I didn't know this existed until this year! I wish they would expand their hours so they are open more . But my kid had a great time. A toddler can ride most of the rides here ! I feel like it's the perfect size too no crazy walking but big enough to not be boring . read more

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park - Carousels Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I read another review of this that is spot on because it focused on perspective. This is an old school small amusement park that is perfect for a fun day with kids. There are a wealth of rides across several different ages, and park admission includes Storyland access and unlimited City Park train rides. It'll be a blast for the kids, and they won't get tired of it; I've also never been there when lines were long. My only issue is that the park is staffed by mostly (but not all) rude young adults (perhaps teenagers but hard to tell) who have no desire to do an efficient or effective job. I'm not even asking for you to go above and beyond to make it special for kids; simply doing your job would be nice. Saying rides are on hold while you sit and do nothing, claiming that the a particular ride only rides every 10 minutes, cutting rides short on purpose (they literally would say it out loud), and so forth are all indicative of issues that could be easily fixed. read more

Perspective is everything. To my seven-year-old, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park provided two hours of fun running from ride to ride. They sell pizza and ice cream. Kids love this place. (At least my seven-year-old did. However, in a few years, she'll outgrow the rides.) To parents, this place is a great way to spend a few hours visiting City Park, but it comes with a price. It was $21 for our daughter and just over $12 per parent. However, once you pay, you get unlimited rides. The rides themselves are old and run down, but the plus is there were no lines on a Sunday afternoon in April. It has clean restrooms and the train is a fun way to see a part of City Park. Next door is Storyland, a storybook-themed playground that's free. read more

See all

Super fun for little ones and teens! To be honest, at my big age of 45, I have a blast every time. The pizza is decent and the teenagers who work the rides are quite professional. I especially love coming during Celebration in the Oaks. Beautiful lights and lots of screams and laughter. read more

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park - Carousels Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I had an amazing time while at the Carousel Gardens with my 5 year old nephew. I had not been in many, many years and this was our first time going together. Some of the rides were not working on the day of our visit, but there were enough open rides for him to thoroughly enjoy himself. After a short break to have pizza (Pizza was fresh, made to order and tasty) we had an amazing time until the park was closing for the day. My favorite part was the train ride, where I was able to appreciate the beauty of the park I have been going to for over 40 years. read more

Thanks to some groupons I bought almost a year ago, this was the PERFECT distraction when I found myself unexpectedly in possession of my nieces for the day. The best deal is to get the $20-all-you-can ride wrist band. Most of the rides aren't worth the $3 ticket price unless you only want to ride the train, or the ferris wheel, but still the $20 ticket is the way to go! We rode every single ride available, and most of them twice. There weren't many folks there so we did NO standing in ANY lines, and on most of the rides they weren't even close to full. Our favorites were: (of course) the Choo-Choo, which takes you on a trip all around the park under the oaks, near the museum, around the sculpture garden and back, the ferris wheel (which is the latest addition to the amusement park area), the classic carousel ride, there are also some more modern fair-style rides like the Scrambler, the Tilt-a-Whirl, the Music Express, a parachute ride, some little kiddy rides and the bumper cars. No single ride was particularly scary or nausea-inducing which was good. there are a few limitations with regard to the height of the children, but we all had a good time and wasted several hours having fun on a hot day. read more

See all

When my kids were younger, this was our favorite place to go! We were season pass members for several years before my boys outgrew this adorable amusement park located in NOLA's wonderful City Park. The season passes are very affordable and were the way to go for us since my boys loved this place so much. The train ride around City Park was always enjoyable. The Carousel is one of the few working historical carousels in the United States. Always felt like I went back to a simpler time when visiting Carousel Gardens with my children. Many moons from now when I'm a grandmother, I will certainly enjoy making more memories with my boys and my grandchildren here. read more

See all

I brought my grandson to carousel gardens amusement park on June 2. At least half the rides were closed. I was not told that when I purchased the tickets and I was told that I could not get any type of refund. Everything was dirty With trash all around..the paths, the cafe etc. bathrooms were not available. The staff working the rides were not appropriate to be around children. They were angry and indifferent, we're busy on their phones or talking to their friends..could not be bothered even making eye contact with children or giving them instructions re the rides. It was very disappointing..definitely not the place it used to be And I will not return. Another place that has declined so much that instead of being a happy fun place to go you leave feeling sad and abused. read more

