Retailers’ back-to-school advertisements might suggest otherwise, but there’s still a whole lot of fun in store for the summer of ‘08 at Playland Park in Rye - Westchester’s premier “staycation” destination.

Playland opens at noon every day until and including Monday, Sept. 1. And for an extra post-season weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7. (Closing times vary.)

More than 50 rides and attractions include the area’s best Kiddyland, the famous Dragon Coaster and new Music Express. Thursday, Aug. 28 is the final “Free Mystery Ride” night for the season. In this program, introduced earlier this year, one major ride and one Kiddyland ride is free from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s anybody’s guess which is the mystery ride, but it’s guaranteed to be somebody’s favorite!

Playland’s season will come to a close in spectacular, light-up-the-skies style, with the regularly scheduled Wednesday and Friday night fireworks show on Aug. 27 and 29 at 9:15 p.m.  A special finale show has been added for Saturday, Aug. 30 at 9:30 p.m.

Playland’s free daily entertainment including song and dance shows on the Music Tower Theater and an array of family strolling entertainment also continue through Labor Day.

Playland, now celebrating its 80th season, is owned and operated by Westchester County Parks. Playland Park is America’s first totally planned amusement park and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Admission to Playland is free. Car parking is $5 through Friday; $7 on Saturday and Sunday; and $10 on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1.

Playland is located in Rye, NY and can be reached via the New England Thruway (I-95), Playland Parkway exit 19. For more information, call (914) 813-7010 or visit Rye Playland.

For Bee-Line bus routes to Playland visit Beeline Bus. For special Metro-North packages to Playland, call (800) METRO-INFO (638-7646).