13 – New York for PIccolas and Piccolos : Central Park Carousel

By Piccola New Yorker

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No child-friendly attraction list would be complete without the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Central Park, the most-visited urban park in the United States. Head over here for a map of the park’s hidden gems, and make sure to see the historic carousel, which is close to the Dairy. It’s a hit with kids of all ages and a great photo opportunity.

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Family fun at Central Park carousel. Photo: @nathaliatree

Listen to this tale, put a smile on your face

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I think I had more fun than anyone!!! 😂🎠

A post shared by Natalya (@natalyathree) on Jan 6, 2019 at 11:56am PST

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“First you go in the chariot or on a horse that doesn’t go up and down,” Sal Napolitano, an attendant and vendor at the Central Park carousel, told @nytimes in 2009. “Then you go up and down with your parents. Then your parents watch from outside.” Sal, who at that point had worked at the carousel for 39 years, then explained that riders would take a break during their teenage years. “Then they come back with their boyfriends and girlfriends. And then with their children. It’s like a circle.” Our staff photographer Sam Falk took this photo of Lisa Rasmussen in May 1958. The caption that accompanied this photo notes that the then 3-year-old “equestrienne” can be seen here waving from a “wild-eyed charger.” What brought Lisa to the carousel that day? She told @nytimes that “one day in my dream a doll was riding, and that is why I like to ride." — @jlynnanderso, @nytimes social editor #CentralPark #CentralParkCarousel #Carousel #🎠

A post shared by The New York Times Archives (@nytarchives) on Apr 27, 2018 at 2:00pm PDT

The famed Carousel, with its sweet calliope music and 57 magnificent horses, is the fourth to stand in Central Park since 1871. It is one of Central Park's most popular favorite attractions, for both kids and parents.

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No visit to Central Park is complete without a visit to the carousel. Located in the southern part of the park, and location of my son's fourth birthday party where he and his friends rode themselves dizzy! It forever holds special memories for us. #thegannonedit #centralpark #centralparknyc #centralparkcarousel #makemoments #arizonablogger #phoenixblogger #travellog #instapassport #summervacation #what_i_saw_in_nyc #ig_nycity #igersphx #unlimitednewyork #flashesofdelight #carousel #quietthechaos #luxurylifestyle #icapture_nyc #travelon #exploringtheglobe #urbanandstreet

A post shared by Kelly Gannon (@thegannonedit) on Jul 10, 2018 at 5:32am PDT

Central Park Conservancy shares a very interesting story: “It is said that a live mule or a horse, hidden beneath the Carousel platform, powered the original amusement ride from 1873 until 1924. The animals were taught to start and stop when the operator tapped on the floor. The next two Carousels were destroyed by fire, the first in 1924 and its successor in 1950. Searching for a replacement, the Parks Department discovered the current vintage carousel abandoned in an old trolley terminal on Coney Island. The Brooklyn firm Stein & Goldstein crafted the piece in 1908, and it remains one of the largest carousels in the United States and finest examples of American folk art. In 1990, Central Park Conservancy restored the Carousel landscape and surrounding plaza. Each horse is also being restored.”

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🎠😎🙌🏽

A post shared by Vicosz 😎 (@vicosz_rebel) on Dec 23, 2018 at 8:15pm PST

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🎠

A post shared by Ana Clara Wohlers (@anaclarawohlers) on Dec 31, 2018 at 2:41pm PST

How to get here

Take the N, W, R or Q trains to 57th Street. Also, 1, 2 and 3 trains to 59th Street / Columbus Circle.

 

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More fun for kids in New York City

Check out much more on Piccola’s blog

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