Here are the 12 best carousels in the Washington, DC area for families. Kids (and adults!) will be thrilled and you’ll make a fun memory. And get some pics for Instagram! Text a buddy and plan a playdate at one of these carousels!
Some notes about carousels:
- Make sure to check the bottom park of the animals (creature) to make sure it goes up and down if your child wants to do that.
- Check weight limit. Some carousels allow adults to ride, while others are not fit for adults.
- Typically children under 42 inches tall must be supervised by a parent on the carousel (sometimes an adult ticket is needed)
- Several of these carousels offer birthday parties too
- Safety first on carousels. No getting on or off while the carousel is moving. We want to ride these for years to come and do not want them to be shut down.
Top 12 Carousels in the Washington, DC Area
1. Smithsonian Zoo Carousel
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Open July 1-Sept 31. Tickets are $4 per person OR up to four rides for FONZ members
The Smithsonian Zoo is a magical place with animals galore, a playground, an an extravagant 42-foot in diameter carousel! The Speedwell Conservation Carousel was custom built for the zoo and features a lot of precious animals like a naked mole rat, lion, zebra, and more! Tickets are $4 per person, but Friends of the National Zoo get up to four rides per visit.
2. National Mall Carousel
Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004
Carousel and ticket booth is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. $6 per ride.
The National Mall Carousel is now open after an almost three year restoration. This historic, picturesque carousel ride on the National Mall now offers accessibility, has new wiring, and paint that reflects its original appearance. This was built in 1947 and has 58 horses and two chariots. There are four jumping horses per row, but be on the lookout for a lone Sea Dragon!
3. Watkins Regional Park in Kettering, MD
Hours of operation vary based on the season and day. Tickets are $2 for PG residents and $2.50 for non-residents.
This playground has it all with a Dentzel carousel, mini-golf, an amazing Wizard of Oz-themed playground, a miniature train (currently under construction), outdoor skating, free Old Maryland Farm, Nature Center, trails, and more. Watkins is huge and deserves a visit and carousel ride! Be sure to check out the amazing playground and animals at the farm. Look at this map to get your bearings straight before exploring!
4. LEGO Discovery Center Springfield, VA
Tickets are $27.99 and an annual pass is $69.
Did you know that LEGO® Discovery Center has a dinosaur-themed carousel located inside the DUPLO® Park. There is also a mini train and TONS of LEGO® Bricks and other things to do like a movie theater, climbing course, and more!
5. Clemyjontri Carousel McLean, VA
Hours of operation vary, but in general, it operates daily in the Summer starting at 9:30 am, and weekends in the Spring and Fall. Also, it is open on a few Federal Holidays. Tickets are $3 on the weekdays and $4 on the weekends. Parents with a child under 42 inches must ride with the child, but the adult does not require a ticket.
Clemyjontri Playground truly is a must for this area. In addition to the accessible, huge playground, the centerpiece is a gorgeous covered carousel with 14 horses, chariots, and spinning tea cups. This is an accessible carousel with a platform that is level with the ground.
6. Glen Echo Park Carousel Glen Echo, MD
Open May-August, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, 10am-2pm and Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. Open September on Saturday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Also open on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tickets are $2 per rider (of any age) and a caregiver is required to ride with anyone under 6. Or get an unlimited pass for $5 per rider.
Glen Echo Park charms everyone that comes for a visit and there are lots of cute photo opportunities. The Dentzel Carousel just celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2021. In fact, it is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It is known as the “menagerie carousel” because of the unique animals on the carousel. When you visit, make sure to plan to see a puppet show or attend one of their many fun events!
7. Spirit Park Carousel National Harbor, MD
Open daily May 22 – September 9 and tickets are $7 per person, but this offers unlimited rides. Adults ride free with children. They also have options for birthday parties and deals to ride the Capital Wheel.
Enjoy the waterfront views while riding this beautifully painted carousel with animals. This is a classic Americana-style carousel for families. Enjoy a playground, picnic area, and a pavilion for birthday parties. Ride the Capital Wheel and get Dippen Dots to make it extra special!
8. Wheaton Park Carousel Silver Spring, MD
Operating hours vary, but during Summer months, ride Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $3.50 a ride, or a booklet of 10 tickets is $31.50.
Did you know that Wheaton’s Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel was actually the Smithsonian Carousel on the National Mall from 1967 until 1981? This large covered carousel can’t be missed with 33 jumping horses, some zebras, and some chariots. We recommend buying a booklet because you can use the passes for the carousel or train (which is right next to the carousel). Plus, sometimes the line to get ticket is really long, so having a ticket on hand is great! This is a great place for a birthday party and parking is a cinch too!
9. Carousel at Rio Gaithersburg, MD
Hours of operation vary based on the season. Tickets are $7 for unlimited rides and children under 42″ must have a parent ride (for free) with them. Get a $31 Ticket Book which offers 10 single rides or 5 unlimited ride day passes.
This Herschell-style carousel is whimsical and fun with a great view of the water. As many as 38 adults can ride plus 30 children passengers. This carousel is also wheelchair accessible. Be sure to carve out time to visit the playground and ride the paddle boats.
10. Chessie’s Big Backyard Carousel Alexandria, VA
Open Tickets are $3 per person on weekdays and $4 per person on weekends and holidays.
Chessie’s Big Backyard Carousel is accessible for all children to enjoy. Along with galloping horses, there are a variety of animals to ride on. Wheelchairs move vertically in bench instead of staying fixed.
11. Burke Lake Park Fairfax, VA
Tickets are $4 Weekends and $5 on Holidays.
Take a ride at the gorgeous and spacious Burke Lake Park. After a spin, feel free to take a ride on the mini train, go golfing, or soak up the beauty!
12. Friends of Frying Pan Park Carousel Herndon, VA
Sadly, in January 2026 this train was damaged during the winter storm and is permanently damaged and is no longer operational.
Which carousel is your child’s favorite? Share your carousel tips for fellow moms in the comments! And see more fun ideas for fun and exploring on our site.
