Playland Park will open for the season on Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, 2026 followed by a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 23. The Westchester County Parks Department scambled to open Playland in 2025 after the private operator Standard Amusements exited its Playland contract in January. The County successfully opened the park last summer but only ever had about half of the rides operating.
Since last season, a new Friends of Rye Playland group has been established, run by Robin Latimer, the wife of NY-16 Congressman George Latimer. And Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins was made assurances that the Dragon Coaster will be fully renovated and open for the 2026 season.
See: Friends of Rye Playland Meet to Plan Park’s Revival and Outline Their Mission
“Westchester County invested close to $150 million into capital projects to restore the historic beauty of the park as it is the true backbone of the park,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “For generations, Playland has been a place where families come together, where childhood memories are made, and where traditions are passed down year after year. This investment is about more than restoring rides and infrastructure, it’s about protecting the history, the character and the spirit that make Playland so special. We are proud to serve as stewards of this iconic destination, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to bring joy, connection and lasting memories to families for generations to come.”
“Westchester County has operated Playland for close to 100 years and understands what it takes to successfully operate an amusement park,” said Commissioner of the Westchester County Parks Department Kathy O’Connor. “From taking care of the rides during the season and in the winter, to identifying and ordering parts, staffing and so much more, we are committed to bringing Playland Park to the community for generations to come.”
Park, Beach and Pool Hours for 2026
Think of Playland’s season in three phases:
May–Mid June: “Preview mode” — weekends and shorter hours
Late June–August: “Full summer” — daily, predictable, peak experience
September: “Final stretch” — scaled-back, mostly weekends
Playland Park
May (Pre-Season)
Playland opens in mid-May with limited, mostly weekend hours. Expect shorter days — typically 12pm to 7pm–10pm — with Memorial Day marking the first full holiday push.
June (Transition Month)
Early June remains selective, but by mid-month (around Juneteenth), hours expand significantly. By late June, the park is open most days, with 10am–10pm-type summer hours beginning to take hold.
July & August (Full Summer Mode)
This is peak Playland. If you’re planning a classic Playland day — rides, boardwalk, fireworks — this is your window.
- Open daily
- Typical hours range from 11am or 12pm through 9pm–10pm
- Extended hours for holidays (e.g., July 4th runs later)
September (Wind-Down)
After Labor Day, the park shifts back to limited weekend operations, with shorter hours and fewer open days.
Beach and Pool
Late May (Soft Opening)
- Beach begins limited operations around Memorial Day weekend
- Hours typically 11am–6:30pm
June (Selective Weekends shifting to Daily)
- Early June: mostly weekends
- Late June: transitions to daily beach and pool access
July & August (Peak Season). This is the most reliable stretch for families planning full beach/pool days.
- Open daily
- Consistent hours: 11am–6:30pm
- Both beach and pool are generally available most days
Early September (Final Days)
- Limited operations around Labor Day
- Then the season wraps-up
read: Full Playland park schedule 2026
read: Full Playland beach and pool schedule 2026
