PROS: staff is friendly, place is historic, has arcade, prices are good, and there's parking nearby CONS: the floor was really dirty from popcorn cause they don't sweep it OVERALL: I would recommend coming here with your kids, as long as you don't mind the popcorned floor read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

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I'm still a kid at heart, so I can never miss a stop at an arcade. Like most arcades now, you need a swipe card and coins won't work. Don't let that stop you though. I still had a great time, and although the line was too long and I was on a schedule, the Carousel looked like a blast. Small space, so it's also not somewhere you'd spend a lot of time even if you had the time. read more

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My 3-year-old nephew had the best time -- he named the horse he rode, "Backy Backy Junior." We loved the charm of the antique building and horses and it was a fun stop along our day at Oak Bluffs! read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

BLUF: 150 year old carousel housed indoors that makes for a memorable moment. History and whimsy for the whole family. I went to Flying Horses because I really like history and Americana. From a historical perspective, I really appreciated my time at the circa 1876 platform carousel. As a bonus I really enjoyed noticing how happy everyone was on the carousel - both adults and children were smiling as the horses went round-and-round and the organ music played. At the time I visited it was $4 for an adult to ride. As far as the ride goes, there is a mix of horses and chariots (benches). Some horses are tall and some horses are short but all are stationary and do not go up and down. I selected a tall horses which required me to put one foot in the stirrup and hop up and swing my other leg over to enjoy the ride. The Flying Horses carousel is one of the last carousels in the country where you can try to catch a brass ring. Most of the rings are silver and I think there are only two brass rings in circulation at a time but if you get a brass ring then you get a free ride. From a vertigo perspective one spin around was enough for me but I enjoyed lingering to look at some of the historical details. I wish I had taken more time to look at all of the different paintings on the spreader boards and murals on the center column. The carousel building has some signage giving the history of the carousel. The year the carousel was originally built is debatable per the webernet but the signage at the museum recognizes 1876 as the year the carousel first went into service. Prior to making its home on Martha's Vineyard the carousel was in Coney Island, NY but only for about eight years. Visiting during the shoulder season we were easily able to get parking right outside the carousel. During the summer season I suspect it might be a little bit of a walk from the closest available parking spot. The Flying Horses carousel is an interesting and fun piece of Americana and I am glad its in the hands off the Vineyard Preservation Trust. read more

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Moved to Oak Bluffs from Coney Island NY [Martha's Vineyard MA] My hubby said that this carousel is one of the cool attractions at Oak Bluffs so we headed right to it. Located at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Circuit Avenue, it wasn't too far from where the bus dropped us off. VTA Bus #13 takes passengers here at Oak Bluffs. At first it looked like a regular indoor carousel and I didn't notice anything different about it, each horse was brightly painted and fixed in its rotating platform, but as I looked closer, not everything about the wooden horses were carved... wait, what... are those real horsehair manes and tails?? ... and the eyes! they're inset glass eyes! Now I know why it's a landmark attraction. We did not hop on but it was fun to watch kids of all ages and even adults enjoy the ride. This carousel was acquired from Coney Island in New York to prevent it from being dismantled and parts sold to antique carved horses collectors. This was one of 25 operating carousels at the Coney Island amusement park at the time. Review #3031 read more

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Very unique place to go if you are in the area. Amazing antique carrousel. If you are in the area definitely worth a look. Hand carved, glass eyes and real horse hair manes. read more

This is the place to go for timeless fun and athletic feats of strength. Try your luck. No ac so ready for warm waiting. Get there early to avoid long wait times. Get a free ride with a brass ring grab. Must do in oak bluffs. read more

Flying Horses - Waiting area - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

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This is one of the oldest carousels in the United States. It has been on Martha's Vineyard since 1884. Manufactured in 1876, it was moved to its current location in 1884 from Coney Island in New York. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. The horses have real horse hair and glass eyes. It is definitely worth a look when you are in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. read more

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It's $3.50 for a ride. Not cheap. But not expensive either. The horses do not go up and down. You would not be able to collect rings if they did. Learn how to catch 2 rings on every go around. It makes you feel like you are getting a bargain. Seriously - you have to do this while in Oak Bluffs. read more

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The Flying Horses are an annual tradition with my 2 Granddaughters & myself when we make our annual trip to the Vineyard. A must for everyone read more

