There’s nothing more exciting than taking the whole family to an amusement park on a warm summer day. Roller coasters, cotton candy, and prizes are enough to make anyone’s day, regardless of age! Even though NYC is known as the concrete jungle, there are still plenty of fantastic amusement parks nearby offering heart-pumping thrill rides and carnival games. Whether you’re looking for an activity to do with your kids, or want to just escape the city for some good ‘ol fashion fun, check out one of these amusement parks near NYC!
1. Luna Park, Coney Island
Starting off with one of the most famous, Coney Island’s Luna Park is a classic destination for those searching for a unique summer experience. The Park opened in 2010 and was named after the original Luna Park that was built in Coney Island in 1903, but shut down in 1944.
The Park features over 50 games, rides and attractions, now owned by Central Amusement International, Inc! Visitors can also check out world-renowned Coney Island Cyclone, a historic wooden roller coaster that has become an NYC landmark! Beyond the many rides, families can also enjoy arcade games, dining options, shops, and ocean views. Admission to the park is free, with ride prices starting at $4.
Where: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
2. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, Coney Island
Deno’s Wonder Wheel is another amusement park in Coney Island, not far from Luna Park. It’s famous for its eponymous Wonder Wheel, which has been enjoyed by more than 40 million visitors and offers breathtaking beach views from 150 feet in the air! The park also features six adult rides, 16 kiddie rides, and 12 family rides that are suitable for all ages. Plus, their pay-as-you-go pricing structure helps you save money if you don’t know how long you will be in the park.
Where: 3059 W 12th Street, Brooklyn
3. Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, New Jersey
Step into the world of Nickelodeon at this amusement park which sits inside the American Dream Mall in New Jersey! Here, you can enjoy all sorts of thrilling rides themed around the iconic TV network. We’re talking everything from a Spongebob Squarepants rollercoaster to a Fairly OddParents-themed skateboard half-pipe ride. Plus, they also have “Family-Friendly Rides” as well as “Just For Tots Rides” so anyone of any age can enjoy the park!
Oh…did we mention it’s the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere? Plus, they also have a DreamWorks Water Park… which is also North America’s biggest indoor water park. Learn everything you need to know about the park here.
Where: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ
4. Adventurers Amusement Park, Bensonhurst
Adventurers Amusement Park is a small, family-friendly park in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, which has bumper cars, water slides, arcade games, mini golf, and more. They have over 20 rides and attractions, including classics like the Tilt-a-whirl, teacups, Ferris Wheel, and merry-go-round. They also offer generous party packages and group discounts, making it an excellent amusement park in NYC for birthdays and other celebrations. Learn more here.
Where: 1824 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn
5. Fantasy Forest Amusement Park, Flushing
Fantasy Forest Amusement Park is located inside Flushing-Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The park features various rides, arcade games, live shows, guest amenities, and more. Visitors can play classic games like ring toss, basketball shootouts, high striker, and rising waters. They will also find 8 different rides they can enjoy to the fullest by purchasing an unlimited wristband.
Plus, there’s plenty to do nearby in Flushing when you’re done, such as visit the New York Hall of Science, head over to Citi Field, or plan a trip to Governors Ball. Learn more here.
Where: 5351 111th St, Queens
6. Playland Park, Westchester
Located about 35 minutes out of the city, Playland Park is in Rye, New York, a town just a little out of NYC but not too far! The 28-acre park is owned by the Weschester government but operated by a private contractor called Standard Amusement LLC. The park features five roller coasters, ten thrill rides, a kiddy land with child-friendly rides and attractions, and several ice rinks. They also host a free concert series that has attracted major acts over the years like Cyndi Lauper and the Bangles. The park opens for 2024 on May 18! Learn more here.
Where: 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
7. Area 53, Williamsburg
This brand new adventure park recently opened in Brooklyn and it has literally everything! You can expect to find a ropes course, rock climbing, roller skating, a ninja course, a laser maze, slides, paint ball, and a battle beam!
