The Best Carousels for Kids in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland

There’s no better way to celebrate childhood than to go for a ride on a carousel in NYC. Outdoor carousels represent the epitome of summer, whether it’s at an amusement park, county fair, park, or zoo. There are many indoor carousels in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, and Rockland County for child-friendly fun year-round as well. Here, you’ll find details on each carousel in and near New York City, including its location, hours, price per ride, and a description. As always, please call to confirm the carousel is open before leaving the house to avoid disappointment.

Carousels in Manhattan
Carousels in Brooklyn
Carousels in Queens
Carousels in the Bronx
Carousels on Staten Island
Carousels on Long Island
Carousels in Westchester County
Carousels in Rockland County
Carousels in Bergen County, NJ
Carousels in Fairfield County, CT

Jump to your preferred location using the links above!

The Coney and a Casino with Paul Pippin

Schneps Connects

Carousels in Manhattan

Friedsam Memorial Carousel (The Central Park Carousel)

Central Park (mid-park at 65th Street)
212-439-6900 x4
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Hours: April-October: daily, 10am-6pm. November-March: daily, 11am-5pm. (Hours are weather permitting.)
Price: $3 per ride (cash only)
Located in the heart of Central Park, this handcrafted carousel’s 57 horses run laps to vintage organ music. Note: Especially in the summer, there is often a long line to ride.

SeaGlass Carousel

Battery Park (entrance at State and Water streets), Lower Manhattan
212-344-3491
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Hours: Through May 31: Friday-Sunday, 11am-9pm; June 1-Oct. 10: daily, 11am-9pm
Price: $5
This aquatic-themed carousel is made entirely of glass and steel and features 30 sea creatures under color-changing LED lights, making you feel like you are in an underwater garden.

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Le Carrousel

Bryant Park, West 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown
212-768-4242
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Hours: March-May: daily, 11am-7pm; June-October: daily, 11am-8pm; November-December, Sunday-Thursday, 11am-7pm and Friday-Saturday, 11am-8pm (hours are weather permitting)
Price: $3 per ride; $20 for a 10-ride discount card
Hear the sounds of Paris and the French Cabaret as you ride one of the 14 prancing animals, including 10 horses, a deer, a rabbit, a frog, and a cat. This carousel, specially designed to complement the park’s French classical style, was created by artists at Fabricon Carousel Company that was based in Brooklyn.

Pier 62 Carousel

Hudson River Park, Pier 62, between West 22nd and 23rd streets, Chelsea
[email protected]
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Hours: March 30-Oct. 27: Hours vary, see website for details
Price: $4 per ride; $35 for a 10-Pack; free for parents assisting children shorter than 42 inches.
Ride on animals ranging from unicorns to raccoons, or pretend to be King Trident as you ride the oyster chariot. This carousel can accommodate children in wheelchairs. Restrooms located at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers. Can be rented for birthday parties

Totally Kid Carousel

Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive at 145th Street, Upper Manhattan
212-694-3633
Hours: May-September, see website for hours
Price: $1 per ride
This funky carousel, opened in 1997, was designed using children’s drawings of animals.

Carousels in Brooklyn

B&B Carousell

Photo courtesy Luna Park

1615 Riegelmann Boardwalk (in Luna Park), Coney Island
718-373-5862
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Hours: Open weekends, 11am-7pm
Price: 3 credits
This historic carousel, built in 1906, features 50 wooden horses, has been completely restored and moved to the Steeplechase Plaza. See the website or call for updates.

Jane's Carousel

Brooklyn Bridge Park at the East River, Dumbo
718-222-2502
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Hours: Through May 16: Thursday-Sunday, 11am-6pm; May 17-Sept. 12: Wednesday-Monday, 11am-7pm. There is limited capacity.
Price: $2 per ride; $20 for 12 rides
Named after artist and Dumbo resident Jane Walentas, the 1922 structure was refurbished and reopened in 2011. There are 1,200 lights and the carousel is settled into a pavilion designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel.

Carousels in Queens

Flushing Meadows Carousel

Photo courtesy Ride Entertainment

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Fantasy Forest Amusement Park, 111th Street at 55th Avenue, Flushing
718-788-2676
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Hours: April: Friday, 12-5:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-7pm. May- June: Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-7pm
Price: 1 ticket, $3.50
Moved to Queens from Coney Island for the 1964 World’s Fair, this classic carousel is located next to the Queens Zoo and about a 2-minute walk from the New York Hall of Science.

Forest Park Carousel

Northwest Entrance (Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive), Forest Park
718-788-2676
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Hours: April: Friday, 12-5:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-7pm. May- June: Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-7pm
Price: 1 ticket, $3.50
Created in 1890, this carousel is the only carousel that is also a designated New York City landmark. Take a spin on one of the 49 horses or ride in a chariot as you listen to vintage organ music.

