Playland: an old-fashioned boardwalk worth revisiting

Playland has so much to look at, do and eat. The beautifully maintained boardwalk feels like stepping into another era. Our visit was busy enough that we skipped the rides, but I would absolutely go back to try them on a different day.

Boardwalk Food options Busy when we went Return trip planned

Wide seaside boardwalk at Rye Playland under a dramatic sky

Our visitWalked and explored

RidesSkipped them because it was busy

What stood outThe boardwalk and waterfront

Next timeTry a less busy day

Plenty to enjoy without a ride

We spent our time taking in the boardwalk, water and lively atmosphere. The whole place is well maintained, with food and things to see around us. It felt like a worthwhile visit even though we never got on a ride.

What I would change

It was very busy on our day, so we decided not to tackle ride lines with Isamu. I want to return when it is quieter and see whether we can enjoy some of the rides too. Crowds can make the same destination a very different outing.

Liz and Isamu outside the historic Playland Baths building — A little Playland history along the way.

Waterfront promenade and beach buildings at Playland — So much to see beside the water.

Isamu being carried along Playland's colorful walkway — Taking it all in together.

Isamu standing on the boardwalk with the beach beyond — Boardwalk time was enough for this visit.

Bottom line for autism families

A ride-free Playland visit can still be fun, but ours was busy. If lines and crowds are hard for your child, give yourself permission to enjoy the boardwalk and come back for rides another day. We visited nearby Marshlands Conservancy on a separate outing.

Check Playland details ↗