Looking for a time warp back to the 1960's? Sylvan Beach amusement park is for you. Looking for a modern, high-tech, well-kept spot? Move along as this isn't it. Thankfully for me and many others, the retro vibes are what we want and this place has it in spades! The roller coaster looks old and ready to buckle, but hey what's life without a little risk? The main arcade has skee-ball that is so old, there are no 100 pockets in the corners! I love it! Several games in the arcade are not working correctly, the staff knows it, but they are super friendly in spite of that. But the real reason to come to this amusement park is.... FASCINATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sylvan Beach is one of only five or six amusement parks left in the United States that still offer this PERFECT game which combines bingo, roll-a-ball derby, and skee-ball. Go watch a Youtube video or two on Fascination Bingo and you'll be as hooked as I am. Be the first to light up five slots in a row on your grid and win redemption tickets and bragging rights! They offer bonus tickets if you light a harder line (like the center row or the back row), or if you get a double or even triple bingo. There's room for 40 players, but half of the lanes don't work as these were constructed back in the early 1900s and are close to 100 years old - so if you don't snag a lane, watch a few rounds and jump onto one when someone gets up! 50 cents per game, can you beat the price? No, you can't. The two young ladies who operate the Fascination parlor are sassy and sweet, engaging to all guests young and old, roast you beautifully if your ball gets stuck, and genuinely love their job. Bring hydration to the Fascination Parlor - there is no air conditioning and you'll be jumping and celebrating your wins - it's a hot-yoga-esque workout! Sylvan Beach has a cute snack bar with reasonably priced food and ice cream, old-school midway games, an air-gun target shooting gallery, three arcades in total, bumper cars, bumper boats, and other fun things, but Fascination is why you want to go there, so enjoy it - I'll cry when this place closes and maybe I'll buy the lanes and open up my own parlor! read more

Our Vrbo is right across the street from this amusement park. And luckily it opened the weekend we are staying here. Opening night was Saturday. We rounded up our adult children and made them come with us to check out the park. To be honest, this amusement park is far from it's prime. I'm sure back in the day when it first opened, it probably was so much more exciting and fun. The amusement park looks really run down. Some of the game stands were looking pretty sad. There were a lot of arcade type spots, some were nice and some needed some tlc. There were a few of the rides that were open and operating. Some were still down. The roller-coaster gives you some butterflies while riding it but it's still very tiny. It's about 8 bucks for a very fast ride. So, you're really paying for the core memory of the ride and not the ride itself. I can see this joint being fun for kids and teens. They don't know any better. The bright lights and arcade games is exciting for them. For my older kids who are in their early 20's, we were able to distract them with a few games for some tickets but the interest didn't last long. For a smaller amusement park, it does it's job. It would be a fun date night just to walk the beach, share a fry bread and ride the roller coaster. I'm happy I got to check it out with my little family tonight. It wasn't the most exciting but we got to share time and create some memories together hanging out at the amusement park tonight. read more

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SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD -- DO NOT BRING YOUR KIDS HERE!Avoid this place at all costs. I am completely blown away by how dangerously negligent this park is. If you care about your family's safety, stay far away.My friend and I visited and experienced a terrifying series of mechanical failures and completely checked-out staff. On the Himalaya ride, they pushed it down once, I was too worried to ask them to tighten it more because I realized it was all the way, and I wasn't able to ride with my sister. Because they forced me to ride completely ALONE on the bench seat, I had no body weight next to me to anchor myself. The ride hits crazy speeds over hills, and because the lap bar was completely broken and stuck at its highest open setting, I was literally floating into the air experiencing "zero gravity" lift. With no side gates or doors on the cart, I was sliding violently across the seat and could have easily been flung out into the metal structure.It didn't stop there. On the Tilt-A-Whirl, my sister was able to lift the heavy metal lap bar completely straight up mid-ride while the car was spinning, meaning the locking gear teeth were totally stripped. On the spinning teacup ride, they let 4-to-6-year-old children ride completely alone with zero restraints or seatbelts, on a platform that tilts heavily in mid-air.To top it off, when my sister got off the Ferris wheel screaming because every single cart was infested with spiders and webs, the operator (who looked completely unkempt and smelled) just laughed and said, "did ya see them?" He knew the bugs were in there and deliberately didn't warn her before trapping her 40 feet in the air. Oh, and the bumper boats? The operator proudly told us he "made them himself," and you can literally see open, un-shielded spinning boat propellers on the underside. If a kid fell out into that dirty water, they'd be mangled.This place is a fatal accident waiting to happen. The operators treat heavy, dangerous machinery like a backyard playground project and completely skip mandatory safety checks. Do not risk your life for this run-down dump!!! read more

