As a young child, visiting Coney Island was a weekly routine as it was only 15 minutes away from home. Now living in Staten Island, it becomes that much harder to make that routine a reality. Friday night was the first time in almost 5 years that I have been to Coney Island. There were no rides, there was no Nathan’s, but there was plenty of adventure. My dad and my brother make the best adventure friends I could ever ask for; they supplied laughter, energy, and good vibes for our quest through Brooklyn.

The Coney Art Walls were another element of Coney Island closed upon our arrival, however, we did stumble upon one of the 21 walls that was outside the gate. Curated by Joseph J. Sitt and Jeffrey Deitch, the walls make up this outdoor museum of street art, which looking from outside the gate, is super cool. Me and the adventure crew stood in front of a wall painted by Ron English, capturing the innards of a Teletubby, Mickey Mouse, Ronald McDonald, and Barney the Dinosaur. Personally, they creeped me out a little, but they were superbly constructed.

Hearing about the parachute jump as a fully functioning ride seems absolutely crazy right? Wrong. My grandpa, the former adrenaline junkie, told me about his ride on the parachute jump. It follows true to the name, in that it once hoisted you into the air and then dropped you, and to ride it was only 40 cents. Seeing it now almost 70 years later as a landmark was mind-blowing, especially being at the base and taking a picture looking up.

The Coney Island Light stands in Sea Gate on the west end of Coney Island. First built in 1890, the lighthouse still stands, no longer armed by a civilian, but still just as fascinating. The lighthouse was automated by the coast guard in 1989, but me and my adventure crew were able to make it all the way to the top to conclude the night’s shenanigans. Though the night was dark and it was rather cold, being atop the lighthouse and looking out into the water was an incomparable sight. Being there with my brother and my dad just enhanced the truly warming feeling.

So whether you’re a young child who lives practically in walking distance from Coney Island, or someone who wants to visit their roots, make sure you go against the odds and visit at night. Bring an adventure crew with you, for you are sure to make the greatest of memories.