Carousels

Carousels have been popular attractions for both children and adults for centuries. They are often beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and paintings, making them as much a work of art as a ride.

In the Boston area, there are several carousels you can visit:

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Carousel

Located in downtown Boston, this carousel features animals native to the Boston area, such as lobsters, sea turtles, and harbor seals.

The Franklin Park Zoo Carousel

Located in the Franklin Park Zoo, this carousel features a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and zebras.

Zoo New England

The Paragon Carousel

Located in Hull, just outside of Boston, this historic carousel dates back to 1928 and features beautifully restored wooden animals.

The Frog Pond Carousel

Located in Boston Common, this carousel features whimsical frog-themed seats and is a popular attraction for families visiting the park.

The Antique Carousel

Located in Greenport, New York, is a historic landmark and a beloved attraction in the area. Known as the "Greenport Carousel," it is located in Mitchell Park, overlooking the beautiful waterfront of Greenport Harbor. The carousel was built in 1920 by the Herschell-Spillman Company and is one of the few surviving carousels of its kind. It features hand-carved wooden horses and other animals, intricate detailing, and a traditional band organ that plays festive music as the carousel spins.

The Greenport Carousel is a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era and is cherished by locals and visitors alike. It has been meticulously restored over the years to preserve its original beauty and charm. Riding the carousel is a delightful experience for people of all ages, offering a glimpse into the past and a moment of pure joy and fun.

The carousel is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and is a popular attraction during the summer months. It is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends, creating lasting memories and experiencing the timeless magic of a classic carousel ride.

Image: The Suffolk Times

The Central Park Carousel

Or the Friedsam Memorial Carousel, is one of the most iconic carousels in New York City. Located in Central Park near the park's southern entrance at 64th Street, the carousel has been a beloved attraction for generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike.

The carousel was originally built in 1908 by the Stein and Goldstein Company and features 57 hand-carved wooden horses, as well as a variety of other animals such as lions, giraffes, and deer. The carousel's design is intricate and beautifully detailed, reflecting the craftsmanship of the early 20th century carousel makers.

One of the unique features of the Central Park Carousel is its band organ, which plays traditional carousel music as the carousel turns. The music adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of the ride, transporting riders back in time to a simpler era.

The Central Park Carousel is open seasonally, typically from spring through fall, and is a popular attraction for families and children. Riding the carousel is a classic Central Park experience, offering a moment of whimsy and joy in the heart of the city.

The Salisbury Beach Carousel

In 2019, the Salisbury Beach Partnership, a local non-profit organization, acquired an antique Looff-Mangels carousel. This iconic feature was crafted by the same artisans responsible for the iconic Broadway Flying Horses on Coney Island.

These are just a few examples of carousels in the Boston area and beyond.