Carousels are an iconic part of our summers past–think back to the local fairs, malls, and other attractions of your own childhood. Now that summer finally seems to be in full swing, it’s the perfect time to take to the parks and take a whirl. Hop on!
MANHATTAN
Friedsam Memorial Carousel in Central Park
As the fourth carousel ever to occupy this historic spot, the Friedman Memorial Carousel is a city favorite among New York residents. Though the carousel was originally led by a mule and horse below the carousel’s deck in 1871, the attraction has become much more humane, now operating on mechanical horses and carriages. Historical tidbit: What you’ll see today wasn’t installed until 1951, after fires had destroyed the original. (Don’t worry, the animals weren’t harmed.)
10am-6pm Monday through Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday & Sunday; $1 per ride
Le Carrousel
Located in Bryant Park, this French carousel offers midtown kids a cultural escape from the busy streets of Manhattan. With cabaret music playing in the background, it’s a perfect to the park’s French-inspired overarching trees, gardens, and outdoor seating.
11am–8pm daily; $2 per ride
Pier 62 Carousel
This carousel mixes it up by offering rides on different animals that live in the Hudson River Valley, from rabbits to deer to foxes. We’re hard-pressed to think of a better way to get to know the local animals. Plus, if you’re feeling regal, you can also take a ride in the chariot.
11am-7pm daily; $2 per ride
Totally Kid Carousel
Located in Harlem, this carousel is special because it was designed for kids, by kids! Children in the neighborhood had drawn up pictures of what they wanted this to look like–including flamingo and T-Rex rides–then the carousel was built by local artist Milo Mottola. Be sure you look up at the ceiling to see the original sketches!
11am-3pm Wednesday & Thursday, 1pm-6pm Friday & Saturday, 1pm-8pm Sunday; $1 per ride
BROOKLYN
The Carousel at Prospect Park
With 53 animals to ride, this carousel is big, spacious, and a favorite amongst Brooklynites. Lions, tigers, and bears are only some of the hand-carved animals that kids can ride, as parents stand by and enjoy the famous Wurlitzer organ. Hours for this carousel change by the months, so check out its website for more details.
Hours: April through June: 12pm-5pm Thursday through Sunday (and holidays), July through September: 12pm-6pm Thursday through Sunday (and holidays). Check the website for more hours; $2 per ride
Jane’s Carousel
Saved from being sold for parts by Jane and David Walentas in 1984, this great carousel is finally open to the public and has been dazzling kids and adults for the past year. In fact, Jane and David personally hand-scraped away 62 years of park paint from each of the figurines, and made the necessary repairs to restore the great attraction. With three rows of ornate horses and drawn carriages, it is definitely a site worth seeing.
11am-7pm Wednesday through Monday; $2 per ride
QUEENS
Flushing Meadow Carousel/Feltman Carousel
With 71 figurines to ride, making four rows of animals, this carousel is the epitome of big and grand. Opened in 1903, this ride is made up of not one, but two originally separate carousels and offers standstill horses as well as those that jump up and down. Now with a crop of amusement park rides and entertainment around it–don’t miss the fun.
11am-6pm Monday through Friday, 11am-8pm Saturday & Sunday; $1 per ride
Forest Park Carousel
Neatly tucked within 544 acres of trees, the Forest Park Carousel is a delight to park wanderers. It was created in 1903 and has withstood the tests of time, offering New York families a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
11am–8pm daily, (times vary depending on the day and month so check the website); $3 per ride
STATEN ISLAND
Carousel for All Children
All aboard the Carousel for All Children! This ride has every child’s favorite animal, from bamboo-eating pandas to lions and leopards and horses, and is sure to be a good time. With 51 animals to choose from, kids will have the time of their lives—the old fashioned way! The times and days that this ride is open to the public change monthly, so check the website!
June: 11am-5:45pm Wednesday through Sunday; July & August: 11am–5:45pm daily; $1.50 per ride
GOVERNORS ISLAND
Fête Paradiso: A Festival of Vintage Carousels and Carnival Rides
The first-ever festival of vintage French carousels, carnival rides, and games is heading to Governors Island for its American debut.
The collection includes museum-grade attractions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and will be open to the public to ride and enjoy every weekend through September 29. Be sure to check out the flying swings and the pipe organ. 10am-7pm weekends, govisland.com; $3 per ride/game
BRONX
The Bug Carousel
Kids that love bugs will love the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo. In addition to seeing all of the cool zoo animals, kids can hop onto a grasshopper or praying mantis and experience the park from a bug’s point of view. If your kid’s a fan of A Bug’s Life then they’ll love seeing their favorite bugs in life-size form!
10am-5pm Monday through Friday, 10am–5:30pm weekends; $3 general admission
COMING SOON
SeaGlass Carousel
Make sure to keep an eye out for this great new carousel that is set to open in October. As part of the Battery Park Conservancy, this state-of-the-art carousel will bring light to the darkest place of the park. Comprised of 30 fiberglass fish, which surf the virtual waves in simulated fish-swimming patterns, this is the first carousel of its kind. It even let’s you ride inside the fish as the sound of waves lap through speakers in each fish, dolphin, and other forms of sea life.
Hours and ticket prices are TBD.
B&B Carousel
Though this carousel in Brooklyn is still under restoration, it’s shaping up to be a great attraction for kids, with a little bit of history sprinkled in for good measure. When it opens, it will be in the Steeplechase Plaza on the Boardwalk, so keep your eyes out for updates. You won’t want to miss it.
Hours and ticket prices are TBD
