7 Fun Things to Do With Your Carousel Visit
Rhode Island is home to many restored carousels, and there's more to do than ride the horses.
School's out and that means many of Rhode Island's historic carousels are open daily for the summer. Plenty of them also have summer events going on nearby. Here are some things you can do: .
Flying Horse Carousel, 151 Bay St., Westerly, 401-348-6007
Did you know? It’s the oldest carousel in the United States and the horses hang by chains suspended overhead, which allows them to “fly” out.
Summer hours: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $1.50 for outside ring, $1 for inside
What else to do? The carousel is located in Watch Hill, so you can wander over to the beautiful beach at Napatree Point and make sandcastles.
Crescent Park Carousel, 700 Bullocks Point Ave., East Providence, 401-433-2828
Did you know? The carousel was a showpiece for designer Charles I.D. Looff. Only about ten like it still exist in the United States.
Summer hours: Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: $1
What else to do? The park also hosts Movies in the Park on Friday nights at dusk, as well as regular concerts. Find out more here.
Atlantic Beach Carousel, 321 Atlantic Ave., Westerly, 401-322-0504
Did you know? The carousel was made in 1915 by the Herschell Company
Summer hours: 1 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Rides are one token ($2)
What else to do? Spend the day at Misquamicut Beach and kids will enjoy rides like the dragon coaster and the arcade.
Slater Park Carousel, RR 1A, Pawtucket, 401-728-0500, ext. 252
Did you know? The carousel’s menagerie includes forty-four horses and three dogs, including a Saint Bernard.
Summer hours: Open weekends now, daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in July and August.
Cost: 50 cents
What else to do? Visit the animals at the park’s working farm. Also the carousel is open late Tuesday nights (5-8 p.m.) when the park hosts kids’ events such as magician and juggler Scott Jameson.
Easton’s Beach Carousel, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 401-845-5810
Did you know? The carousel was designed by the Herschell Company and was made to be portable.
Summer hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 7.
Cost: $1 per ride or ten rides for $5.
What else to do? Check out the dogfish and rare lobsters at Save the Bay’s Aquarium in the rotunda.
Roger Williams Carousel Village, 100 Elmwood Ave., Providence
Did you know? Families have been coming to the carousel since the 1890s.
Summer hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $2
What else to do? Follow your ride up with some of your favorite street food on Food Truck Fridays, which will be held July 10-31 from 5 to 8 p.m. Find out more here.
