A Summer Tradition: Coney Island & Luna Park

Every summer we head to the islands. And by islands, of course I mean Coney and Governors. Both of these destinations are a summer rite of passage and make for a great day trip/mini escape with the family. While each destination has changed a bit since we began visiting a few years ago, Coney Island has managed to maintain its grit, uniqueness and charm.

While we've checked out the Aquarium and Brooklyn Cyclones in past years, my adventure seekers are all about the rides at Luna Park as soon as we've stepped off the Q train. The park is just off the boardwalk and filled with rides to fit everyone's interests, from the scared (me) to the "faster! higher!" crew (everyone else in my family).

Luna has a few new rides this year, among them The Coney Clipper, a giant rocking boat that didn't look nearly so scary until I was on it, and the Cozmo Jet, which was much tamer by comparison. If you plan on riding multiple rides, and want the most for your money, I'd suggest buying a day pass, which gets you unlimited rides. Don't forget that Luna Park's offerings also include the famous Cyclone roller coaster and the historic B&B Carousel amongst others. Open daily and on weekends and school holidays after Labor Day until October 31st, there's still time to have some fun at Luna Park before summer is over!

Quick tip: we checked out a new place for lunch this year and loved it -- wide open space, decent food and clean bathrooms (hurrah!) -- definitely worth checking out: Kitchen 21. Have fun!




Disclosure: I was provided with day passes to Luna Park for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.