Coney Island has always been a place for family fun and good summer times. A place devoted to release and memories. And there is still no place more synonymous with noises of summer and joyful chaos. The charming name comes from konijn, Dutch for “wild rabbit”, which was about all the first European settlers found running through the five flat miles of grassy shoreline along the southern tip of Brooklyn. Coney Island is a great place to have fun , especially in the summer. Kids can’t wait to go on the rides and have fun on the beach while the parents are right along enjoying themselves as well.
When people mention Coney Island, there are only a few things that comes to mind. One of them being Nathan’s Famous’ original hot dog stand which opened on Coney Island in 1916 and quickly became popular with everyone. Since its opening, there have been an annual hot dog eating contest, but has only become popular in the last few years. There are also some great funnel cakes and knishes that will keep you coming back for more.
You can not mention Coney Island without talking about the Cyclone. Growing up in Brooklyn, you have to ride it at least once in your lifetime. It’s something Brooklyn parents tell their children about, something that you know as a little kid. It is sort of a hand-me-down. The Cyclone manages to be one of the oldest, safest and most thrilling coasters at the same time. Of course there are people who will not go near it. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, it also has been declared a city, state and National landmark. It cannot be altered. On a ride like that, you don’t want to change it, its perfect. There are other fun rides that many can enjoy, such as the wonder wheel, bumper cars and miniature rides for the little ones.
A few other things that you can also enjoy with your family is the New York Aquarium, its fun and educational. There are also various food shops and arcades. Another hotspot that you may find yourself at is the Boardwalk. Walking on the Boardwalk and looking at the water and the beach, or go in the water have a splashing good time along with everyone else.
Coney Island often comes as a shock to people who go there and find that it’s an actual place with an actual boardwalk on one of the biggest and best beaches on the Atlantic seaboard. It’s real and it’s still fun. There are rides and attractions, a sideshow, and an annual parade that is one of the most outrageous in the country. It is the most widely known part of Brooklyn. It may be known more than the borough itself. And why not? Coney Island is a novelty in an all-too-serious world, a community that is entirely devoted to having fun. And for most, it’s only a train ride away.
