New thrills at nearby theme parks

The harness goes down, your heart skips a beat as you begin to race up and down inclines at whirlwind speeds, feeling the breeze as you make your descent. Yes, nothing says summer like a ride on a roller coaster. But you don't have to book a trip to Orlando to visit a theme park.

From new thrill rides on Brooklyn's famed shorefront to a superhero-themed roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, theme parks within driving distance of Long Island are offering new experiences this summer -- thrill rides for those who thrive on adrenaline, milder entertainment for the under-12 set.

SCREAM ZONE AT LUNA PARK

1000 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, 718-373-5862, lunaparknyc.com

Brooklyn's legendary Coney Island is seeing a rebirth. Last summer, Luna Park, a three-acre amusement park, opened at Coney Island, featuring 19 rides, including Air Race, which simulates the experience of a fighter pilot. Luna Park also has tons of games, entertainment and food.

This summer, Luna Park has expanded to add "Scream Zone" -- four new thrill rides, including a pair of steel roller coasters. Steeplechase is a horse race-themed coaster named after the historic Coney Island amusement park that closed in the 1960s. But this isn't a pony ride -- riders go from zero to 40 mph in less than two seconds.

Heights-lovers can take a spin on Sling Shot, where you can shoot 150 feet in the air at 90 mph. Or, somersault at 60 mph on Zenobio.

WHAT IT COSTS Scream Zone rides cost $7-$20 each. Higher denomination Luna Park ride cards come with bonus credits -- a $60 card, for example, includes an extra $10 worth of ride credits.

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE

1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, N.J., 732-928-1821, sixflags.com/greatadventure

Calling all superhero fans. Just in time for the movie release, Great Adventure has introduced a new "Green Lantern" roller coaster that may just make you feel like a superhero yourself. At 15 stories high and over three-quarters of a mile of twisting green steel, this new stand-up coaster is among the tallest and fastest of its kind. The ride lasts two minutes and 30 seconds, during which passengers endure a 45-degree vertical drop before surging upside down through a 121-foot-tall loop.

If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, the park's new Safari Discoveries area in the Golden Kingdom gets folks up close with sea lions, snakes, spotted skunks and other animals. If you have children in tow, stop by the new Safari Kids section, which features rides and attractions such as the Bugaboo sit and spin. Also there: the Extreme Raptors bird show.

WHAT IT COSTS $59.99 adults ($34.99 under 54 inches) -- but tickets are deeply discounted if you pre-purchase online -- $36.99 adults ($29.99).

DORNEY PARK

3830 Dorney Park Rd., Allentown, Pa., 610-395-3724, dorneypark.com

Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang come to life at Dorney Park's new Planet Snoopy, a theme park for toddlers where adults can go on rides, too. Originally named Camp Snoopy, the park has undergone a renovation and is debuting seven rides this summer, including Snoopy's Rocket Express, Sally's Swingset and the Linus Launcher. Take a break and sip on a Root Beer Float at Snoopy's Soda Pop Shop. If you have older kids, brave some coasters and other thrill rides in Dorney Park or cool off on the water slides at WildWater Kingdom, all included with admission.

WHAT IT COSTS $45.99 ($26.99 under 48 inches; free younger than 3). Pre-purchase online tickets are $39.99 for those taller than 48 inches). Spend the night with the Allentown Comfort Suites' "Stay and Scream" package, which includes accommodations, two adult park tickets, one large pizza, soda and breakfast (from $159, 610-437-9100, stayandscream.discoverlehighvalley.com).

LAKE COMPOUNCE

186 Enterprise Dr.,

Bristol, Conn., 860-583-3300, lakecompounce.com

Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the country. This summer is the park's 166th season, and it's debuting Rev-O-lution, a new thrill ride that sits 28 passengers, spinning and gliding on a huge track that's five stories tall.

WHAT IT COSTS $35.99 ($25.99 under 52 inches, ages 3 and up). The nearby Clarion Hotel offers a park package that includes two tickets (from $159, 860-589-7766, clarionhotel.com).

SESAME PLACE

100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, Pa., 866-464-3566, sesameplace.com

Fans of the popular series will love a trip to Sesame Place. This summer, the park introduces a new mechanical ride, Elmo's Cloud Chaser, where families can join Elmo for a gentle ride, and kids can imagine traveling through the sky.

Anyone who has been to Sesame Place can tell you that the daily parade is a highlight of the experience. This year, the park debuts an all-new parade, the Neighborhood Street Party, which has a block party theme and all the familiar characters -- Elmo, Count Von Count, Bert, Ernie, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Big Bird. At night, lights on the parade route and floats immerse the audience in a light show.

WHAT IT COSTS $55.99 ages 2 and up for two-day admission. Various hotel packages are offered through the park website.

HERSHEYPARK

100 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, Pa., 800-HERSHEY, hersheypark.com

This summer, Hersheypark is all about the food. Sure, everyone loves the chocolate factory -- but this season, there are new food venues throughout the park. Chow down on pulled pork at the new Spring Creek Smokehouse. Or head to Hersheypark Place, a restaurant with three themed sections -- coasters, carousels and characters. Afterward, create your own cookies and giant cupcakes at the Simply Chocolate snack shop.

Hershey's new concert series brings shows to the amphitheater every Sunday afternoon -- scheduled performers include Tanya Tucker (next Sunday) and Miranda Cosgrove (July 17).

WHAT IT COSTS $53.95 ($32.95 ages 3-8). Good to know: If you buy a full-day admission ticket for the following day 21/2 hours before closing, you get free admission for the rest of the same night (for 11 p.m. closings, the deal is good for 31/2 hours).

DUTCH WONDERLAND

2249 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster, Pa., 866-386-2839, dutchwonderland.com

This immaculate theme park, ideal for kids 12 and younger, is in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. There are more than 30 kid-friendly rides, live shows, a water-play area and miniature golf. This summer, the park debuts two new rides -- Kite Flight, which takes visitors gliding 17 feet in the air, and On Leapin' Frogs, a bouncy frog-themed ride.

The park also is launching a new live interactive stage show, Dress Up n' Dance!, in which kids are invited to sing and dance with the performers.

WHAT IT COSTS $33.99 ages 3-59. Includes admission for a round of Wonderland Mini Golf. If you're in town the day before you plan to visit, stop by the park and purchase your tickets -- you'll get free access to the park for the three hours before closing.