Your heart is pounding as the attendants strap you into the ride. At first, you are excited and can't wait for the thrill that awaits you. But once you are strapped in and the attendants' thumbs all go up, you hold your breath and wonder what made you get on. Suddenly you're moving, and the crisp, salty air whips at your face as the ride picks up speed. Up...up, and then you can see the whole park from your place in the sky, and then--"Aaaaahhh!!"

The amusement park is by far one of the best kinds of summer fun to indulge in. There's carnival food, arcade games and prizes, fun for the kids, and thrill rides--who could ask for more? But great fun doesn't have to mean a long trip! So before you gas up the car for Six Flags or Dorney Park, check out these amazing rides right in our backyard, at Luna Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn. While the amusements at Coney Island haven't always been the safest in the past, the new and improved Luna Park is such an upgrade that it's almost like getting out of Brooklyn! Whether you're the ultimate daredevil or a scaredy-cat who enjoys the occasional thrill, there's something here for everyone to love.

1. Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt is an amazing thrill!! It begins with a 90-degree climb into the sky--and a subsequent 90-degree drop!! Then it goes through a giant loop and several spins at over 50 miles an hour. This coaster ride is not to be missed and definitely not to be forgotten!

2. Luna 360

Not into coasters? The Luna 360 attraction is certainly a ride to get your blood flowing! It starts off nicely, rocking you back and forth until it gets up the momentum to swing you high into the air in 360-degree spins. The most treacherous moments are the pauses at the peaks of the swings, where riders sit upside-down and hold their breath. Daredevils beware!

3. Electro Spin

For people who like prefer a little less height, welcome to Electro Spin. The ride is a giant circular disc that spins along a giant half pipe. It's like the ultimate pirate ship effect, except that you can fall in any direction--face-down, backwards, or any type of sideways. Get ready for a spinny thrill that will have you walking in circles afterward!

4. Steeplechase

If you're into themed rides, try the Steeplechase. On this coaster-style ride, you sit straight up and ride your horse up, down, and around until you return to the ground. The speed and the freedom of your upper body make the Steeplechase truly reminiscent of riding a horse--well, without the pain in your crotch!

5. Wild River

If you're not that brave or not into speed, Wild River is the ride for you. It's your basic floating log ride--all that's missing is the classic tune "Under The Boardwalk" in the background! It starts off with a cute drop that helps gets you ready for the big one at the end. It's higher than it looks, but definitely not ominous!! In fact, it's great for thrill-seeking kids (at least 4 feet tall).

Try these rides and many more at Luna Park this summer! Did I miss your favorite ride? Comment below to say what makes it so awesome!