Enjoying Astroland Amusement Park and Coney Island

Everybody has seen, been told about or at least knows of the famous Cyclone and Astroland Amusement Park. It’s located in Brooklyn, New York at Coney Island. It’s right near the beach and just blocks away from Keyspan Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones (the New York Mets Minor League Team).

Access to the park is simple and easy to get to. Whether you drive or take mass transit, it won’t be difficult to do. The D, F and Q subway trains all stop in the vicinity of the park. Driving to the park means you’ll just have to get on Ocean Parkway. Eventually, it turns into Surf Avenue and all the festivities are on your left. Don’t worry about parking either as there is plenty of street and available lot space to park.

Now to the main reason why your thinking about going to Astroland, the rides. For adults, there are about 13 rides including the world famous Cyclone roller-coaster, the Astrotower, the Water Flume and bumper cars. For the children there are about 14 rides including the Tea Cups, Carousel and the Super Swing.

Much like any amusement park, Astroland features over ten games of skill and three arcades which require money. You can also ride another famous amusement ride in Deno’s Wonder Wheel.

Speaking of money, it costs absolutely nothing to enter the park or to simply walk up and down the boardwalk and beach. It will cost you to enjoy the rides but you can purchase wristbands which gives you unlimited access to most of the park’s rides. That will only cost you $21.99. But beware, those “pay one price” wristbands are not sold on weekends or holidays.

Every Friday night (starting at 8 PM) during the Summer, Friday Night Fireworks are held on the Boardwalk. There’s nothing better to do on a hot Summer night then sitting back and watching the fireworks go off right near the water.

During your trip to the park, you’ll want to take some time to walk up and down the boardwalk and take in the whole Coney Island experience. Stop by the original Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand and see where the famous frankfurters began. Take in a trip to the New York Aquarium which is open every day of the year from 10 AM to 6 PM (on weekdays) and 7 PM (on weekends), during the Summer.

If you’d like to visit after Summer, from September 30th to October 2nd, the annual Coney Island Film Festival takes place.