Playland Amusement Park — Attraction in Vancouver

SUGGESTIONS FROM SOMEONE WHO SPENT 7 HOURS HERE (and a ton of my childhood and teen years, at both Playland and PNE + worked 1 Summer at the PNE):

Summary: This place is so much fun! Truly had a blast - spent 7 hours with my sister and my nephews (9 and 10) running about, going on nearly every single ride (including us adults).

♿🧑🏿‍🦼🎡 Accessibility: All buildings are equipped with accessible washrooms and wheelchair access. Go to their website to learn more about their "Access 2 Program".

Call them for more info on accessibility options and rides ☺️

✨ Neurodivergent, Neurospicy & NeuroSparkle individuals: You may choose to bring noise reducing headphones 🎧 Bring a stuffy or something that makes you/them comfortable. I brought my stress-free gummies (all natural with vitamins) which helped A LOT.

✨ Dress for the weather and make the most of your day! On a hot 30°C day, don a hat and stay hydrated—water refill stations are handy. If it rains, throw on a jacket and keep having fun; just be aware that some rides might slow down or pause.

👟 This needed it's own category: Wear shoes that you'll be comfortable in for the duration of your adventure 🎢

✨ There are height restrictions on rides, please check their website for more info.

✨ Look out for specials💲 They often have special offers that you can take advantage of for Playland, PNE and Halloween. This year: Thursdays at Playland: $34 per person for all day passes for "fun" and "thrill rides" (normally $50 per person).

For my witch baddies: they also had a special for summer solstice 🔮

🎃 Spooky season at Playland can actually be quite terrifying. Everyone wears costumes 🧟

✨ If you can walk to Playland/PNE, absolutely do so.

✨ An Uber from Canada Place or Deep Cove to PNE/Playland is approx. $12

✨ I've only ever parked at playland once, and the heat cover on the windshield did almost nothing during a 32°C day. You're better off taking an Uber.

✨🔐 Lockers are available for rent, $10 for small & $15 for Large (with a 15.00 refundable deposit)

PS. the keys 🗝️ are finicky

✨ Check for rides that are closed the day you're thinking of going.

✨ Lines are pretty decent, we got on most rides nearly instantly.

🎢 Go on the popular rides as soon as they open to avoid long waits.

⚡ They have Rapid Passes available, some of the popular rides.

🎃 Some attractions aren't included in your fair, like the haunted house.

🐻🐍 All the games cost extra. Did you know if you really want a stuffie, you could just buy one instead of playing the games? 😱

✨ Clean drinking fountains are accessible near the Haunted House and The Beast ride.

✨ During allowed re-entry (check the rules/FAQ), I HIGHLY suggest walking 2 blocks to Blowfish for some sushi. Not only will your pockets like it, but your bellies will too.

🍟 Note: my sister and her kids have been multiple times this year. Last time they went they decided to order a burger and fries for each of the kids and her as well, it came out to $70.

SPLURGE ON THE ENTRANCE FEE and the attractions, not the food for Playland.

🙌 You'll need your wristband / stamp to re-enter the park.

💥 I haven't been to PNE in a while, however, my suggestion from family who has gone last year, and the year previously: ENSURE you have ride tickets, once their sold out, you'll only be left with the attractions/shows.

✨ Bring a battery pack for your phone.

✨ If you're coming from Vancouver Island, check in with your energy levels. I was totally fine going out there in the morning, doing 7 hours at playland and then taking the Hullo ferry home. I was pooped but...

PNE Fair usually happens mid-to-late August, and ends in early September, usually on Labour Day. For the past few years, they are closed on Mondays due to lack of attendance in past fairs.

There are many ways in saving for admission. They do offer free admission days (X2 days), library day (show a valid library card), VanCity members (show your VanCity Credit Union card) and so on. Just check PNE.ca for deals.

Parking is $20 unless you want to pay the little old ladies hawking parking spots on their properties. Transit is also good too. Free parking is available, just have to look for them about several blocks away (just make sure you pay attention to the street signs, or else pay $150 parking fine!)

