Top Amusement Sites in Brooklyn

Labor Day marks the end of summer, but  many of Coney Island's landmark attractions in South Brooklyn operate nearly year-round. My favorite amusement sites in Brooklyn are Astroland, the New York Aquarium, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, and the Coney Island Batting Range.

Astroland

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.

New York Aquarium

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.