9 Carousels Philadelphia Kids Should Give a Whirl

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Knoebels Amusement Resort offers two carousels, both over 100 years old, for guests of all ages! Their Grand Carousel allows kids and adults to ride on the hand-carved horses and carriages while listening to traditional carousel organ music. Play the brass ring game each ride to earn the prize of $1.50 in ride tickets. The S&G Carousel is a smaller wooden version that will delight children with lovely music and scenery.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Carousel at the Elmwood Park Zoo is a treat for children to ride on a horse, zebra or another fun animal. It is located between the Duck Pond and Playground.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The double-decker Bertazzon Carousels handmade and painted in Venice, Italy are now at the Plymouth Meeting Mall and Philadelphia Mills Mall! A fun favorite, it makes for an easy stop when shopping with the kids. Take a musical ride on the many horses, spinning seats and chairs for two.

Shila:  One of 4 historical venues that the Perkasie Historical Society helps preserve, the Perkasie Carousel's original steam-powered version was installed in 1892. The current carousel you see now replaced the original site in 1951 (with recent refurbishments along the way).

You can even have a birthday party there! Imagine 1 hour of "merry-go-rounding" offered for the birthday honoree? Because it's run by volunteers, be sure to check their website for the yearly schedule of operation. To add to the nostalgia, rides are only thirty five cents!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel at the Please Touch Museum is a delight for children and adults. Originally built over 100 years ago, it was fully restored to glimmering beauty. Take a ride on the spectacular hand-carved animals such as horses, cats, pigs, rabbits and goats and mesmerize yourself in the music and 1,296 lights.

There are face-cut out photo opportunities in the Carousel area as well.

Shila:  If you are in the area, this stationary (Dentzel) carousel that's housed in the wooden pavilion makes it to the National Historical Register of Places list. It's a proud possession of Pen Argyl. The hand-carved carousel has been in the same location since the 1890's. The carousel is also a nice compliment to other family activities in Weona Park, such as mini-golf. Rides are only $1.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Amazon Rainforest Carousel at the Philadelphia Zoo is an all-wooden, hand carved and hand painted treat. Children can ride on one of the 30 unique rainforest animal seats such as parrots, elephants, cheetahs, snakes, crocodiles and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Parx Liberty Carousel located in Franklin Square is the only carousel in Center City. It features fun animals to ride on such as a dragon, zebra, lion and eagle. Kids can also ride on race horses depicted from hometown heroes, Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones. While you're there, be sure to check out the other fun attractions in Franklin Square.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Built in 1922, this Grand Carousel was restored to magnificent perfection with 46 hand-carved figures in bass wood. It has horses with delicate manes and real horse-hair tails and menagerie animals such as a lion, giraffe, rooster, goat and rabbits. Located inside Giggleberry Fair at Peddler's Village, the Grand Carousel is a favorite stop while shopping or dining at this unique Bucks County attraction.