Things to Do and See in Brooklyn

Whether you are new to Brooklyn or a native of the city, there are plenty of things to do and see in the neighborhood. You can visit Coney Island, Prospect Park, or Jane's Carousel, or take a trip on the Empire Fulton Ferry.

Jane's Carousel

Located beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, Jane's Carousel is an impressive building. Built in 1922, the gleaming structure is designed as a carousel pavilion. The building features retractable doors and a light show. This elegant and functional design was constructed to showcase a classic carousel in a modern setting. The building's design was commissioned by Jane and David Walentas, the owners of the famous carousel, to house the ride.

The Carousel Building is a 72-by-72-foot square structure tying together four two-foot diameter cylindrical steel columns. Its floor is made of polished grey concrete. The skylight on the roof is a snazzy design inspired by the carousel poles. A curved glass guardrail limits the pathway around the structure.

The carousel is a small, but impressive one. There are 48 horses and two chariots to ride on. It was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and originally located in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. In 1984, the park closed and the carousel was auctioned off to Jane and David Walentas. They later donated the structure to Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Coney Island Cyclone

Originally built in 1927, Coney Island Cyclone has been considered the most spectacular wooden roller coaster in the world. It has been located in Luna Park in Coney Island since then and is still operated today by Astroland USA.

During the 19th century, Coney Island was an unsavory neighborhood filled with characters and political gangs. Its economic woes were compounded by the Depression. In the early 20th century, three adjacent resorts fought a fierce battle for dominance.

The first sideshow arrived at Coney Island in 1884. A few years later, a camera obscura observatory was added. As these developments were constructed, respectable citizens began to gravitate to Brighton Beach to the east.

As Coney Island continued to evolve, major investors purchased large portions of land and developed resorts. By the 1920s, the allure of the place had diminished, largely due to the popularity of movies and radio.

Empire Fulton Ferry Lawn

Located right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire Fulton Ferry is a great place to check out the Manhattan skyline and take in the sweeping panorama of the city. The ferry is open all day and night, and is also a popular wedding location. During the day, it is the ideal venue for a picnic or a stroll. The area is also a nice respite from the grit and grime of downtown Manhattan.

The Empire Fulton Ferry was re-imagined as part of the larger Emily Warren Roebling Plaza project. It was the first time in over a century that the park had been re-landscaped. The new landscape is not only more picturesque but it is also more environmentally friendly. The park boasts a nine-acre expanse with a sprawling lawn and a riverfront boardwalk. The park also features a number of notable attractions including the Empire Stores complex, a museum for the Brooklyn Historical Society, and a carousel.

Prospect Park

Despite the cold weather, bikers rolled out the red carpet on Friday. They assembled a fleet of cyclists to escort the last car out of Prospect Park's West Drive and the first car out of its East Drive. They also praised the mayor's edict banning vehicles from the park.

The "biggest car-free day in the history of the city" was a week ago today, and the only cars in the park are those that were booted out by Mayor Bill DeBlasio's 2015 edict. The first car to leave the park was a Windsor Terrace resident, who praised the mayor's decision. He drove his Subaru Forester through the park before it was permanently closed.

In addition to the ban on cars, the park will be closed on weekends and holidays. Another program called Safe Slope is launching a safe walk initiative.

Pride Week

Throughout Brooklyn Pride Week, there will be a series of events to celebrate the LGBTQ community. On Saturday, June 18, the Pride Parade will wind its way down Fifth Avenue from Union to 9th Street. The event will feature 68 entries. There will be music and a family fun zone at the Old Stone House. The day will also include an outdoor festival with local queer groups.

The weekend will conclude with the first-ever Youth Pride. This event will be hosted by the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance. The event will include a family fun zone, a community art gallery, and a performance by young artists. The Youth Pride will kick off at 12:30 p.m., and will conclude at 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy the festivities at two LGBTQ bars in Park Slope.