There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about walking through Luna Park in Coney Island. Maybe it’s the smell of cotton candy in the air, the sound of screams from the Cyclone roller coaster, or the way the ocean breeze mixes with the buzz of the boardwalk. For our family, this stop was a must-do on our NYC itinerary—and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Whether you’re travelling with kids or just want to unleash your inner child, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Luna Park, based on our own adventure.
Our Day at Luna Park
We kicked off our visit to Luna Park after spending a relaxing morning on Coney Island Beach. The park itself is set right on the iconic boardwalk, so it’s easy to hop from beach towels to thrill rides within minutes.
Our two kids were buzzing with excitement the moment they saw the flashing lights and heard the music pumping. And I’ll admit, I was just as excited. We grabbed wristbands for unlimited rides (absolutely worth it if you plan to stay a few hours), and in we went.
Things To Do at Luna Park
There’s a mix of everything—mild, wild, and wet. Here’s what stood out:
Classic Thrills
The Cyclone is hands-down the most iconic ride here. Built in 1927, this wooden roller coaster still packs a punch. If you love fast dips and sharp turns, don’t miss it. I didn’t go on it (not a coaster person!), but the kids and my partner came off it with huge smiles and wild hair.
New Rides to Watch For
Leti’s Treasure—a log flume ride with splash zones—was a family favourite. Perfect on a hot day and just thrilling enough for the kids. Right beside it, Tony’s Express gives a starter roller coaster experience that’s great for younger riders (or nervous parents like me).
Sky Chaser & Sky Tykes
We also gave the ropes courses a go. Sky Chaser is for older kids and adults, while Sky Tykes is a fun option for younger ones. You get sweeping views over the boardwalk and beach—definitely a highlight.
Kiddie Rides
For toddlers and preschoolers, Luna Park has more than a dozen gentle rides, like the B&B Carousell, tea cups, and mini Ferris wheel. There were barely any queues when we visited, which made it easy to hop from ride to ride without a fuss.
Must-Sees Around the Park
Besides the rides, don’t miss these Coney Island essentials:
- The Boardwalk – Perfect for an oceanfront stroll, a photo with the famous signs, or just people-watching.
- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs – You can’t come to Coney Island without trying one. Ours were hot, tasty, and exactly what we needed after a few too many spins on the rides.
- The Beach – Free and sandy, and the perfect place to unwind after a few hours at the park.
- Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park – Right next door, with its own separate tickets and iconic blue Ferris wheel.
Necessary Things to Know
Tickets
There’s no admission fee to enter Luna Park—only those who ride need to pay. You can choose between pay-per-ride or wristbands. We chose the Extraordinary Wristbands, which gave us 4 hours of unlimited rides (US$65 for adults, US$43 for kids under 48 inches).
Keep in mind: the Sky Chaser and Sky Tykes courses aren’t included in wristbands and require extra credits.
Opening Hours
Luna Park runs seasonally—usually weekends in spring and fall, and daily during summer. Check their online calendar before you go to avoid surprises.
How to Get There
We took the D train to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue. The park is right there once you exit. Super convenient. If you’re driving, expect to pay for parking at local lots or near the New York Aquarium.
Food & Drink
From hand-cut fries at Salt and Sizzle to burgers and funnel cakes at the boardwalk stalls, there’s no shortage of fair food here. We grabbed lunch from Ruby’s and topped it off with a funnel cake treat. No regrets.
Strollers & Bathrooms
Strollers are allowed, and there are ramps to make it easier to get around. We found clean bathrooms (with change tables) throughout the park and on the boardwalk too.
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Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Arrive early to beat the crowds—especially on weekends.
- Weekdays tend to be quieter.
- Don’t mix up Luna Park rides with those at Deno’s Wonder Wheel—they’re separate!
- If you time it right, stay for the fireworks at night over the beach. It’s magical.
Final Thoughts
Luna Park is the perfect mix of nostalgia and new. There’s something timeless about the whole experience, from the boardwalk breeze to the laughter echoing off the Cyclone’s tracks.
Whether you’re visiting New York City with kids, friends, or just looking for a beachside thrill day, make sure Luna Park is on your list. We loved every minute of it—and we’ll be back.
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