Long before kids are old enough for childhood memory-makers like mini golf, bowling and roller coasters, they’ll be ready to hop on a pretend pony and ride a carousel. Even babies love a good merry-go-round, especially riding tandem with you! The greater Los Angeles area offers some of the dreamiest carousels around, from historic masterpieces to modern marvels. For a guaranteed good time and a precious photo op, head to one of these fun and reasonably-priced rides.
Where: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
This National Historic Landmark, built nearly 100 years ago, is housed inside the Hippodrome building, alongside an old-fashioned ice cream shop, on the famed Santa Monica Pier. The animals, hand-carved from wood and lovingly maintained, include an outer ring of “stander” horses that simply go round and round, two inner rings of “jumper” horses that also go up and down, and a few oddballs like a goat and rabbit, temporary replacements for antique horses that are out for refurbishment. Hours are limited during off-season, so check the website before you visit.
Cost: Adults $2, children $1 (ages 2 and under ride free with an adult)
2. Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
How’s this for dreamy? Walt Disney’s visits to this merry-go-round with his own children served as his inspiration to create Disneyland. Built in 1926 and moved to Griffith Park in 1937, the carousel features 68 wooden jumping horses with real horse hair in their tails, two chariots and a Stinson military band organ that plays more than 1500 marches and waltzes for that classic carousel sound. If it looks familiar, it’s because the carousel is a popular filming location, seen spinning in the likes of The Prestige, Twins and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Cost: $2 per ride
3. Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel at the LA Zoo
Where: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA
Be ready to buy some extra tickets because your kids may have trouble choosing just one wild animal to ride on this endangered species-inspired carousel. Will it be the Komodo dragon, a baby rhino, or the coveted unicorn? Named for Tom Mankiewicz, screenwriter of Live and Let Die and a former chairman of the Los Angeles Zoo Association, the carousel was donated in 2011 by the co-founders of A&M Records, which means that instead of typical organ music, riders can enjoy pop hits from The Go-Gos, Janet Jackson and The Police.
Cost: $3 per ride; no charge for adults accompanying riders under 42″
4. King Arthur Carrousel at Disneyland
Where: 1313 South Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA
Fairytales can come true, it can happen to you at King Arthur Carrousel, a perfect first ride for Disneyland newbies. Mount one of 68 white wood-carved horses from King Arthur’s royal army and ride like a gallant knight spurred on by classic Disney music. Although the carousel first appeared on opening day at Disneyland in 1955, it was actually built in 1922, and most of its original horses are still in operation. See if you can spot the lead horse named Jingles—she’s adorned by golden bells and features three hidden Mickeys within her jewels.
Cost: Included with park admission; see ticket prices here
5. Carousel at Westfield Topanga & The Village
Where: 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Vintage carousels are lovely, but this shiny new Canoga Park attraction is a double-decker delight with stairs leading to an upper floor—the place your kids will no doubt want to saddle up. Unusual animals include a giraffe, a dragon, a dolphin and even a spinning peacock. So take a break from shopping at the mall and enjoy the ride, conveniently open as late as most stores.
Cost: Buy 1 ride token for $4, 2 tokens for $7, or 5 tokens for $15; one adult can ride free with each child
6. Irvine Spectrum Center Carousel
Opened in 2001, this popular mall carousel features 32 varied animals from horses and reindeer to an ostrich and white tiger. With its outdoor location and late hours of operation—11pm Friday and Saturday and 9 pm Sunday through Thursday—it’s a perfect spot for an evening carousel ride under the twinkling lights. Tickets are available at guest services.
Cost: $3 for 1 ride ticket, $15 for 6 tickets, $27 for 12 tickets
7. Carousel at La Habra Children’s Museum
Where: 301 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA
Sometimes good things come in small packages, like this miniature Dentzel carousel, made in 1983 with just eight fiberglass animals including a unicorn, rooster and seahorse. Only kids 42” and under can ride, so motion-sick parents are off the hook, while big kids can enjoy the museum exhibits nearby.
Cost: Included with museum admission—$10, children under 2 free
8. Grand American Carousel at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Where: 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Los Angeles, CA
When Magic Mountain opened in 1971, it was lucky to score this beautifully restored antique carousel built in 1912 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It is the oldest carousel on our list and well worth a visit amongst the thrill rides of Magic Mountain. The attraction features 64 horses, four rows deep, including 48 jumpers and 16 standers as well as a chariot. So, how does a busy carousel survive more than 100 years? Molds were created from the original hand-carved wooden horses, allowing them to be replaced with more resilient fiberglass. Giddy up!
Cost: Included with park admission; see ticket prices here
