Things to Do at Coney Island With Family This Summer

 Coney Island Boardwalk
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Things to do at Coney Island have been limited by the pandemic, with a lot being canceled or simply TBD. But what is opening up is still amazing and will deliver fun almost effortlessly to the whole family. Coney island is a place that lots of New Yorkers think of when hot summer days roll around. You not only have the beach, but a boardwalk full of rides and fun eats. What are you waiting for?!

If your family wants to camp as well as go to amusement parks, check out this article on the top New York campgrounds.

Things to Do at Coney Island This Summer!

Walk the Boardwalk

Starting off with the expected classic. Taking a stroll on the boardwalk, seeing the sights and smelling the boardwalk food. Nothing will get you in the mood for summer like sauntering down that bouncy wooden road.

Visit the New York Aquarium

We really missed the aquarium and now that it is open we are excited to visit the sea lions, sand tiger sharks and all our favorite critters. But first, there are safety rules to follow and you must reserve date specific ticket.

Ride the Rides

Luna Park is home to some iconic New York rides and they are opening up and ready for business. No matter the age group, no matter the relationship, there are countless opportunities for good old fashioned fun and things to do at Coney Island.

Hot Dog Eating Contest

Every year when July 4th rolls around and every year Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest commences. And with this year being its 105th anniversary, it’s not different. A revelry heralded as American and celebrated on Independence Day, you won’t want to miss it.

Ask the Experts

Coney Island is still pursuing their ask the experts series until the end of May and via Zoom. You can look at their schedule to see who is in the lineup for this month. But whichever session you choose to take part in, you will be treated to a wealth of knowledge from painting to personal health.

Catch a Ballgame

The Brooklyn Cyclones make their home on Coney Island, and it might finally be time to head back out there and feel the roar of the crowd and taste those peanuts and crackerjacks. Being a minor league team, it’s a much more playful and intimate feel, easy for sports fans and those just looking for a fun night. They have a vigorous schedule throughout the summer, so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to see them play whenever you’re comfortable and free.

Coney Island Film Festival

Though towards the latter half of the summer, this September Coney Island still plans on hosting its annual film festival. The extended deadline to submit films is June 25th, and after that all there is to do is wait and grow more excited. If you’re free from Sept 17 – 19, try checking out these homegrown masterpieces.

William’s Candy Shop

Make sure to grab a sweet treat at William’s Candy shop! From classic cotton candy to candied apples to soft serve and more, there is something in here for every one. Although they are not located right on the boardwalk, they are super close and well worth checking out.

Mermaid Parade

Despite the date still being TBD, the Mermaid Parade still plans on happening sometime this summer. Coined as the “World’s Largest Art Parade,” it’s a celebration of not just the mystical, but humanity’s love of the mystical. It’s an all around  joyous and colorful occasion and whenever it comes back this Coney Island summer, you should consider going.

 

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Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York’s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Can’t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available! </p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.  Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals. </span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer.</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">First Steps (ages 18 mos – 5 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Kids & Teens (ages 6-18 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)</span></p>