A bit of history in central park ft any history lovers. You do not see these old style carousels much these days.. definitely worthy of a visit. Here is what the official website states. The first model was originally installed in 1871. The Carousel is one of Central Park's most popular and famous attractions. Since the first carousel arrived, there have been a total of four distinct models with the original model being powered by a horse or mule which walked in a concealed compartment underground below the attraction. The animals were taught to start and stop with the sound of a foot tap from the ride's operator above. The carousel installed at Central Park today is the Friedsam Memorial Carousel. It is considered one of New York City's finest examples of American folk art. It was crafted in 1908 by artisans Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein. It features 57 hand-carved brightly caparisoned horses, two ornately embellished chariots and a mechanical organ. The structure was found in an old BMT trolley terminal at Coney Island. It was donated to Central Park by the Michael Friedsam Foundation in 1951. A ceremonial marker was placed on the exterior wall of the carousel building on the carousel's dedication day on July 2, 1951. This carousel was notably mentioned in J. D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye" and is featured in the Marvel TV series "The Punisher" (though filming took place at the Forest Park carousel in Queens). read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

Yeesh. This carousel has definitely seen better days. While the price seemed reasonable, that was about the only charming thing about it. The interior was "decorated" for Halloween with cheap cutouts and witches, etc. They have a no cell phone policy while the carousel is moving, for safety reasons I guess?? I think it's worth doing once to say you did, but that's about it. read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

The carousel is located inside the Central Park, and attracts a lot of children's attention. The ride itself is affordable, and it costs $4 per ride. But I think the facilities were old and lack of maintenance. read more

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Came here with our little one during our walk in Central Park. We loved it! The pricing was $4 per person for 1 ride. We didn't think it was that bad. We've been on more expensive ones on the west coast. The horses on the carousel were low key scary looking hahha but otherwise great experience. The staff were super friendly too which I was not expecting from New York but all the workers were cool. read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

Prices were raised to $4 a person. The operator was in a bad mood. Short ride. Yet, for nostalgia and to say you did it, it's worth it for the one time experience. read more

Do not purchase the package of multiple tickets unless you expect to use them immediately! While the carousel ride is as expected, I am extremely disappointed with the experience at the Central Park Carousel. My family purchased 25 tickets a year ago, expecting we could use the unused tickets in the future for a fun and seamless visit. However, when we arrived, the operator, Central Amusements International (CAI), refused to honor the tickets we'd already paid for, saying they wouldn't accept them. I reached out directly to the operator, Central Amusement International (CAI), to address the issue but received absolutely no response. It's frustrating that neither the operator nor anyone associated with the carousel seems interested in helping customers who've already paid for their tickets. I probably shouldn't be surprised since when I looked up the reviews on CAI, the Glassdoor reviews are horrible and there are postings on Indeed from employees about safety issues at other places operated by CAI. Luckily you cannot die on the carousel or else I would question the CAI being awarded the contract to operate the carousel. This lack of communication and respect for paying customers reflects poorly on both the operator and the carousel experience as a whole. For such a well-known attraction, I expected much better organization and customer service. Until they can manage ticketing properly and communicate with their customers, I'd recommend spending your time and money elsewhere in the park. read more

First time coming here, experience was ok. The place was a bit dirty though. Had to wash out hands as the rides were very sticky. I feel they should wipe stuff like this down a bit before taking on new customers. Pricing was reasonable. We love the area. read more

This was a cute spot to walk the kids to. $3.50 per ticket. Typical but nostalgic. Also lots of playgrounds nearby where the kids ran around. They loved it all and it was just a beautiful day out today. read more

The Central Park Carousel brought back childhood memories. It's a neat thing to do when in Central Park. It's reasonably priced. Whether you have kids with you or not, this is always a fun activity to do. Make sure and stop by when in Central Park. read more

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$3.5 per ride is a tad steep, but considering where you are, well... understandably so. They finally reopened it, after a long hiatus due to Covid. It's a great option if you're strolling Central Park with a little one. Keep in mind that they don't allow children under 5 to ride alone, and you'll have to pay even if you're standing beside them, as they don't have straps to tie kids to the horses. It's one of those places to "check" on your trip to the Big A. read more