Kids had an amazing time. Lots of people came with their kids. I opted to get wristbands for the kids so they could ride all day long. They loved it. read more

I've gone to Sylvan Beach my whole life, while it's gotten better there's a lot more that can be done to make this place more attractive to non- locals. For one, get rid of that nasty never working ride near the roller coaster. Add more snacks/ fair foods that people crave while at the beach. And for the love of god, someone clean up the spider webs! The town has tried to improve the area of the past years which I totally appreciate now that we own property in the area, but they just aren't drawing in crowds like I remember as a kid. Maybe that's their objective but business are struggling and nothing new is coming in. They need to redo the breakwater board walk so it's safe to walk out there. Take an example from Owasco lake. It's gorgeous, picturesque! The trees along the shore are lively, but sometimes you want something more. There used to be mini golf. I come to visit for the weekend and besides sitting at the beach, there's nothing else to do with my family. How about a canal or boat dinner cruise? Bring back the bowling alley and mini golf. Laser tag? Horseback riding? I dk!!! How about some more roof top dining? Any ways, if you go, don't expect much and you'll be fine! The views are lovely. The food in the area is fine. More than a weekend there though and you won't care to return- sorry! read more

My boyfriend and I didn't get to fully enjoy the amusement park as they have already closed for the season when we got up here the weekend. This review is simply based on our walk through. The amusement park is right near the beach. So you can easily make a day out of going to the amusement park and then ending your day relaxing on the beach. There aren't a lot of rides, it's definitely a mini/small amusement park. There's a few rides and some games. Rides definitely appear to be kid friendly, but no reason why big kids or adults can't enjoy as well. read more

It's just horrible to see what has happened to Sylvan beach and especially the amusement park. I don't know who owns the amusement park but it needs a massive overhaul. Went into the arcade, maybe four actual arcade video games and the rest were gambling machines!!!??? The beach is filthy dirty, the park is just falling apart. Sad to see the lowlife that it's attracting. Either sell the amusement park to someone who will upgrade or do it yourselves, but it's pathetic. It used to be such a fun, family friendly place. Sad. read more

I come here every year with my son and his friends and it is really a cool experience. Vintage video games as well as updated ones, classic rides, food, etc. only challenge is there isn't enough staff. You literally have to wait at rides for an operator to show up and run it. When you are paying $37 for wristband night. You want to get as many rides in as possible which can be tough when they aren't being operated regularly read more

I take my guys every year! We take advantage of cooking out with the grills. Amusement park is for the littles and the beach is the best! Tons of places to eat and we always walk the strip for ice cream and shopping before we leave. read more

Sylvan Beach Amusment Park - Ice cream - Amusement Parks Near Me - Sylvan Beach, New York

Very fun for children fun ghost torus if you go there's many things to do like fun arcades / games a grift shop a park and food

This place is simply legendary. I've been going to the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park since I was a toddler. Granted, it's not the most up-to-date facility, but that's part of the charm. If you're looking for shiny new, high-tech rides, stop reading this review and go waste your money at one of the large, corporate-owned parks. This place is both historal and fun. They still have an operational Fascination parlor, which rocks!. (There are only about 10 still open in the U.S.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascination_(game) The arcade is huge. Oh.. and check out Laffland. It's one of those old-fashioned haunted house-type-rides with wooden things that pop out. Very good vintage fun! Sure, it smells slightly musty inside.. but again, it's all part of the charm. ;-) They have other amusement park standards, like a merry-go-round, scrambler, and bumper cars. I'm only scratching the surface of the games and rides they have here. Every time I go, this park gives me goosebumps to think that several generations of folks have been frequenting this place over the years. I highly recommend it! :-) read more

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Rides are from WW1. This place is old and run down. Needs to be partially torn down and start over. Feels like I'm in an episode of The Twilight Zone!!! read more

