SUMMER FUN AT CONEY ISLAND

Coney Island has seen its share of changes since emerging as NYC's leading amusement area in the late 19th century. Parks and attractions have come and gone, from the opening of beloved rides like the Cyclone roller coaster (1927) to the closing of Astroland (2008).Yet through the evolution, there’s always been one constant—the fun that accompanies every visit to the Brooklyn icon.This holds true for the summer of 2009, perhaps more than ever.

First things first—the rides and curious creatures! Coney Island is still home to the Cyclone and Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, along with the Coney Island Sideshow (fireeating stunts and sword swallowing, anyone?). Generations of New Yorkers will tell you that these attractions alone supply enough enjoyment to shake a knish at, but '09 brings even more to NYC's summer-fun headquarters. Why, you might ask? Well, the circus is coming to town.

For the first time ever, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus lands in Coney Island. From June 18 to September 7, Boom A Ring will excite adults and children alike with white Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, Russian acrobats and much more. (They don't call it “The Greatest Show on Earth” for nothing.) Tickets go on sale April 30.

There’s a good time awaiting sports fans as well.The Brooklyn Cyclones—the popular New York Mets minor league team— swing back into action in late June. But beware, baseball fans: there’s competition this year on the Coney sports scene, as the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) Crocs Tour Coney Island Open heats up the beach July 3–5.

Rock 'n' roll wasn’t even in existence back in Coney Island's early days, but now it's hard to imagine summer without the beloved, loud (and free) Siren Music Festival, which brings some of the world's hottest indie bands to the boardwalk on July 18.And on Thursday nights in July and August, check out even more free music at the Seaside Summer Concert Series. Last year, these festivals featured big names like Broken Social Scene and Brian Wilson.

If you’re looking to hit the water (or just work on your tan), Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of the free public beach. Meanwhile, those looking for an educational aquatic experience can submerge themselves in the wonders of marine life at the New York Aquarium. The sea creatures aren't all real at Coney, though—the costumed variety hits the street at the colorful and wild Mermaid Parade on June 20.And speaking of wild, it might sound crazy to down 64 hot dogs in one sitting, but competitive eater Joey Chestnut did just that at Nathan's Famous hot dog–eating contest last year. This year's hungry competitors will attempt to munch their way to a new record on July 4.

On top of all these attractions, there’s also the simple joy of a stroll along the boardwalk, where the smell of hot dog–infused ocean air, the sound of screams and cheers from the Cyclone and KeySpan Park, and the sight of the waves rolling gently on the shore make one thing clear: Coney Island is the place for NYC summer fun. Some things never change.

For more information on Coney Island events and attractions, check out www.coneyislandfunguide.com.

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The Cyclone

834 Surf Ave. (bet.W. 8th and W. 10th Sts.) Brooklyn, NY 11224

  • subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave.; F, Q to West 8th St./NY Aquarium




  • bus: B36 to Surf Ave. and W. 8th St.; X29 to Surf Ave. and W. 10th St.


  • phone: 718-265-2100




  • hours:April 9–19: noon–closing daily;April 25–June 14: Sat.–Sun., noon–closing; June 15–September 7: noon–closing daily

Terrifying Brooklynites and visitors since 1927, the Cyclone has become synonymous with Coney Island and is the iconic roller coaster for New Yorkers.The NYC summertime destination and must-see attraction is both death defying and addictive. After the famous 85-foot first drop, passengers endure a harrowing barrage of 60-mile-per-hour twists and turns—but once the ride’s over, they can’t wait to do it again.

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Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

3059 Denos Vourderis Pl. (W. 12th St.) (bet. Bowery St. and the boardwalk)
Brooklyn, NY 11224
  • subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave.; F, Q to West 8th St./NY Aquarium


  • bus: B36 to Surf Ave. and W. 10th St.; B36, B82, X29 to Stillwell and Surf Aves.


  • phone: 718-372-2592


  • hours: May 25–September 7: 11am–midnight daily; September–October, April–May: Sat.–Sun. and school holidays, noon–9pm


  • payment:American Express, Mastercard,Visa

Features:
  • Family Friendly


  • Kid-Friendly

When the late Constantinos Dionysios Vourderis—otherwise known as Deno— bought the Wonder Wheel in the early 1980s, he fulfilled a longtime promise to his wife: he’d vowed on more than one occasion to purchase the Ferris wheel for her as a wedding present, so everyone could see how much he loved her.Today, the Vourderis family continues to run the 400,000-pound landmark and its namesake park, which boasts 17 kiddie rides and five for adults.

 

Coney Island Circus Sideshow

Surf Avenue (at W. 12th St.) Brooklyn, NY 11224

  • subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave.; F, Q to West 8th St./NY Aquarium




  • bus: B36 to Surf Ave. and W. 10th St.; B36, B82, X29 to Stillwell and Surf Aves.; B64, B68, B74 to Mermaid and Stillwell Aves.




