Trying to find something that is free or affordable is never a huge challenge here in New York, but sometimes I do find myself stumped and begin to scour the Internet for ideas. Jamming in every activity, event, and attraction we can possibly plan for during the summer is always a lot of fun, especially with such a rich history and wide variety of ideas here in NYC! 

My son has been loving our New York City carousels this year! He is a big fan of the Flushing Meadows Carousel, which we ride each time we leave the Queens Zoo! I plan to conquer at least 5 more of these carousels in NYC before the season is over. Have you had a chance to vist one of our local NYC carousel attractions? Which one is YOUR favorite?!

Manhattan

Le Carrousel – Midtown West

• Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
• Open year-round. Hours vary. $2.
• Petite, European-style merry-go-round; Features a menagerie of animals in addition to horses.

Central Park Carousel – Central Park

• Mid-park at 64th Street
• Open daily April-October, weekends November-March. Hours vary. $2.50.

Pier 62 Carousel – Chelsea

• Hudson River Park, Pier 62, 23rd Street at the Hudson River
• Closed in winter. Hours vary. $2.

Totally Kid Carousel – Harlem

• Riverbank State Park, enter at Riverside Drive and 145th Street
• Open June-October. Hours vary. $1.
• Built by local artist Milo Mottola; Designs were all based on children’s drawings of animals; Alongside the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge.

SeaGlass – Battery Park City

• Scheduled to open sometime in spring 2013. Visit TheBattery.org for updates.
• Aquatic-themed carousel; kids ride inside gorgeous sea creatures!
  

Brooklyn

Prospect Park Carousel – Prospect Heights 

• Use Willink park entrance, at Ocean and Flatbush Avenues and Empire Boulevard
• Open April-October. Hours vary. $2.

Jane’s Carousel – Dumbo

• Empire-Fulton Ferry Park in Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Open year-round. Hours vary. $2.

B&B Carousel – Coney Island

• Steeplechase Plaza
• Opening date and price not yet determined. Visit thecidc.org for updates.

Queens

Flushing Meadows Carousel – Flushing 

• Flushing Meadows Corona Park, enter at 111th Street and 55th Avenue
• Open daily Memorial Day weekend-October. Hours vary; $3.00.
• Debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair; Right next to the Queens Zoo! 

Forest Park Carousel – Forest Park

• Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive
• Open daily Memorial Day weekend through October. Hours vary; $3.00.

Staten Island

Carousel for All Children – Staten Island

• Willowbrook Park in the Greenbelt
• Open May 5-October. Weekly schedule varies; $1.50.
• Victorian carousel; accommodates children with physical disabilities.

The Bronx

The Bug Carousel – The Bronx Zoo 

• Open year-round. Hours vary. $3.
• Included in Total Experience Ticket at The Bronx Zoo