Carousels

The historic Looff Carousel at the Children’s Creativity Museum – renamed in 2014 in honor of San Francisco Redevelopment Commissioner and civil rights advocate LeRoy King - is the crown jewel of Yerba Buena Gardens. It transports children (and children-at-heart!) to a bygone era characterized by the rush of organ music and a thrilling, imaginative ride.

Open From Memorial Day through Labor Day. Generations of San Franciscans (and young visitors from around the world!) have fond memories of the children’s playground and carousel in Golden Gate Park’s southeast corner. The playground, called the Sharon Quarters for Children when it opened in 1888, is thought to have been the nation’s first public playground. In that era, the idea of providing a dedicated space solely for youth recreation was groundbreaking.

To reserve the picnic area adjacent to the carousel and playground, please call (415) 831-5500.

The Zoo’s Carousel, named to honor Bay Area philanthropist, Eugene Friend, is one of the last machines constructed by Gustav's son, William H. Dentzel. Built in 1921, it showcases the lavish, expensive, intricately detailed, hand-carved wooden artwork that disappeared during the Great Depression of the 1930s (modern carousels are made of cast metal and fiberglass). The Dentzel Carousel came to the Zoo in 1925 from the defunct Pacific City Amusement Park in Burlingame and was one of the Zoo’s first attractions, as well as the first “animal attraction” that visitors saw and heard as they passed through the former Sloat gate entrance. The Carousel’s two chariots and 50 animals, which include horses, giraffes, ostriches, tigers, lions, pigs, rabbits, cats and a reindeer, are embellished with whimsical details and jewels that individualize each of them. This rare menagerie Carousel is one of only 14 in the world, and is one of only seven Dentzel Carousels remaining in the United States.

Take a closer look at the Carousel on your next Zoo visit and you’ll be looking back in time. A treasured symbol of what links the past with the present, it’s something to cherish for the future.

Do you want to ride the tiger? The ostrich? Or maybe the elephant? Enjoy a leisurely ride with some amazing animals on the Conservation Carousel.

Handcrafted in Italy, the San Francisco Carousel is intricately hand-painted with famous San Francisco landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Alcatraz and the popular California sea lions at PIER 39, making it the only carousel in San Francisco (that we are aware of) that has artistic renderings of the city.

The carousel features 1,800 twinkling LED lights and 30+ animals to ride. Throughout the ride, patrons hear traditional organ music and see PIER 39’s bustling promenade.

Bay End of PIER 39, Level 1

Famed for its beauty and detail, and dramatically framed by the fountains inside the reflection pond, Carousel Columbia has become the perfect family photo for millions of California’s Great America guests. The golden spire that points to the sky is the perfect signature for the world’s tallest carousel.

This mini-version of the all-time classic fair ride carousel will charm and delight your favorite little lion tamers. Unlike a traditional horse design, this merry-go-round has beautifully carved animals from all over the animal kingdom, including an elephant, tiger, and a zebra or two! So hop on your favorite jungle animal and ride this smooth and slow-paced carousel, sized down for younger riders. Some animals gently rise up and down, while others stand still for a more stable ride. Round and round you go, on a calmly-paced ride scaled down for little hands and feet.

At night, the carousel turns bright with old fashioned golden lights, casting a truly magical glow. There’s a reason the carousel is one of the most popular rides in the history of amusement parks. Round you go to the music, enjoying for the first time, a sure favorite for a lifetime.

Tilden's Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round is a splendid antique menagerie carousel with hand-carved and beautifully painted wooden carousel animals to ride, and calliope-style music to make any child's heart sing. The facility offers a wheelchair accessible snack stand, drinking water, restroom, and parking.

The Flecto Paint Company donated this bright carousel in 1997; it was completely refurbished and rededicated in 2016. Children must weigh no more than 60 pounds and be between 38" and 54"; no adults allowed.

TrainTown's amusement rides are all railroad themed. They are painted in railroad colors and fitted with train attire. Iron Horse Carousel - 44" to ride alone, all heights OK with adult

Prices: $3.75 per coupon or 5 coupons for $14.75

*One coupon per person, per ride, including babies of all ages & adults accompanying their children

The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is committed to providing a great experience to children and adults alike. Ride aboard a real steam engine as it goes through beautiful Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks. Go round and round on 106 year-old carousel. 

Watch your child's eyes light up with excitement as they ride their favorite horse to the finish line.

Hold on tight and giddy up! This ride features many creatures, both fantasy and real endangered animals that we want to keep around for future generations.

The whimsical carousel houses 30 horses, two chariots and over a thousand lights! All riders under 42 inches in height must be accompanied by an adult. One adult may stand next to their child to hold on to them for free. Maximum weight on a carousel horse is 200 pounds. Carousel is ADA accessible.

Enjoy antique rides, history and antique organ music.