New York Amusement Parks
If you are looking for a classic amusement park, then you will need to venture outside of the city. But, New York City does have several smaller amusement park options as well as themed restaurants that can be just as entertaining.
Central Park is a hub of excitement, offering both a zoo and a carnival style amusement park. The Central Park Zoo is home to many exotic animals, all of which are displayed in settings designed to look like their native homes. From the Antarctic to the rain forest, visitors will be led throughout various parts of the world as they learn how animals survive in their natural habitats. The Tisch Children’s Zoo allows young visitors to get up close and personal with some animals as they gain hands on experience. Attracting over 1 million visitors a year, the Central Park Zoo is known for helping endangered species.
Also in Central Park, you will find the carnival-style Victorian Gardens. Able to hold 3,000 guests at a time, this miniature wonderland is located in Central Park’s Wolman Rink (which becomes an ice skating rink in the winter). Face painting, balloon sculpting, and the famous Whack a Mole are just a few of the many attractions awaiting those who visit Victorian Gardens.
If you don’t want to leave the city, but neither of these options is for you, you may want to consider one of New York’s many themed restaurants. Mars 2112, located in Times Square, offers great food and great fun for the entire family. From the moment you enter the restaurant you and your family will be transported to Mars. In addition to indulging in Space themed meals, guests will also have the opportunity to have their photos taken with the Mars family—Empress Glorianna, Captain Orion, and QTP. Although there are not any actual rides here, there is definitely plenty of amusement to go around.
If playing laser tag in a 5,000 square foot arena sounds like it might be fun, you may want to check out Lazer Park located in Manhattan’s theatre district. Whether you come in a small group, or you’re looking for a great place to rent out for a large event, ducking through the foggy mazes as you try to avoid getting hit can add some excitement and fun to your New York City vacation.
Those looking for a more traditional amusement park experience will have to go outside the city, but will not be disappointed in the offerings. Just under four hours outside of the city, Six Flags has one of their extravagant theme parks offering exciting, high-speed, roller coasters, family friendly rides, children’s rides and a water park. The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Water Park offers “365 days of summer” year-round. With a vast array of water slides, water rides and a boogie board simulator, this can be a great way to escape the snowy cold outside or to get away from the sweltering humidity. Rustic yet luxurious suites await weary travelers looking to have a great time.
If Six Flags isn’t quite your thing, and you happen to be visiting New York in the summer, Rochester, NY is home to Seabreeze. Located nearly six hours outside of the city, Seabreeze is “not too big, not too small” and offers family friendly attractions, thrill rides and a water park. Along with offering affordable prices, Seabreeze also offers free parking.