Kids love carousels. Whether inside or out, double-deckered or just one level, the music and animals appeal to kids of all ages. Chicago Parent readers share their favorite carousels in the Chicago area.
Our favorite carousel is the one at the Lincoln Park Zoo. My kids love picking out what animal they are going to ride.
Suzy Ullman
Without a doubt, our family will miss the timeless tradition of riding the carousel at Kiddieland (located in Melrose Park). Sigh. So many childhood memories for myself as well. The end of an era.
Margaret Smith
My 6½-year-old’s favorite carousel happens to be the one at Fox Valley Mall. If she is good, she gets to take a carousel ride before we leave. She’s trying to ride a new animal each time she rides, which is probably at least half of them by now.
Nicole Chojnacki
We always ride the carousel at Great America. It’s always been such a beautiful sight, especially at night.
Machelle Anderson
My kids love riding the carousels at Orland Park Mall and Chicago Ridge Mall. We take them there during the winter months to play in the play areas and burn off some steam.
Anne Lewis
Our family’s favorite carousel is the one inside the Westfield-Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Ind. (only 45 minutes away if traffic’s not bad). It’s an indoor, double-decker, $2, multi-animal ride with seatbelts on each of them. It’s also great because the mall is home to a FunFlatables location, which only has open jump (which means it’s not closed for private parties-ever!)! Not to mention the free play area close to the carousel that gives a little bit of variety and a moment for the adults to sit down and catch their breath. All in all, totally worth the trip every time!
Jamie McBain
