Central Park Carousel

City-Kid Review:

Can I go again?

The Central Park Carousel is a classic example of something City Kid loves but I have my reservations. And, upon reflection, those reflections are the result of jaded and influenced adulthood rather than the mental freedom of a child. To me, this carousel would be perfectly placed in some second rate B horror movie but to City Kid it is a fun ride with horses going up and down and round and round.

I am aware my feelings may cause controversy. Many of us have personal associations and fond memories of said carousel. I know I did. And, to be fair, the carousel is undergoing a renovation for which, I must admit I am mighty relieved.

This is a traditional carousel, built in 1908 and is one of the largest in the United States. To me, the expression on the horses faces vary from high anxiety to heads thrown back, mouths agape, in outright terror. If you look up within the housing of the carousel, scary clowns grimace down at you in the manner of gargoyles. I am aware this is my own prejudice but I am being honest.

So, given that I generally only include positive and fun things to do, why include this carousel in the City Kid blog?  Well, I have included this because, being located in south Central Park, it might be something you would like to combine with a trip to the nearby Victorian Gardens, Central Park Zoo or the Heckscher Playground, or simply visiting any of the fun things to do in that part of the park. It is, most importantly, something City Kid loved and wants to do again, so it might be the same for your City Kids.

Need to Knows:

The carousel costs $3 per person. Children below a certain height must ride with an adult.

The carousel is open seven days a week during the summer months.

Location: Inside Central Park just south of the 65th Street Transverse. You can enter the park at the zoo entrance on 5th avenue and walk west, or enter from Central Park west at 65th street and walk east.  It is almost directly north of the Heckscher playground. If you get lost, it seems almost everyone knows where the carousel is.

You can also visit the Dairy for more information about Central Park.

Top-Tip

A portion of the ticket price goes to the Trump Foundation, which runs the carousel.

You can find out more information about opening hours, etc, on this number: 212.439.6900 (ext. 4).

You can get amazing cakes and bread at Maison Kaiser, on Broadway, just south of Columbus Circle  and you can find many things to eat at Wholefoods at Columbus Circle. You can eat inside Wholefoods, or in the park, or in the fountain-laden Columbus Circle itself. There are, also, tons of restaurants and eateries within the Columbus Circle mall overlooking the SW corner of Central Park. There is, also, a food court below the Plaza Hotel on the SE corner of central park, which is full of fantastic food choices. They may, also, have a bar where you can recover from the carousel with a glass of ‘Mommy Juice’.

Do you have a favorite NY Carousel Please share with us in the comments section.

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