B&B Carousell
Coney Island, on Surf Ave., near W. 12th St.
Coney Island was once home to about 25 carousels. Today, only B&B Carousell (that’s the manufacturer’s spelling) remains. It’s one of only twelve carousels in America that still have brass rings. Hours are about noon to midnight every summer day; closed during winter.

The Carousel for All Children
Willowbrook Park, Staten Island. Enter at Eton Pl., near Richmond Ave.
718-667-2165
Your little ones can choose among 52 hand-painted horses and mythical beasts set against a backdrop painted with images of Staten Island landmarks. Open 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. every day in July and August, Wednesday to Sunday in June and September, and Friday to Sunday in May and October; closed November to April; $1.

Forest Park Carousel
Forest Park, Queens. Enter at Woodhaven Blvd., near Myrtle Ave.
This gorgeously restored rare wooden carousel by Daniel C. Muller, one of just two still in operation worldwide, is over 100 years old. Opens at 10 a.m. year-round, weather permitting; $1.

The Friedsam Memorial Carousel
Central Park. Enter at Fifth Ave. and 64th St.; the carousel is located mid-park
212-879-0244
Moved here from Coney Island in 1908 (back when it was pulled by blind horses), this carousel is one of the largest in the country, with 57 horses that are almost as big as their living counterparts. Open April to November from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, weather permitting; open fair-weather weekends and holidays from December to March.

Le Carrousel
Bryant Park. Enter at 42nd St., near Sixth Ave.
This charming little French-themed carousel is in its third season and offers a touch of sophistication—ride to the tunes of Edith Piaf and other French cabaret music on fourteen colorful animals, from ponies to rabbits and frogs. A party planner is available for birthdays. Open through Labor Day 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, noon to 7 p.m. weekdays; $1.75 per ride or ten rides for $15.

Prospect Park Carousel
Children’s Corner, Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Use the Willink entrance on Empire Blvd., bet. Ocean and Flatbush Aves.
718-965-8999
Charles Carmel, one of the early twentieth century’s best-known carousel carvers, added a lion, giraffe, and reindeer to the 50-plus horses in this lively piece. Open noon to 6 p.m. Thursday to Sunday until Labor Day; noon to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday from Labor Day until October 26; reopens the last weekend in April; $1. Available for private parties ($250 for two hours).

Totally Kid Carousel
Riverbank State Park, Harlem. Enter at Riverside Dr. and 145th St.
212-694-3654
A relative newcomer, the Totally Kid Carousel was designed by local artist Milo Mottola. Open 1 to 6 p.m. every day but Wednesday, weather permitting. Private groups can reserve the carousel on Wednesday mornings; 50 cents.