Hoffman's Playland - Latham, New York - small amusement park and arcade

Hoffman's Playland opened in 1952 to provide families in the Albany, New York area with a family entertainment center. This is one of the few amusement parks in the United States that does not charge an admission fee at the gate. Instead, guests pay for tickets, which they can use to go on rides. Along with rides, the park also has a large arcade and is the site of many birthday parties every year.

The amusement park rides at Hoffman's Playland cost one to two tickets each. Most of the rides are part of the children's area. There are 14 different rides in this area, and each ride costs 1 ticket. There are minimum and maximum height requirements for every ride in order to keep riders safe. In addition to these 14 kiddie rides, there are five rides for older guests. Larger rides, which the park calls "major rides,'' cost two tickets each per rider.

The old-style area at Hoffman's Playland is one of the most popular areas. The arcade has video machines, skeeball, and a number of other arcade games. Many of the games are redemption-version games. When players win or are finished playing, they receive tickets, which can then be redeemed for prizes such as t-shirts, balloons, toys, and even cameras and film.

Hoffman's Playland is one of the most popular places in the area for birthday parties. They have a number of options for party planners, including two birthday packages. The Great Party package, which costs $17.95 per child, includes a reserved table, 10 ride tickets per child, pizza, ice cream, and drinks. Guests can also choose to upgrade to the Ultimate Party package, which includes all of the food and drinks from the Great Party package, as well as goodie bags for each guest and unlimited ride tickets. The Ultimate Party package costs $23.95. Other things that can be added to each package for additional costs include sub platters, more pizza and soda, latex balloons, character Mylar balloons, cotton candy, Frisbees, and gift bags. The park doesn't provide cake, but they do provide a table for the cake, as well as a hostess to help adults serve and clean the space after the party.

In addition to birthday parties, Hoffman's Playland hosts a number of other special events every year. On Mother's Day, they have a special, allowing for moms to ride for free, and on Father's Day, they have a similar special for dads. They also have Report Card Rewards day, where children receive free ride tickets for every A on their most recent report card.

Hoffman's Playland is open from April through September every year. During April, May, and September, the park is open weekends starting at noon. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park is open from Sunday to Thursday from noon to 9:00 PM, and on Friday and Saturday, they're open from noon to 10:00 PM. They also have special "Spring Break'' days in April with special hours. Visitors can call 518-785-3842 for more information.