staying open, despite closure rumors in March 2026).Winston-Salem, NC: Known for its three uniquely themed 18-hole mini-golf courses.Gastonia, NC: Features mini-golf, an arcade, and batting cages.
Source: Adventure Landing 
Adventure Landing’s closed parks: St. Augustine, FL: Closing permanently on April 12, 2026.Jacksonville Beach, FL: Closed on Oct. 15, 2025, after 30 years of operation. The site is being converted into a 427-unit apartment complex, according to The Florida Times-Union – Jacksonville. Jacksonville (Blanding Blvd.), FL: Closed in Summer 2021 to make way for an Amazon delivery center parking lot, reported Kiddle. Charlotte (Pineville), NC: Closed in 2020 (previously rebranded as Funtasticks in 2018), according to Kiddle. Daytona Beach, FL: Closed in 2002 (the site was rebranded and is now called Daytona Lagoon), writes Kiddle. Greece, NY: Closed and removed from the brand portfolio in the early 2010s, rebranded as Clubhouse Fun Center, according to Kids Out and About. Wheatfield, NY: Closed and removed from the brand portfolio in the early 2010s, according to Kiddle. Mason, OH (The Beach at Adventure Landing): Closed in 2019 following financial restructuring. Why is Adventure Landing St. Augustine location closing?

In the social media post confirming the latest closure, Adventure Landing said its lease was not being renewed and encouraged all visitors to redeem any tickets, vouchers, tokens, or gift certificates before April 12. 

The property was sold for $3.6 million on Feb. 25 by Marietta, Ga.-based M&D Property Ventures LLC, according to St. Johns County property records and as reported by The Florida Times-Union – Jacksonville. 

The closure of the St. Augustine park follows the pattern of Jacksonville Beach and Blanding Boulevard locations, suggesting an industry trend toward the highest and best use of real estate.

Sometimes, even when a park remains popular in a community, the rising value of the land for residential or commercial development exceeds the profit margin of operating a traditional amusement park on that same land. 

Related: Marriott makes huge changes to its loyalty program

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