Most of the other reviewers covered the entire carousel gardens so I will focus on something near and dear to me for sentimental reasons. Many years ago when I was just a small child, my parents brought me to ride the City Park Carousel. According to my father both he, and his father had ridden in years past, and my first ride meant all three generations had ridden the same ride. I didn't realize it at the time, but as I grew older, that memory became more and more significant. The other fond memories I have involve me, as a kid, searching for the best horse to ride. Occasionally I would get the crazy idea to ride one of the more exotic animals, but my go-to was a horse along the exterior that moved up and down. To me this was the most exciting and fun horse. I remember my parents standing along side making sure I didn't fall which I thought was a bit overprotective. Fast forward several years and I have my own kids. Their first rides on the carousel were so emotional for me that I almost cried. The best part was that i found my oldest searching for the exterior horse that moved and she questioned me standing along side making sure she didn't fall. I know my dad got a big kick out of that. I just hope that some day my kids remember their first carousel ride as fondly as I do. If you haven't been, or haven't been in a while, you need to get to this carousel and start making memories. If you're like me, they will become some of your fondest memories for years to come. read more

I just rode the carousel for the 1st time in years at my niece's birthday party last month. It's as beautiful as ever and historic! The carousel dates from 1906 and looks it, in a good way. There are other small amusement park rides, bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl and the ladybug. Plus you can take a train from here and ride all over City Park. read more

Five stars for the retro style carousel! Its fairly grand compared to the newfangled smaller carousels these days (happy hollow in san jose for instance). Also this one's a little faster so theres a more exciting feel of wind and lights going by you. Ride tickets arent cheap but its definitely worth it for a bit of good nostalgia. read more

Always a great time! This park itself is so majestic and beautiful but added to it is the amusement park area! Our kids love the rides , especially the Lady Bug roller coaster & Bumper Cars. We went to the Amusement Park today , so to cool off we all took 2 train rides! The train cars are shaded, they go just fast enough for you to get a nice breeze and you get a great tour around the park. We enjoyed! read more

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park - Carousels Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

See all

We went to the amusement on a Tuesday morning. It was my wife, 2 kids, and I. Great fun for the money. Rode almost every ride before it got super hot out. The staff was helpful and friendly. The rides were fun with minimal waiting times. We took a lot of great pictures in the story book park. Great and affordable fun for families. read more

My niece had a birthday party with several of her preschool classmates a few years back so I knew there were rides in Storyland. Last night (night after thanksgiving) I got to enjoy them! Had a wonderful time with a bunch of friends from high school and their kids. It was such a sublime evening hanging out with my friends parents, siblings, friends, nieces! We even coordinated to meet another high school friend who I haven't seen since high school! We took a group photo and are all linked on fb! The carousel was the best ride because all the kids and adults could go on it! read more

I hadn't been to the Carousel Gardens since I was a little kid, when we came here for Jingle Bells and Beer last week. I really need to make more of a point to come to this part of the park! The park itself is large and there are a lot of rides geared mainly towards small kids, tweens and teenagers. Some rides are the train around the park, ladybug rollercoaster, a few rides that spin you until you die, bumper cars, a fun house and, of course, a carousel. On this particular night we decided to check out the train, the bumper cars, the funhouse and the carousel. My favorites were the train and the carousel- what can it say, I like things a little more low key. The train is really neat because it takes you throughout the entire park and I can see how small kids would really love it. I loved riding the carousel and the whole experience brought back a lot of memories. There's just something magical about doing something like that. I think that the park is closed for the season, but I will definitely be back once winter is over and the weather is really nice. read more

When I first moved to NOLA, I really had no reason to go to the Carousel Gardens. Fast forward a few years... I have a 3 year old who loves the Carousel. Admission is $3 each, and then the rides are extra. This is actually a fabulous value, especially if you have a smaller kid, because the $3 admission also gives you access to Storyland. Usually we wander around Storyland for a while (see that review for more info) and then head over to the Carousel Gardens. It is another $3 for each ride ticket, or you can get an unlimited access wristband for $17. Either way, the Carousel is fun, as is the ride on the miniature train that takes you on a trip all around City Park. This place looks like it would be fun for a kids' birthday party, too! read more

Absolutely great vibes amusement park. Perfect for a few hours, no lines, overall awesome energy definitely check it out

