Coney Island, A Must-Hit Summer Destination

Summer is a time of endless ice cream, soaking up sunshine, staying up late, and riding roller coasters. For New Yorkers, Coney Island embodies all of these things. While it may not be California’s Six Flags Magic Mountain, it has everything you’d need for an adventure-packed day and is finally open for the summer.

Thrill seekers can binge on stomach-dropping rides and foodies can’t go wrong with the famous, and arguably most delicious – Nathan’s hot dogs.

Riverdale’s own, Middle and Upper School Theater, Dance, and Film teacher Kellen Blair, is quite the Coney Island lover. Born and raised in Washington, Mr. Blair had always longed to experience the wonders of Coney Island. “One of the first things I did when I got here was take the train to Coney Island. I was so excited to see what it was like because I had only seen it in movies before,” said Mr. Blair. He added, “There’s definitely something just immediately unique and magical about it.”

But Coney Island isn’t just a fun-filled landmark, it’s a blast from the past. “I feel like you get off the train and you feel like you’re stepping into the past,” Mr. Blair reflected.

Referring to Coney Island’s renowned amusement park—Luna Park, Mr. Blair added “looking up at something that your great grandparents could have seen if they stepped off the train and walked around here, and just knowing that almost everything you’re walking by has just been there. There’s just something so fun and nostalgic about it.”

Luna Park is known for its Cyclone Roller Coaster, featuring an 85-foot drop and going up to 60 mph, a perfect ride for thrill seekers. But, this fun-filled amusement park offers other extravagant rides as well. “If there was one thing [Riverdale students] had to do, it would probably be the Spook-A-Ra- ma. I just love the Spook-A-Rama,” Mr. Blair shared excitedly.

Another must-see this summer is the Coney Island Museum. Since 1983 the Coney Island Museum has been a tourist magnet. From its collection of photographs to its audio-described exhibits, the Coney Is- land Museum offers a historical and meaningful aspect of the Island.

“As someone who spent a lot of time in Coney Island as a child, the Museum inspires tremendous nostalgia for me. I’m always thrilled to see visitors — many with no prior knowledge or experience of Coney’s storied past — walk through the Museum and respond with genuine surprise and delight,” said Lisa Mangels-Shaefer, a curator at the Coney Island Museum. “The Coney Island Museum is the only accredited institution in the world dedicated to preserving this critical portion of American history and interpreting its impact on broader American popular culture,” she remarked.

This summer the Coney Island Museum exhibits fun house mirrors, shooting gallery targets, hold-to-light postcards, and more! “There is so much to experience in Coney Island, but no visit is complete without a trip back in time — at the Coney Island Museum!” Ms. Mangels-Schaefer persuaded.

Taking a fishy turn, Coney Island’s annual Mermaid Parade is back again on June 17th. The parade features floats, marching bands, flamboyant costumes, and even some dance numbers. This unique celebration is family-friendly and endlessly fun. Although, it’s not the only underwater experience Coney Island has to offer. The New York Aquarium, which originated in Battery Park but recently moved to Coney Island in 1957, is equally entertaining.

“My favorite thing about the New York Aquarium was the jellyfish tank because in the tank the lights are off and you could only see the lights that were being emitted by the jellyfish,” explained ninth-grader and frequent Coney Island visitor Natalie Wu.

On a hot summer day, you can never go wrong with an underwater adventure. The New York Aquarium has activities for all ages, from the “Playquarium” to its extraordinary “Aquatheater”, but watch out for the Splash Zone!

Coney Island is not an opportunity to pass up this summer. So whether it be the beach, museum, or acclaimed hot dog stand, make sure to add Coney Island to your summer bucket list!