Cincinnati's Coney Island Park has roots that go back to 1867. Starting as an apple orchard, local residents wanting to escape the crowds of the city asked permission of the owner to rent some of the open ground for picnics. More people followed and the owner realized he had a bonanza. He quickly added a dance hall, dining area, bowling alley, and a mule powered merry go round to give them even more reason to make the trip to plunk down their Cincinnati cash for a day of family fun and fantasy. He sold the land in 1886, and the new owners named it Ohio Grove, the Coney Island of the West in order to cash in on the fame of New York’s Coney Island Park.
Cincy's Coney Island is a behemoth playground, that attracts visitors hungry for the excitement of thrilling roller coasters, Ferris wheels, dodge 'em cars, a Godzilla sized swimming pool, and giant Lake Como for casual boating in the summer sun.
The rides are terrifying in a fun way. Some are real Indiana Jones cliffhangers including the Python Family Roller Coaster with a first drop that will plummet you down 40 feet. Not enough screams yet? Well then, grab a bag full of courage and get aboard the Scream Machine that will leave you breathless as you enjoy a 50 foot free fall leaving your stomach behind as the earth comes screaming closer and closer.
Other rides include the Scrambler, (believe me the name says it all!), the River Runner, the Super Roundup, and the Tempest, along with traditional rides such as the tilt a whirl and the Ferris wheel. One of my favorites is the Dodge 'em cars! Crash bang fun as you get ready for your own version of a demolition derby, amusement park style. Not exactly designed as a drivers education tool, they are more fun and safer than a barrel full of "road rage" monkeys. . Turn signals and horns? Forget it! Lock and load and crash and bang away.
Not all rides are designed to make you dizzy or queasy at Coney Island, although that is why most people take to these rides. A little queasy goes a long way to adding a little spice to our daily lives.
Admit it how many times as a kid have you had your friends "walk the plank" in pirate play? Male and female pirates love water. One rule to live by when visiting Coney Island, leave your "Har Matey" talking parrots at home so you can take to Lake Como on a leisurely paddle in the quiet solitude of a canoe to enjoy nature, or grab a paddle boat the comfortable way for two to cruise and is quite enjoyable, and with the right person beside you...perhaps even romantic!
There are rides and amusements for the smaller kids who haven't developed a taste for roller coasters and 50 foot free fall drops...yet. They will as they get older, but for now, these are kid friendly rides with just enough action and excitement to give them a rush!
Food and beverages abound from palate pleasing BBQ to burgers, but when at Coney Island, do as the Coney Islanders do and make sure you tempt your taste buds with a traditional Coney Island hotdog with a side of fries...not just any old fries either...we're talking chili cheese fries.!!!
Events and shows at the Lakeside Pavilion are plentiful including a Fourth of July hot air balloon glow at night complete with a dazzling fireworks display. Dancing? You got it! Rock and rollers can kick up their heels during the summer Moonlight Dance Parties with some of the areas best bands.
Ghosts and Goblins team up with Fall and Halloween for a Fall-O-Ween spectacular complete with Light show and the Trick or Treat Trail. It's Fall fun for the entire family that also includes music, entertainment and a few farmyard friends to entertain the little tykes. Park area rentals are also available for private parties, picnics, weddings, and birthday parties so you can party hearty. For more information on events, dates, prices and special discounts, visit the Coney Island website at coneyislandpark.com.
Shopping and dining in nearby Cincinnati is always a pleasure and lodging options are plentiful in the area. The best part is that many of the motels and hotels have discount tickets for the park available when you stay there.
Got the summertime blues? Turn it into summertime family fun for everyone. Rock and roll, roller coasters, dancing and fireworks. It's all happening at Coney Island Park..Cincinnati's premier entertainment center. It's fun with a capital “F!”