Top 8 Affordable Activities in Coney Island

True to its heritage as the “playground for the people,” Coney Island offers plenty of free activities and opportunities for cheap fun—especially during the height of tourist season in the summer months.

Since 2017, Coney Island has seen remarkable improvements thanks to an initiative by The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the New York Parks and Recreation Department. While plans are currently underway to continue to bring new developments to the neighborhood, there are still many opportunities to engage in free (or almost free) activities in Coney Island.

From spending a Wednesday afternoon at the New York Aquarium to taking a free walking tour of the historic boardwalk, there are numerous ways to enjoy this vibrant south Brooklyn neighborhood without spending anything more than the subway fare to get there.

1. Stroll the Coney Island Boardwalk to Brighton Beach: Enjoy ocean breezes and views of Coney Island’s stadium and amusement park at the Coney Island Boardwalk, which is free to the public. Both the people-watching and the scenery offer great free entertainment. For a pure Brooklyn history experience, the view of the historic Parachute Jump and Cyclone roller coaster is outstanding. The boardwalk runs past the New York Aquarium and leads to the Russian neighborhood of Brighton Beach, an excellent spot to savor authentic Russian cuisine and culture.
2. Watch the Annual July 4th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest: On the 4th of July, observe 20 ridiculously hungry competitors stuff themselves for a $40,000 total cash purse. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, sponsored by the original Nathan’s stand in Coney Island, reportedly started around 1916. Recent champions have consumed as many as 74 hot dogs and buns in ten minutes. It’s free, and you won’t be leaving with a stomach ache!
3. Go to Coney Island’s Atlantic Ocean Beach: Enjoy nearly three miles of public beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby amenities include free volleyball, handball, and basketball courts, as well as playgrounds. However, beware of riptides and swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
4. Take a Free Walking Tour of Historic Coney Island: The nonprofit group Save Coney Island organizes informative and free walking tours throughout the tourist season. Enjoy an in-depth look at the history of this famous attraction on one of these tours.
5. Learn about Coney Island at the Coney Island Museum: True Coney Island enthusiasts appreciate the bizarre and zany. The Coney Island Museum, envisioned by Dick Zigun, a Yale-trained theater professional, celebrates over twenty years of Coney Island passion. The memorabilia commemorates Coney Island’s vaudeville and amusement park history, and the $5 admission is well worth it.
6. Go to a Seaside Concert: The Ford Amphitheater opened in Coney Island on June 25, 2016, hosting numerous famous musicians on its newly constructed stage. Although many shows aren’t free, the amphitheater does host a seaside concert series every summer. Enjoy the soothing ocean breeze while listening to music from some of the world’s greatest artists. However, a limited number of tickets will be available for all shows, which must be collected at the box office two days prior to each event.
7. Watch the Fireworks: Fireworks can be viewed at various locations in southern Brooklyn, but Coney Island hosts fireworks every night the Brooklyn Cyclones play on their home field beside the boardwalk. Additionally, Luna Park features a fireworks display every Friday at 9:30 p.m. from the last weekend in June until the Friday before Labor Day.
8. Go to the Mermaid Parade: The irreverent, artistic, and wildly popular Mermaid Parade in Coney Island is certainly a highlight. It marks the symbolic opening of Coney Island’s beach season every mid-June (usually June 19, but June 22 in 2019). Expect a lively crowd that mixes locals, European tourists, hipsters, families, and a delightful array of characters. One of New York City’s best parades, it features a stunning display of antique cars, sometimes driven by individuals donning fish costumes. Once niche, the Mermaid Parade has gained popularity, with tickets now available for better viewing.

Edited by Alison Lowenstein