A must go and a must see for a throw back experience! I love the charm of Martha's vinyard and this location is an absolute must for those that are visiting this quaint little island. Located in the liveliest part of the island- Flying horses offers a throwback merry go round experience. There are many people always in this machine and my wife and I was so curious as to why. Apparently there is a ring game attached to this merry go round- as you go around you try to catch as many rings as possible and the one who catches the most rings receives a prize! Worth a ride just to experience it. Kids love it! In the grand scheme of exciting rides, this isn't gonna blow your mind- but for those who want to experience a little piece of history, photo ops, and building memories with a loved one- check this place out! Love it or dump it- Love it, totally recommend! read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

The Flying Horses would be better if the employees here were more on top of things. We didn't know if you could actually ride them or not. It appeared that you could based on the signage but the gentleman working there spent 20 minutes talking to ladies and ignored the crowed that was standing around waiting to see if we could ride or not. I totally understand talking to customers and explaining the history but you still need to interact with the other 12 people that walked in while you were talking. People ended up wandering around looking at the horses and taking pictures. We did the same. When the large group, including us, were walking out the door someone asked if they could ride and he said yes. So clearly you CAN ride but you need to ask specifically. Otherwise, the horses are old and not in the best shape but still pretty good considering their age. If you like history and/or carousels this is a place you would want to check out. read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

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Family fun for everyone. The Flying Horses are among the oldest carousels in the US (there's a fun map showing the oldest carousels); supposedly they came from Coney Island. It's a beautiful carousel, well-maintained, tho part of its exterior is an abandoned souvenir shop. If you've disembarked the ferry, it doesn't look promising. The rides range from about $3.50-5.00 (depending on age), as well as souvenirs, cotton candy, and popcorn. The staff is friendly and helpful. Low-key, homespun fun. read more

Old school and amazing! Great for kids and adults of all ages. Catching the rings is to fun.

Second last ride of the night. The cool air blows in. A storm is on the horizon, but for right now we are going to fly. Enclosed with these beautiful hand painted (real horse hair) horses has my heart beating faster. I mount. I pretend not to laugh at the sight of my boyfriend trying to mount. The music box begins to play, and we being to fly. Round and Round we go...much faster then I would have expected. The music box plays its tune. I reach for the rings. How many can I get? One-two-three....I dropped the third. Was it the brass one? Round and Round we go. Smiling. The music box plays on. I'm flying. Flying Horses: Maybe I'll get the brass ring and I'll ride on till morning. read more

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Some very old horses A great place to be on a summer night in Oak Bluffs. They claim it is the oldest carousel in the country but I do believe I have heard that from several other carousels. It doesn't really matter, it is old, cool looking and in a absolutely beautiful place with all types of fun and interesting things to do. read more

Got a kid who needs entertaining? Looking for a fun date? Sick of the beach? Here's your fix: come to Flying Horses and have a grand old, old-fashioned time. I came here with my amazing 21-month-old niece who loves loves loves Flying Horses and requests a visit almost daily. Thankfully, you can purchase a $20 punch card for ten rides or just pay the $2.50 for a one-time thing if you're only planning on going once. If you're in town for a while or have multiple kids, I'd recommend the punch-card route. The carousel itself is beautiful -- crafted like things no longer are, with attention to detail and quality. It's been around since 1876, and is the oldest carousel in the US, which is pretty freaking awesome. It's only open during the summer months, which means it can get crowded, hot and stuffy, but if you go during the day it's not much of a problem. If you aren't a toddler and enjoy a but of competition, sit on the outer horses and reach for the brass rings -- collect as many as you can and you might win a free ride. There's an arcade in an adjoining room which is great for little kids -- car and Clifford The Big Red Dog rides and even a few old-timey fortune telling games for the older folks. Tokens are 4 for $1 and 2-3 tokens per ride. Heed my warning: it gets hot and stuffy in this place. Thank god they sell popcorn and water! read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

We have been coming to Flying Horses for years. It is an antique carousel that is located in Oak Bluffs. There is always a long line but it moves relatively quickly. This carousel does the whole brass ring thing. It is pretty entertaining to watch kids, teenagers and adults lose their flipping minds trying to get the rings. read more

UNIQUE First time I've seen a merry-go-round with the fabled brass ring. But seeing as how it's from New York, if you ever find yourself visiting Bear Mountain State Park, its classic, hand-carved carousel costs only $1 for 5 minutes (as opposed to $3.50 for what felt like a much shorter duration). read more

