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One of summer’s most revered traditions is queuing for a theme park ride. Whether you’re breathing in the salt air at Coney Island or tackling some of the biggest roller coasters in the world at Six Flags Great Adventure, the New York area is teeming with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, bumper cars and more. more to turn any warm summer night into a treasured memory.
As the weather warms up and the parks prepare to open for the season, Thrillist has put together a comprehensive 2022 guide to New York area theme parks. Head to the Jersey Shore or stay within the city limits; we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about planning a theme park trip. Get ready to scream your head off!
Nickelodeon Universe
Opening date : Works all year round
Ticket price: $44.99
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
Public transport connections: New York Port Authority NJ Transit Bus 355
What’s new: Unlike the other theme parks on this list, Nickelodeon Universe is entirely indoors and operates year-round. Located inside the American Dream Mall, the kid-focused theme park recently opened a swing called Guppy Bubbler and a hovercraft experience known as Zuma’s Zoomers.
The American Dream is also home to the Dream Wheel, a luxury observation wheel with views of the New York skyline that has just opened. It’s a separate Nickelodeon Universe attraction, but you can see it on the same trip.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Opening date : April 2, 2022
Ticket price: $39.99 and up
Location: Jackson, New Jersey
Public transport connections: NJ Transit Bus 308 from New York Port Authority and Newark Penn Station (begins Saturday, May 28)
What’s new: Medusa is making a comeback at Six Flags Great Adventure this year. The world’s first floorless, top-rail roller coaster opened in 1999 before being renamed Bizarro in 2009. The ride will sport a new paint job and updated theme.
A two-year revamp of the kids’ section will see it rebranded as the Jr. Thrillseekers zone, with eight rides, including Jersey Devil Coaster’s counterpart, the Lil’ Devil Coaster. The park is also adding single-rider lines to several of its popular roller coasters, which, combined with a tech update to its Flash Pass system, promise to shorten wait times.
Luna Park
Opening date : April 2, 2022
Ticket price: $62 per strap
Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York
Public transport connections: By subway, take the Q or F lines to the West 8th Street station or the D, F, N, or Q lines to the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. By bus, take the B36 to Surf Avenue and West 8th St, or the B68 to Neptune Avenue and West 8th St.
What’s new: Several thrilling attractions are making their debut at Coney Island’s Luna Park this year. The Super Flume ride is perfect for adrenaline junkies. After lifting its 12 riverboats over 40 feet high, the attraction will plunge at over 35 miles per hour. The Super Flume will be located next to the Thunderbolt.
A brand new roller coaster will also join the Luna Park rides. The family ride will span over 1,200 feet of Super Flume interwoven track and provide guests with an exhilarating experience.
Those wanting a more hands-on experience will be pleased to know that Luna Park is also launching its new Sky Chaser ropes course, where adventurous park-goers can climb to stunning views of the Coney Island boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. 50 feet above the ground. Ropes courses and zip lines will be available for all ages and skill levels.
“New attractions, rides and entertainment will be available beginning Memorial Day weekend, along with environmentally friendly plazas for guests to relax after all the thrills,” said the President and CEO. direction of Central Amusement International, Alessandro Zamperla.
New York Legoland
Opening date : April 8
Ticket price: $67.99
Location: Goshen, NY
Public transport connections: Port Authority of New York ShortLine Hudson bus to the park.
What’s new: With the theme park opening for its second season, visitors can expect two new entertainment stages and three new shows to liven things up. When summer comes, a new water play area, dubbed LEGO City Water Playground, will also open. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing construction over the past year, the park has opened in stages throughout the season, and some rides and attractions may be new, even to returning guests.
On July 4, the park will ring in the holidays with its first-ever Red, White & BOOM event. Starting this fall, park-goers can enjoy an even bigger Brick-or-Treat party. As winter approaches, the park will launch its first annual Holiday Bricktacular event.
Casino Quay
Opening date : April 9, 2022
Ticket price: $1 credit per trip
Location: Seaside Heights, New Jersey
Public transport connections: NJ Transit Bus Bus 137 from New York Port Authority or NJ Transit Bus 67 from Newark Penn Station
What’s new: Beachgoers on the famed Jersey Shore know Casino Pier is the destination for oceanfront fun. While the pier isn’t adding any new attractions this year, fan favorites like the Hydrus roller coaster and the towering Skyscraper thrill ride will be ready to welcome guests as usual.
There’s also a robust event schedule for all ages, including fire shows, character appearances, princess songs, animal shows, and more. You can view the full schedule of events on the pier’s website.
Compound Lake
Opening date : April 30
Ticket price: $39.99 and up
Location: Bristol, Connecticut
Public transport connections: doggy style Bus from New York Port Authority to Hartford, Connecticut or Amtrak train from New York Penn Station to Hartford, Connecticut; rideshare from Hartford to Lake Compounce
What’s new: Lake Compounce unveils its newest sliding experience, called Storm Surge, for the 2022 summer season. Adding lights and sounds to Lake Compounce’s famous lighthouse, the Storm Surge will delight guests with a light show as they glide through the tunnel. Featuring iSlide technology, the new and improved slide will amaze guests with 30 color-changing lights, four speakers, and a surprise at every turn.
In June, the Lake Compounce Bites & Pints Food Festival will return with an all-new menu, and in September, park visitors can enjoy craft beers with their pups, as the park welcomes dogs with its Ales and Tails event. . .
Dorney Park
Opening date : May 7 and 8 for season pass holders; May 13 for all guests
Ticket price: $39.99 and up
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Public transport connections: Greyhound Bus to Allentown from New York Port Authority, carpool to park
What’s new: Dorney Park is set to upgrade its visitor center and outdoor service area this year. Upon entering, guests will notice a host of visual changes ranging from landscaping to rides and restaurants. New menu items and merchandise will appear this season, and changes to facilitate speed and efficiency have been made. In addition to improved parking booths, Dorney Park has also improved turnstiles to provide a smoother experience.
In terms of events, Dorney Park’s Grand Carnivale is back this year, and fall attendees can expect to once again enjoy Halloween Haunt and the Great Pumpkin Festival. Of course, the park’s signature roller coasters like Thunderhawk, Steel Force and Hydra will all be available for those looking for thrills.
rye playground
Opening date : May 21, 2022
Ticket price: $34.99
Location: Rye, New York
Public transport connections: Metro-North train to Rye station, carpool or Bee-Line bus to park
What’s new: Rye Playland is in the midst of a multi-year, $135 million renovation that will refurbish many of the park’s century-old Art Deco buildings and facilities, including its restrooms and swimming pool. Phase I also includes the refurbishment of the Carousel and the Derby Racer. The plan will also bring new rides and recreate famous older ones over several years, though exact timelines are still emerging.
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