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Amusement parks in the city

By Lauren Wolfe | Special to amNewYork

May 26, 2006

Ramp up your adrenaline and rattle your bones on one of the city's many thrill rides.

BROOKLYN

Astroland Amusement Park

(718) 372-0275

1000 Surf Ave (corner of W. 10th St.)

Located on the Coney Island Boardwalk, Astroland is home to the world famous Cyclone roller coaster that runs on wooden tracks. The Water flume and tilt-a-whirl are among other rides. Open daily through Labor Day from noon to late evening, weather permitting. Weekdays there is a $25.99 pay one price ticket for unlimited rides, including the Cyclone. For more information and a discount coupon go to www.astroland.com.

Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement

(718) 372-2592

3059 Denos Vourderis Place (formerly W.12th St.)

Also in Coney Island, between Nathan's and the New York Aquarium, Deno's is home to the historic Wonder Wheel ride, which is an official city landmark that stands 150 feet high. Thunderbolt and bumper cars are among other rides. Open daily through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to midnight most days. Rides are pay as you go. 10 rides for $20 in kids park, $2.50 for single ticket; 5 for $20 in adult park, prices vary for each single ride. For more information: www.wonderwheel.com

MANHATTAN

Victorian Gardens

(212) 982-2229

At Wollman Rink in Central Park (near 6th Ave. and 61st Street)

Each summer brightly colored rides and amusements for young children sprout up in Central Park. Boardwalk type games and food stands round out the fun. Kids under 36" ride free. Open May 20 - Sept. 10. Mon.- Fri. 11a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. General admission, one rides $7.50, weekends, $6.50 weekdays; Unlimited rides $12 week, weekends $14 unlimited. For more information: www.victoriangardensnyc.com

NY Skyride

(212) 564-2224

350 5th Ave (located on the second floor of the Empire State Building) An aerial tour of New York City that sends you on a ride around, above and even below all the city has to offer. You feel the sights from a specially equipped motion-simulated, big-screen theater seat. Through advanced flight simulation, NY Skyride puts the passenger in the middle of the action. This techno journey is guided by comic Yakov Smirnoff and James Doohan, "Scotty," from the original "Star Trek." For more information: www.skyride.com

Central Park Carousel

(212) 879-0244

65 Central Park W

In Central Park since the fall of 1950, the carousel features the hand-carved and hand-painted horses at about 3/4 the size of an actual horse. A Ruth Sohn band organ playing a Wurlitzer 150 music roll provides the music and is original to the Carousel. Hours are Mon.- Fri. 10 - 6; Sat., Sun., 10 - 7. Cost is $1.50 adults and kids. For more information: www.centralparkcarousel.com