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Amusement parks

Playland Park

4.3 · 8,847 reviews
Nostalgic, lively, and seaside-focused.
Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, United States
Interesting facts
1

The Dragon Coaster is one of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters in the world and features a tunnel designed to look like a dragon's mouth.

2

Playland was the first planned amusement park in the United States, designed by architect Frank Williams.

3

The park's distinctive Art Deco towers and colonnades were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

4

The Grand Carousel features hand-carved wooden horses and is one of the few remaining examples of its type in the country.

5

During the mid-20th century, the park was a frequent filming location for major motion pictures, including the 1988 film 'Big'.

Overview

Playland Park is a historic Art Deco amusement park located on the shore of the Long Island Sound in Rye, New York. Opened in 1928, it remains one of the few government-owned amusement parks in the United States. The park features over 40 rides, including the historic wooden Dragon Coaster, which has been in operation since the park's founding. The site is designated as a National Historic Landmark due to its preserved 1920s architecture and original promenade design. Visitors can access a half-mile-long boardwalk that stretches along the beach. In addition to traditional thrill rides, the facility includes a pool and a carousel housed in a historic building. The park is situated within a large regional park complex that provides waterfront views and picnic areas.

Photo spot

The elevated boardwalk overlooking the Long Island Sound with the Dragon Coaster in the background.

Insider tips

Visit the beach area early in the day to secure a spot before the afternoon crowds arrive.

Check the park's official event calendar, as fireworks displays often occur on select summer evenings.

Consider bringing a waterproof bag if you plan to visit both the amusement rides and the adjacent swimming areas.

What to avoid

Avoid visiting on major summer holidays if you prefer smaller crowds, as the park reaches capacity quickly.

Good to know

The park operates on a seasonal basis, typically opening in late spring and closing after Labor Day, with limited weekend operations in the shoulder season.

Etiquette

Shirts and shoes are required throughout the park; swimwear is restricted to the pool and beach areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
5-7 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons during the summer to avoid peak weekend lines.
Address
Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, United States
40.965, -73.675
Get directions
Details
Signature AttractionDragon Coaster
Architectural StyleArt Deco

Frequently asked

Plan for about 5-7 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons during the summer to avoid peak weekend lines..

The elevated boardwalk overlooking the Long Island Sound with the Dragon Coaster in the background.

Close by you'll find Rye Town Park, Bronx Zoo, Bruce Museum.