I’m always looking for fun places to take my family, and Coney Island in New York City sounds like a fantastic spot! It’s amazing to me how much there is to do there, beyond just the beach. I’ve been doing some research, and I’m excited to share what I’ve found. It seems like a place where you can make a lot of great memories with your kids.
Fun Things To Do at Coney Island
Visiting Coney Island offers so many different experiences. From classic amusement park rides to exploring marine life and enjoying the beach, there’s something for everyone in your family. It feels like a place that has history and modern fun all mixed together, which is a great combination for a family trip.
Enjoying the Beach and Boardwalk
The main draw for many people is the beach itself. The sand and surf are perfect for a sunny day. I’ve learned that if you’re going on a weekend, the areas directly in front of Luna Park and near the Brighton Beach train station can get quite crowded. For a bit more space to spread out, I’m looking at the stretch of sand located between these two busy spots. Packing a picnic is a good idea since there aren’t many places to buy food right on the beach. However, vendors do come by selling treats like cotton candy and ice cream, which could be a fun surprise for the kids.
Remember to bring your own beach umbrella if you have one! The beaches are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with lifeguards on duty. Finding bathrooms and showers is easy; they are located by the boardwalk. There are also free sunscreen stations available, which is a thoughtful touch. Even though you might have to walk back across the sand to get to the restrooms, there are outdoor sprinkler and shower stations to rinse off sand, and the lines tend to move quickly. Safety first is always a good plan when I’m thinking about a trip with Emma and Sofia.
Can I ride bikes on the boardwalk?
Yes, you can! I found that if you like to get an early start, riding bicycles on the boardwalk is allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day. The boardwalk is wide and flat, making it a good option for younger riders. It doesn’t loop around, so you’ll either ride to a certain point and turn back, or you can exit at one of the ramps and catch a train. I’m planning to stick close to Luna Park, as that’s the last train station, which would make it easier to get back if the kids get tired.
Playgrounds for All Ages
When thinking about family fun, playgrounds are always a big hit. Brighton Playground, located on Brighton 2nd Street, sounds like a wonderful place for kids of all ages. It’s been around for a long time but was updated to include areas that are accessible for children with disabilities. I think it’s neat that the playground has marine life and Coney Island themes on its structures, fences, and even the ground – it’s like a little scavenger hunt built right in!
Beyond the main Brighton Playground, there are two smaller playgrounds located right on the sand. One is near Luna Park, and another is by the Brighton Beach train station. I’m noting that these smaller ones don’t have much shade, so keep that in mind for very hot days. For more active play, there are volleyball nets on the sand and handball courts available. There’s also a small marine rock “playground” right where the Aquarium wall starts. Kids can climb on the rocks and even look through binoculars there.
What are the best playgrounds for young kids?
The Brighton Playground on Brighton 2nd Street is great for a wide variety of playground equipment. The two smaller playgrounds on the sand, one near Luna Park and one by the Brighton Beach train station, are also good options for quick play, though they can be hot during peak summer hours.
Thrills at Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park
I’m so excited about the rides at Luna Park. It’s open for the summer and offers fun for everyone. For the thrill-seekers in your family, the famous Cyclone roller coaster and the newer Thunderbolt ride are there. But don’t worry if you have younger children or prefer less intense rides. There are many options like classic teapot rides and other fun attractions that are perfect for smaller kids. I’ve looked at the Luna Park website, and they have their rides sorted by thrill level, which will make planning so much easier.
This year, Luna Park has two brand-new rides: Tony’s Express and Leti’s Treasure. They are named after the grandparents of the park’s CEO and are inspired by some of Coney Island’s historic rides. Tony’s Express is a family rollercoaster with a good amount of track, and Leti’s Treasure is a water ride with boats that go up high before splashing down. Both are set to open this summer, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for them. Deno’s Wonder Wheel, which is located between the two sections of Luna Park, also has a new ride called the Phoenix Rollercoaster. It’s a family thrill ride that adds to their collection of gentler rides for younger children.
It’s important to check the hours of operation, as they can vary by day. The addresses are 1000 Surf Ave for Luna Park and they have a website at lunaparknyc.com. Deno’s Wonder Wheel is located nearby, and I found that their website also offers details on their attractions.
When do the new rides open?
The new rides, Tony’s Express and Leti’s Treasure at Luna Park, are planned to open this summer. The Phoenix Rollercoaster at Deno’s Wonder Wheel is also a recent addition.
Step Back in Time
For a bit of history, I’ve found two interesting places. The Coney Island History Project is a small but packed museum with artifacts and stories about the boardwalk and its attractions. It’s free to visit! They have items like Coney Island’s oldest relic, a toll house sign from 1823, and even some spooky reminders of old rides. This year’s special exhibit features street photography from Barbara Rosenberg, showing different aspects of Coney Island over 50 years. You can even listen to their podcast, “Coney Island Stories,” which records oral histories of the area. I listened to an episode about growing up in the 1940s, and it was fascinating!
