When Does Western Playland Open? This Saturday and Here’s What You Need to Know

One of the sure signs of spring's eminent arrival happens this weekend.

Now under new ownership, Western Playland will be cranking up all the rides you know and love beginning this Saturday, February 25.

And the park’s new owner promises more rides, more food, and more music in its initial year of operation.

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When Western Playland opens for the 2023 season it will be the first time in decades the once homegrown amusement park will not be owned and operated by Pat Thomson’s family.

After 62 years Thompson sold the business last year to Dallas-based Traders Village. The company owns three other facilities in Texas; a Traders Village in Grand Prairie, Houston, and San Antonio.

Changes Made and Changes Coming

Among the changes Traders Village has committed to making is the addition of new food and drink options, and live entertainment. Turkey legs, agua frescas, and funnel cake is some of the new food its touting on social media.

They also plan to expand the park’s footprint with new rides and an area for concerts and vendors.

Whatever those future attractions may be, a map on the amusement park website has them placed in the middle of the train station railroad tracks. A timeline and specifics have not been made public yet.

Rides

Western Playland currently features more than 25 rides and attractions, including 2 roller coasters, a water ride, and an assortment of kid-friendly rides

Familiar rides like the iconic El Bandido, Hurricane, Himalaya, and Tsunami sit alongside the newish Fire Ball which was introduced last year.

Opening Weekend and Spring Break Dates

The park opens for the 2023 season starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 25. It will operate from 2-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, February 26.

After that it will be open every Saturday and Sunday in March with the exception of the two weeks of Spring Break (March 6-19) when it will open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Admission

Pay-one-price admission bracelets, which entitle you to unlimited rides, are $18.49 plus tax and $27.65 if you’re 42 inches or taller. Admission with no rides is $5, and single ride tickets are $3.

Western Playland is located at 1249 Futurity Drive in Sunland Park, New Mexico, across from the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.