Family Fun at Playland in Rye, New York Is a Summer Goal
Summer is incomplete without a visit to Playland! This iconic amusement park on the Long Island Sound has been offering rides, games, food, and waterfront activities for families since 1928.
Its nostalgic charm and new attractions make this landmark amusement park stand out to all ages and keep families returning year after year.
Little kids will love the dedicated kiddie area, which is filled with mild rides like the Crazy Submarine (a rocky boat ride), the Mini Scrambler, Kiddy Whip, and Mushroom Ride, and gentler classics like the Kiddy Carousel and Boat Ride. Other favorites include the Red Baron, where kids “fly” in mini airplanes, and the bumpy loop of the Jolly Caterpillar.
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For thrill-seekers and older kids, there’s no shortage of excitement with rides like the legendary Dragon Coaster, Crazy Mouse, Playland Plunge, and the newly introduced Old Rye Motorbike Factory—an interactive, high-in-the-sky motorbike ride with sidecar seats. Families can also enjoy classics like the Grand Carousel, Yo-Yo, and Ye Old Mill — a spooky boat ride through dark twists and turns. And don’t miss the Gondola Wheel—a 90-foot Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the park and the Long Island Sound.
If you’re looking for a fun family day out, Playland Park in Rye is the perfect spot, because it has rides for all ages, tasty food options, and plenty of space for kids to run and play safely. New for this season is Fountain Plaza, featuring performances synchronized to lights and music (check website for schedule), Jack the Puppeteer, and Play! Verse — An Immersive Adventure, a hands-on digital experience with themed creative spaces.
Eateries, including the recently added Tiki Beach and Captain Lawrence Beer Garden, invite families to dine and play on the property. Even if you’re coming from the city, a quick trip to Playland in NYC will give you a whole day of excitement with classic rides, new attractions, and a beautiful waterfront to relax by when you need a break.
After lunch, head to the arcade for family favorites like Fish-A-Frog, Skeeball, Hot Shot Basketball, and Hang Time. The park’s prime location adds even more to the experience: explore the scenic boardwalk (famously featured in the classic film, Big), relax on Playland Beach, take a dip in the renovated Playland Pool featuring a zero-depth entry and waterfront slide, or explore Playland Lake from a paddle boat.
If you’re visiting with younger children, stop by the Westchester Children’s Museum right next door for immersive play and rotating art exhibits.
If you’re planning a day trip from Manhattan or anywhere nearby, Playland Park in NYC is really easy to get to, and it’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day making memories with kids, eating your favorite treats, and exploring new experiences together.
Playland is located at 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580.
Admission to the park is free; $15 ride all day wristbands.
Parking is $10. Additional rates apply for pool and beach access. For more information, visit playland.com.
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