Games? Different games offer different prizes. Maybe I didn't notice in previous years, but the smaller kid games is guaranteed a prize. More or less, you are paying for the stuff animal. So, $5 gets a small prize to $20 get you a jumbo one. I think this is such a smart move on the PNE Fair, cuz it's a money grabber but also, encourage kids to play!?

My game that I play is whack-a-mole. Scored 2 jumbo stuffed animals for $10, but you need at least 9-11 players.

Food? Beer? Drinks? Always expensive. The mini donuts have gone up in price this year. It 1 bag $5, 2 for $10 or 3 for $13. In 2018, it was 3 bags for $10! I guess oil has gone up! But, overall, it's the experience.

Marketplace? What amazes me is people go nuts for the steam mops, air coolers, chair massagers.

Toon City? A different children experience. My kids highlight of the day. The dancers were awesome especially this one lone guy. Then another show on the Super Academy. Very eventful.

Barn yard: same thing every year, barn animals, discovery kids tour to horse riding, blacksmith show and so on. So thankful for the sinks to wash those hands!?

Rides? I can't say much on this, as my kids a bit young for them. Sure, they got children rides, but it's super pack. I would rather come during Playland when it's quieter and shorter lines!?

Arcade? It's gone. Boarded up and the main entrance is block by the how strong you can hit game.

Dog show? The stroller parking is crazy. Great to park it, crazy after the show. The staging area is now 3/4 the ice rink. Which means less seats. White Spot is in the Coliseum, so you can eat in an air condition seating area!

Concerts? Two concerts. The paid one vs the free ones. The paid ones reserved seats vs general admission) happens at 830pm, namely a past headliner. This year's headliner were Billy Idol, Smokey Robinson, Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer, TLC (although, Lisa Lopez passed away, so it's only TC), etc. The free ones are basically bands playing radio hits. Not bad actually. Either case, you can find a spot and guarantee you can enjoy the music still.

One thing I did notice for 2019 is the PNE has upgraded it's fairgrounds. How? New blacktop among some of the rides, newer looking amusement games. PNE is amazing at night with the games and rides shining through.

Before I go, and I always wanted to work at the PNE so I can say, "win a house, win a car, get your...

Our family day at Playland Amusement Park turned unexpectedly stressful when my young daughter suddenly fainted, overcome by exhaustion and the excitement. What could have been a truly frightening experience, however, was transformed into a profound demonstration of human kindness and professional excellence thanks to the absolutely wonderful, caring, and efficient staff at Playland. From the moment my daughter needed help, the Playland team sprang into action with incredible speed, compassion, and competence.

Immediate Response: Within moments of her fainting, nearby ride attendants noticed and rushed over. They were calm, clear-headed, and took immediate control of the situation, ensuring her safety and clearing a space around her.

Emergency Staff Excellence: Playland's dedicated emergency/medical team arrived incredibly quickly. They were utterly fantastic – professional, gentle, and incredibly reassuring. They assessed my daughter thoroughly, monitored her vitals, and provided immediate care with the utmost kindness and patience. Their calm demeanor instantly put both my daughter and us, her terrified parents, at ease.

Unwavering Support & Comfort: Throughout the entire episode, every single staff member involved – from the first responders to the security personnel who assisted – treated us with the utmost dignity, compassion, and support. They constantly reassured us, explained everything they were doing, and focused entirely on my daughter's comfort and well-being. They provided water, found a quiet, shaded spot for her to recover, and never rushed us.

Going the Extra Mile: Their care didn't stop once she was stable. They checked in repeatedly, offered further assistance if needed, and ensured we felt completely supported before we moved on. They treated my daughter not just as a guest, but as someone they genuinely cared about.

This experience, while scary at the outset, left us feeling incredibly grateful and deeply impressed.

Playland Amusement Park isn't just about thrilling rides and fun games; it's about the exceptional people who make it run. Their training, their genuine empathy, and their commitment to guest safety and well-being are truly outstanding.

To the Playland Operations Staff and especially the incredible Emergency Response Team:Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

You handled a difficult situation with grace, professionalism, and profound kindness. You turned a moment of panic into one where we felt safe, supported, and deeply cared for. You are the true heroes of Playland, and you absolutely deserve recognition for the wonderful...