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Why the Coney Island Museum Is Perfect for Families

When I visited the Coney Island Museum, I had barely enough time to register the ruffle-collared cat relaxing on a table (known as Sideshow Cat) before I was swept up in a friendly group of clowns celebrating their clown class graduation. This is not, I imagine, a typical experience at the museum, but it does give a great sense of the general atmosphere of the space.

The lower level of the Coney Island Museum is free to visit and gives you a clue to the eclectic treasures the main exhibits hold. 

Every inch of the downstairs area is crammed full of historic artifacts like old signs, artwork, and mermaid memorabilia—and that's before you even get into the museum proper. The first floor of the museum houses the gift shop, Freak Bar with its delightful "Tchotchke Wall," and a cozy stage and auditorium in the back where events like the Circus Sideshow are held. The vibrant, vintage kitsch is a delight for the eyes, though the kids may gravitate toward the two classic arcade games and the old-school juke box—all operational. 

You can wander around downstairs for FREE, but museum entry is only $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, kids under 12, and residents of local zip code 11224. The main museum is up a steep flight of stairs and through a whimsical sunshine-yellow door. Keep in mind: This is an old building—built in 1917!—so this is the only way up.

The museum encompasses several open rooms, where many items and images on display paint a vivid picture of what it was like to visit Coney Island and its amusement parks in the late 1800s through the 1900s. Most of the displays are hands-off (and no photos are allowed), but there are four hilarious fun house mirrors kids will definitely enjoy, and one interactive display area with some unique postcards. 

There's also plenty to look at, like some of the first carousel horses, toys you could win from the original Steeplechase and Luna Park carnival games, the first salt-water taffy candies sold in Coney Island and the stilts used to advertise them, and even a two-headed swan. Some of the exhibits are accompanied by audio descriptions for little ones who can't read or anyone who prefers to hear the information. Bonus: Most, like the entry on bumper cars, are narrated by Neil Patrick Harris!

An old black-and-white movie plays over a small stage, with the narration and music making it feel like you've stepped into a moment in history. The video (at least when I was visiting) is a short film about a silly chimp that's a win for any age, and there are several rows of vintage chairs for anyone who needs to sit and take a break for a bit.

Don't miss a glimpse of the current iteration of the People's Playground through the second-floor window for a strange feeling of being in two points of history at once. 

A word to the wise: Hours change with the season, so be sure to peek at the website before you visit.

How to Get to the Coney Island Museum

The Coney Island Museum is located on the corner of West 12th Street and Surf Avenue. It's across the street from the Stillwell Avenue train station (D, F, N, and Q trains), and just a few minutes' walk from B36, B64, B68, B74, and B82 bus stops.

In fact, you've likely walked past it before if you've ever visited Luna Park. The building has distinct, large, arching windows, and reads "MUSEUM" in large letters under its blue roof overhang. It's right next to some can't-miss street art that's also worth a peek.

It's hard to pass up a visit to Nathan's Famous when you visit Coney Island.

Can't-Miss Nearby Attractions and Activities

If you're visiting the museum during beach season, then Brighton Beach is an obvious nearby stop, and there's plenty to do even in the offseason.

Luna Park is open on select dates (nearly) year-round, while the New York Aquarium is just one train stop or a 15-minute walk away.

For more art, swing by the Coney Art Walls, a unique outdoor art gallery where the canvases are walls.

Sports fans enjoy visiting Maimonides Park to catch the Coney Island Cyclones on the diamond during the spring and summer. Nearby, you can find one of NYC's best carousels, the vintage B&B Carousell—its history is detailed at the museum.

Get your sweet fix at the adorable, old-school Williams Candy or grab lunch at Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs—the first in the country, and site of the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. You can also sit down and eat at one of the many family-friendly restaurants, including Gargiulo's (family-owned since 1907).

Pro tip: Snag food-to-go at Shop Fair Supermarket on Surf Avenue and West 19th Street, where the cook can frequently be spotted handing out samples at the fresh hot food bar, and enjoy an impromptu picnic on the boardwalk or beach.

All photos by author

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