Playland, often called Rye Playland and also known as Playland Amusement Park, has the unique distinction of being America's first totally planned amusement park, and it served as the template for many of today's successful theme parks. The park began operation on May 26, 1928 and was designed entirely in Art Deco style. Much of its original features, including a boardwalk, ice-skating rinks, a swimming pool and two beaches, are still in use today. Playland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
The park features more than 50 rides and attractions for the entire family including the Gondola Wheel, Kite Flyer, Bumper Cars, Ye Olde Mill, Sky Skater and Music Express. Rides that have suggested parental discretion include The Flying Witch, House of Mirrors and the Zombie Castle. Be sure to take a spin on the Grand Carousel, a 1915 Mangels-Carmel merry-go-round that predates Playland and has four rows with 48 jumpers, 18 standers and three chariots. There are 21 Kiddieland Rides for little ones to choose from, including Jungle Jammin’, Crazy Submarine, Flying Dragons and the Kiddie Coaster, the oldest of five roller coasters at Playland, this one dating all the way back to 1928. The remaining roller coasters include the Dragon Coaster (from 1929 and one of roughly 100 wooden roller coasters still in operation in the United States) and three post millennium coasters: Family Flyer, Crazy Mouse and Super Flight, the latter registering a G-force of 3.3Gs. Playland features a free concert series every summer that in the past has hosted such names as Plain White T's, Bowling for Soup, Joan Jett, Lifehouse, Cyndi Lauper and Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. After a logging in hours of thrilling rides and simple pleasures, you’ll be happy that you’re staying at one of our Choice Hotels near Playland Amusement Park that let you wind down with relaxing accoutrements and welcome amenities. Find all hotels in White Plains and book a room with us today!