For five generations the Zamperla family has worked in the amusement industry. In fact, Zamperla’s grandfather and father manufactured rides. “We have this great legacy and many, many years of tradition of passion of innovation that intertwine with everything we do here,” he added. For so many, this unique, vibrant and historic beach locale at the southwestern edge of Brooklyn holds very special and indelible memories that are as long as the two and a half mile boardwalk. As a little boy growing up in Brooklyn, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer found joy riding his bicycle to Coney Island. “You had to be tall enough to go on the Cyclone. And I went on when I was 9 years old,” the joyous senator told the crowd at Luna Park’s opening day festivities. Through the years Schumer and his wife, Iris Weinshall, took their daughters to Coney Island. And for her 60th birthday where did Weinshall want to celebrate? “Nathan’s!” she declared. “We sat outside and ate Nathan’s hot dogs and French fries for her 60th birthday because it was her favorite restaurant,” the Schumer told the crowd which included stilt walkers, a unicyclist and scores of kids from three local organizations: Children of Promise, the Coney Island Sharks and Operation H.O.O.D. In fact, proceeds from Luna Park’s opening day were donated to the organizations. “Coney Island is a great icon, not just of Brooklyn or New York, but of America.”
10 Don’t-Miss Things To Do at Coney Island
Visit Coney Island USA
Soak in the essence of Coney Island with a visit to Coney Island USA, an area devoted to preserving the culture of iconic amusement park. Watch the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, have a drink at the art-filled Freak Bar and visit the Coney Island museum all in one building on 12th Street and Surf Avenue. Considered a contemporary take on old-time side shows, some of the 10 acts include the sword swallower, the fire eater, a glass walker and more. Not only does Coney Island USA have all this, they also offer a variety of entertainment including burlesque, comedy and music shows like Burlesque at the Beach, The Coney Island Film Festival, the Coney Carnival of Comedy, Music of Curiosities, Puppets Come Home, a monthly adult puppet show and more.
Ride the cyclone
This historic Cyclone wooden roller coaster turns 95 in June! The famous Cyclone in Luna Park reaches a maximum speed of 60 mph, carries 24 passengers, and is the second-steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. “We keep improving the track every single season,” says Zamperla.
Watch the Mermaid Parade
Held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 1 p.m. onward, experience sea monsters, mermaids, Neptunes and crab costumes galore. Or create a costume and register to be in the Mermaid Parade! Created and produced by Coney Island USA, this year year marks the 40th anniversary of the epic maritime-themed spectacle that travels along Surf Avenue and the boardwalk. “If you’ve never been to the mermaid parade you’re really missing out on what Coney Island is,” says Adam Rinn, artistic director of Coney Island USA, a not for profit arts organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Coney Island. “It’s a New York institution.” Afterward, head to the Mermaid Ball at the Coney Island Brewery.
Visit Coney Island Brewing Company
The Coney Island Brewing Company offers between five and ten draft beers that they have crafted and brewed right on property. They also have live bands and shows and visitors can tour the brewery and learn how their beer is made. “During the season they have a beer garden,” says Rinn. “It’s a great place for a mellow Coney Island vibe.”
Stop by Coney’s Cones
You don’t need to wander away from the boardwalk for refreshing gelato. Twelve alternating flavors, including Nutella Crunch, Coney Island Custard, Cheesecake and Mango are freshly made on site using traditional techniques. Try the super decadent bubble waffle cone which is made fresh and comes with two scoops of gelato, a sauce on top (like chocolate, strawberry or caramel), fresh strawberries and sprinkles.
Meander along the Coney Island Boardwalk
The 2.7-mile boardwalk stretches beside the ocean and offers a great view of the many amusement park rides on one side and the sand and ocean on another. Plus, the people watching cannot be beat!
Watch a Brooklyn Cyclone’s baseball game
“A farm team for the New York Mets, it’s a chance to see some really fun baseball in a very family friendly atmosphere and the tickets are pretty inexpensive,” says Rinn. “And we provide the stilt walkers and some of the entertainment at the games.”
Ride the B&B Carousel in Luna Park
Originally built in Coney Island in 1906, this historic 116-year-old carousel has been painstakingly restored to its original grandeur. This merry-go-round ride was hand-carved by William F. Mangels, one of Coney Island’s finest manufacturers. With 50 majestic wooden horses and chariots, this timeless carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hop on Deno’s Wonder Wheel
Built in 1920, the ride offers incredible views from 150 feet high. Experience Coney Island beach and the Manhattan skyline from this unique vantage point. For more daring souls, the red and blue cars swing while the white car offers more of a mellow (and stable) ride.
Enjoy a Nathan’s Famous hot dog
And of course, no visit is complete without one of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs. Started by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker in 1916, who first had a nickel hot dog stand in Coney Island, Nathan’s original restaurant is still at the corner of Surf and Stillwell. The restaurant is also home of the annual fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Next, The Mouthwatering History of the All-American Coney Dog