A classic in Central Park. It's more about the hype than the actual ride. The ride itself is much like any carousel. Except this one you pay more. The kids won't mind that. A tip before you go. Find out if the thing is operating. Most of the winter it will be closed. It tries to open whenever it gets above freezing. Sometimes it won't if it's too cold, because who actually wants to ride it when it's like that. It's about $3 a ride. That's not insane but more than at a county fair. Every kid likes to ride carousels. It's a known fact that if they're aware of this attraction, they will kick and scream until they are promised to get to ride. Try it at least once just say you rode this. read more

Central Park Carousel - Inside - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

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Just fun times. This is a classic carousel. New mom's and dads li e up with strollers, they wait as long as it takes. It took a while to get here in the first place. It's just part of the experience. And then the ride starts and photos are snapped. Memories are captured. Emails are sent to family and friends. This is one of the best carousels in the United States. It's classic on so many ways. It's inexpensive. It's simple. Buy the ticket, take the ride and be happy. read more

Fun...historic carousel in Central Park; not just for kids! Walking thru Central Park is a must if you are in NYC right? I didn't know what to expect because I've seen way to many shows where murders occur here..lol! I'm glad to say we didn't see any..lol! As a matter of fact it was beautiful there...full of people, families and some entertainers too as well as information guides if you have any questions. We loved riding the carousel just like kids! read more

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Amazing experience in Central Park with your little love ones. The price is affordable $3.25 per ride. The horses were in good conditions and very stunning. It was a cool breezy day so the ride was perfect with the cool weather. The lines was relatively short with the options of riding as many times you want for $3.25 each rides. read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

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This was such a cute experience! Heads up- you are NOT supposed to record or take photos, but I didn't notice the signs and accidentally did. Won't post any photos but do recommend. It's just a couple bucks read more

Such a cute and fun little experience while in Central Park. You can purchase tickets online or you can purchase at the ticket booth. It's only $3.50 for about maybe a 5min ride. I didn't time it, but it seemed to be that long. Hope this helps! read more

How cool is this?? Old school carousel in such an awesome park! This was a nice touch especially after spending some time in Central Park, it felt good to switch it up and ride the carousel. There wasn't any crowds when I was there but it was a pretty chilly day and was getting pretty close to their closing time. The tenant was really cool and let me on after I threw away my ticket receipt (they do ask for each one so don't throw yours away like I did!). Luckily the guy was super cool and let me on while I was scrambling to find it lol. For sure a great place to take some pics and enjoy the chill ride. I would recommend this to anyone who has kids and want to switch things up a bit while at the park. read more

My 9 year old son loved this. Just a little pricey ($3 a ride) for my taste. But as a mom I always like to try and make my kid happy. I even went on the ride with him! It was a beautiful day and the line wasn't too bad. The guy who worked there was super nice as well. I wanted to make sure my son was buckled in properly and it took a few minutes and he was cool with that. It's always a winner to go on the carousel! read more

Carousel ride was short but fine. The woman that worked the ticket booth on 9/29/22 at 11:30am was so rude and disrespectful to my family. I have 4 children and a 1.5 year old and they harassed me that I only bought 4 tickets even though my wife was just standing to make sure my kid did not fall off the carousel. The woman and her minion assistant who could barely communicate got confrontational with my wife while on the carousel and when I went to pay she yelled at me. Lucky for her I did not snap back. Sorry that tourists have to deal with this incompetent and disrespectful and rude staff. Replace them with normal and friendly people. read more

If you have kids and you're in Central Park, even if it's just for an hour, you've got to come here and pay it a visit. I came here a week or two ago, and decided to hop on the carousel just for old time's sake - because why not, right? Definitely brought me back to when I was a kid, and that's always fun. It cost approximately $3.50 foot a few minute ride, which seems a little expensive to me. The staff was okay i guess - not really the most friendly bunch you'll ever meet to be honest. Overall a good experience though. read more

Not bad to do while in grand Central Park. Tickets are 3 bucks and they only accept cash. Fun little ride to do in the park read more

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LOVED it. $3 per person per ride was totally worth it. As a couple of adults wandering Central Park, we had a great time on the carousel. You don't need kids to have a good time. There are horses to ride (even adults can ride them) and there are 2 chariots that seat a bunch of people for those who don't want to sit on a horse. The carousel lasts a while and it moves fast, faster that I expected! We were there on a beautiful October Sunday when the park was busy, but we still walked up and got straight on the carousel. Great for kids, great for adults.... iPhone users: You can do a panoramic photo by sitting still and pointing your camera toward the center or the outside. No need to move, because the carousel does all the work (if sitting in the Chariot). Fun! read more