Don’t forget about their classic arcade games too, like skeeball, basketball, pool, foosball, air hockey, and more! Our favorite part though? On Tuesday nights they have 21+ nights which are a great way to have fun for adults. Read more about Area53 here!
Where: 616 Scholes St, Brooklyn
8. Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
Six Flags Great Adventure is an amusement park located in Jackson, New Jersey, about 90 minutes away from NYC. The park boasts 14 roller coasters, tons of family rides, and a 350-acre drive-through Safari right next door. The interactive safari is an element unique to Six Flags Great Adventure that you won’t find anywhere within the five boroughs. The drive-through safari boasts over 1200 animals, including giraffes, elephants, tigers, rhinos, and many more!
Where: 1 Six Flags BLVD, Jackson Township, NJ
9. Adventureland, Long Island
Adventureland is an amusement park in East Farmingdale, New York, a town in Long Island about 90 minutes from NYC. The Park features seven thrill rides, including bumper cars, the Frisbee, and the turbulence coaster! It also features a small water park with three waterslides and multiple rides for families and little kids. Visitors can stop by the arcade, enjoy outdoor carnival games, or check out the Midway Market for souvenirs and apparel. Adventureland offers exclusive group rates and birthday parties, making it an excellent destination for family trips or special occasions!
Where: 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY
10. LEGOLAND New York, Hudson Valley
Step into the magical world of Legos at LEGOLAND New York! The New York location of the popular Legoland franchise is in the Hudson Valley town of Goshen, New York, which resides about 60 miles outside of NYC. Fans of the classic Danish toys can enjoy LEGO-themed rides, exhibits, and attractions designed for the whole family. It’s more than an amusement park too. It’s an all-inclusive resort with dozens of interactive games, puzzles, workshops, mazes, 4-D movies, live shows, and so much more. There are also hotels and places to eat, so you can go for an entire vacation or just stay overnight if you don’t feel like driving back to the city.
Where: 1 Legoland Blvd, Goshen, NY
11. Splish Splash, Long Island
In the mood for a water park? Check out Splish Splash, located in Calverton, Long Island, which is about 75 miles from New York City. Hailed as Long Island’s best waterpark, Splish Splash is a 96-acre utopia complete with 20 thrilling rides and attractions. Popular attractions include the Bootlegger’s Run waterslide, the Giant Twister, and the Lazy River. Plus, there’s also plenty of restaurants and gift shops along the way. We suggest hitting it up in the summer to escape the heat!
Where: 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton, NY
12. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach, New Jersey
This spot is one of New Jersey’s most premier amusement attractions, and it’s only 90 minutes from NYC! Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach is an amusement park, waterpark, and arcade all in one! It sits on the beach in Seaside Heights and offers guests hours of ways to spend a day at the shore. Ride major roller coasters, slide down tube slides, and games of skill like Balloon Toss and Frog Bog. Grab a trusty SURF Card and get to it! You may be there for hours…don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Where: 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ
13. Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Pennsylvania
Venture about 2 hours from NYC to Dorney Park in Allentown, PA, where you’ll find a ton of roller coasters, water slides, and a variety of family-friendly rides. Its been around since 1864 and has over 60 world-class rides, one of the northeast’s largest water parks, live entertainment, a build-your-own funnel cake bar, and so much more. Plan your visit here!
Where: 4000 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA
14. Sesame Place, Pennsylvania
Sesame Place is a children’s amusement park themed around the popular educational television program Sesame Street. It’s a few hours away from NYC and features rides, water attractions, live shows, and opportunities to meet beloved Sesame Street characters! It’s one of our favorite things to do with kids that’s only a short drive from the city. Plan your visit here!
Where: 100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA
15. Hersheypark
How about a delicious chocolate-themed amusement park? Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania is a massive entertainment park filled with thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and a water park. Not to mention there’s tons of chocolate to be consumed, Hershey characters to say hi to, summer concerts to sing along to, and more! Plan your visit here.
Where: 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA