Traffic to Coney Island, best time to go?
Pretty easy trip on a weekend. I drove there on New Year's Day at noon in about 45 minutes. On a weekday I would wait until 10 and consult Waze or Google Maps for traffic info. There is construction on the Verazanno reducing lanes on the top level to two, so take the lower.
On the few times we've gone that way on the weekend, the Staten Island Expwy has been awful to horrific. The Belt Pkwy is often slow as well. Sorry to say New Year's Day isn't typical. Mid day on weekdays usually is pretty light, but as j_r suggests, always check first. That would be my choice. Weekends earlier is better.
New York Aquarium. My eldest is obsessed with sea creatures. I just looked at their site and though open a bunch of exhibits are closed for renovations, including the jelly fish, which was really cool to look at. It might not be worth the trip right now after all.
The beach and boardwalk are lovely for a walk, and some restaurants are open. On weekends, you can ice skate at the Abe Stark rink.I'd absolutely make the trip and join the aquarium. I was there for the Polar Bear plunge, but I would understand if a swim doesn't sound appealing.
Take the Verrazano to C.I. DO NOT take the Verrazano on the return.
Rather, save the toll, now around $15.00. Continue on the Belt Parkway to B.Q.E. to Manhattan Bridge. From there, take Canal Street to Holland Tunnel.
The aquarium in Camden is also well worth visiting. Continue further down the walkway and you come to the Battleship New Jersey, another site the boys might enjoy.
If you have more time and don't mind driving a little further, try the maritime aquarium in Norwalk, CT. It isn't very big, but it is cute and very doable in under 2 hours. Afterwards, spend the rest of the afternoon at the Stepping Stones children's museum. It is so clean,especially the bathrooms, and lots of interesting activities. I haven't been there in over 10 years, but there used to be a room filled with water activities. My kids used to love this little day trip. It brings back fond memories.
I have family nearby and visit fairly often. I find Saturdays super easy and quiet to drive there... I usually mean to leave by 11am, but usually end up going after lunch. I go via SI, and come back either that way or thru the city depending how late it is. I find that getting into the Holland Tunnel can sometimes be the longest part of getting back on Saturday evening - and def try to get in from any other road than Canal if you can. You can sit though many lights waiting to go one block if you start on Canal... The aquarium is a bit "meh" - it was smaller and not as interesting as I had hoped. I agree, the aquarium in Camden is much better. There are lots of great restaurants in the Coney Island area to go for dinner though, so that is a plus!
I looked up the aquarium in Camden. In addition to the very long drive with an infant and a pre-schooler (the six year old would be fine) it would also cost us $90 for admission. Add in gas, tolls, and lunch, and the day will likely be $200 or more, which isn't in our budget right now. The aquarium at Coney Island isn't huge or fancy (we were there about three or four years ago) but it is included in our Bronx Zoo membership. But seeing as how some of the exhibits are closed for renovations we might wait until spring when hopefully all the exhibits open up again.
We want to take the kids and have a somewhat flexible schedule. Would a week day work, or are we even insane to try that due to traffic and should go on a weekend instead? We went once about four years ago on a weekday but for the life of me I can't remember if we hit traffic or not.