Field Trips-- Coney Island and the New York Aquarium

I had heard that a developer had bought a huge chunk of the Coney Island amusement area, and that this might be the last year for some of the attractions, including Astroland. They can't touch the Cyclone, Wonder Wheel and Parachute Jump, because those have landmark status.



But all the other little rides, arcades, food joints, etc. were at risk. We found out after the fact that we arrived on the last day of the season (September 9th), which might have been the last day ever... Rumor has it a deal has been reached for leases for next season. I hope that proves to be true.

Coney Island was a big part of my childhood. My grandmother took me there nearly every day in the summer when I was little. She died when I was 9, and after that, visits were few and far between. But I am very fond of the place, especially since it brings back fond Gramma memories... Anyway, we took the Q train to West 8th Street, and wandered into nostalgia territory. This was Mikro's first trip to Coney Island, and I was happy that he got to see it before it changes forever.

First we wandered the boardwalk, and played a bit at an arcade...













Next, Mikro took his first ever ferris wheel ride, on the Wonder Wheel... Let's just say he wasn't exactly thrilled at the beginning, but he did calm down and take in the interesting new perspective, looking down on the rides and the beach from on high.











Then it was back to wandering the boardwalk, a quick picnic lunch, and we were off to the New York Aquarium.We have been reading "Over in the Ocean", a counting book featuring sea creatures, as well as Eric Carle's "A House for Hermit Crab", and he was very excited to see them "in real life" as well as in a book.









Bonus! There were penguins!