Palace Playland Old Orchard Beach
New England's only beachfront amusement park, offering classic rides, arcade games, and carnival food with ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rides open earlier
Palace Playland Old Orchard Beach
Best Time
Rides open earlier
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New England's only beachfront amusement park, offering classic rides, arcade games, and carnival food with ocean views.
"This is what summer's supposed to feel like. Old-school fun on the coast of Maine."
🎯 All-Day Pass Value
If you plan on riding multiple attractions, an all-day pass offers the best value for unlimited rides.
💰 Reloadable Credits
Credits for games and rides never expire and can be shared. Great for families!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ferris Wheel Views
Beachfront
Soar above Old Orchard Beach for stunning ocean vistas, especially magical at sunset.
Sea Viper Roller Coaster
Amusement Park
Experience thrilling drops and turns on this classic beachside roller coaster.
Arcade & Midway Games
Amusement Park
Test your skills and win prizes at a vast arcade with classic and modern games.
Classic Carnival Eats
Throughout the park
Indulge in iconic boardwalk treats like pier fries and other sweet and savory delights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 All-Day Pass Value
If you plan on riding multiple attractions, an all-day pass offers the best value for unlimited rides.
💰 Reloadable Credits
Credits for games and rides never expire and can be shared. Great for families!
🍟 Don't Miss Pier Fries
A classic Old Orchard Beach treat! Perfect for a budget-friendly snack.
🌅 Sunset Ferris Wheel
Ride the Ferris wheel at sunset for breathtaking views of the ocean and beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 All-Day Pass Value
If you plan on riding multiple attractions, an all-day pass offers the best value for unlimited rides.
💰 Reloadable Credits
Credits for games and rides never expire and can be shared. Great for families!
🍟 Don't Miss Pier Fries
A classic Old Orchard Beach treat! Perfect for a budget-friendly snack.
🌅 Sunset Ferris Wheel
Ride the Ferris wheel at sunset for breathtaking views of the ocean and beach.
⏰ Check Ride Hours
Weekday ride hours often start at 4 PM. Plan accordingly to maximize your time.
📏 Height Requirements
Be aware of height restrictions for rides, especially for younger children.
🎆 Thursday Fireworks
Enjoy spectacular fireworks displays on Thursday nights during the summer season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Palace Playland is a beloved beachfront amusement park offering classic seaside fun with a variety of rides, games, and arcade attractions. Visitors praise its unique location, nostalgic atmosphere, and the stunning views from the Ferris wheel, especially at sunset. While some find the cost of rides and games to be high, many agree that an all-day pass or reloadable credits offer good value for a fun-filled day. The park's evening ambiance and occasional fireworks add to its charm.
"Fun little amusement park by the beach. Large arcade, lots of carnival foods, games and rides plus a rollercoaster. Our family had a lot of fun, but money doesn't go far here. The rides are so expensive it's worth the all day pass, but the park doesn't open for rides until 4 pm weekdays so we didn't get much time out of it. The lines were short which was great, my kids were able to walk on to all of the rides on a weeknight."
Sybil M
"Palace Playland – A Jedi’s Guide to Beachside Thrills 🌊🎢✨
Strong with the Force, this seaside park is—but timing is key. Rides open around 4 PM on weekdays, earlier on weekends. Closing time? Usually after 10 PM, but crowd size and weather steer the ship.
🎟️ All-Day Pass = best value for back-to-back rides. Prefer arcades and midway trials? Reloadable credits can be used across the park—never expire, and are sharable. Bonus credits for big reloads, you’ll get.
👶👦🧔 Rides for every Jedi rank—just check height requirements before boarding your speeder. Lines mid-week? Often minimal. We visited on a Thursday and rarely waited more than one cycle.
🎇 Fireworks Thursdays at 9:45 PM (late June–mid-Aug). July 4th brings a bigger show. Best viewed from the beach—truly epic.
Ride smart, choose wisely, and always follow the glow of the midway. This is the way."
Dain Vossar (Galaxy Wanderer)
"Pretty cool place to take your kids to have a fun afternoon! Arcade and carnival games are paid for separate from rides so its gets pricey. Little kids can only ride about a dozen rides. Pretty good gf options for fast food at a few places. Beautiful views since you're right on the beach. Definitely do the ferris wheel at sunset!"
Mel Croce
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palace Playland is located directly on the beach in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. If driving, parking is available nearby, often costing around $15 for the day. It's a short walk from most parking areas to the park.
Parking can be found a few blocks from the park, and it's generally easier to find on weekday evenings. Expect to pay a fee for parking.
Yes, Palace Playland is a beachfront amusement park, so you can easily walk to it from the sandy shores of Old Orchard Beach.
Many visitors arrive by car for road trips, especially from nearby states. It's also a popular destination for camping and glamping trips. +1
While not explicitly mentioned in social media, Old Orchard Beach is a popular tourist destination, so checking local bus routes or regional transit options might be worthwhile for those without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is free, but you'll need to purchase tickets or credits for rides and games. An all-day pass for unlimited rides is a popular option, costing around $50 per person, though prices can vary.
