A Traveler’s Guide To Exploring New York’s Abandoned Amusement Parks Safely

New York’s forgotten amusement parks stand as eerie time capsules of bygone fun and laughter. These once-vibrant attractions now sit quietly reclaimed by nature, offering adventurous travelers a unique glimpse into the past.

While exploring these abandoned wonderlands can be thrilling, it requires careful planning and safety measures to ensure your urban adventure doesn’t become a misadventure.

1. Research Before You Roam

Preparation is your best companion when venturing into abandoned places. Dig into the history of parks like Playland Park in Rye or Nunley’s Carousel in Baldwin to understand their layout and potential hazards.

Check recent visitor reports and forums where urban explorers share their experiences. Some locations may have unexpected security measures or dangerous structural issues not visible in photographs.

2. Never Explore Solo

The buddy system isn’t just for school field trips! Abandoned amusement parks contain numerous hazards – collapsing structures, hidden holes, and rusty metal can turn dangerous in seconds.

Partners provide immediate help if injuries occur and can contact emergency services. They also make the experience more enjoyable as you share discoveries of vintage carousel horses or faded midway games together.

3. Pack Essential Safety Gear

Your exploration kit should include sturdy boots with puncture-resistant soles – tetanus doesn’t make for pleasant vacation memories! Bring a hardhat to protect against falling debris, especially in structures like Rockaway’s Playland pavilions.

Gloves prevent cuts from broken glass and rusty metal. Flashlights with backup batteries illuminate dark corners where hazards hide. Include a first aid kit, dust mask, and plenty of water for hydration.

4. Respect Legal Boundaries

Many abandoned parks like Dreamland in Coney Island remain private property despite their dilapidated appearance. Trespassing carries serious legal consequences including fines and potential arrest.

Some locations offer legal tours or photography permits. Contact local historical societies who sometimes arrange special access events. The thrill of exploration isn’t worth a criminal record, so always prioritize legitimate entry options.

5. Document Without Disturbing

Capture memories through photography, but remember the urban explorer’s golden rule: take only pictures, leave only footprints. The haunting beauty of places like Frontier Town deserves preservation in its natural state of decay.

Removing artifacts destroys historical value for future explorers. Moving objects creates new hazards or damages fragile structures. Your photographs will tell more powerful stories when they show authentic scenes untouched by visitor interference.

6. Watch The Weather Forecast

Rain transforms abandoned parks into treacherous obstacle courses. Water-damaged floors collapse easily, and slippery surfaces multiply injury risks. Lightning poses additional dangers around metal structures like roller coaster tracks.

Winter exploration brings its own challenges – hidden ice patches and snow-concealed hazards await the unprepared. Choose clear, mild days for your adventures. Sunny conditions also provide better natural lighting for those Instagram-worthy decay shots.

7. Share Your Itinerary

Before heading to forgotten gems, tell someone reliable exactly where you’re going and when you’ll return. This simple precaution could save your life if something goes wrong.

Cell service can be spotty in remote locations or inside concrete structures. Establish check-in times with your contact person. If they don’t hear from you, they’ll know to alert authorities with your precise location information.