Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, Brooklyn

An iconic feature of the Coney Island Boardwalk, the Wonder Wheel has carried more than 35 million riders high above the crowds since its opening in 1920. The wheel's 8 white cars stay stationary like on a traditional ferris wheel, and 16 red and blue cars turn the fun up a notch as they swing in the air. The New York City landmark—seen in dozens of films, TV shows, and ads—is the centerpiece of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.

• Kiddie Park: Little ones ride colorful ponies around the carousel with their parents or drive their own mini monster trucks on 16 family-friendly rides.
• For big kids: Among 5 attractions for teens and adults, there's the Spook-A-Rama's terrifying train ride through haunted darkness and the XD virtual-reality game's zombie-fighting adventure.
• Carnival eats: Hot dogs and pizza fill bellies along with funnel cakes and cotton candy.
• Step right up: Midway classics and arcade games bring out the competition.