Balboa Park Carousel

Best carousel I've ever ridden (have young kids and ride a lot). What makes it so special: 1. Beautifully painted animals inc. toads, roosters, tiger, giraffe 2. Music is not a recording, but played live from an old fashioned machine inside the carousel. You can see the drums beating as you go round. 3. Old fashioned brass ring game. Makes the ride fun for adults. Big kids, teens love it too. You don't need a special ticket, just sit on one of the outer animals (they don't go up and down, but it's worth it to play the game) 4. The ride is long, and fast at certain points. It really immerses you in its old fashioned world. Beautiful experience. Parking is easy at 3:30-4pm on a Sunday afternoon, which is when we usually go.

The Balboa Park Carousel is always a family favorite. You can purchase tickets with cash or card at $4 each or 4 for $14 (2025). Once aboard this antique carousel spins fast (kids love it), but dont worry you will stay on carousel with plenty of time. If you sit on the outer animals, you have a chance of winning a second ride by stretching your arm out to collect the brass ring. Winner Winner... Chicken Dinner! Outside of the carousel bench seating is provided for those who do not wish to ride.

Such a fun stop in Balboa Park! The carousel is a treat for kids, teens, and even adults with the brass ring game. The staff is super friendly, and it’s amazing to see this historic ride still running with its original charm. A must-do when you’re at the park! --- Want me to make an even shorter one-liner option too (for quick reviews)?

This carousel is located adjacent to the San Diego Zoo. Parking is free but impossible to park in. After following countless other cars and “slowly cruising” looking for a spot (and realizing it had been over 30 mins), I decided to go nearby to park. There were some parking spots nearby and I never mind walking. The carousel itself was the main attraction. I found 9.00 (per ride if I’m not mistaken) to be a bit outrageous, but I reluctantly went along only because it’s our tradition (and for the photo opps). The animals definitely need to be repainted and refreshed as you can see in some of the photos. There’s really no wait to enter but parking, forgetaboutit!! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

Had a blast! For an older carousel it moves pretty fast and it if about a 5 minute ride. My kids loved it! Went on national carousel day so the wait times were long, not sure how long the wait is otherwise.

They’ve got a working brass ring grab! You’ll need at least a couple people who want to play, but it’s such a cool experience to lean out and ‘grab the brass ring'.

My kids loved it! It wasn't too pricey - $4 per ticket, or $14 for 4, although adults riding with littles also need tickets. It has the signage for the brass rings, but it looks like they're just historical signage and not functional. It goes faster than I expected, too!

The Iconic Balboa Park Carousel! The carousel is enjoying a recent renovation with repairs and new paint. It's really beautiful. The entire family can enjoy riding on the vintage giraffes, horses, zebras and other animals, reaching for the brass ring. (Hint: mount one of the tall outside critters) You can easily stop here for a go-round prior to heading into the Zoo or any of the other amenities at Balboa Park. If you plan to cruise around the park, bring sunscreen, water and your wallet. There will be many opportunities to purchase a snack, museum ticket or precious keepsake.