Located on the shores of the Long Island Sound, Rye Playland in Rye, NY, has been an area staple since 1927 and is even part of the National Register of Historic Places. Also referred to as just Playland, this unique Art-Deco style amusement park sits on 280 acres and features ice rinks, an Olympic-size pool, various restaurants and concession stands, and, of course, thrilling rides – seven of which pre-date 1930! Just a 15-minute drive from the Stanton House Inn, guests can visit this historic amusement park and enjoy live entertainment, scenic waterfront views, and the wonderful nostalgia of childhood at Rye Playland.
What You’ll See at Rye Playland in Rye, NY
1. World-Famous Rides
Rye Playland’s most iconic attraction is The Dragon Coaster, a wooden roller coaster that opened in 1929. The coaster has approximately 3,400 feet of track, with a tunnel that looks like the body of a dragon and an opening that resembles a dragon’s mouth. The dragon has eyes that light up, and it blows steam from its nostrils. Today, The Dragon Coaster is one of only 100 wooden roller coasters still in operation in the United States.
Another must-see attraction is the Grand Carousel, a 1915 Mangels-Carmel carousel that has a rare band organ inside of it. It was originally located in New Haven, Connecticut, and was moved to Playland when the park opened in 1927. The carousel’s horses feature beautifully painted, hand-carved designs, as well as unique traits like inlaid gemstones.
2. Awesome Fireworks
If you’re visiting Rye Playland this summer, be sure to check the fireworks schedule and watch the beautiful display of colors and sound! Every Friday at 9:15 PM beginning July 1st, the park offers spectacular fireworks shows that are choreographed to music. There is also a special holiday display on July 3rd & 4th, and the final show of the season takes place on September 2nd.
3. Exciting Entertainment
Rye Playland also features entertainment performances on its main stage, located on the north side of the park. Guests can enjoy everything from circus acts and magicians to dance shows and musicals, as well as a variety of strolling entertainment like kids dance and singing shows, costumed characters, and drum acts that occur multiple times a day. Every summer, music lovers can enjoy a free concert series with performances that are usually on Thursday and Friday nights in July and August.
Come Home to the Stanton House Inn!
When planning your visit to Rye Playland in Rye, NY, be sure to download a park map, then book your stay at our Greenwich bed and breakfast! Our inn is centrally located between Rye and Stamford, CT, and offers convenience, comfort, and some much-needed peace and quiet. After a wonderful day at the park, you can come home to one of our beautiful rooms or suites and rest up, then enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast the next morning that will get you fueled up for another day of fun. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
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