9 Carousels NYC Kids Should Give a Whirl

Nancy L.:  Staten Island's Greenbelt Conservancy features the Carousel for All Children. There's 51 hand-carved and colorfully painted animals and figures to enjoy. But what really sets this carousel apart is that can accommodate children with physical disabilities and the staff is ready to assist. The seasonal hours are posted here.

While you are waiting for the Staten Island Ferry, you may want to check out this unique carousel in Battery Park. Unlike traditional carousels, riders sit in a glass enclosure shaped like giant fish that light up and move in all directions, making it feel more like an underwater adventure than a simple carousel ride. As a bonus, there is a great free view of the Statue of Liberty from the park.

Nancy L.:  Situated on Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers (access at 22nd street), this carousel features 33 hand-carved wood figures of Hudson River Valley animals along with one chariot and a unicorn thrown in for good measure. It's open in the spring and summer.

Created in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for a park in Ohio, this three-row carousel now has a home in Brooklyn. It features 48 carved horses and two chariots, and is open year round. In the mid 1980s the entire carousel was purchased at auction and painstakingly restored to its original glory. It was installed in Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011.

Nancy L.:  Le Carrousel celebrates Bryant Park’s classic French style. There are 14 delightful animals and replicas of classic carousel creatures that revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music. This is open daily in the spring and summer and, weather permitting, can be enjoyed year round. There are also puppet shows, story times, and magic shows that take place right near the carousel on weekends.

Nancy L.:  The historic Central Park Carousel dates back to 1908, and with 57 hand-carved horses and two chariots, is considered a work of American folk art. It is located at 65th street and open year-round, weather permitting.

Nancy L.:  Visit Prospect's Park's Children's Corner and take a ride on this classic carousel. There are 53 horses to choose from, along with a lion, giraffe, deer, and dragon chariots. It was carved in 1912 and restored by the Prospect Park Alliance in 1990, and is wheelchair accessible.

Jennie Utsinger:  Created by artist Milo Mottola, the magical Totally Kid Carousel at Riverbank State Park features 36 creatures based on local children's drawings. The original drawing can be seen above each three dimensional creature. Originally completed in 1996, the carousel was refurbished in 2009. It is open May-October.

Nancy L.:  The historical Flushing Meadows Carousel was originally part of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair, and is now the centerpiece of Fantasy Forest. It features four rows with 64 jumping horses, seven standing horses, and two chariots, as well as a Bruder Organ from the Stubbman Carousel dating back to the early 1900s. Try this classic ride along with other amusement rides at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.