This could be so nice....but it isn't. It's an ideal spot but it's scruffy, dirty, down at the heel with a lot of shady people around. If the local worthies would spend some money investing, then it could be wonderful. The way it is now, I can't really recommend it. Big shame. Thank you NY State. Take a lesson from Green Lake. read more

The amusement park is only so-so (older, small), but it's inexpensive and probably a good value for what you pay. 10-15 small and medium-sized rides, lots of arcade games, carnival food & friendly staff. Of course, this park is seasonal for the summer. What's really great here is the beach. Best in upstate NY in my opinion. Soft, lightly-packed sand they turn over each morning (don't sleep on the beach!) and a nice, seaweed-free swimming area. It's safe, with police officers patrolling often; it's clean, with almost no trash; and it's only about 30 minutes from Syracuse. My family has been coming here for six summers now, and will keep coming back. Very historic, 50/60's vibe. Most cottages go from 750-2000 per week's stay. For day trips, there's plenty of parking and beach space, though it can get very busy (live music, special events) on weekends. read more

Sylvan Beach Amusment Park - Sylvan Beach. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Sylvan Beach, New York

Very disappointed. Prices are to high and no discounted price for getting there later in the day. Very limited employees to operate rides so to have to wait at the ride you want to go on until the employees are available. several rides were in very poor shape and unusable. Bumper boats were usable but would quit. I felt so bad for my grandson who was so excited to go. Never ever again. Total waste of time and mainly money. Stick to the game room. That was wonderful. read more

Sylvan Beach is very nice place to come to. You must bring you carma great photo you can take and the is great restaurants you can go to have a great meal so if you're planning a trip to Sylvan Beach have a good time read more

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Needs to have an owner who will maintain and upgrade this supposed destination for kids.

We were so excited to visit the amusement park when we drove by and saw the big roller coaster. We purchased the kiddie land wristbands which were $20 for unlimited Kiddieland rides. Unfortunately for 10 rides they had two workers so after about 30 minutes we left because it was a hot mess. Definitely understaffed. The theme park is extremely dirty and run down. The wristband we purchased was for children under 48 inches and I was very disappointed to see that even though most rides were 42 inches and above my son was still unable to ride them because he didn't have the appropriate wristband. read more

I agree with Burger B's review! I have been coming to this park since I was a baby. Both my Mother and Grandmother enjoyed this park growing up as well, which tells you there is some history here! Sylvan Beach saw it's hay day long before most of us were ever born. II know it doesn't look like much, and seems really dated (which it is) but the games, rides and the environment are all just, well... classics! I actually still have all coupons I had been saving from hours and hours of ski ball, and I truly truly love the fascination game! I'm 35 years old and couldn't wait to ride the historic carousel last month. Built in the late 1800's, everyone in my family grew up riding this treasure, and for an old carousel it moves! I mean really moves... So much that I actually got a little dizzy! You won't find big or fancy thrill rides here, just the classics. Kiddie rides, Bumper Cars, Boats, Tilt-O-Whirl, the Scrambler, and Laffland. A truly timeless midway, with plenty of traditional carnival games. Please don't turn your nose up at this historic park. Give it a chance and I'm sure you'll have a memorable time!!! read more

OKAY...it's Sylvan Beach. It's always been kind of trashy but the old rides and buildings still have a lot of fun left in them. A couple descent restaurants are still around so you can eat, go on some rides and play Skeeball. read more

I really want to like this place. Vintage arcades and rides, what could be bad about this? Well in my opinion there is a difference between vintage and run down and dirty. The dated look and feel of the place is amazing. I love the small semi creepy feel of the park and really love how it is a little bit of a time capsule. The issue is cleaning and maintenance. Things are broken, have never been cleaned, dirty and dangerous. There was a ice cream stand which the countertop had not seen a rag in at least a few weeks. Someone in our party tripped over a piece of metal sticking out at the arcade and cut two toes open. This place could be one of the coolest and best old amusement parks in the country it just needs some attention to make it vintage instead of run down and dirty. Once last comment is the price of the games in the arcades are crazy. Wish the prices were vintage. There was a wheel of fortune game that cost $5.75 for one play. Which lasted about 1 minute. read more

