Goodbye Hoffman’s Playland

During our annual summer trip to my parent’s house in Upstate New York, we made sure to visit Hoffman’s Playland because it will be closing in September after being in business for over 60 years. From what my Dad has told me, Mr. Hoffman, after so many years of running the amusement park, has been unsuccessful in finding someone to take over and will be selling the land to a developer. It’s sad to know such a magical, childhood place will no longer there after this year. I wanted to make sure the girls remembered Hoffman’s Playland so they went 3 times over the weekend. The first visit was with Princess’ friend from school. Her mom grew up in Albany and they also visit Hoffman’s in the summer. It was really fun for the girls to enjoy the time with friends from home. The second trip was with my parents. They were babysitting while my Grouchy Husband and I went to my brother’s event at Fasig Tipton in Saratoga. The last visit was unplanned. The night before with my parents, right before the park was going to close they had enough tickets to go on 2 rides. They were going to ride the hot air balloon and then the carousel. When they got to the carousel, the attendant said the ride was closed. This was absolutely devastating for Baby. She had a complete meltdown and couldn’t leave the park until every light turned off. As you can see, the last visit was absolutely necessary.

They were allowed to choose 2 rides on their last visit and they chose the ferris wheel and hot air balloon. I’m not quite sure why they chose the ferris wheel, no one was on the ride and there was no line. The attendant gave them strict instructions to sit back, hold onto the bar, and no rocking. They took him very seriously.

They sat like this the whole time.

It was a little 8-seat ferris wheel but the girls thought it went so high. Princess said she could see my parents house from the top and they live 20 minutes away.