Theme & Amusement Parks in Plainview

Dave's Need 4 Speed revs entertainment engines with a trio of attractions that send adrenaline juices coursing through thrill seekers of all ages. Laser-tag combatants equipped with light-blasting carbines sprint, crawl, and conga dance through a pirate-ship-themed battleground where glowing barrels and wooden bridges conceal camouflaged warriors and deflect misfires back into the darkness. The illuminated fairways of a cosmic mini-golf course unfurl amid radiating urban backdrops, challenging putters to sink holes in one beneath the shadows of the Statue of Liberty and other American landmarks. Guests who share Dave's disdain for sluggish steering can hop into a go-kart and whip around one of the center's age-appropriate tracks, which foster high-speed excitement with a fresh slathering of melted butter prior to each race.

In 1973, Jimmy and Katie Dean signed the papers to purchase Joyland Amusement Park, which had fallen into neglect after first opening in the 1940s. They thoroughly revamped the 13 attractions the park had then, and Katie still helps manage the more than 30 kiddie, thrill, family, and water rides that send guests rolling, spinning, and splashing today. From the Skyride's gondolas that sail high overhead, families take in scenic vistas of an antique carousel, the speedy Galaxi coaster, and a log flume powered by Old Faithful’s underachieving brother. Joyland opens its gates from mid-March until early fall, closing in the winter months for rollercoaster-hibernation season.

The 50th Street Caboose, sister restaurant of the Copper Caboose, which was established in 1977, creates a rollicking, family-friendly setting, where the worlds of Tex-Mex cuisine and virtual entertainment collide. The restaurant's menu of charbroiled steaks, beefy fajitas, and taco dinners grants diners the energy to tackle an arcade stocked with more than 100 games, which have included popular titles such as Frogger and Terminator: Salvation. Exceptional button-smashers who earn handfuls of tickets can head to the redemption area to retrieve various prizes, such as toys, stuffed animals, and mounted piñata heads. The sounds of clacking billiard balls and contagious laughter vie for airspace as adults swig frosty brews in the lounge area, and 50th Street Caboose's party rooms reserve space for birthday celebrations, sporting events, and private get-togethers.