Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

Previously known as Ward's Kiddie Park
Location	Coney Island, New York, United States
Coordinates	40°34′28″N 73°58′45″W / 40.574310°N 73.979182°W / 40.574310; -73.979182
Public transit	​ ​​​ Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue  ​​ West Eighth Street–New York Aquarium
Opened	1920 (Wonder Wheel) 1950 (other rides)
Owner	Dennis Vourderis and Steve Vourderis
Attractions
Total	22
Roller coasters	3
Website	http://www.denoswonderwheel.com/

Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is a fun, family-owned amusement park located in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City. It has many rides for all ages, including rides for adults, kids, and even family rides that everyone can enjoy together!

The park is famous for its main attraction, the Wonder Wheel. This giant 150-foot (46 m) tall eccentric wheel (a type of Ferris wheel where some cabins slide along a track) was built way back in 1920. The park sits right by the Atlantic Ocean and the Riegelmann Boardwalk, offering great views of the beach. In 1989, the Wonder Wheel was named a special New York City designated landmark, meaning it's an important historical place.

History of the Park

The Wonder Wheel's Beginning

The amazing Wonder Wheel opened in 1920, even before the rest of the park was built! It was designed by Charles Hermann and built by Herman Garms. For a long time, it was the tallest ride in Coney Island, standing 150-foot-tall (46 m). It was a standalone attraction, meaning it operated on its own. Later, in 1955, Herman Garms also built Spook-a-Rama, a spooky indoor ride.

How the Park Grew

Near the Wonder Wheel and Spook-a-Rama, a man named Denos Vourderis opened a restaurant. Right next door to the Wonder Wheel was a small park for kids called Ward's Kiddie Park, which started in 1950. Denos began by running a small food stand there in 1970.

In 1976, Denos bought Ward's Kiddie Park. Then, in 1983, he also bought the famous Wonder Wheel and Spook-a-Rama. This brought all these attractions together! Today, the park still has many rides for children, along with several rides that families can enjoy together. After Denos passed away in 1994, his two sons, Dennis and Steve, took over running the park.

Recent Excitement

In 2020, Deno's Amusement Park announced big plans to make the park even larger for the Wonder Wheel's 100th birthday! They bought more land and a new ride. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, the park had to delay its opening for the 2020 season, and the expansion was put on hold.

But don't worry, new rides did arrive! A cool new roller coaster called Phoenix opened in June 2021. It's a "Suspended Family Coaster," which means your feet dangle as you ride! Also new in 2021 was Sky Flyer, another fun roller coaster.

Park Attractions

The park has many exciting rides for everyone! Here are some of them: