A Playland Opening Day With Free Parking, Free Admission, Free Rides

RYE, NY — The eve of opening day at Playland marks a countdown to a moment of triumph that many detractors predicted the county-owned amusement park might not ever see this season.

As Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins leads a gaggle of reporters through the gates of the iconic amusement park, it's clear from the smile on his face that while the 2025 season at Playland might be unusual, it will by no means be a lost season on the Long Island Sound.

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As Jenkins regaled the press with wistful memories of summer visits to the seaside amusement park in his youth, including a visit with his then future wife, the county executive expressed a deep satisfaction that new generations will be able to start making their own happy Playland memories right away.

But the county executive admits that this moment of triumph wasn't a given.

"Opening this park in time for Memorial Day Weekend wasn't easy — it took hustle. It took late nights, early mornings, and a team of county employees who refused to give anything less than 100 percent," Jenkins said. "From Public Works to Parks, from leadership to laborers — including contractors, vendors, the Westchester Children's Museum, the New York State Department of Labor and even the Governor's Office — this was truly an all-hands-on-deck operation. And even though we're not fully open yet, what you see here today is a $150 million investment in you, in our history, in our children and grandchildren. Playland, as it stands today, is a testament to what's possible when people care deeply about this place and the families who come here. And let me tell you — we are just getting started."

Opening day was seemingly put in doubt when the contractor that ran Playland walked away from the landmark park, blaming the county for failing to live up to the agreement. As the park prepares to open for the season, Jenkins had a big announcement.

Over the three-day Memorial Day Weekend, Playland visitors can take advantage of free admission, free rides, free games, free entertainment, and free parking. The park will be open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day.

While not all the rides are open, the county will be reopening attractions in sections.

This weekend, the iconic Dragon Coaster and Derby Racer will remain closed, and the area of the park that includes the Dragon Coaster has not yet opened for the season.

Although some of the thrill rides will take a little while longer to bring online, a focus was put on family entertainment. But for those thrills, five of Playland's 20 major attractions will be up and running, including two of the three newer rides.

In Kiddyland, the youngest guests can enjoy eight of the 21 rides.

Even if a number of rides won't be open in time for opening day, the park promises to still feel like the summer getaway we all know and love. Coaster the Dragon, Playland's familiar mascot, will be on hand. A live DJ will be spinning tunes and leading games for all ages. A live steel drum player will herald the start of summer at the seashore. Strolling entertainers, including jugglers and performers, will be around the corner ready to surprise and delight.

In a hopefully enduring new tradition, the Westchester Children's Museum will be on site with an interactive learning space for children and families.

The ticket window and the parking booth aren't the only places where visitors will be able to keep their pocketbooks closed. Playland's Arcade Game Room will be open for the season with most games available for free play. Plus, guests can shoot hoops at the Basketball Game area, located near the Double Shot Ride, which is also open for free play during opening weekend.

"This weekend is all about free play," Jenkins said. "Playland is so special to so many of us. To be able to welcome families for free this weekend feels special as well."