Spotlight | Luna Park

Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. With summer in full swing, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations that make New York City such a great place to spend the warm weather and sunny sky season. This week, we visit the legendary Luna Park at Coney Island!

Since the mid-19th century, New Yorkers have spent their summer hours at Coney Island in Brooklyn. And for more than 120 years of that time, Luna Park has been providing an unforgettable seaside experience – with family-friendly attractions and entertainment, shopping and dining on the scenic landmarked boardwalk, thrill rides, and special events.

Luna Park opened on May 16, 1903. The park is lined by nearly three miles of sandy beaches, two and a half miles of boardwalk, and other top attractions. In 1925, the Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster, was opened to the public and stayed in operation until 1982. Following the Thunderbolt's success, the park hired coaster designer Vernon Keenan to design the Coney Island Cyclone. It opened on June 26, 1927, at only twenty-five cents a ride. Another popular ride, the Parachute Jump, attracted as many as half a million riders annually. In operation until 1966, it was described as "flying in a free fall."

The park expanded and contracted over the years in proportion to the economy. In 2010, Central Amusement International Inc (CAI), owned by the Zamperla family, developed the new Luna Park. The Zamperlas have been involved in the amusement industry for five generations, with their roots in circus, carnival rides, and ride manufacturing. When the Park reopened on May 29, 2010, it immediately created 247 jobs for the local community, attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, and brought a world-class amusement destination back to Brooklyn.

The Park was populated with brand-new rides, roller coasters, games, an arcade, go-karts, restaurants, and food stands. Fan favorites were also reimagined and recreated. The historic Cyclone Roller Coaster (which turns 97 years old this year), B&B Carousell, Parachute Jump, and the first major custom steel roller coaster in NYC—Thunderbolt—are all available for new generations to make memories on.

"With Luna Park in Coney Island, we are thrilled to continue to enhance and bring timeless experiences to life through experiential and interactive innovation at America's Playground," said Alessandro Zamperla, President and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc.

A summer day at the Park is complete if you enjoy the food! Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than freshly made gelato at Coney's Cones. If you are grazing while taking in the rides and people-watching, the Half Moon Food Court is the place for boardwalk treats, including cotton candy, funnel cakes, and more. And you can top it all off with a slice at Al Cavallino. Their pizza chefs, straight from Italy, use the freshest authentic ingredients to create pizza magic. Where else in NYC can you sit by the beach and enjoy a custom pizza and a beer?

Keep an eye on the Park's Facebook and Instagram to learn about offers and special events. Also, since open hours will vary, consult the Park Calender before you go.

One customer summed it up best: "Luna Park on Coney Island is a timeless amusement park that captures the essence of classic carnival fun. From thrilling rides like the iconic Cyclone roller coaster to family-friendly attractions, there's something for everyone. The vibrant atmosphere, with colorful lights and lively music, adds to the excitement."

Broadway Stages knows that every season is a great time to be a New Yorker. But no New York life is complete until you have made a few summer memories on Coney Island. So, make plans today for a day (or more) at Luna Park. And when you get there, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!