CONEY ISLAND, BABY!
There’s never a dull moment at New York’s seaside playground
STEP right up — Coney Island is ready to provide your family with thrills, delights and calories aplenty. The family-friendly historic beachfront nabe celebrated the annual opening of Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park at the end of last month, and there’s loads to do beyond the classic Cyclone roller coaster, Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Nathan’s hot dog trifecta (though you should definitely do those, too).
Here’s what’s new and noteworthy for family fun at the Nickel Empire.
Treasures from trash
New York Aquarium (NYC’s only one) is always worth a visit, but the oldest continually operating aquarium in the US has upped the ante this spring and summer with the opening of the Washed Ashore experience, running from May 24 through Labor Day.
The hotly anticipated traveling exhibit takes a look at the impact of ocean plastics and highlights the aquarium’s conservation efforts.
“Visitors will discover larger-than-life sculptures made entirely of marine debris and learn about actions they can take to reduce ocean plastics,” said Leigh Ann Clayton, director of the New York Aquarium in an Alliance for Coney Island press release.
Entry is included with admission (tickets from $26 per person).
602 Surf Ave.; NYAquarium.com
Spin, soar and more
For amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and Manhattan’s skyline, you’d be hardpressed to find a better vantage point than Deno’s Wonder Wheel in the eponymous Amusement Park.
Now in its 104th season, the cherished NYC ride was erected in 1920 and the fourth-generation familyowned and operated ride has maintained a flawless safety record ever since.
During your visit to the park, you’ll also want to zoom down the Phoenix family roller coaster or let the kids have a ball at any of the 16 kiddie park rides, running the gamut from historic pony carts and fire engines to mini pirate ships and the Speedway.
If you need a break from the heat, steer the little ones toward the air-conditioned arcade and the “Stop the Zombies” target game.
Before you call it a day, make sure everyone hops on the carousel for a whirl or two, whether for nostalgia (you) or adrenaline (the kids).
Bonus: Starting June 21, free fireworks take place every Friday night over the boardwalk.
3059 W. 12th St.; DenosWonderWheel.com
Take ’em out to the ballgame
Welcome to the “Most Fun Ballpark in America” at Maimonides Park, where the Brooklyn Cyclones are sure to make a special imprint in kids’ memories for decades to come.
The minor league baseball team and the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets kicked off its season April 9, and it’s gearing up to be an exciting one. During the off-season the ballpark has undergone major renovations such as new seating areas, field lights and a state-of-the art sound system.
Visitors can look forward to fireworks, giveaways and theme nights, including the return of the Cyclones’ world-famous Seinfeld Night Aug. 10.
1904 Surf Ave.; MiLB.com
Fair play
If you’re up for some heart-pounding descents, you’re going to want to hop into a seat aboard the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, now in its 97th year of operation at Luna Park.
If wooden coasters aren’t for you or the kiddos you’ve got en tote, there’s still a good reason to swing by this year. Park upgrades include elevated menus at the park’s concessions and restaurants such as Salt & Swizzle, an enhanced arcade area and new retail shops.
Debuting later this season is the Electric Eden Raceway, where you can get quite the rush driving in electric-powered go-carts.
1000 Surf Ave.; LunaParkNYC.com
Chow down
Yes, there’s nothing quite like a Nathan’s Famous hot dog, which, incidentally, is now entering its 108th season on Coney Island at 1310 Surf Ave. Doling out staples like hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries, the eatery also serves Angus burgers, seafood and frog legs, and boasts a clam bar at the beach.
When hunger strikes, we’d also steer families toward local faves like Gargiulo’s restaurant (2911 W 15th St., established in 1907), KPot Korean BBQ (1217 Surf Ave.), Pete’s Clam Stop (1320 Surf Ave.) and Surf City Pizzeria (837 Surf Ave.).
You can also enjoy the boardwalk concessions Al Cavallino (1615 Riegelmann Boardwalk), Coney’s Cones (1023 Boardwalk West), Famous Famiglia Pizzeria (1027 Riegelmann Boardwalk) and Tom’s Coney Island (1229 Riegelmann Boardwalk).
Mom and dad might also enjoy grabbing a beer and a front-row view of the beach from boardwalk haunts Ruby’s Bar and Grill (1213 Riegelmann Boardwalk) or Paul’s Daughter (1001 Riegelmann Boardwalk) to recover from the day’s action.
For up-to-date information and event lineups: