On a recent trip to Rye Playland, we spotted many Spanish-speaking families and thoroughly enjoyed experiencing a true American amusement park; what follows here is our opinion only.
Playland (also known as Rye Playland) is one of the only government owned amusement parks in the United States (source:wikipedia). Located in Rye New York along the Long Island Sound, Playland features a scenic waterfront park, boardwalk, entertainment, food, paddle boats,Kiddyland, Family and Thrill Rides, and an Ice Casino; Fireworks choreographed to music are a unique event held on specific days (not everyday). Playland offers special deals on certain nights and holidays, check the Playland website for current updated information on this topic. Playland is a great amusement park for families– its size is perfect (not too small but not too big to be overwhelming), it has a scenic park, nice atmosphere and good variety of rides, plus it’s conveniently located off Interstate 95. If you plan to go via public transportation, Metro-North offers a Getaway package that includes admission to the park, visit MTA Getaways for full details. The park can get a bit crowded, so be prepared for long lines at the entrance, especially when there’s good weather; visitors purchase a wristband prior to entry into the amusement park but Season Passes are also available. Try to go with more than one person, so one adult can wait on line and have the rest of the group return once they’ve reached the front of the line. Travel light, there are restrictions on what is permitted in the park and on the rides. The food choices inside the park include Burger King, Fried Chicken, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy and other delicious treats (for more info see Playland’s list of restaurants). While kids may love fast food, there is a paucity of options for families who are on Gluten-restricted diets, diabetic and/or who simply would prefer to have a few more organic menu options. As a counterargument, one could suggest bringing along your own food, but busy parents may forget and kids often like to try what their peers are eating. From a Latina point of view, it’s clear that the food options cater to American tastes, and there is a lack of authentic Latin food choices, surprising given the number of Spanish-speaking families who frequent Playland. Personally, I would like to see a Taco truck with organic food on the menu as well as healthful drinks, more water, and less soda and candy. Overall, though, Playland is a fun park for both children and adults and a great place to enjoy summertime entertainment, fireworks, music, and a pleasant stroll along the Boardwalk.