  • phone: 718-372-5159




  • fax: 718-372-5101




  • hours: Easter weekend–Memorial Day: Sat.–Sun., 1pm–9pm; Memorial Day–mid-June: Fri., 2pm–8pm; Sat.–Sun., 1pm–9pm; Mermaid Parade week–Labor Day: Wed.–Fri., 2pm–8pm; Sat.–Sun., 1pm–9pm; Labor Day–September: Sat.–Sun., 1pm–9pm


The Coney Island Circus Sideshow, also known as Sideshows by the Seashore, transports visitors to the old-time Coney Island of odd delights and freakish talents. Cast members with names like Donny Vomit and Scott "The Twisted Shockmeister" Baker live up to their names, performing amazing (and perhaps stomach-churning) feats by the ocean. Best of all, guests get 10 shows for one low price.

 

Brooklyn Cyclones

KeySpan Park 1904 Surf Ave. (at W. 17th St.) Brooklyn, NY 11224

  • subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave.


  • bus: B36 to Surf Ave. and W. 19th St.; B74 to Mermaid Ave. and W. 19th St.




  • phone: 718-449-8497


  • url: brooklyncyclones.com

The Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Mets' Class A minor league club, play in picturesque KeySpan Park—about an hour's subway ride from Midtown Manhattan. Situated in Coney Island, close to the ocean and local attractions like Deno's Wonder Wheel and Lola Staar's Dreamland Roller Rink, the smell of salt air permeates the stadium. During night games, neon-colored fluorescent rings circling the ballpark's stadium lights lend a carnivalesque atmosphere to the setting. In the distance beyond the left field wall, fans can see the Cyclone roller coaster (the team's namesake) slowly rise and suddenly plunge on its first terrifying drop.The on-field competition of scrappy, hardworking ballplayers hearkens back to the good ol' days of Brooklyn baseball—as does the intimate setting, where the team can hear what fans yell out from the stands.

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents The Coney Island Boom A Ring

2015-2019 Boardwalk West (Surf Ave. at 21st St.) Brooklyn, NY 11224

  • subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave.




  • phone: 800-745-3000




  • url: ringling.com Features/




  • Family Friendly




  • Kid-Friendly

Coming to the Coney Island Boardwalk this summer, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents The Coney Island Boom A Ring! Circus-goers will enjoy an up-close and personal experience in an air-conditioned tent with white tigers,Asian elephants and acrobats from around the world. The action bounces from one high-energy act to the next, featuring a daring crossbow demonstration and motorcyclists whizzing through a steel globe at 65 mph.Arrive an hour before show-time for the all-access pre-show—free to all ticket holders— and meet performers and animals, learn circus skills and enjoy a taste of the circus before the show.

 

New York Aquarium

602 Surf Ave. (at W. 8th St.) Coney Island, NY 11224

  • price:Adults: $13; children (ages 3–12): $9; seniors (ages 65+): $10; children (under age 3) and members: free




  • phone: 718-265-4740




  • fax: 718-265-3482




  • hours: Mon.–Fri., 10am–5pm; weekends and holidays, 10am–5:30pm



Features/

  • Family Friendly




  • Kid-Friendly




  • Senior/Student Discount



The New York Aquarium remains a must-see destination on Coney Island's celebrated Boardwalk.Try to resist the playful charm of its seals, sea lions and walruses. Dare to get close to the shark tank.And see if you can catch the changing colors of Squirt, the mischievous Giant Pacific octopus.

At the nation's oldest continuously operating aquarium (the original venue in Battery Park was opened in 1896), visitors can wave at giant Beluga whales, explore the habits of otherworldly jellyfish and peek in on more than 350 other species of marine life—including devoted gay penguins Wendell and Cass. Every day at 11:30am and 3pm, catch Duke, the four-year-old diva of the aquarium's sea-lion show.

Demonstrations and education programs for all ages with 8,000 animals from marine and freshwater habitats.

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Nathan's Famous

1310 Surf Ave. (at Stillwell Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11224

  • subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave.




  • bus: B36, B82, X29 to Stillwell and Surf Aves.




  • phone: 718-946-2202




  • hours: Sun.–Thurs., 8am–1am; Fri.–Sat., 8am–2am




  • payment:American Express,Mastercard,Visa

Features:

  • Takeout


NYC summer staple Nathan's serves the quintessential Coney Island hot dog. Founded by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker in 1916, the restaurant is a testament to the opportunities the City holds for people all around the globe. Of course, it's also the site of the world's best-known eating competition—the Nathan’s Famous hot dog–eating con-test—where every July 4, hungry participants have 10 minutes to scarf down as many franks as possible.

 

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