How can anyone hate on the Central Park Carousel? Granted, it has some creepy clowns on it, but it's an antique that has been restored to it's younger glory days. The horses are a cornucopia of colors and look terrific on a bright sunny day. The restoration of this vintage carousel is terrific and is another gem found in Central Park. It is a reminder of simpler times way before computers, cell phones, and Play Stations. As kids we all rode on one at least once. It still brings out the inner child in us when we see it. Many times during the summer season there are events going on around this part of the park along with birthday parties and such. Benches are close by to chill out on with an ice cream or cotton candy from the stands nearby. Just don't take multiple rides when drunk. This thing goes round and round, and up and down, over and over. Bleech! $2 for a 3 and a half minute ride Open daily April-November, 10:00am-6:00pm, weather permitting Open weekends November-April 10:00am-4:30pm, weather permitting read more

We are from California so I think we must corner the market on Carousels. This one is cute and I'm glad we came to see it but it's not anything memorable. Nice and clean and about $3 per rode for adults. Cute but NO MUSIC! read more

Great for children and sometimes adults! It's a beautiful carousel. Very colorful and fun! Rides will set you back a few dollars. It's not free! Souvenirs and tourist stands abound in the area. Enjoy if you are young at heart! read more

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The original 1871 carousel was powered by a blind mule and a horse, which walked a treadmill in an underground pit. It is such a charming treasure in the city! You can arrange to have birthday party's and events for your children at the Carousel. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/trump_saddles_up_RekT2Ju5Rncdu4bYeUmGwI It seems Donald Trump owns it now. I am glad he saved it! It is an antique treasure in the city for children! I have been countless times and on occasion we will go as adults just for a kick. read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

One of my favorite things to do in NYC is taking a stroll with my girls and Finnegan through central park. A common stop for us would be the carousel. When I was a young boy my memories of a carousel revolved around Disneyland. The fantasyland carousel is beautiful but seems to lack true authenticity. Here in central park the carousel is fantastic. Despite Finnegan being banned from participating, a visit to the carousel was the perfect midday treat for my two young girls. They would smile and laugh while the horses would rise and fall to the instrumental sounds which filled the air. You can easily invision this site 100 years ago. I imagine it played out very similar. We always enjoyed a little ice cream afterwards. As we walked away they would always tell me how much fun it was while Finnegan begged for a taste of their ice cream. Re-experiance Childhood through the eyes and laughter of your children. It's heaven on earth. read more

If you're in Central Park, how can you not ride an old school carousel? The rides at $3.25 each and a bit short in my opinion. The carousel is mostly enclosed, so it can get warm on a hot day. The staff finally turned the fans on towards the end of our ride. Overall, I'm glad I can now say I rode on the Central Park Carousel, but it was nothing to write home about. read more

Its hand-carved and -painted steeds slowly rising and falling, to a child's (and many an adult's) utter delight, accompanied by nostalgia-flavored tunes of yesteryear, this bright colored, venerable carousel has long afforded pleasure to young and old, rich and poor, alike. Go with someone special, and savor this taste of Old New York. (Pace GG) read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

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The carousel itself is just a carousel like any other but they asked my wife to pay a ride at the end while she was just standing along with my daughter, not even riding any horse. First time it happens to us and this without warning of any kind prior the ride. We did a bunch of these over the years. So be aware if you go with your kid you'll pay regardless of riding a horse or not read more

Pretty cool piece of park history. This place is pretty run down though. I can at least say the family rode this once. read more

Central Park Carousel - Carousels Near Me - New York, New York

Mister baby loves carousels and Central Park's is his favorite so far. With ornate carvings, beautiful horses that go up and down and stable ones alike, it's a sweet ride. Life can be cray, but really... what else matters when you're with your joyful kid in a carousel in beautiful Central Park?! (End. Sap. Here.) The ride is 3 bones. Fork it up. I went on a Friday afternoon and waited 30 seconds to hop on. You are also able to leave your stroller in the gated area so you can ride with ease! read more

Please note as of 5/26/21 this is temporarily closed. Sucks cuz we were so looking forward this this in Central Park!

