10 New York Amusement Parks to Visit This Summer [List]
As we get ready for summer and mass vaccinations, New Yorkers will finally be able to get out and enjoy some fun with family and friends like we did in the before times. I'm sure we'll still have to wear masks and hopefully socially distancing will still be a thing (I like my space), but hopefully, by June or July, we will be able to enjoy regular New York summer activities, like going to amusement parks. If you and the fam are up for a daycation or a weekend trip, there are some really great amusement parks around the state. With it only taking five to six hours to get across the state by car (depending on where you are headed), you can pack up the fam or your crazy friends and dedicate a weekend to spending some quality time on a couple or a dozen rollercoasters. Some of these parks also have a water park, although it's not clear how COVID-19 restrictions will affect water parks.
Six Flags Darien Lake is one amusement park I've enjoyed going to while living in Western New York. I actually spent the weekend "glamping" at one of their cabins in their campgrounds. It was awesome. We spent all day at the park and then we were able to walk right back to our cabin. I was surprised how comfortable it was, keep in mind, I am not the camping type. I can't wait until they start hosting concerts again. That was always a great time.
Anywho, check out the list below (and videos, when I could find them). I've included COVID-19 information from some of the parks' websites. Some of the parks have already reopened in some capacity. I'm not sure how soon parks will open and what capacity, regulations, etc. they may have, but bookmark this list for the days when they are open again.
Six Flags Darien Lake
9993 Alleghany Rd, Corfu, NY 14036Darien Lake reopens May 21, 2020, according to its website,
Six Flags’ comprehensive reopening plan, which the company developed in consultation with epidemiologists, meets or exceeds federal, state, and local guidelines for sanitization, hygiene, and social distancing protocols. Park reopening dates are subject to change based on local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19.
Video credit: Six Flags Darien Lake via Youtube
Seabreeze Amusement Park
4600 Culver Road Rochester, NY 14622-1399When you arrive at the park, you’ll be required to complete a wellness check and acquaint yourself with our COVID-19 rules. Once inside the park, you’ll find hand sanitizing stations, social distance markers, face mask requirements, protective barriers, and an array of signs to help guide you through your day. Rest assured, your safety is our #1 priority! ~ Seabreeze Amusement Park
Video credit: SeabreezePark via Youtube
Playland Park
1 Playland Pkwy Rye, NY 10580Playland Park doesn't have any COVID-19 or opening information on its website. You can call its general information number to try to get more details (914) 813-7010.
Video credit: CoasterForce via Youtube
The Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor
1172 Route 9 Queensbury, NY 12804According to its website, The Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor opens May 1, 2021,
Six Flags’ comprehensive reopening plan, which the company developed in consultation with epidemiologists, meets or exceeds federal, state, and local guidelines for sanitization, hygiene, and social distancing protocols. Park reopening dates are subject to change based on local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19.
Video credit: Thrill Source via Youtube
Santa's Workshop
324 Whiteface Memorial Hwy North Pole, NY 12946Admission tickets will be required to be purchased ONLINE only and face coverings will be required. In order to maintain social distancing, capacity has been reduced. Amusement rides are not permitted to operate in New York State and all buildings will be restricted to 50% of maximum capacity. ~ Santa's Workshop
Video credit: Lake Placid Center for the Arts via Youtube
Midway State Park
4859 Rt. 430 Maple Springs, NY 14712Its website doesn't have any information about COVID restrictions, so you can call for more details (716) 386-3165.
Video credit: WKBW TV | Buffalo, NY via Youtube
Enchanted Forest Water Safari
3183 Rte 28 Old Forge, NY 13420There is no COVID-19 restriction on its website, so you can call 315-369-6145 for more details.
Video credit: Enchanted Forest Water Safari via Youtube
Adventureland
2245 Route 110 Farmingdale, NY 11735Adventure Land's website says its opening day is April 10, 2021. Here are some of the COVID-19 precautions,
-Face masks will be required for all guests 2+ years old
-Social distancing on all lines and rides
-Over 50 sanitizing stations throughout the park
-Prior to park opening, all surfaces, rides, and games will
be sanitized
-Disinfecting of rides and high touch areas frequently
throughout the dayVideo credit: LIAdventureland via Youtube
Coney Island & Amusement Park
1208 Surf Ave Brooklyn, NY 11224According to Coney Island's website,
While the pandemic is stopping our “real world” activities for now, we are happy to announce that we have a big slate of online programming currently available, or in production. Our hope is that our efforts can bring a little Coney Island style joy to what otherwise can be a bleak time.
Video credit: Theme Park Review via Youtube
Chuckster’s Family Fun Park
1915 Vestal Parkway West Vestal, NY 13850Chuckster's website says it's opening in April 2021 but doesn't give an exact date.
Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit. The CDC advises that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from Coronavirus. Guests should evaluate their own risk in determining whether to attend. ~ Chuckster
Video credit: WBNG 12 Creative Department via Youtube