Zip line, games and other attractions at the Jones Beach boardwalk
Jones Beach is looking pretty sharp for 90, and these days the draw extends beyond the promise of sun, surf and sand. You can take a side-by-side zip line ride or have the kids get wet in the new splash pad. As the sun goes down, you might have an al fresco cocktail with a view or play a round of shuffleboard under the lights. Here's an updated look at experiences that await along the park's 2-mile boardwalk:
RIDE THE ZIP LINE — OR FREE FALL
Long Beach resident Michaela Murphy, 10, enjoys the zipline at WildPlay at Jones Beach in Wantagh. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Get ready for a thrilling 700-foot flight with an amazing view at WildPlay's newly opened ropes course. "It's awesome," says Tori Flaherty, 21, of Wantagh, from atop the three-level aerial course with zip lines. "I consider it my workout for the day." The experience, starting at 6 feet high, challenges patrons to hop, climb and zip their way around. The What's To Fear Jump, on the other hand, is an exhilarating 40-foot plunge. Don't worry: You'll be wearing a harness.
INFO Purchase tickets at WildPlay Jones Beach Guest Services, located in the Boardwalk Cafe (parking Fields 4 and 5). The zip line costs $19.99, minimum age 7; adventure courses include an extreme course for $19.99, minimum age 5, a kids course for $24.99 for ages 5-12 and a classic course with three levels of zip lines and games for $44.99, minimum age 5. The free-fall jump is $19.99, minimum age 5; open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends through Sept. 2
RUN THROUGH THE SPLASH PAD
Saija and her sister Sheyanne Sinclair of Merrick at the new splash pad at Jones Beach on June 26, 2018. Credit: Raychel Brightman
Kids can cool off with the entertainment of a push-and-spray system that spritzes water from poles like a lawn sprinkler. The free-admission play area, open for its second summer, has an easy-on-the-feet soft foam base and is in the East Games area.
INFO Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Sept. 19.
PLAY GAMES: BOCCE, CORNHOLE, SHUFFLEBOARD AND MORE
Astoria resident Vicky Brown (mother), center, hits the ball into the hole while Avery Pimentel, 5, Michael Kelly, Julian Pimentel, 8, watch while playing miniature golf at Jones Beach in Wantagh. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Revamped game areas just off the boardwalk between Fields 4 and 6 are a draw for all ages, particularly as the sun goes down and the overhead lights come on. Square off against family or friends on shuffle board, table tennis, bocce ball and cornhole for a nominal fee. Paddle tennis, basketball and volleyball courts are all open to the public, too — bring I.D. to check out equipment from the staff.
INFO $2-$10 a person per game (plus refundable equipment deposit); games are open 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m. daily all summer.
TAKE A DIP AT THE WEST BATHHOUSE POOL
The promenade overlooks the West Bathhouse Pool at Jones Beach. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Tired of the beach? Then try the pool. You may want to rent a locker to store your gear while you take the plunge — no coolers, radios, flotation devices, beach chairs or balls are allowed on the deck. Don't forget to get a wristband.
INFO $3-$5 entry is first-come, first-served (free younger than 5) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends
HAVE A DRINK — OR A MEAL — WITH A VIEW
The Gatsby restaurant at Jones Beach. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the beach while sipping a Gatsbellini at the beach's new upscale restaurant, Gatsby on the Ocean. Located on the terraces of the West Bathhouse's second floor, it's a throwback to the 1930s, when master builder Robert Moses had an office here. Cocktails are $14-$16, appetizers start at $11 and entrees cost $23.50-$26.50.
INFO 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, open until 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 516-785-0012.
HIT THE BANDSHELL
Roots Foundation performs a full Bobo Marley Tribute Show. Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell. Credit: Howard Simmons
Swing by Field 4 for free kid-friendly live performances almost every night of the week during the summer. The outdoor space hosts tribute bands playing tunes from Billy Joel to Fleetwood Mac to Journey on Fridays and Saturdays; Tuesdays are popular for nights for kids music and entertainment, and line dancing has returned on Wednesdays.
INFO Shows start at 8 p.m., 516-785-1600, jonesbeachbandshell.com
RIDE A SURREY
Surrey bikes at the beach concession shop at Jones Beach in Wantagh. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Pedal down the boardwalk in style with the double-benched, four-wheeled surrey bike. You can choose a vessel that holds up to six adults and two children for what is sure to be a photo-op filled excursion. Rentals from the beach concession shop at Field 4.
INFO $25-$35 per hour (open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Jones Beach boardwalk, Wantagh
INFO 516-785-1600, parks.ny.gov
PARKING $10, collected until 4 p.m. weekdays and 6 p.m. weekends
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