Top Amusement Sites in Brooklyn
Astroland in South Brooklyn, located at Surf Avenue and West 10th Street (tel. 718-265-2100), is home of Coney Island’s number one attraction: the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster. According to astroland.com, the Cyclone is the “most famous, most influential, and most copied individual ride.” There are seven copies of the Cyclone among the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
The Cyclone has been around since 1927. Charles Lindbergh famously said that he was more thrilled by the Cyclone than he was by his solo transatlantic flight.
A ride on the Cyclone is not for the squeamish, but if you’re up to it , the Cyclone is thrilling. With 2,640 feet of track, a maximum speed of 60 mph, and 12 precipitous drops from up to 85 feet above ground, this two-minute ride will leaving you gasping with glee. Part of the fun is screaming during the falls.
According to astroland.com, the Cyclone is subject to the toughest safety standards in the outdoor amusement industry. It has been a New York City landmark since 1988, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1991.
Astroland also has bumper cars and a kiddie park where children can go on other rides. An all-day pass is $22.99. The Cyclone alone costs $6.00 for the first ride and $4.00 for each additional ride. Kiddie Park rides are $2.50 each or 10 for $20.00.
Admission to Astroland is free, as is access to the nearby boardwalk and beach. Nathan’s Famous hotdogs can be purchased a couple of blocks away. Astroland is open on weekends from September 9 through late fall.
This is the only aquarium in New York City. The New York Aquarium is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society and has many eduational programs for children and adults. It’s open year-round, beginning at 10 am each day.
According to nyaquarium.com, there are over 8,000 animals in the New York Aquarium. My favorites are the walruses, sea lions, and a giant turtle.
The walruses, imported from Alaska and Siberia, can weigh up to 1,600 pounds. They slither and lie around like blobs of blubber on land amidst a backdrop of artificial sea cliffs, but in the large water tank, they can really zip around. I once saw a large male doing laps speedboat-like to impress his female companion.
The sea lions are much longer, about 12 feet, and leaner. They’re quite friendly and somewhat mischievous. Sea lions will often pop up out of their tanks to get up close and personal with visitors, occasionally squirting water at them. One greeted me with a loud “Ba!” opening his mouth so wide that I could smell the fish on his breath. My head could have easily fit inside his mouth, but I declined to try it on for size. Sea lions are fun, and a little scary, so watch your young children around them.
The last time I was at the New York Aquarium there was a giant turtle that was born around 1697. I hope he’s still around because the big guy is a treat to behold. Turtles keep growing all their lives, and this one is bigger than a compact car.
Tickets to the New York Aquarium are $12 for adults, and $8 for seniors and children up to age 12. The phone number is 718-265-3474. The New York Aquarium is located at West 8th Street and Surf Avenue.
Coney Island Batting Range and Go-Kart City
Located at 3049 Stillwell Avenue, one block from Nathan’s, is the Coney Island Batting Range. Here you can drive balls to your heart’s content. A variety of helmets and bats are available. Designed for all skill levels, the Batting Range machines pitch softballs and hardballs from underhand speed to 95 mph. You get 14 pitches for $2.
I’ve had a lot of fun here, but be sensible. Several years ago I sprained my right thumb hitting a popup on a 95 mph curve ball. I have a calcium deposit to show for it. So don’t try to be a major league hitter if you’re not.
There is also miniature golf and the Go-Kart City on premises. The latter includes children’s rides such as Slick Track, International Speed Run, and Bumper Boats. There is also rock climbing. The telephone number of the Coney Island Batting Range and Go-Kart City is 718-449-1200.
Built in 1920 by the Electric Ferris Wheel Company, Deno’s Wonder Wheel is another New York City landmark. Tamer than the Cyclone, the Wonder Wheel, with a maximum elevation of 150 feet above ground, boasts scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey Shore, and New York City skyline. According to wonderwheel.com, the 400,000-pound ride has a perfect safety record.
The Wonder Wheel Park also has bumper cars, the Thunderbolt, and Supershot. The Thunderbolt fits riders in an individual airborne pod that swings around at 50 mph. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.
The Supershot is not for the feint-hearted. It’s a vertical track where the rider flies upside down. The minimum height requirement on the Supershot is 52 inches.
Each ride at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park costs $4-$5. A five-ticket package can be purchased for $20. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park is located on the Coney Island Boardwalk at West 12th Street and open daily. The phone number is 718-449-8836.
