Great Escape: Luna Park and Scream Zone, Coney Island, N.Y.

Have you been to Coney Island lately? The new 3.16-acre Luna Park on the former Astroland site opened in 2010 and the 3-acre Scream Zone made its debut this spring. There is a whole lot of fun to be found at the new Coney Island.

Luna Park has 19 brand new rides, six games, and a retail location. There are also five food stands featuring such theme park staples as ice cream, popcorn, candy apples, cotton candy, Nathan hot dogs, barbecue and more. Rides are segmented by Mild thrill for young kids, Moderate thrill for older kids and up, and Thrill rides for teenagers and up. Scream Zone features four brand new rides, including the first two major coasters in New York City since the Cyclone opened in 1927. There is also a new sit-down restaurant in Luna Park this season called the Cyclone Café. And yes, you can still ride The Cyclone, the legendary coaster that reaches 85 feet at its highest peak.

In addition to the rides, regular weekend entertainment includes shows that feature clown/comedy, hula hoops, magic, the Wild West, juggling, fire eaters and contortionists.

Rides cost “credits” using refillable “Luna Cards”; unlimited ride wristbands start at $26 for four hours. The park is open 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. weekdays (except Fridays until 1 a.m.) and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekends in August; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekends after Labor Day through Sept. 25; and varying weekend times in October.

Luna Park and Scream Park are about a 30 minute to one hour drive from Bayside depending on traffic.

For more information call 718-373-5862 or visit www.lunaparknyc.com.