Carousels in NYC Parks

A treasured nostalgic memory for many, NYC Parks has a long history with carousels. Many master carvers set up shop in the city, and at the start of the 20th century, Brooklyn was home to largest concentration of carousel workshops in the country. Today, the five boroughs continue to be home to many carousels. 

From historic, restored relics to modern marvels with striking waterfront views, the carousels in our parks are guaranteed to delight. Find one near you!

Bronx

Bug Carousel

Location:  Alongside the real animals in the Bronx Zoo
Style: You won’t find horses at this one-of-a-kind carousel. Ride on a grasshopper, ladybug, or firefly instead! Painted murals show caterpillars transforming into butterflies, and the music even makes use of insect sounds.
Know before you go: This carousel is wheelchair accessible and open year-round (glass encases it in the winter).

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Brooklyn

Jane's Carousel

Location: Beneath the Brooklyn Bridge at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Style: First built in 1922, this carousel was lovingly restored by Jane and David Walentas, and now looks much like it did when it opened, featuring stunningly carved and painted horses and chariots.
Know before you go: Housed in a modern glass pavilion, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this carousel remains open in the winter without sacrificing its waterfront views.

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Prospect Park Carousel

Location: Prospect Park’s Children’s Corner
Style: Carved in 1912, this historic carousel, operated by the Prospect Park Alliance, boasts 53 horses, riding alongside a lion, deer, giraffe, and two chariots pulled by dragons!
Know before you go: This carousel is wheelchair accessible and open Thursday-Sunday and on holidays from March through November.

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B&B Carousell

Location: Among the rides at Coney Island’s Luna Park
Style: Built in Coney Island in 1906, this colorful and classic carousel, situated on the world-famous Coney Island Boardwalk, transports riders back to the golden age of the American carousel, in the heart of New York’s favorite playground.
Know before you go: The attractions at Luna Park are open 7 days a week from March to November.

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Deno's Carousel

Location: Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island
Style: Candy-colored horses will take you for a ride on this Coney Island classic, on the Coney Island Boardwalk, beside the famous Wonder Wheel.
Know before you go: The attractions at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park are open 7 days a week (weather permitting) from March to November.

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Manhattan

Central Park Carousel

Location: In southern Central Park’s Children’s District
Style: While carousels have been at this location for over a century (the first one was powered by a large horse or mule!) the current carousel was built in 1908 and installed here in 1951, bringing with it 57 hand-carved horses.
Know before you go: Open 7 days a week, weather permitting.

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Le Carrousel

Location: Nestled in Bryant Park
Style: Designed to complement the park’s French classical style, Le Carrousel is an homage to European and American carousel traditions. Its 14 animals, including traditional horses plus other creatures, like a frog and rabbit, revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music.
Know before you go: Open daily year-round, excluding February when it operates Thursday-Sunday.

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SeaGlass Carousel

Location: Along the water at Battery Park
Style: This unique carousel transports riders under the waves. Instead of a central pole or horses, turntables spin iridescent fish, which are lit from within to recall bioluminescence, while lighting in the space creates a shimmering water effect alluding to its location by New York Harbor where the city’s first aquarium was located.
Know before you go: Housed in a pavilion, this carousel is open daily and year-round, weather permitting.

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Hudson River Park Carousel

Location: Hudson River Park’s Pier 62
Style: 33 custom-designed, hand-carved animals reside on this waterfront carousel, including a seal, a raccoon, a bear, a deer, a seahorse, and more!
Know before you go: Open Friday-Sunday from late April through the end of October, weather permitting.

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Totally Kid Carousel

Location: Riverbank State Park on Riverside and 145th Street
Style: With carousel animals inspired by children’s drawings, the flamingos, giraffes, and other animals available to ride here are unlike any others.
Know before you go: Open May through October with varying hours.

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Queens

Flushing Meadows Carousel

Location: Fantasy Forest Amusement Park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Style: Two historic Coney Island carousels were combined to create this large carousel for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair which boasts over 70 seats.
Know before you go: The Fantasy Forest Amusement Park is open with varying hours, from late March through November.

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Forest Park Carousel

Location: Within the Forest Park Carousel Amusement Village
Style: Built in 1903, this NYC Designated Landmark is one of only two surviving carousels hand-crafted by internationally acclaimed master craftsman Daniel Carl Muller, featuring traditional horses, menagerie animals, and chariots.
Know before you go: The Forest Park Carousel Amusement Village is open with varying hours, Thursday through Sunday in April through October.

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Staten Island

Carousel for All Children

Location: Willowbrook Park in Staten Island’s stunning Greenbelt
Style: Though it opened in 1999, this retro carousel features Victorian-style finishings, with 51 hand-carved wooden figures of mythical beasts, endangered species, and traditional carousel horses. The carousel is also decorated with hand-painted renderings of Staten Island landmarks.
Know before you go: Like its name says, this carousel is for all! It’s fully accessible and open to all ages, Friday-Sunday in the summer.

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The Conservation Carousel

Location: The Staten Island Zoo in Barrett Park
Style: Teaching children about conservation, this carousel features 25 animals from around the world, many of them endangered or vulnerable in the wild, including an African elephant, koala, giant panda, and more.
Know before you go: Monkeys on a bench provide a wheelchair accessible option. This carousel is open daily in the summer and on Wednesdays, weekends, and holidays (weather permitting) throughout the year.

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