Carousels in the Bronx

Bug Carousel

Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd. (at Fordham Road)
718-220-5100
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Hours: Open year round, but hours change seasonally. March 27-Nov. 6: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm.
Price: $6 per ride plus general zoo admission: Ticket prices after March 26: $39.95; $34.95 seniors; $29.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 2. Free general admission for all on Wednesdays.
This carousel is composed entirely of bugs and butterflies and is located next to the Butterfly Garden, where you can see live butterflies in flight and flowers in bloom. This carousel is accessible to manual wheelchairs.

Carousels on Staten Island

Carousel for All Children

Photo courtesy Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy

Willowbrook Park, Eton Place at Richmond Avenue
718-477-0605
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Hours: May through Columbus Day, 11am-5:45pm; Friday-Sunday in May, Wednesday-Sunday in June, daily in July and August.
Price: $2.25 per person
Choose your steed from the 51 hand-carved and colorfully painted animals that adorn this Victorian-style wooden merry-go-round, located next to the duck pond. The carousel is accessible for those with physical challenges.

Carousels on Long Island

Greenport Antique Carousel

Photo courtesy Village of Greenport

Jess Owen Carousel House, Mitchell Park, Greenport
631-477-0248
Hours: School closing through Labor Day weekend, daily, 10am-9pm. Labor Day, 10am-6pm. Labor Day through Columbus Day Weekend, Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm; Columbus Day, 10am-6pm. Columbus Day through Nov. 30, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm. Dec. 1- Easter, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm. Closed Christmas, New Years Day, Easter. Easter to Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. Memorial Day through school closing, Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm. Sunday, 10am-6pm. Memorial Day, 10am-6pm.
Price: $2 per person
Greenport’s carousel sits in a lovely glass house with a view of the water. It is 100 years old and features hand-painted horses.

Merry-Go-Round at Adventureland

2245 Broad Hollow Road (Route 110), Farmingdale
631-694-6868
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Hours: April 10-June 22: Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-8pm; June 23-Sept. 6, Monday-Friday, 11am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-10:30pm
Price: $24.99 ages 25 and older; $39.99 ages 2-24; free for children younger than 2; everyone entering the park is required to have their own paid admission ticket.
Opened in 1962, Adventureland offers rides, attractions, and games, including this low-key, round-a-bout ride that is great for young kids.

Carousels in Westchester County

Playland's Grand Carousel and Kiddy Carousel

Exit 19 off I-95, Rye
914-813-7000
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Hours: Specific days and hours vary, check the website for a full schedule
Price: $30; $20 for children shorter than 48 inches; $10 for non-resident spectators (no rides); free for children younger than 2 and resident spectators (no rides). Westchester residents receive a $5 discount.
Playland's Grand Carousel, constructed in 1915, features 66 horses with jewel-studded harnesses and three handicap-accessible chariots, all of which circle a rare Gavioli band organ. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall; kids shorter than 42 inches must ride with an adult. Playland's Grand Carousel was closed for renovations in 2019; it hasn’t been announced yet if it will be open for the 2021 season.
Little ones between 36 and 55 inches tall can choose to ride the Kiddy Carousel, one of many rides in the park’s Kiddyland section meant for the youngest set of thrill-seekers.

Carousels in Rockland County

Palisades Center Mall Carousel

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Exit 12 off Route 303, West Nyack
845-353-2595
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Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-7pm
Price: $3
The 1907 antique and restored carousel, a double-decker Venetian model by Bertazzon, is located in the food court next to the Ferris wheel.

Carousels in Bergen County, NJ

Millennium Carousel at the Bergen County Zoo

Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus
201-262-3771
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Hours: Open Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm
Price: $1.50 per ride plus zoo admission: $8 ($4 for county residents); $5 children ages 3-14 ($2 for county residents); free for children younger than 3. Tickets must be purchased at the zoo's train station.
Watch animals all day at the zoo and then ride their likeness.

Carousels in Fairfield County, CT

Beardsley Zoo Carousel

1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport
203-394-6565
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Hours: Daily, 9am-4pm
Price: Zoo admission: Adult, $16. Child (ages 3-11), $13. Senior (62+), $12. Under 3, free.
This carousel features colorful versions of the animals you visit at the zoo.

Danbury Fair Mall Carousel

7 Backus Ave., Danbury
203-207-0305
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Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-7pm; Friday-Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm
Price: $3 per ride
Located in the food court on the mall’s upper level, this double-decker carousel features rows of wooden horses that move up and down to traditional carnival music. The mall is built on the former site of the Danbury Fair (last held in 1981), and the carousel is a replica of that fair’s carousel.

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

BAMkids

BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3&mdash;11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.