A pilgrimage to Rye Playland is a rite of passage for Westchesterites, but for a change of pace, there are a handful of drive-worthy rides and amusement park attractions just a stone’s throw away.
Lake Compounce
Bristol
North America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park is over 175 years old. Guests can ride all of the park’s scream-inducing thrill rides (attempt the wooden Boulder Dash coaster or the Storm Surge lighthouse slide, if you dare), classic kiddie rides, and heat-quenching water slides and rides.
Crocodile Park Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. through September 2
General Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission: $49.99 for single-day ticket + meal combo; $34 for single-day ticket
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The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark
Monticello
On days when the UV index is too much for even the beach or pool, or when rain is in the forecast, this vast indoor water park (open year-round) is your best bet for one-upping Mother Nature and raising the mood. Twisty pool slides, an indoor river, ropes course, zipline, and laser tag will wear out the kiddos for the ride home. A heated indoor and outdoor pool may put the grown-ups into nap mode, too, so think about a suite in the 324-room lodge.
Waterpark Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Arcade Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Attraction Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission: $35 for half-day splash pass; $49 for full-day splash pass; $120 for half day four-pack; $169 for family four-pack; discount for Sullivan County residents, military, veterans, first responders, and public safety, residents of Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester, and seniors
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LEGOLAND
Goshen
“Everything is awesome” (mainly for kids two to 12) at this amusement park, open for the season with its brick-themed kiddie rides, kid-powered vehicles, LEGO-centric movies, and endless opportunities to create, build, learn, and play. The seven themed areas — Brick Street, Bricktopia, Lego City, Lego Castle, Lego Ninjago World, Miniland, and Pirateland — are surefire imagination starters.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: $29 for child price; $59 for adult price; $54 for one-day theme park ticket
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Rye Playland
Rye
The county’s pride and joy, Playland has been delighting families since 1928 with rides and carnival games galore. Famous for its riproarin’ Dragon Coaster (celebrating 95 years), towering Ferris wheel, old-timey kiddie rides, and sweet Sound Shore breezes, the iconic park is also home to the carousel and derby racer — both on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hours: Monday, 3:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, 12-9 p.m. Wednesday, 3:30-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission: $39.99 for general admission and ride pass; $29.99 for junior admission and ride pass; $150 for all-access season pass. Free entry for children two years old and under
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For a Sandy Switcheroo…
You’d have to be living under a rock to be unaware of all that the beaches of Playland and Glen Island have to offer, but depending on where you live, they may not be your go-to spot for cooling down and soaking up some rays. Consider these geographically diverse beaches for your next sandy-toe day.
Croton Point Park
Croton-on-Hudson
Lower Westchester sun worshippers who long to dip their toes in the cool waters of the Hudson should check out this oasis-like 508-acre park, where the sandy beach is complete with watchful lifeguards and tranquil river scenes.
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission: $5 for daily with park pass; $10 without park pass; $1 for seniors Monday-Friday; $50 for buses; $20 for minibuses
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Hudson Park & Beach
New Rochelle
North-county beachgoers curious about the shores of Long Island Sound ought to consider this lesser known sandy spot for swimming, sunbathing, or unleashing their inner child on the grassy recreation area and playground.
Hours: Open weekends only in June, then daily June 25 through Labor Day from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Free beach access; $40 for park passport fees
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Related: This Hudson Valley Pass Is Your Key to Summer Fun in Westchester