Talk about incredibly precious!!! You head inside this slightly warm and slightly stuffy arcade and find a little piece of old america. If you have a kid, or are a grown up child yourself, you need to treat yourselves to a $2.00 ride. These horses are hand painted, and the music box is catchy and upbeat. I love the fact that they have inside and outside ring feeder - where people reach out to try to grab the golden ring! A cheap and fun experience! read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Its oldest carousel in America so I'm told- wow! That's pretty cool! For $3 you can take a ride on this antique horses and catch the rings. Such a fun add to the normal carousel ride and the kids love it. The little boy in front of us only had 3 rings and was sad...then, bam! He got the brass ring and his face lit up! I was so happy for him!! Super cute! Nice man gave us a free ticket so I didn't have to pay- I love nice people!! Must see on your visit to MV! read more

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A must stop when you're in town. Fun for all ages, and leaves a lasting impression! Long story short - theres a small arcade, but everyone goes to get on the carousel ride! One of the oldest ones around, where the horses are hand painted with hair, and the music that plays is upbeat and fun. The main goal is to catch the rings as you ride by. It can be a fun and friendly competition with whomever you're there - but the real prize is catching the bronze ring (WHICH I DID!) but they took it away so quickly I didn't have time to take a pic. I swear I won! lol But with the bronze ring you can either enjoy a free ride or they write you out at ticket for another time (still free). read more

Lovely vintage carousel! We felt privileged to take a ride and grab for the brass rings!. A must-see on the Vineyard!

FUN! Read this is the oldest carousel of its kind around. Or maybe there is one other in the US? Go, laugh and play and be a kid! Why would you want to act like a dumb adult ever anyhow?! read more

Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest operating platform carousel in America, moved to the islands in the 1880s. It is as low tech as you can get and for that reason you should go. The carousel is one of only a handful of carousels that still have brass rings for a rider to attempt to grab as the carousel rotates which adds a bit of competition to the experience. At first you get to practice & then they announce that the brass ring has been added and off you go! If you "grab the brass ring" (yes! that's where the expression originated) you win a free ride. Take a few moments to enjoy fun from another era, it is a unique experience. read more

Brass ring on my first ride ever with the munchkin. Boom. No matter how much of a stuffy grown up you are, it's hard not to have a great time on the oldest continuously operating carousel in the world. read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

As long as there's no maximum height or weight requirement, there is no stopping us from hopping on one of these antique, hand painted, real horse hair horses. It's said that this is the oldest operating platform carousel in America.. moved over from Coney Island to Oak Bluffs. They came up with a genius idea of having these 2 casings (inside and outside) where riders can grab small metal rings with one hand. The one who grabs a brass ring is granted another free ride! It's so amazing how a small addition can make a simple carousel ride that much more exciting. All the while we wait for our table for dinner.. for just $2 per person, we were able to feel like 8 year olds again! read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

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There are carousels then there's flying horses, self proclaimed as the oldest carousel in the country. It's a good deal for $3/ride. Adults are allowed to accompany small children (Less than 5yrs, I think). As for the ride itself, maybe it's the small surroundings but it feels as if you're going really fast. Riding the carousel is only half the fun, because after the ride starts you can attempt to reach out and grab these small silver rings from dispensers alongside the ride. If you're lucky enough to catch the brass ring, you get awarded a free ride. During our last visit, I think I had more fun than my little guy because we were lucky enough to be able to grab the brass ring. For our next visit, hopefully I can master the technique of grabbing 3 rings on one pass. read more

Once you get over the fact that these are real, genuine horse tails dangling from the southern hemisphere of some fake horses, you'll morph into a fan of this carousel. It is a most amazing sight- an old-fashioned, enclosed merry- go- round, situated on some prime real estate right in the heart of Oak Bluffs. It's hokey, it's silly, it's filled with moms and dads and grandmas taking pictures of bewildered kids trying to grab the brass ring. It's kind of cute seeing some of the new parents with their toddlers going around and around. You really have to see it, even if you are an ancient old crone without your own sweet little ones nearby. If you are staying in Edgartown, Chilmark, West Tisbury or Aquinnah, you may say, "No. this is just not my thing.That is an Oak Bluffs thing." But do yourself a favor and go visit one of the island's most unique tourist destinations. Then you can go to the beach with your book or gravitate towards gin and tonics on the deck. read more

