With just one visit you’ll become part of an elite and very happy group of people who have made Playland Amusement Park in Rye, New York, part of their summer since, well, way back when. Founded in 1928, the amusement park still has an old-timey feel but supplies a seemingly endless variety of modern amusement park rides and other fun. It will provide goose-bump-raising action for thrill riders while entertaining those who prefer mini golf and other calmer fare.
The park’s biggest draw is the Dragon. The roller coaster has set riders screaming for over 75 years. Then follow that with its (much younger) sibling, the Super Flight coaster, which will send you on loops that would challenge a NASA astronaut. And if that excitement gets you all heated up, the park has plenty of places to cool down. Along with a locals-favorite beach, you can take a splash on the Playland Plunge or Log Flume rides. (Yes, a bathing suit and a change of clothes is recommended for a Playland day.)
Pack a picnic lunch, but make sure you call to reserve a picnic spot if you plan to partake on a weekend day.
Don’t skedaddle when the sun starts to set. There’s plenty of evening entertainment; check the Web site schedule at www.ryeplayland.org to see what musical acts are scheduled or to see when the latest musical revue is being staged.