Everyone knows about the Cyclone, Thunderbolt and Wonder Wheel, but maybe you’re not a thrill seeker. If that’s the case, don’t worry. There are plenty of fun things to do at Coney Island that don’t require you to be at least this tall to ride, and that you can do on a full stomach without any trepidation. Interested? Check out our list.
MCU Park in Coney Island. Photo: Alexander Thompson
1. See a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game
MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., 718-449-8497
The Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Mets' short-season single-A minor league club, play in picturesque MCU Park. The smell of ocean air permeates the stadium, situated right on the boardwalk and just a few blocks from local attractions like Deno's Wonder Wheel and Luna Park. In the distance beyond the left-field wall, fans can see the roller coaster that inspired the team's name slowly rise and suddenly plunge on its first terrifying drop—and during night games, neon-colored fluorescent rings circling the ballpark's stadium lights are a perfect complement to the carnivalesque setting. The on-field competition of scrappy, hardworking ballplayers harks back to the good ol' days of Brooklyn baseball—as does the intimate setting, where the players on the field can hear what fans yell out from the stands and vice versa. In the grand tradition of the minor leagues, the Cyclones are known for their outlandish promotions, like having offered free tickets for life to anyone who would agree to name their child Brooklyn or Cy. Our baseball promotions roundup offers hints of what's in store this year. If you're heading to a game, look out for the statue of Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese near the main gate—it shows Reese with his arm around Robinson, a famous gesture of solidarity that was re-created in the film 42.
Mermaid Parade. Photo: Kate Glicksberg
2. Go to the Mermaid Parade
The Mermaid Parade has sent nautically (and often scantily) clad ladies and gents in colorful, over-the-top floats down the boardwalk since 1983 in a joyous celebration of New York City spirit and individualism. Music, antique cars and an abundance of mermaids always make the event—which typically takes place the third Saturday in June—a memorable one. And don't forget about the celebrity king and queen; in the past, the roles have been filled by such big names as Harvey Keitel, Mayor de Blasio’s kids, members of Blondie and, fittingly, Queen Latifah.
3. Rock out at the Coney Island Amphitheater
There’s a long, proud tradition of concerts at Coney Island, and in 2016 the neighborhood finally got its own permanent major music venue. The lineup tends to include a parade of big names, many of them inducing some nostalgia for the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.
Coney Island Museum. Photo: Jen Davis
4. Visit the Coney Island Museum
1208 Surf Ave., 718-372-5159
The Coney Island Museum features displays celebrating the amusement park and surrounding neighborhood. There’s a 3-D printed scale model of the old Luna Park, work by Brooklyn artist Daniel Blake (aka Africasso) and an assortment of oddities and memorabilia.
5. Delve into the past at the Coney Island History Project
3059 W. 12th St., 347-702-8553
The Coney Island History's exhibition center is located almost directly beneath the Wonder Wheel. Admission is free, affording visitors views of indoor and outdoor exhibits.
New York Aquarium. Photo: Julienne Schaer
6. Say hello to your fishy friends at the New York Aquarium
602 Surf Ave., 718-265-3474
This aquarium—the oldest continually operating example in the US—remains a must-see. Visitors will be charmed by all manner of marine life, including seals, walruses, red-bellied piranhas and rays. Ocean Wonders: Sharks! features blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, sand tiger sharks and wobbegongs, a carpet shark native to the western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans. Daily penguin and otter feedings are among the other highlights.
7. Hit the beach
That salt-air smell that permeates all of Coney Island is coming from the ocean. Indeed, there are nearly 3 miles of beach property in the neighborhood, and you can see clearly to the vast blue expanse of ocean from the boardwalk. Brighton Beach is nearby as well. If you've forgotten any of your beach gear—sandals, a bathing suit, a hat or sunglasses, for example—there are many Coney Island shops that have you covered.
Of course, there’s are always surprises during any Coney Island summer—so you can count on more fun popping up as the season progresses. Check coneyisland.com for the latest details on what to do by the beach.