Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Storybook Land (SBL) touches your heart — and the memories stay there forever. Imagine a place where fairy tales and nursery rhyme characters welcome you on rides and attractions. For over 70 years, SBL has remained a magical place where The Three Little Pigs, Mother Goose, Cinderella, and dozens of other characters create storybook themes through a myriad of attractions. It’s a unique and timeless place that puts smiles on faces — generation after generation.
Located on a 25-acre park outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, SBL offers a clean, family-friendly environment providing classic rides including the iconic Carousel and the J&J Railroad. In addition, the park offers shaded picnic areas where outside food is allowed, and seasonal events during Halloween and Christmas — all for one admission price.
Storybook Land Begins
On a road trip in 1955, John and Esther Fricano, noticed there were no stops or attractions between Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore. To fill that gap, they decided to create a family friendly picnic grove with a nursery rhyme theme. Eventually, the park expanded to include animals, a playground, storybook houses, rides, and a snack bar. Since its inception, SBL has grown into a premier family attraction featuring 19 rides, four snack bars, a large picnic area, natural shade, and a splash pad
Today, Jessica Panetta, a third-generation owner, continues her family’s tradition while keeping up with the times. Panetta explains, “Growing up in the amusement industry, I’ve always been fascinated by evolving technology, guest needs, and industry trends. I think we’ve struck a nice balance between modernizing the guest experience while preserving the nostalgia that makes Storybook Land so special.”
And what makes SBL remain special after 70 years? If you ask Panetta, she will tell you it’s because the SBL family has always understood what parents need and what children like because they are parents themselves. In fact, original attractions like the Little Red Schoolhouse and the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel continue to delight children for decades – even in an age of high tech and computer-generated attractions.
Panetta sums up SBL’s everlasting charm, “The simplicity of the experience is refreshing. Children can explore and have fun at their own pace. There’s no need for an app or to be attached to your phone the entire time. Families can simply enjoy being together.”
Generations of Smiles
Whether riding the Storybook Land Railroad or walking through the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel and Maze, children continue to be entertained and amused year after year. Touting a 70-year history and going strong, SBL sees third- and even fourth-generation families visiting the park. It is not unusual to see parents and grandparents telling their SBL stories to their kids and grandchildren. For parents and kids alike, SBL provides a place where heartwarming family memories are made and shared. Panetta proudly explains SBL’s generational nostalgia, “We never tire of hearing those stories.”
Eileen Skiffington sees Storybook Land as the perfect place to create happy family memories that can be shared across generations. After recently taking her grandchildren to the park, Skiffington remarks about SBL’s nostalgia staying power (and magic), “What surprised me the most is how it remains unchanged from when I took my own children 30 years ago, but still remains relevant. It reminded my daughters of their own childhood and now enjoying watching those same smiles and joy in the faces of their own children. From the moment we hopped on the train to riding all their favorite rides, every minute is filled with laughter and excitement.”
Story Book Land — Year Round
Open 12 months throughout the year, SBL offers seasonal events and programs in addition to the park rides and attractions. In September, the Fall into Fun Festival offers hayrides, an interactive hay maze, and pumpkin decorating. Continuing into the Fall season, Trick-or-Treat Weekends in October encourage children to wear their costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the park.
Other events include SBL’s Christmas Fantasy, where more than 1 million lights magically illuminate the park starting in mid-November. And of course, what child can’t wait to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus – a holiday tradition that has delighted families for more than 40 years. In fact, SBL was featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight and honored as #10 in USA Today's Top 10 Theme Park Holiday Events.
In addition to entertaining guests from far and near, SBL continues to serve as a popular field trip destination for schools throughout the region for more than 70 years. Panetta explains, “We also believe in giving back to our community. Story Book Land provides a first job for many local teens, and we’re proud to collaborate with numerous local small businesses throughout the year.”
Plan Your Trip
Tickets to SBL can be purchased in advance online. Admission includes unlimited rides and access to all the attractions. In addition, seasonal passes are also available, giving you access to all the SBL features and a 15% discount at the gift shop as well as food and beverage.
