If you’re searching for things to do in Coney Island, New York, look no further. Located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, this iconic seaside destination has been entertaining visitors for over a century with its classic attractions.
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Fun Things To Do In Coney Island
Walk On The Boardwalk
The Riegelmann Boardwalk, also known as the Coney Island Boardwalk, is a beloved landmark. Named after Edward J. Riegelmann, a former Brooklyn borough president who spearheaded its construction in the 1920s, this boardwalk stretches for 2.7 miles along the beach and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Learn About Marine Conservation at the New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium at Coney Island is a world-class marine conservation and education facility located in Brooklyn, New York. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine life, from sea lions and seals to sharks and rays.
One of the main attractions at the aquarium is the Ocean Wonders: Sharks exhibit, which features a stunningly immersive experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of shark species. The exhibit features a 500,000-gallon tank that houses sand, tiger, nurse, and blacktip sharks, among others.
Another popular exhibit is the Aquatheater, which features daily sea lion and seal shows that showcase the intelligence and agility of these amazing animals. Visitors can also watch the animals being fed and learn about the training and care that goes into their daily lives.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the New York Aquarium is committed to marine conservation and education. The aquarium offers a variety of educational programs and events, including behind-the-scenes tours, overnight stays, and workshops for children and adults.
Visit The Coney Island Museum
For a taste of Coney Island’s unique history and culture, visit the Coney Island Museum. Open year-round on weekends, this quirky museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history of Coney Island, including the annual Mermaid Parade, a colorful and festive celebration of all things ocean-themed.
Learn more about the people behind the place at the Coney Island History website. The Coney Island History Project collects oral history interviews and preserves the fascinating past of this vibrant neighborhood.
Don Your Best Duds For The Mermaid Parade
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade marks the beginning of summer with one of the wackiest events on the planet. The parade takes place on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice and attracts thousands of participants and spectators.
The Mermaid Parade is a celebration of all things ocean-themed and encourages participants to dress up in mermaid and sea creature-inspired costumes. The parade features a variety of floats, dancers, musicians, and performers, all decked out in their best underwater-inspired attire.
The parade route follows the Coney Island boardwalk and culminates in a beachside ceremony, where the King and Queen of the Parade are crowned. The King and Queen are chosen from among the parade participants and are selected based on their creativity and enthusiasm.
The Mermaid Parade is a family-friendly event that embodies the fun and irreverent spirit of Coney Island. It attracts a diverse crowd of people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, all coming together to celebrate the beginning of summer and the unique culture of this iconic destination.
Experience The Thrills Of An Old-Timey Amusement Park
Luna Park
Luna Park is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike. This iconic amusement park features a wide range of rides and attractions that cater to all ages and tastes. One of the main draws of the park is the Coney Island Cyclone, a classic wooden roller coaster that has been thrilling visitors since 1927.
In addition to the Cyclone, Luna Park offers a variety of other rides, from the exhilarating Thunderbolt to the gentle Seaside Swing. Younger children will love the kiddie rides, including the Happy Swing and the Circus Coaster.
But the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. On Friday nights during the summer months, Luna Park hosts a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky over Coney Island. The colorful explosions and dazzling effects are a sight to behold and provide a magical end to a day of fun at the park.
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is one of the most beloved Coney Island attractions. Since its opening in 1920, this amusement park has been entertaining visitors of all ages with its thrilling rides and nostalgic charm.
At the heart of the park is the iconic Wonder Wheel, a towering Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the boardwalk and ocean. The Wonder Wheel has been designated as a New York City landmark and is one of the most recognizable features of the Coney Island skyline.
In addition to the Wonder Wheel, Deno’s features a variety of rides and attractions that cater to all ages and tastes. Younger children will love the kiddie rides, including the classic teacups and the gentle swings. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the Cyclone Roller Coaster, a wooden coaster that has been thrilling visitors since 1927.
Deno’s also offers a variety of carnival games and food stands, including classic Coney Island fare like hot dogs, cotton candy, and popcorn. Visitors can also check out the park’s historic Spook-A-Rama ride, which has been operating since 1955 and is one of the oldest dark rides in the world.
Coney Island Beach
Of course, no trip to Coney Island would be complete without a visit to the beach. Coney Island Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand and surf, with miles of shoreline to explore. Visitors can swim in the ocean, sunbathe on the sand, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Coney Island Hot Dogs
For a taste of classic Coney Island cuisine, head to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. This famed eatery has been serving up hot dogs, corn dogs, and other classic American fare, since 1916. And if you time your visit right, you can partake of one of Coney Island’s most famous events, the 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest
The Fourth of July hot dog eating contest at Coney Island is a legendary annual event that draws crowds of spectators from all over the world.
The contest takes place at Nathan’s Hot Dog stand on the Coney Island boardwalk. The competitors, both men and women, are some of the world’s best eaters, who come from all over the world to take part in this iconic event.
The rules of the contest are simple: contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as they can, along with the accompanying buns. The winner is the person who eats the most hot dogs in the allotted time.
The contest is a spectacle to behold, with the competitors pushing themselves to their limits in an attempt to be crowned the champion. The atmosphere is electric, with cheering crowds and enthusiastic announcers hyping up the excitement.
The winner of the contest is awarded the coveted Mustard Belt, a yellow championship belt that has become a symbol of competitive eating. Previous winners of the contest have gone on to become legends in the world of competitive eating.
Coney Island Baseball
Baseball fans will love catching a game at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. This minor league team is affiliated with the New York Mets and offers a fun and affordable way to enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
Coney Island is the ultimate family destination, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for thrills, relaxation, or just a taste of classic American culture, Coney Island is the place to be.