How to Enjoy a Day at Coney Island's Astroland Amusement Park

It's not Disneyland or Six Flags Great Adventure, but the Astroland Amusement Park on Brooklyn's Coney Island was one of America's most celebrated beach resorts during early 20th Century and still boasts a myriad of old fashioned charms. An hour by subway from New York City, the attractions are open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The main event is the legendary 9-hill, wooden roller coaster The Cyclone, which was built in 1927. It's 100-second ride over rickety planks at speeds of up to 60 mph and, while it's got no loops, it can still churn stomachs as the entire structure feels like it's going to collapse at any moment.

2. Be sure to ride landmark Wonder Wheel which was built in 1920. There are 16 swinging and 8 stationary cars and they provide a panoramic view of the New York City skyline.

3. Ride in the Hellhole, which uses centrifugal force to pin you against the wall of a circular chamber and spins you dizzy. It's like being in a washing machine during the spin cycle.

4. There are 3 Bumper Car attractions--more than enough to get rid of everyone's pent-up road rage. If someone gets in your way, bump him or her out of it!

5. Though it's not functional any more, you can look up and marvel at The Parachute Jump, which was built for the 1939 World's Fair. Riders would freefall from the 262-feet tall attraction until a parachute was deployed to break their fall. It's a national landmark and is known as Brooklyn's Eiffel Tower.

6. If you want a break from the excitement of the rides, buy tickets for the Coney Island Circus Sideshow for an old-style freak entertainment. It features about 10 live curiosity acts, including a Bearded Lady and a Human Blockhead, who hammers nails into his skull.

7. Don't miss out on a walk on Coney Island's 3-mile boardwalk along the beach to enjoy the salty Atlantic Ocean air.

8. Walk along the boardwalk east to Brighton Beach, "Little Odessa," where you can eat at one of the many outdoor Russian cafes set up by immigrants who arrived in Brooklyn during the 1980s.

9. There's plenty of fair food to be had at the amusement park but be sure to sample a hot dog and fries at the legendary Nathan's Famous, which has been selling the same staples since 1916.

10. When you're finished with the rides and fair food, check out The Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation located nearby to see dolphins, whales, sharks, electric eels, octopuses and lots of other interesting sea creatures.

Tips & Warnings

• The best hassle-free way to get to Coney Island is by subway train. From Manhattan, take the B, D, N or F trains to the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island terminus or take the D or F trains to West 8th Street.
• If you got to Coney Island on July 4, look for the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, where competitors vie with one another to pack away the most hot dogs and buns.
• If you're in Coney Island in June, look out for The Mermaid Parade, which usually takes place on the second last Saturday of the month. It's a celebration of the sea and Coney Island history, presided over by King Neptune who's accompanied by bare-chested mermaids, sea creatures, marching bands, sea-themed floats and an assortment of costumed freaks. Phone: [phone] for a timetable.
• It's a fairground with lots of people milling around so watch your pockets and pocketbooks.