Located at the Koret Children’s Quarter playground, this carousel is the third reincarnation of the ride since the park opened. It has enchanted children with its collection of carefully crafted creatures from dragons to classical horses. The current carousel was created in 1914 by the Herschell-Spillman Company, and made an appearance in the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island, before coming to the park in 1940.

This double decker delight is one of the main attractions at Pier 39 for kids and adults who want to experience a classic ride from new heights. Imported from Italy, there’s a sea creature theme with sea lions, sea dragons, and dolphins that matches the surround waterfront theme perfectly. At night, 1,800 twinkling LED lights add an extra magical touch.

As a highlight of the Children’s Creativity Museum, this century-old carousel has some stories to tell. Constructed in Rhode Island by famed craftsman Charles I.D. Looff in 1906, the move to San Francisco was delayed due to the earthquake. Finding a longtime home at Playland amusement park on Ocean Beach, this carousel was finally moved to its current location after years in storage and was named after former SF redevelopment commissioner Leroy King.

This menagerie carousel was created by the Herschel-Spillman Company in 1911 and is one of the last antique carousels in the country. It’s on the list of National Register of Historical Places, having found a home in Southern California before its current home, Tilden Park, in 1948. Much of the original machine still exists, including the seven-and-a-half horsepower Westlinghouse electric motor.

This Alice In Wonderland-themed carousel was installed in Oakland’s Children’s Fairyland in 1965, and has been delighting generations of small fans ever since. There are only a few seats, but every one of them features a Lewis Carroll-inspired character, from the toothy walrus to the Mad Hatter himself.

Located in the midst of rides at Oakland Zoo’s Adventure Landing, riders can choose from giant pandas, black rhinos, and Siberian tigers to take them on a spin. Zoo admission is not required, since the carousel is located in a separate ride area.

One of the rides within a beloved mini-amusement park, this metal carousel has been going strong since the 1950s when it was first installed. Generations of local kids have reveled in choosing a colorful horse of their own to race to the finish line.

This historic treasure was built in Great Britain for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and was shipped to the U.S. around the horn of South America to its current home in Los Gatos. The wooden horses are from such renowned carvers CW Parker, and the Wurlitzer-type organ helps transport riders back in time.

Not for those who fear heights, this double-decker carousel at Great America in Santa Clara is one of the biggest in the world at 100 feet high. It has been an iconic spot in the park since 1976, with its signature gold spire. During the holidays, it’s worth seeing decked out in its seasonal best with giant wreaths and twinkling lights.

Trains may be the main stars of Sonoma Train Town Railroad, but the carousel is a favorite for many pint-sized visitors. This ride was the first amusement park attraction brought over in 1995. Going along with the railroad theme, there are detailed pictures of trains decorating the exterior of the carousel.  

Nestled within a local city park, this carousel delights with 30 brightly colored horses and two chariots for those who want to stay more grounded. Thousands of lights illuminate the ride during the day giving it an extra sparkle.