Playland Announces New Historical Ferry Tour
August is officially here, and families can start marking their calendars for a fun, family-friendly event at Playland that’ll be the perfect way to close out summer. Playland will offer a unique ferry experience you’ll want to add to your summer bucket list. We have all the details below on this summer experience that families won’t want to miss.
Be sure to check out 10 Free Things to Do in Westchester.
Playland Ferry Tour
One of the reasons we love living in Westchester is the opportunity to be surrounded by breathtaking views on a daily basis. Playland is one of those special places where families can enjoy a day full of fun and even some moments of peace by the water. Families will now get to take in the spectacular Westchester views while experiencing this all-new local ferry tour to Mamorneck along Westchester’s Sound Shore.
Playland is inviting families to embark on a captivating journey with Barbara Davis, the esteemed Co-Director of the Westchester County Historical Society and the City Historian for New Rochelle. With her expertise and years of experience as the former proprietor of “Waterfront Tours,” you’ll delve into a rich tapestry of local history.
On this tour, families will learn about the childhood home of John Jay, the inaugural chief justice of the Supreme Court, and discover one of America’s earliest film studios, once owned by the pioneering D.W. Griffith. While aboard, relish the cool breezes and feast your eyes on breathtaking panoramic views of the Long Island Sound.
Explore the historic sites and significant eras of Westchester’s history, from the humble colonial mills and the secretive hideouts of whale boatmen to the opulent yacht clubs, elegant Gilded Age mansions, and the birth of the earliest suburbs in the nation.
The roundtrip tours will be conducted by the NY Waterway and will take place on August 17th and August 31st. Two departures from Playland Pier will be scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on each day, with boarding beginning 15 minutes before departure. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at playland.com.
On both dates, Playland’s regular ferry service from New York City will be in operation. The ferry will make stops at East 34th and 90th Streets in Manhattan and Ferry Point in the Bronx before reaching Playland. To view the complete roundtrip ferry schedule and purchase tickets, visit playlandpark.connectngo.com.
Upcoming Special Programming in Playland
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, along with her baby duckling Timmy, is returning to Playland in Westchester County from August 16th to August 18th. During the final weeks of summer vacation, this six-story-high spectacle will offer a unique photo opportunity and family fun for visitors. This spectacle drew thousands of visitors in 2023 and continues to spread joy worldwide.
Evonne Keeler, Chief Executive Officer of Playland, said, “We are thrilled to feature the Big Duck for our 2nd Annual Duck Days of Summer at Rye Beach. Mama Duck brings her oversized love and joy around the world, and we are excited to have her swim up the Long Island Sound to Playland. All weekend, we will feature fun games, give-a-ways, photo ops, fireworks, and live music.“
The park is offering a summer packed with fun and excitement for the whole family. In addition to playing host to the World’s Largest Duck, the park features an array of activities. Families can experience the timeless thrill of the Dragon Coaster, which recently celebrated its 95th birthday!
Families can also enjoy outdoor summer concerts presented by The Capitol Theatre and stunning fireworks displays on Friday and Saturday evenings. Playland’s programming for the last leg of summer is packed with activities for all families to enjoy, and you won’t want to miss a thing. Be sure to end summer right and head to Playland before the season is over.