Brass ring, playa. That's the one true precious. Hop aboard an ancient carousel - the oldest in America - and strap yourself atop an antique carved horse complete with actual an actual mane and tail (grody!) to spin and snare to win at the paltry price of $2.50. Win what? The ring game harkens back to jousting tournaments, where the knight who lances the golden round during the tournament gets to deflower a lady of the court. Actually, I just made that up - I've no idea where it comes from, but here's the gist: sit on an outside steed and look for the mechanical arm jutting towards the platform. As you pass, you grab a ring (or, like a ninja, two or three) and when they announce the brass ring is in play, you hope to all that is just in the world that you pull it on your next go-around. If you do, your next ride is free. Winner, winner, horsehair dinner. There are some other games in the adjacent arcade but nobody plays them, just like the uneaten snacks served from the cramped counter near the entrance. People go for the carousel, an institution to locals and tourists alike. read more

Great spot if you're on the island and looking for something fun to do after the beach. It is the oldest carousel in the US and is still in great functional condition. Grab the brass ring and win a free ride! The small arcade is good for kids however the carousel is the show stealer at this spot, the antique nature of the establishment is interesting enough to get my attention, the horses are still original! Late 1800's technology still functioning? Count me in. read more

So fun...especially with kids. We went here with my friend's five year old grandaughter to ride the oldest carosel in the US (the horse tails have real hair...kinda creepy to me but to each his own...). I get a little dizzy, so my job was to take pictures. As it goes around, each person has a chance to get the "brass ring"-the winner gets a victory ride. Well it was little Destiny's day. She grabbed the ring, and rode again, beaming the whole time. Yea!! It was fun to see people that have been riding the merry-go-round all their lives come back with their little ones, and with their grandchildren. I'm a sucker for that kind of thing. read more

If you're traveling to the Vineyard (especially with kids), spend some time riding the flying horses in Oak Bluffs. At first glance, it may not seem like anything special. You wait in line after paying $1.50 to go on a carousel and try to grab the brass ring. The one to grab it, gets a free ride. They have an outer ring on the carousel for the older kids (and adults), while an the ring on the inside circle is easier to reach for younger kids. However, thinking back on my trips to the Vineyard as a kid, this is what comes to mind..flying horses and ice cream. What did I do the first night when I returned to the Vineyard ten years later? I went to the Flying Horses and got an ice cream. To me, this just screams Vineyard. So, grab a cone and try to grab the brass ring at the Flying Horses for a truly magical evening. read more

Flying Horses - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

What fun! I felt like I was in a time machine to an old arcade and the kid in me danced (no really, I danced into the arcade). There's updated games for the kids that need their crazy video games, but I much preferred to have my fortune told a la BIG and also check out the "Love-O-Meter" (it told me I was wild - it was right). Step on into the next room to find an old carousel for $1.50 a ride, or just purchase some cotton candy or popcorn and hang out. It's a definite must to just pop into while staying on the island. read more

Flying Horses - one of the awesome classic games - Amusement Parks Near Me - Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

My kids loved this place. Well, first they love all carousels, but they especially liked the activity of grabbing rings in search of the gold brass ring. It was pretty crowded here though so expect a line. The space is small so it's tight in here when it gets crowded. Good thing the mine moves quickly. read more

So many fun summers spent here. Yeah it's touristy, of course it is. MV is a summer place. Good clean fun for people of all ages. :) read more

You can engage with the Flying Horses on multiple levels, and that's why I like it. It can be just a plain old run down carousel. It can be a historically significantly run down carousel. Or it can be a story about how life operates- going around and around in circles sticking your arm out for the elusive brass ring. Regardless, it's just one of the Oak Bluffs classics, a must-do for virgin Vineyarders. read more

The oldest carousel of its kind in the US! Really a novelty and I also enjoyed the ring element. We stopped by on our first visit to Martha's Vineyard and found it a really special historic spot. I wish they had more staff working there to explain and guide people though. read more

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Good family fun as I remember from going as a kid. Good time except for I wish they would cool the place. Courteous staff as always.

This is the perfect stop in Oak Bluffs if you have children in tow. I came here as a kid and still remember it to this day, trying to get the brass ring every time, but always failing. I recently took my daughter here and it was her first time on a carousel where you grab rings while you ride. The rings really excited her and kept her even more entertained. She even got the brass ring on her first ride! The staff was also very pleasant and friendly to us. Overall this is a stop worth taking when you're in this town! Even if it's only for one ride because who knows, you may be lucky enough to get the brass ring! read more