Summer Guide 2015: NYC’s Best Carousels

Carousel rides are one of those childhood delights that have stood the test of time–and with a new, marine-life inspired carousel coming to Battery Park this summer, they’re not going anywhere soon (at least in New York.) Take a spin on one of these local favorites this summer.

Manhattan

Central Park Carousel
There are few carousels as classic as the Central Park Carousel, created in 1908 and featuring 57 hand-carved horses and two grandeur chariots. With the iconic New York City landscape surrounding the carousel, those who ride will have an opportunity to take in 360 degree view of Central Park while enjoying music and laughs on one of the largest carousels in the country. 65th Street Transverse, New York, NY centralparknyc.org

Pier 62 Carousel in Hudson River Park (photo courtesy of Hudson River Park)

The Carousel at Pier 62
This modern carousel boasts 33 hand-carved wooden animals from black bears to unicorns with beautiful views of the Hudson River. Featuring a “living” green roof and twinkling lights, this ride is not only beautiful but conveniently located in Hudson River Park,close to Chelsea Piers for even more fun and games. Plus, on Sundays, the Park hosts free kids’ entertainment at the carousel–you can look forward to performances by Skatz the Clown and the Sammie and Tudie Show this summer! Pier 62, between 22nd and 23rd Streets, pier62carousel.com

Le Carrousel
This European-inspired carousel ride surrounds you with French cabaret music and a Parisian flare in the heart of Bryant Park. A smaller ride, Le Carrousel offers 14 different animals that look like antique toys with beautiful, painted boards designed to blend into the surrounding trees. The carousel is perfect for toddlers looking for a relaxed ride on a summer day. Bryant Park, 40th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, bryantpark.org

SeaGlass Carousel
Keep an eye out for Battery Park’s new SeaGlass Carousel, scheduled to open this summer. This handcrafted ride puts a twist on the definition of a carousel, as children ride inside the sea creatures as they circle an aquatic-themed centerpiece. Illuminated by dazzling blue lights, the various creatures and other fishy friends create a one-of-a-kind experience for people of all ages. Battery Park, , thebattery.org

Brooklyn

Jane’s Carousel
Situated in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel sports some of the most beautiful views in Brooklyn from seats on any of the 48 hand-carved horses or two chariots. This ride has traveled across the United States, and finally made its way to New York City after its original installation at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. Since 2011, the fully restored ride has decorated Dumbo with its 1,200 lights and can also be reserved for parties and events. Brooklyn Bridge Park, enter at Dock Street or Main Street, Brooklyn, janescarousel.com

Prospect Park Carousel
Brooklyn’s equivalent of the Central park Carousel, the Prospect Park Carousel is absolutely stunning and comes with its own interesting history. Constructed in 1912, this wheelchair-accessible ride offers a selection of 53 horses with chariots drawn by your choice of a lion, giraffe, deer or dragon! You can even take a picnic basket and make a day out of fun and games at Prospect Park. Prospect Park — Willink entrance at Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Park Slope, prospectpark.org

Queens

Forest Park Carousel
Tucked into 544 acres of trees and grass in Woodhaven, the Forest Park Carousel is a hidden gem. Built in 1903, this work of art has been a staple piece at the Queens public park since the 1970s. With free parking adjacent to the carousel and accessible via public transportation, there is no excuse to miss out on the Forest Park Carousel this summer! Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Queens, forestparkcarousel.com

Cucu's PlayHouse

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Interactive, live-streaming music and movement class in Spanish for babies, toddlers and preschoolers!<br />Join us every day from Monday through Saturday at 1:30 pm EST to sing, dance and play together while learning Spanish from your home.</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">This class is part of a Spanish Immersion Program where your child will be introduced to basic concepts like the animals, colors, numbers and letters. All of these through the universal language of Music. Each session is fun, interactive and engaging.<br />A selection of Children Songs in Spanish guides the class from start to finish. Activities are related to the lyrics, in order to familiarize the children with the words and their meanings. Some of the songs encourage the children to dance. Nilda uses puppets, musical instruments, and props to teach children basic vocabulary through action and interaction, rather than through translation.</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><br />The classes are streamed on Zoom's webinar platform. Participants (children, parents, nannies) are able to join the video from their homes and interact with us in real-time, it is a fun and engaging experience.</div>

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;</p>