Spin on one of the many carousels in New York with your family! Watch as the animals come to life when the music starts. Take your pick of what type of animal you want to ride on: horses, ladybugs, gorillas. This list can go on and on.
Manhattan
Friedsam Memorial Carousel (Central Park)
It’s no wonder why this ride is one of Central Park’s most popular attractions. Between the music and 57 horses, you are taking a ride on a musical express. Central Park’s carousels have come a long way since the first one that was operated by a live horse in 1873. This is the fourth carousel and it is better than ever.
Open from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.; tickets are $3 per ride
Le Carrousel (Bryant Park)
This 14-animal carousel takes on a French classic style, accompanying the French-inspired park. You may even hear the French cabaret music before you see the ride.
Open daily from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.; tickets are $3 per ride
Watch as your children take a spin on this lively carousel. The rainbow lights and playful music will have you smiling (and maybe even dancing!). Your children will be able to choose to ride on one of the 33 hand-carved animals: sea horses, turtles, bears, butterflies, and many more.
Open daily from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M.; tickets are $2 per ride
Totally Kid Carousel (Harlem Riverbank State Park)
Now this is a carousel you don’t see everyday. The carousel was inspired and designed based on children’s drawings. Take a ride on this out-of-the-ordinary carousel. This carousel is also wheelchair accessible.
Open Wednesdays from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M., Friday-Sunday 2 P.M. to 7 P.M., tickets are
Brooklyn
Jane’s Carousel (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The carousel is named after the artist, Jane Walentas, who acquired it at an auction in 1984. After 20 years of restoring the carousel from 1922 it was finally opened to the public in 2011. The carousel has 48 carved horses and 2 chariots.
Open 6 days a week (closed on Tuesdays) from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M.; tickets are $2 per ride, children 3 years and younger ride for free
Take your pick on which one of the hand-carved animals you would like to ride. There are horses, lions, and the Gray Ghost (which happens to be a fan favorite). The Carousel has been around since 1952 and was hand-carved by Charles Carmel whose inspiration came from his visits to the Prospect Park stables.
Open Thursday-Sunday from noon-6; tickets are $2 per ride
B&B Carousell (Coney Island)
This newly renovated carousel dates back to 1919. This carousel may look new with the fresh coats of paint covering 50 horses, but you will still get that vintage feel from the old signs used as decorations.
Tickets are $3 per ride (not included in Luna Park wristband)
Queens
Take a ride on a piece of history. The Forest Park Carousel became a Designated Landmark of New York City in 2013. Since being built in 1890, this carousel has been through many obstacles but is now up and running better than ever!
Hours vary; tickets are $3 per ride
Flushing Meadows Carousel/Fantasy Forest (Flushing)
This carousel comes equipped with 64 jumping horse, 7 standing horses, and 2 chariots.
Hours vary; tickets are $3 per ride
Bronx
Bug Carousel (Bronx Zoo)
Who wouldn’t want to ride on an enormous bug? This carousel was the first exclusively insect carousel full of ladybugs, grasshoppers, fireflies, and beetles. The colors on these hand-carved figures make the insects come to life.
Open year round; tickets are $5 (admission fee included in Total Experience Ticket)
Staten Island
Carousel for All Children (Greenbelt Conservatory)
Gorillas, giraffes, leopards, gorillas, and bears are among the 51 hand-carved animals that are perched on the carousel. Your children will love the old-fashioned fun this carousel brings to Staten Island.
Open seven days a week (July and August) from 11 A.M. to 5:45 P.M.; tickets are $1.50 per ride
Conservation Carousel (Staten Island Zoo)
Now open! Come and ride on the newest carousel in Staten Island that is full of 24 hand-carved and hand-painted figures. This carousel is wheelchair accessible and your kids will leave with a smile on their face.
Hours vary
Coming Soon
SeaGlass Carousell (Battery Park)
Planning to open in Fall 2014, this aquatic-themed carousel will have you feeling like you’re under the sea.
