The legend of Coney Island lives on this summer, as it has bounced back after suffering damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 with more activities and attractions than ever. Although Coney Island is best known for its famous Ferris wheel, amusement park rides, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, there is so much more to see and discover to suit families and kids of all ages. Not quite old (or brave) enough to enjoy the amusement park attractions? Not a problem, just take a visit to the aquarium or watch a baseball game instead! If the scheduled events and attractions still prove to be too difficult to coordinate, grab a slice of New York’s famous pizza and hand the kids an ice cream cone while you sit on the beach taking in the city views.
1. Luna Park
Enter Luna Park to ride the kid-friendly B&B Carousell. However, daredevils don’t get discouraged. You can get your thrill by experiencing a rush of adrenaline when you ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster, which debuted in 1927. It starts with an 85-foot -tall, 60-degree drop and then there are 6 turn-arounds and 8 more drops before you’re done. Or check out the new Thunderbolt coaster which comes back to life with vigor. The new Coney Island coaster doesn’t disappoint with its 90-degree vertical drop, 100-ft loop, zero gravity roll, and more all in a two-minute ride. You don’t want to miss your chance to ride this all-steel, 125-ft, 55 miles per hour speed demon during its opening summer season! Check out this New York Times video clip on the ride!
2. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Do your kids ever marvel at that huge Ferris wheel they see from miles away? Put an end to their suspense this summer and take them to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park to experience the magic of The Wonder Wheel. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park contains more carnival rides, while Luna Park contains more thrillers, so hit up Deno’s to catch your breath back after screaming down the drops at Luna!
Sports fans listen up! June 13 marks opening day for the Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park. Purchase tickets to watch your local baseball team play in an intimate stadium that won’t break the budget. With games and activities at all games, it’s sure to be a fun time for all.
Share in a day of learning and fun at the New York Aquarium located on Coney Island. Stay inside on those rainy days and explore the origins of your favorite underwater creatures, or grab a seat at the new Sea Lion Celebration at the Aquatheater then head to Sea Cliffs Animal Feedings to feed those star sea lions, otters, and penguins while the sun is still shining! Still struggling to get the kids away from the TV? Lure them away with the new 4-D Theater featuring their favorite cartoon characters, Spongebob and Patrick, at Spongebob Squarepants 4-D: The Great Jelly Rescue, showing every 15 minutes daily!
5. Special Events
If you’re looking for a unique experience this summer, attend one of Coney Island’s many special events. Ranging from mermaids, to hot dogs, to baseballs, there’s an event for every interest.
The Mermaid Parade (Saturday, June 21)
If your daughter is infatuated with the Disney princesses, bring her to Coney Island for the Mermaid Parade where she can feel like she’s in Ariel’s world for the day. Beginning at 1 pm, the Mermaid Parade features over 1,500 creative people from each of the five boroughs, along with push pull floats, marchers, antique cars, and motorized floats. Arrive early and try not to drive, as it fills up fast and parking is hard to find.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest (Friday, July 4)
Watching Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is as much of a July 4th tradition as watching the fireworks. After setting the world record last year by eating 69 hot dogs in 10 minutes, Joey Chestnut will be back to defend his title and attempt to claim his eighth straight title. Get in on the action by attending the event, and maybe you’ll even get your 15 minutes of fame as ESPN will be broadcasting beginning at noon.
NYPD vs. FDNY Baseball Game (Saturday, August 16)
Come out to MCU Park on Saturday, August 16 to watch New York’s finest compete in America’s favorite pastime. The New York City Police Department will go head to head with the New York City Fire Department in this special hometown game beginning at 7 pm.
6. Catch your dinner at the Coney Island Steeplechase Pier, or just eat pizza, hot dogs, and sweets!
Newly reopened this year after enduring major damage during Hurricane Sandy is Coney Island’s Steeplechase Pier. The 1,000 foot pier features shiny new benches, railing, lighting and more, allowing you to just stroll and take in the view, or be adventurous and fish for your next meal. However, if you’re not taking that bait, then take a break from your summer swimsuit diet instead and head over to Coney Island to splurge on the best pizza, hot dogs, and sweets around. All the food is so authentically Brooklyn, we assure you this splurge is worth it.
A Coney Island staple since 1924, Totonno’s is the place to go when craving Brooklyn-style brick-oven pizza. You know they mean business when a place only sells pizza by the pie, so bring the family and dig in!
Known for their hot dogs and crinkle cut fries, Nathan’s Famous is a landmark on Coney Island similar in stature to the Ferris wheel. This makes it a necessary stop on your trip to Coney Island, but if you’re not a fan of hot dogs don’t worry, as they offer hamburgers, cheesesteaks, chicken classics, and Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips on the menu as well.
Treat yourself and your kids to some sweets and stop by Williams Candy. They specialize in candy apples, popcorn, ice cream, cotton candy, lollipops, marshmallow treats, including their special marshmallow balls, and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth and pop into this local shop that has been serving the people of Coney Island for over 75 years.
Coney Island is filled with legendary landmarks and attractions, and Ruby’s Bar and Grill is no exception. Advertised as the last place in Coney Island where you can still walk under the original boardwalk, Ruby’s is must-see, as it is also the only full-service bar and grill on the boardwalk with indoor seating. It’s boardwalk location makes it a prime spot to watch the Friday Night Fireworks beginning June 20 in Coney Island as well!
8. Coney Island Circus Show and Coney Island Museum
Coney Island keeps the traditional circus alive by being the last place to offer a ten-in-one circus sideshow. Open from 1 pm-8pm, the Coney Island Circus Show is sure to provide you with an entertaining experience, and it’s price is right too with kids’ tickets offered at $5 and adults at $10. After you get your fill of kooky at the circus show, continue the fun at the Coney Island Museum where kids can entertain themselves with Funhouse Mirrors and other classic Coney Island artifacts.
9. Sunday Karaoke on the Boardwalk
Beginning June 22, head over to the boardwalk every Sunday from 2-6 pm to show off your vocal chops. Bring the kids for a day of fun and laughs, as you’re bound to hear some less than perfect renditions of your favorite hits.
10. Coney Island History Project Walking Tour and Coney Island Tours
Learn the history of the sites you’re passing throughout your fun-filled day in Coney Island with the Coney Island History Project Walking Tour. Tours begin on Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm and tickets should be bought in advance, as tour groups are limited to 10-12 people. If you can’t make to Coney Island on the weekend, you can still get your history lesson of Coney Island with Coney Island Tours offered seven days a week from morning until evening. These tours are given by Brooklyn born tour guides and provide you with an extensive, unique view of Coney Island you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re just looking for a beach getaway, Coney Island can provide that too. You can choose to relax and sunbathe on Coney Island’s nearly 3 miles of sandy beaches, or get active with courts for beach volleyball, basketball, and handball. With everything just a short walk away, there’s no shortage of fun when spending the day in Coney Island.
There’s no excuse not to visit Coney Island this summer with all of its fun activities and easy accessibility. Just grab the the D, Q, N, or F train to Stillwell Avenue and you’ll be there in no time!
BONUS TIP : After a delicious day in Coney Island with the kids, one special treat for the family is a stroll east along the boardwalk one mile or so to Brighton Beach, where we recommend dinner at one of the fun, boisterous Russian restaurants lining the shore.
