New York Dearest
The guide, $35

The Best of New York · With kids · Things to do with kids

The carousels of New York.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 5 places.

If you’re ever looking for an easy, low-stress activity with your kid in NYC, carousels get my vote. Low effort and quick, they don’t require advance reservations and there are seldom big crowds, just a few minutes of calm and a happy kid at the end of it.

New York has more carousels than you’d expect, and they’re scattered all over the city—from tucked-away parks to waterfront spots with incredible views. Here’s a roundup of the best ones we’ve found—ideal for locals, visitors, or anyone looking to fill a free afternoon with something that actually works for kids.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

The carousels of New York, 2026

The carousels of New York, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.

Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

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       alt="The carousels of New York, New York Dearest, 2026"
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</a>

How it looks

The carousels of New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a light site

The carousels of New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a dark site

The files

SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark

SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.

Is one of these yours? Tell me and I confirm it's you and send the files.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Carousels in New York City.