I so love coming here. It's like going back in time and just as much fun as when I was a kid. There is so much to do here carousel, train raide, ferris wheel, carnival games, and the roller coaster (except it has been out of service awhile). The cottages are the way to go if you are pondering a birthday event here. If there isn't an event, you almost never have to wait in long lines. Pro Tip: if you are going to make a day of it, get the all you can ride wristband it is definitely the best option. read more

What a wonderful park for the city. I was not expecting a such a beauty with all the oak tree, pond and an amusement park. You can ask for more. Coming here after brunch around 1PM, we have no trouble finding a spot. This is the cheaper side of the paid park. Around $4 entrance, you can play and take pictures like a kid. If you didn't feel like going inside, you can take a picture with mary and her little lamb outside. Great place. read more

I brought my daughter to Storyland and the Amusement Park last weekend. Everything was working in Storyland and all of the little fairy tale places were open! I was so glad to see this. The fountains were all in working order and my daughter had the best time. We also went to the carousel (although we didn't ride it - she's a little too young). She loved watching it. Everyone was friendly enough and the price was only $4 each for my mom and me. She was free since she's under their height limit. Bathrooms were open and accessible. My only complaint is the parking. There were two lots blocked off as "reserved" which was a little irritating, because then it was hard to find parking elsewhere. We happened to get lucky and snag a spot right in front of Storyland, but that was sheer luck. read more

I added this stop to our NOLA trip to please my 8yo since many things on our itinerary were more adult and teen oriented. We rode the trolley from the river walk, it took a good 45 minutes. Then another half hour of walking to get from the trolley stop to the amusement park. It was a scenic walk through the City Park, but not what I had envisioned for our day time wise. Once here, we had had to pay $5 per person to enter through Storyland- which is very cute but more for the 5 and under set. We got through and into the park, bought our ride tickets ($3 per ride, $17 unlimited) and went to the Ferris wheel. Only 4 cars were being used, and after waiting 30 minutes we decided to leave. Not all rides were that bad of a wait, but the whole time I just kept thinking of all the cool, more "New Orleans" type things we could be doing. My 8 yo loved it, I hated it :-). Taking a cab back, too! read more

What can be said about this location that has not been said by others. Storyland is a great place to bring the small ones. It was difficult to pull my son away from the fire truck, space shuttle, and the big bad wolf who he played hide and seek with and won. Of course, you have the amusement park filled with a variety of rides. We went on two of the rides: the train and the "horses" as my son put it. I cannot wait to come back when he is older. read more

I have so many childhood memories of this place and each time I visit I feel like a kid again! The wristband is the way to go if you want to hit up several rides. I love love love the tilt-a-whirl. It's so much fun and you will find yourself laughing like a little kid each time you go. The ferris wheel is fun and gives a great view above the oaks and the city skyline. The carousel is beautiful and is an antique so check out the history of it when you go and you can appreciate it on a deeper level. read more

Went here on the way out of town to kill time. Was listed in the GPS under the wrong address but YMMV. Nice layout, we arrived around 11 and was not crowded (Sunday). Admission was $3 per person, and tickets are essentially $3.00 per ride. This includes all rides/all persons but not all the time. For example, my son who is 2 and under 36 inches, he cannot ride anything without a parent. So for the slide, I had to buy a ticket for us to go up the slide and down once. For the carousel, however, 2 tickets. This may just be how the different ride operators interpret the rules, but it seemed like one ticket for the carousel would have been fine for me to hold my almost 3 year old. Its not like Im getting a thrill about the carousel. Regardless, most of the rides are height restricted enough that my 4 year old was limited to the slow rides alone, and rode with an adult for the roller coaster (which he loved) and other rides. It was hot, 105-110 degrees and a cooling station was available, an air conditioned room that smells funny but was a welcome relief from the heat. The train was broken the whole time we were there, which was a disappointment for the kids, but sno-cones saved the day. It was a good park, if not expensive for the rides. I bought my 4 year old the $18 dollar ride all you want band, so you have to do at least 6 rides to break even, but the adults who had to ride along I spent another 30 dollars between myself and my wife. I would absolutely go back under the following conditions: its not greater than 100 degrees, we get there early and plan to stay for a couple hours, and my kids are above the ride restrictions for most of the rides, which hovered in the 42 to 48 inch range, or around 5 years old. Also, I would recommend to the establishment that the slide be $3 dollars for two rides or something, its almost criminal to charge $3 dollars PER SLIDE and try to explain this to a young child. read more

