How much does Palace Playland cost?

Getting in is free - you pay for rides. A Day Pass covers unlimited rides: $52.50 (over 48" tall) or $44.00 (under 48") on weekdays, and $54.50 / $46.00 on weekends and holidays. A season pass is $188. Day passes are sold in person at the ticket booths only, not online. If you would rather pay per ride, load credits onto a Rechargeable Card.

What are Palace Playland's hours?

Opening times change day to day - the park's calendar shows openings as early as 9 AM and as late as 5 PM depending on the date. There is no set closing time; the park states it closes based on weather and attendance. Check the Park Hours calendar for the day you are going.

Is Palace Playland open in 2026?

Yes. The park runs a summer season, roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a reduced schedule at either end. Because the daily schedule varies, check the park's Park Hours calendar rather than assuming a fixed pattern.

Does Palace Playland have fireworks?

Yes. Fireworks launch at 9:20 PM on scheduled nights, which the park marks with a star on its Park Hours calendar. Check the calendar for the dates during your visit - fireworks nights draw big crowds.

Where do you park for Palace Playland?

The park does not run its own lot. You will be using private lots and town parking in Old Orchard Beach, which fill up and get expensive in peak season. Street parking is nearly impossible in summer. If you are staying in town, walk.

Palace Playland 2026: Old Orchard Beach Amusement Park Guide in Maine

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 load credits onto a Rechargeable Card and spend them on rides, midway games, and the arcade, or buy an unlimited-ride Day Pass.
Season Passes: $188 for a photo-ID season pass, giving unlimited 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 publishes a day-by-day calendar rather than fixed weekly hours, and the arcade and rides run on separate schedules.

Openings vary widely: The park’s own calendar legend lists opening times of 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, noon, 4 PM, and 5 PM depending on the date.
No set closing time: In the park’s words, closing “is based strictly on weather and attendance.” Do not plan around a fixed closing hour.
Fireworks nights: Marked with a star on the calendar, launching at 9:20 PM.
Check the actual date: Because openings swing from 9 AM to 5 PM, look up the specific day you’re going on the Park Hours calendar.

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.
Day Pass vs. credits: A Day Pass is $52.50 on weekdays and $54.50 on weekends for anyone over 48” tall ($44.00 / $46.00 under 48”). If you only plan on a handful of rides, loading credits onto a Rechargeable Card costs less. Note that Day Passes are sold at the ticket booths in person, not online.
Weekday visits: Less crowded, and $2 cheaper per Day Pass.
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: The park has no lot of its own, so you’re relying on private lots and town parking, which are expensive and fill early in peak season. If you are staying in town, walk. Street parking is nearly impossible to find in summer.
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.

Confirm before you go: Pass prices and the daily schedule change each season. Current figures are on the park’s Buy Tickets and Park Hours pages.

Season: A summer season running roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day, with a reduced schedule at either end. Confirm your date on the Park Hours calendar.

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.