Sylvan Beach is one of the best summer fun places in this area. There's so much to do from swimming, to getting on rides, and good food spots. read more

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So this is not my first time at this beach I came here 10 years ago with an old coworker friend and we both hungout and had lunch at the Cinderella cafe. Since then the restaurant longer is called the Cinderella cafe and has since been bought out by new management. This actually sorta made me sad because just the name in of itself was really cool and it's sad to see it go due to cov-19.... So anyways the area is pretty small in comparison to the dozen of beautiful beaches I've been to so theres not really alot to do this way unless you grab a quick bite to eat I did grab an icecream at the carbones beachside which is the new name of the former Cinderella cafe restaurant. The icecream was alright nothing to brag about but I did see acrossed the street someone playing live music with the guitar and there was a bbq... Since I wasn't in the mood for BBq chicken I passed by on that but did sit awhile and observed the new norm on the beach with the facemasks which to me still feel not normal... So that's about all for this location but it is a nice getaway from a country setting. read more

I love this place. I wish I lived closer as I would visit more often. The park is so charming. They have a small arsenal of rides that are hard to find elsewhere: the Rotor, Crazy Dazy, Tip Top, and Galaxi coaster are just the few of the rides not found many other places. Laff Land is such a fun little dark ride. I love this park so much! read more

This park is retro in it's decor and rides. The people that work the midway are very helpful and friendly. My son has special needs and they helped him get used to certain rides that he was afraid of. The location is so convenient to where we stay in Verona Beach. We stay in a beautiful home located right next to the Verona Beach state park on the beach and it is only one mile from the home. We can take our bikes to the amusement park or even walk there. The fast food is the best. We love the fried dough! Our favorite ride is the Himalayan. They play all our favorite dance and upbeat songs from the past and present while your riding. We've been coming to the midway for several years now and plan on coming back this summer. It's nostalgic and we love the memories we've made there. read more

Simply put, it's like a scaled down version of Coney Island -- minus the updating that Coney Island is now receiving. I'm originally from the area, so of course I've been to Sylvan Beach on many occassions. They have some decent rides -- all quite old -- my mom used to ride a lot of the same rides back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Their arcade games are oldies but goodies (I love the Tic Tac Toe!) and it's located, obviously, on the beach. Most people that go there own summer camps in the area so it's never jam-packed. Parking used to be free, but now it's all metered -- unless you go to the paid parking lot to park for the day. They do a lot of events in the summer -- concerts, car shows, etc. read more

The condition of this place reflects the slow customer base. It's a very nostalgic place and I enjoy coming here every year, which I've been doing for 20yrs now. Some things are in disrepair but there have been fixes and patches. Over the past few years they've closed a couple things so the stuff that is still operating can still function. The carousel arcade in the center is in 5 star condition but it's owned separately from the test of the park. Laffland is a piece of history as the infamous Pretzel Ride company built and I've heard it is the oldest non mobile spook house in the entire country. This place is absolutely worth a day trip if you've never been here before and serves as a great places for boardwalk fun in a time where boardwalks are nearly extinct. read more

Took the kids there yesterday and I'm still kinda miffed that it costs $21.95 per kid and they basically have like......, six rides, and one of them is the bumper boats that costs another three bucks per kid. read more

The amusement park is a dump and continues to go down hill every year. The kiddie section is cute, but I would not let my grandkids go on the adult rides, especially those that go up in the air! Some are supported by pieces of two by fours piled on top of each other. There have been NO improvements in the park except for painting the buildings. Even the blacktop needs repair! And yes, it is expensive for the rides that are there. Please note that the Carousel is NOT part of the amusement park (under different ownership) & is another story. Improvements are made every year with new games, etc , loaded with charm and still only $1.00 per ride. read more

I love coming here accually my husband and I are going in the morning we love to just walk the boardwalk and go down by the beach.They had a boat ride that I really loved and we always stop at Eddies the food there is fantastic . This park is very dated but we still love coming here I remember myDad & Mom use to bring us here when we were kids so much fun so many memories. read more

The park is a little run down and a little expensive. On the bright side, when we went the lines were short and the kids enjoyed themselves. It is right next to the beach too, so we took a break from the rides to go swimming and then came back for a few more rides. read more