The Coney Island Museum is another great spot to learn about the neighborhood’s past. It’s filled with vintage funhouse mirrors, postcards, and shooting gallery targets. Did you know that Coney Island was once the home of the first baby incubators, shown as a sideshow? The museum highlights many unique contributions from the area. This summer, they have a special exhibit called “Five Cents to Dreamland,” created with the New York Transit Museum. It explores how transportation to Coney Island helped make it such a popular destination. Admission is $5 for adults, and there are discounts for seniors and kids. They are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 1208 Surf Ave.
How much does the Coney Island History Project cost?
The Coney Island History Project is free to visit.
What is the admission fee for the Coney Island Museum?
The admission fee for the Coney Island Museum is $5 for adults. There are also discounts for seniors and children under 12, as well as residents of the 11224 zip code.
Dining Delights
When hunger strikes, Coney Island has a lot of food options. Near Luna Park, you can find classic boardwalk treats like funnel cakes and cheese fries. There are also familiar family-friendly spots like Nathan’s, iHop, and Applebees close to the Stillwell train station. For something sweet, It’s Sugar is a fun stop, and the new Coney Waffle, across from the Cyclone, looks delicious. I’m always looking for unique waffle places for the kids!
On the Brighton Beach side of the boardwalk, Tatiana Restaurant and its adjoining grill offer a nice sit-down meal, especially if you can get an outdoor seat. Just off the boardwalk, in an area known as “Little Odessa,” you can find many authentic Ukrainian and Russian food options. I’ve heard great things about potato or chicken piroshkis, which are fried pastries with tasty fillings. It’s worth noting that the neighborhood has residents from Russia, Ukraine, and surrounding countries, and there’s been a strong show of support for Ukraine. If you want to support businesses that stand with Ukraine, look for Ukrainian flags displayed outside. Tatiana Restaurant and Taste of Russia (which has rebranded as “International Food”) are mentioned as supporters.
What are some good places to eat?
For classic boardwalk fare, check out the area near Luna Park. For more diverse options, Tatiana Restaurant and eateries in the “Little Odessa” area offer Ukrainian and Russian cuisine. Familiar spots like Nathan’s and iHop are also available near the Stillwell train station.
Meet the Marine Life at the New York Aquarium
I’m really looking forward to visiting the New York Aquarium. It’s a great time to go because it’s fully open again after repairs from Hurricane Sandy and previous closures. They have new interactive exhibits, including a touch pool at PlayQuarium. You can watch sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, and otters playing underwater. There are also exhibits about climate change, crafts, music, performances at the Wildlife Theater, and a fun photo opportunity with a giant octopus mural. It sounds like a fantastic educational outing for Emma and Sofia.
Ticket prices can vary depending on whether you visit off-peak or on-peak, so it’s a good idea to check their website for the most current information and to purchase tickets in advance. The aquarium is generally open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 602 Surf Ave. Learning about ocean life is always a rewarding experience.
What can families see at the New York Aquarium?
Families can see sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, and otters. There’s also a touch pool, exhibits on climate change, and performances at the Wildlife Theater.
Art and Entertainment
Even though the Coney Island art walls are gone, the art scene is still alive. I’ve noticed there are new murals appearing around the neighborhood and on the boardwalk. Two specific ones I’m looking forward to seeing are a tribute to Coney Island on Gargiulo’s Restaurant’s back wall and colorful artwork on Tom’s Coney Island. It’s always nice to find public art that adds to the character of a place.
For sports fans, catching a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game at Maimonedes Park is a classic Coney Island experience. They often have special family deals, like on Tuesdays, where you can get a ticket, a hat, food, and a drink for a reasonable price. Games usually include fun extras like giveaways and sometimes fireworks shows, which are always a hit with the kids.
Coney Island also offers free movies on the beach, called Coney Flicks, on Monday nights during the summer. They show movies on a big inflatable screen with the colorful lights of Luna Park as a backdrop. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening. You’ll want to bring a towel and some snacks for a beach picnic. The movies start at sundown, so the times will vary. I’m excited to see what movies will be shown this season. I’ve also found that there are free fireworks every Friday night, starting around 9:45 p.m. by Deno’s Wonder Wheel. It’s a lot of free entertainment!
Are there free activities in Coney Island?
Yes, there are several free activities. Coney Island offers free movies on the beach on Monday nights and free fireworks displays every Friday night. The Coney Island History Project is also free to visit.
When are the fireworks held?
The Friday Night Fireworks displays typically begin at 9:45 p.m. each Friday night.
Special Events and Car Shows
I’ve also discovered a few special events that happen throughout the year. The annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest is scheduled for August, though the exact date will be announced. It’s an event that brings in expert sand sculptors to create amazing works of art from sand. I’m always impressed by the creativity at events like these.
There’s also a Classic Cars exhibition on West 12th Street. It’s a chance to see some beautiful old cars and even vote for your favorite. These events often include performances by Coney Island sideshow performers, adding to the unique atmosphere. It sounds like a fun afternoon out, and it’s free to attend!
What special events happen in Coney Island?
Special events include the annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest in August and a Classic Cars exhibition on West 12th Street, often featuring sideshow performances.
Planning a trip to Coney Island definitely offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. I feel much more prepared now to think about visiting this summer, and I hope this information helps you plan your own adventure too. It seems like a place that delivers classic fun and new discoveries for everyone.