Yes, you can buy individual ride tickets, a rechargeable card with credits, or an all-day pass for unlimited rides. Reloadable credits are sharable and never expire.
Weekday ride hours typically begin around 4 PM, while weekends usually have earlier openings. The park often stays open past 10 PM, but hours can be influenced by crowd size and weather.
Tickets can be purchased at kiosks within the park, which may be manned or self-serve. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for any online pre-purchase options.
Yes, most of the larger rides have height requirements, often around 48 inches for bigger kids. Younger or smaller children will have more restrictions on which rides they can enjoy.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Ferris wheel for stunning ocean views, especially at sunset! The Sea Viper roller coaster offers thrilling twists and turns. The Fun House is also a popular attraction for a good laugh. 
Yes, there are rides suitable for younger children, though they will have more restrictions. The arcade and carnival games are also a hit with kids of all ages.
The park features a large arcade with a variety of classic and modern video games, as well as carnival-style midway games where you can win prizes.
During the summer, fireworks displays are held on Thursday nights around 9:45 PM, offering a spectacular end to the day.
At night, the park takes on a beautiful, vibrant atmosphere with all the lights and sounds of the amusement park, making it a magical experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find classic carnival foods like pier fries, hot dogs, popcorn, and sweet treats. There are also some fast-food options available.
Some reviews mention good gluten-free options for fast food at a few places within the park.
Information on bringing outside food isn't readily available, but it's common for amusement parks to have restrictions. It's best to check their policy or plan to purchase food inside.
Pier fries are highly recommended and a must-try when visiting Old Orchard Beach.
Palace Playland focuses more on quick-service carnival and fast food options rather than traditional sit-down restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ferris wheel offers fantastic panoramic shots of the beach and ocean. The colorful rides and arcade provide vibrant backdrops. Consider the Fun House for quirky shots.
Yes, the unique beachside amusement park setting makes it a great location for creative photoshoots, from family portraits to themed shoots.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos, especially from the Ferris wheel. The park also has a magical glow at night.
Absolutely! Capturing the energy of the rides, like the Sea Viper roller coaster, is a popular choice for visitors.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits, so it's best to inquire if you have specific professional needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider purchasing an all-day pass if your kids are eager to ride as much as possible, as individual ride tickets can add up quickly. Alternatively, a reloadable credit card offers flexibility for a mix of rides and games. Don't forget to try the pier fries – a classic treat that kids will love! Be mindful of height restrictions for certain rides, but there are plenty of options for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of an all-day pass, opt for a reloadable credit card and set a spending limit. This allows you to control your expenses and enjoy a few rides and games. Sharing pier fries is a cost-effective and delicious way to snack. Look for deals or bonus credits when reloading your card.
couples
Stroll along the beach hand-in-hand after enjoying the park's attractions. The lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, creates a fun and memorable backdrop for a date. Consider sharing some classic carnival treats like pier fries for a quintessential boardwalk experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Beachside Amusement Park Experience
+1The atmosphere is quintessential boardwalk charm, with the sounds of arcade games, delighted screams from rides, and the smell of classic carnival food filling the air. It's a place designed for making memories, whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking for a fun afternoon with family. The park's proximity to the ocean adds a special ambiance, especially during sunset or evening hours when the lights twinkle against the darkening sky.
Visitors often highlight the park's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and simple fun. While it might not have the massive scale of larger theme parks, its charm lies in its classic rides, beachfront setting, and the overall relaxed, vacation vibe of Old Orchard Beach. It's a perfect spot for a day trip or as part of a longer Maine coastal adventure.
Navigating Tickets and Value
The all-day pass is often recommended for those who plan to spend several hours riding multiple attractions. This pass typically costs around $50 per person and grants unlimited access to all rides, which can be a significant saving if you intend to ride frequently. However, if your group prefers a mix of rides and arcade games, or if you're on a tighter budget, the reloadable credit card might be a better choice. These credits can be used for both rides and games, never expire, and can be shared among your group.
It's important to note that rides often have individual credit costs ranging from 25-35 credits, so a $50 card (around 210 credits) might cover about 6-7 rides. For families with younger children who may not meet height requirements for all rides, or for those who want to focus more on the arcade, the credit system offers flexibility. Always check the current pricing and pass options upon arrival or on their official website to make the most informed decision for your visit.
Culinary Delights on the Boardwalk
Beyond fries, you can expect to find other beloved treats such as hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and various fried dough confections. These options are ideal for grabbing on the go while enjoying the park's attractions. For those seeking slightly more substantial fast-food options, there are also a few places within or near the park that offer quicker meals.
While specific dietary information can be limited, some reviews suggest that there are decent gluten-free options available at some of the fast-food vendors. It's always a good idea to inquire directly with food stalls about ingredients if you have specific dietary needs. The overall food scene at Palace Playland is about embracing the fun, casual, and nostalgic flavors of a classic beachside amusement park.
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