Palace Playland 2026: Old Orchard Beach Amusement Park Guide

There is something undeniably nostalgic about Palace Playland. Since 1902, this five-acre amusement park has been thrilling visitors at Old Orchard Beach, making it one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the United States. It is the only amusement park in New England located directly on the beach.

Sitting at the center of the Old Orchard Beach (OOB) pier district, it is a mix of modern thrill rides, classic carnival games, and the smell of Pier Fries. With 28 rides, Maine’s largest arcade, and the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, Palace Playland delivers a quintessential summer experience that has been drawing families for over a century.

History

Palace Playland has stood on this stretch of beach since 1902, evolving from a simple boardwalk attraction into a full-fledged amusement park. Through the decades, it has survived fires, hurricanes, and changing tastes, always reinventing itself while keeping the nostalgic spirit alive. The park continues to add new attractions each season while maintaining its classic charm.

The Vibe

Palace Playland is an open-gate park, which means the experience is accessible to everyone.

No Entrance Fee: You don’t pay to get in. You can wander through, buy some popcorn, and watch the rides without spending a dime on tickets.
Pay to Ride: You buy a “Pass Card” and load it with credits, or buy an unlimited ride wristband for the day.
Season Passes: For frequent visitors, season passes offer unlimited access to all rides from open to close, any day of the season.
Weekday Discounts: New for 2025, discounted Day Passes are available on weekdays (excluding May 26th, July 4th, and September 1st).

The Rides

Palace Playland offers 28 rides spanning thrill rides, family attractions, and kiddie rides.

Thrill Rides

The Electra Wheel A modern LED-lit Ferris wheel that dominates the Old Orchard Beach skyline at over 70 feet tall.

The View: From the top, you can see the entire 7-mile stretch of beach and the Portland skyline in the distance.
At Night: The light show on the wheel is spectacular and reflects off the ocean.

The Sea Viper A compact roller coaster that whips you around tight turns right next to the sand. It replaced the legendary (and bumpy) Galaxi coaster in recent years.

The Galaxi The park’s original roller coaster, which has been delighting riders for decades with its classic steel coaster experience.

The Orient Express A compact, spinning coaster that’s perfect for riders looking for thrills without extreme height.

Adrenalin For those seeking an intense experience, this ride delivers serious G-forces.

Wind Surfer (New for 2025) A glider ride that lifts you 30 feet into the air as you reach for the clouds and enjoy panoramic views of the beach and ocean below.

Family Favorites

The Chance Menagerie Carousel A beautifully maintained classic carousel featuring hand-painted animals, perfect for riders of all ages.

Dizzy Dragon A spinning dragon ride that’s a hit with the younger crowd.

Winky the Whale One of several gentle rides designed for the park’s youngest visitors.

The Arcade

One of the largest arcades in Maine and a rainy-day savior for parents. It has everything from vintage Skee-Ball to high-end VR simulators, plus countless games where you can win prizes. The arcade is air-conditioned and offers a welcome break from the summer heat.

Thursday Night Fireworks

Every Thursday night in the summer (and usually July 4th), OOB launches fireworks directly off the beach in front of the park. This is one of the highlights of the summer season.

The Best Seat: On the rides! Timing your ride on the Ferris Wheel or the Swing Ride during the fireworks is a magical experience.
Arrive Early: The area gets very crowded on fireworks nights. Secure your spot by early evening.

Park Hours

Palace Playland’s schedule varies throughout the season:

Weekdays: Rides often don’t open until 4 PM, though the arcade and midway may open earlier.
Weekends: Usually have earlier openings, often by noon.
Peak Season (July-August): Extended hours with earlier openings and later closings.
Check Ahead: Hours change frequently, so always verify on the official website before visiting.

Tips for Visiting

Pier Fries: You are legally obligated (not really, but practically) to get a box of Pier Fries from the stand next door. Vinegar and salt are the standard toppings. The smell alone is iconic.
Unlimited Wristbands: If you plan to ride more than 5-6 rides, the unlimited wristband is typically the better value.
Weekday Visits: Less crowded and now discounted for 2025.
Safety: OOB is busy and chaotic in the summer. Agree on a meeting point with your kids (like “in front of the carousel”) in case you get separated.
Parking: Is expensive and difficult. If you are staying in town, walk. If driving in, prepare to pay $20+ for a lot. Street parking is nearly impossible to find during peak season.
Beach Combo: Many families combine a morning at the beach with an afternoon/evening at the park.
Rain Plan: The arcade is your friend if weather doesn’t cooperate.

Beyond the Park

Old Orchard Beach itself offers plenty to explore:

The Pier: Extends 500 feet into the ocean with shops, food, and views.
The Beach: Seven miles of sandy shoreline, one of the longest in Maine.
Downtown OOB: Shops, restaurants, and summer nightlife along the main strip.
Other Attractions: Mini golf, go-karts, and other seasonal entertainment throughout town.

Getting There

Location: 1 Old Orchard St, Old Orchard Beach, Maine

From Portland: About 15 minutes south via I-95 and Route 1.

From Boston: About 90 minutes north via I-95.

Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day, with limited operations on shoulder weekends.

Palace Playland is more than just an amusement park. It is a tradition, a slice of Americana, and a reminder that the simple pleasures of rides, games, and fried food on the beach never go out of style.