Building Memories in Coney Island, NY
Lazy mornings, if ignored, can lead to lazy afternoons until they become days, causing, without notice the complete extinction of a day once fully planned with activities. This was the danger that NYCity Mama faced this morning. And though there is nothing wrong with lazy mornings, afternoons, or days, it is very rare that the ones feeling “lazy” are her children, thus forcing the laziness right out of her, in exchange for her sanity and avoidance of the complete collapse of their small NYC apartment from all the running around and crazy boy energy being contained there.
By the time they headed out on their chosen adventure, it was almost 2:00 PM. Dangerous time zone during which to venture anywhere with toddlers who refuse to nap, but off they went. The sun was bright, and the breeze a bit chillier than it should be for early June. They made their way to Brooklyn across the Belt Parkway, past the incredibly proud, incredibly beautiful sights of the Verrazano Bridge. This is a B/Q train commute, but Mama was happy they opted to take the car because the day was really worth taking in above ground.
They arrive at Coney Island just as the little ones were starting to get restless (this is also where the NY Aquarium is located). Her 3.5 year old especially, after having seen a commercial for a kids’ amusement park, was eager to get on some rides. Little did he know that the destination his parents had chosen wasn’t the one he had seen on t.v., but already Mama knew which rides would make good replacements.
Coney Island is a place full of memories for Mama. She remembers coming here often as a child, and on dates or with friends as a young woman. It’s one of those places that you can go to and really revel in the cheesy-ness of it all, because therein lies the innocence that most New Yorkers had when they first visited the area. So as they walked in to purchase tickets Mama couldn’t help but feel like she was passing on the New York tradition onto her boys, and really no matter how many times she comes here, she always feels this way.
She wasn’t sure what it was, if it was too early in the season, if it was the chill in the air, or the fact that it was later in the day, but the park wasn’t very crowded at all which was a nice surprise because it meant that her boys, especially the little ones who have yet to master the art of waiting, were able to get on rides quickly. The park grounds is divided into two areas. Astroland which was the amusement park for many years is now closed. In its place is Deno’s Wonder Wheel which is located on the right side, closest to the historic ferris wheel. Though they started on some of the rides located on the left side of the park, the ones on the right side of the park are far better rides (and newer) for the little ones. They didn’t care though, it seemed that pretty much anything they rode they absolutely loved.
After a few rides Mama and her husband were able to convince the boys to head over to the boardwalk. The Coney Island boardwalk is where the heart of Coney Island is. It’s where you go to people watch, grab something to eat or snack on, and walk around. It was busy and loud from the sounds of the vendors, arcades, and music being played all around. The boys happily ate their corn dogs and funnel cakes as they watched all the action around them.
Afterwards they headed onto the beach. The sand, clean and uncrowded, was soft and cool to the touch. People happily played volleyball, while the muscle heads worked out by the free weight area, and the children played in the small monkey bar and slide play area. At one point, the 3.5 year old asked to go closer to the water with his father. Mama isn’t clear on the details of what happened, but when they got back the child was completely wet, and the father’s sneakers were drenched as well.
‘He said he just wanted to step in,” said Father, “but next thing I knew, he was running full speed ahead into the water!”
Yup, that sounds like him. That kid loves the beach, no matter what the temperature of the water!
After changing the boys into clean/dry clothes, the family laid out their blankets and the little ones set out to play while the others laid in the sun and enjoyed the cool breeze coming from the ocean.
Once the kids started showing signs of being ready to go, they packed up their things and headed back to the boardwalk. However, before they could leave, they took part on the boardwalk tradition of dancing to the music provided by the Coney Island Dancers. The fun was so contagious that even Mama’s 11 year old joined in the fun, dancing with her to the tunes of “Funky Town”.
Before they could leave though, the bigger boys (Father and 11 year old) had to ride the Cyclone. Well, honestly, there are two things one should always do when in Coney Island (when dietary and physical restrictions don’t apply) and that is to 1) eat hot dogs at Nathan’s and ride the Cyclone. So while Mama sat in the car, so that the little ones could rest, drink some water, and watch a movie on the DVD player, the 11 year old and his father stood on line for the Cyclone Rollercoaster. Mama swears she must’ve waited for them for 40 minutes. And it turns out that (because boys will be boys) they were able to ride the coaster over and over for a minimal fee each time, so they did! By the time they got to the car they were both sweating and laughing, with the biggest smiles on their faces, talking about how fun it was. Mama couldn’t help but laugh at them, especially her husband who was just as giddy as the child he had been with!
On their way back home the little ones fell asleep, Mama drove while her husband rested, and her 11 year old, in love with his parents at this point, couldn’t stop thanking them for such a wonderful day. Another happy memory successfully passed on, Mama thought to herself as she smiled listening to the click of her camera while her 11 year old, completely happy and inspired, tried to capture every inch of their way home. Here are a few of his photos.
NYCity Mama notes: Best to take plenty of cash, though ATMs are available throughout, you may get hit with high transaction fees. Also, remember that the rides located on the right side of the park are newer, and in general, nicer. Tickets are $2.5o per ride, and rides range between one to two tickets per person. Most rides have a 36″ height requirement unless accompanied by a responsible person. Also check out the Coney Island site for upcoming events, such as the incredibly popular Mermaid Parade taking place June 20th, 2009.
Coney Island is my most favorite place in the city to take the kids. It is so under rated. Glad you did a post about it… and great photos
I loved this post too! LOL. The first paragraph is so well written.. I can’t wait for your to do a book!
[...] As I sit and write this post, my skin aches a bit from the hours under the sun, my feet are tired, and my heart is filled with joy, for we chose to spend this day in Coney Island. [...]
[...] wildlife and in their efforts to build support to continue to do so. Plus, if you find yourself in Coney Island, and want to do something with the little ones aside from Luna Park or the beach, then a trip to [...]