Best Carousels & Merry Go Rounds For Kids In L.A.
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Extremely popular in years past, Carousels or "Merry Go Rounds" were often a young child's first amusement park ride. Still today this holds true for many. Also known as roundabouts, carousels magically make time stand still as you take an old fashioned gallop on these decade old beauties! Generations of people still enjoy rising and falling atop majestic, painted ponies. Check out our original list for more ideas of merry go rounds to visit with your kids.
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LA Zoo Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel
5333 Zoo Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoo.org
Located at the Los Angeles Zoo, The Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel was put in the zoo in 2011 and offers four rows, comprised of 62 beautiful, wooden figures, plus two colorful chariots, which depict some of the animals residing at the LA Zoo. Look for the gorilla, rhinoceros and kimono dragon which will amaze kids of all pages. And, if you're into mythical creatures, look for the unicorn to ride which is one of the favorites amongst youngsters and adults alike. The carousel here is truly a work of art and offers a painted mural representing California's flora and fauna as well! Make sure to listen for the lively music as it leads you to the center of the zoo, in the Treetops Terrace, where the carousel is open daily and each ride is $3.00.
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Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-3051
www.laparks.org
Located on Crystal Springs Drive, Griffith Park's Merry-Go-Round has been putting smiles on visitors faces since 1937. Walt Disney himself was a fan of this carousel and has said that the idea for a Disney theme park happened as he watched his daughters ride the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round. Today, 68 horses jump along to music from the booming pipe organ as people ride or watch from one of the benches. After riding, enjoy a concession from the attached snack stand or visit the nearby Shane's Inspiration playground to prolong the fun.
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Santa Monica Pier Carousel
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-8042
www.santamonicapier.org
Just past the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier is this historical carousel which was built in 1922. Showcasing 44 beautiful hand-carved wooden horses, a rabbit, two sleighs and one goat, it is housed in the The Hippodrome, which happens to be the oldest building on the pier. Enjoy the tunes from the organ and then purchase a treat from the vintage soda-fountain located right inside. Tickets are only $1 for children and $2 for adults.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy,
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 255-4100
www.sixflags.com
The Grand Carousel at Six Flags celebrated is over 100 years old and offers 64 gorgeous horses to climb on to for a dreamy ride surrounded by thousands of synchronized lightbulbs as well as lush trees. The horses are fiberglass replicas of the original wood carved figures though but still are unique in their own right. There's no doubt that the lights and sounds will delight riders of all ages. After, head over to Bugs Bunny World for a mini sized carousel perfect for the smallest carousel fans.
(credit: Gina G./Yelp)
Westfield Topanga Mall
6600 Topanga Canyon Boulevard
Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 587-6200
www.westfield.com
Like other Westfield malls throughout Los Angeles and Orange County including Valencia Town Center and the Westfield Santa Anita Mall, Westfield Topanga Mall offers a large double decker carousel with Victorian scenery for your entertainment! Find this beautiful ride on the first floor in front of the Target store.
Tee blogs about the coolest things to do, see and play at www.thatsitmommy.com and at Twitter.