Loved coming here during our visit to New York! You can call ahead in the winter to see if it is running- it doesn't run if it's below 40. We actually called to check and at the time it wasn't running, the person we spoke to actually called us back later that day to inform us it would be opening. Very nice he took the initiative to do that. We visited in February, it was $3/ticket which seemed very reasonable. Cash only, although they had an ATM inside the carousel area. The horses were in good condition and the ride seemed like a good length of time. read more

One part clown, one part beast of burden, one part murdered tree. One would think that this cocktail of a ride would be anything but positive....but let me tell you: This Carousel scares children and makes me feel like I'm on an entirely positive and psychedelic fun house ride. Me and 4 of my other coworkers rode this as a part of a scavenger hunt and we were surprised by the death-defying speeds those visibly petrified carved out horses topped out at. This ride reminded me of (creepy) teacups, on steroids. Imagine that. read more

I will first start by saying Melissa Goldberg, Director of Concessions Compliance is an exceptional employee. Unfortunately the General Manager called me with a hollow apology ...he apologized with and quickly followed with reminding me about their policy regarding children under 5 (which was not the reason I complained). The following is the incident. - On Thursday April 28th at 3:15 PM I took my nephew to ride the carousel. The young lady at the booth was very rude (I assume it had been a long day). Once I got the tickets from her I was not in the great mood I was when I initially arrived there. When I arrived at the entrance I asked the women in front of me if that was the entrance (it was) and their response was no. I was so frustrated I told them "that idiot gave me the wrong information". I am in no way saying I was right but I was frustrated. - She overheard from the booth and stormed out and yelled at me in front of everyone and yelled "Mam I am not an idiot etc. etc." I responded and said you're not but you are rude and have an attitude. I than went and waited on line with my 4 year old nephew who was excited to get on the horse. - When it was time to get the ride she popped out of nowhere and took my tickets and ripped them in front of my 4 nephew who started saying "why doesn't the lady want me to ride the horse". While she ripped them she said people can't say what the feel like. - I asked for a manager she said there wasn't one. - Manager finally shows up and tells me I have to understand she's upset (who's the customer). - After a lengthy conversation with manager who never apologized for employee I was told I could go on and to get on line and pay which I said you want me to get on line again...so he took my money so we went and waited again. The carousal attracts children so people who are working around them should understand what a child feels when they're made to wait for a ride than have it taken away from them. The manager did not apologize for his employee's rude behavior. read more

Just received the WORST "customer service" from the ticket girl named Brittany. We stopped at the carousel to treat my friend to a ride. We approached the ticket counter still debating who would let who pay for a ticket. Brittany was clearly impatient with us (mind you, there was no line and no one on the ride!). She made a snide comment to accompany the nasty expression on her face - but she did provide my friend with tickets. My friend thanked her, albeit a bit sarcastically. Brittany then came out of the booth and confronted her before we entered the ride space and told us that we could get off her ride and get a refund. At this point, I offered to take a refund. She then told her that she didn't have to give one - and continued yelling at my friend and I about how she wasn't rude to us. My friend finally decided getting our money back was the better option, so we did. She immediately called her coworkers over to vent to them about her version of the story when we were within 10ft of the carousel and could hear every word. It was an awful experience for tourists on their first trip to New York City, especially considering how kindly we had been treated everywhere else! How unfortunate to end our trip on such a sour note. read more

This is quite a cool piece of historic oddity that's in the park which I did not expect. Sitting on the rickety old horses, that are full of character. There's a lot of detail in all the elements that make up this simple carousel. In some ways, when it starts, the world around you disappears, and you're confined to the rotating tunnel vision of the ride and the person you're with. Everything moves in slow motion, and you think to yourself, moments don't often get any simpler or happier than this. read more

I had to go see the Central Park Carousel for myself as I had heard so much about it. It was a great as I was lead to believe that it would be, sure not right off the main streets of New York so you will need to walk a little, then again do you really want a real carousel right next to the busy, loud streets of New York, didn't think so. Go find the place and enjoy thinking about when you were younger... read more

I remember when this ride was only 25 cents when I was little - that was the first time I rode this carousel. Now, of course, it's a bit more but it's still an amazing work of art. Whether you're 5, 50 or 105 ( though I'd suggest the 105 year old simply sit in the sleigh seats ) you should check out this Central Park iconic structure. read more