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park - Ferris Wheel - Carousels Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I recently bought the season pass for a family of 4. Great for kids without the hassle of large crowds but the Roller Coaster has been broken for a while with no time frame of being fixed. Now the Carousel is down. Love the Train. It brings back many memories. read more

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park You know, it wasn't until I became a parent of 2 toddlers that I took notice of this place. Fun, fun, fun for families and kids of almost all ages. Rides go by height, and my daughter has recently grown tall enough to ride the roller coaster. Man, she was squealing with delight. So, that right there should make you take your kids for a ride. The carousel, is just enjoyable for all ages. My son is particularly fond of the Giraffe, although your kids may vary. The Ferris Wheel, is terrifying. They take you to the top, and leave you there for a spell as they let other patrons on. But, you'll get a great photo opp of beautiful downtown New Orleans, so this is a bonus. As you white knuckle grip you iPhone to get the shot.. Man, the things you do for your kids. And no trip here would be complete without taking the train as it takes you around the park, waving at people as they walk by and wave. For a minute, you'll feel like NOLA Royalty. So, if you are a visitor, or a local alike, give this park a try. If you live here, season passes are the way to go for a family of four. In the long run, you'll save some dough. read more

It's a great place to bring the family for a day of amusement park enjoyment. Beware, there are a lot of bugs around this time of year, but once you get over that you'll be more than fine. read more

What a great little area for locals and visitors alike. I've come her a few times in the past couple years withy friend and her son. He just loves it! Spinning rides and roller coasters and a beautiful carousel. I always like a carousel and this one doesn't disappoint. The music, decorative animals and lights make it what every child should see and every adult memories cherish. There is a season pass to buy. I can't speak of it as fair priced as I don't know what would be worth to me with a family. Admission to the park is $4 and then you can buy single ride tickets. We did this for the train. Have to say it's a cute little ride for the little ones. There's also Story Land that's included in the general admission. Nostalgic area of the park with those cute (but creepy when your an adult) characters with a few slides and climbing options. It's perfect for the little ones who can't quite make it on the rides yet. Food is available in the park though we didn't take part. This is a nice spot to visit in New Orleans if you want a break from the hustle of the Quarter and especially if you have little ones. read more

Yes! Finally, with some of the new additions to Carousel Gardens, I feel I am getting my money's worth, and a full day of fun! The Ladybug rollercoaster is back in business. It looks small, but I'd estimate it has the speed and fear factor of something like Thunder Mountain...more punch than it appeared it would! Perfect for young riders but a little thrilling for adults, too, especially sitting in the back. And the new-ish fun house for kids is also good because it keeps them occupied and they go again and again. Of course there are also the old favorites: ferris wheel, high-velocity slide, bumper cars, parachute drop, tilt-a-whirl, train, carousel, and many more. For very young children, like toddlers, there is only so much they can do, and it may get old pretty quick. Once they hit 48" they are pretty much in the clear, able to do most everything and also, very importantly, ride solo on most attractions! Most people (smartly) get the $18 unlimited ride pass. I felt bad seeing a family try to get away with indivual ride tickets because the fun in a lot of these things is the option to go again and again. For example, the fun house thing for the little kids, they tend to run (not walk) back to the beginning for another, and another (repeat for 30 minutes). But would one 3 minutes walk-through be worth $4 a person? You and the child would both leave disappointed. Bumper cars also, I saw a kid stuck in the corner for the whole time. It's better if they get lots of chances to practice. So if you are reading this, bite the bullet and get the ride pass for everyone! I know you are wondering...is it hot out there in the summer? Hell yes it is! There are a few water misters but the best way to keep cool is to use the carousel and the train ride to get cooled off, and yes, beer is served for adults to keep well-hydrated and slightly dilirious. But I did have a beef with the beer this time. They only served...Shiner Bock? Where did the Abita go? Taking a train ride through City Park in New Orleans while drinking a Shiner Bock is just not the same! Also I was not a fan of the new Cafe. Look, when you are a Friend of City Park like me and you live nearby, you get really excited by these things. But this cafe was really depressing and institutional, with a decidedly prison-like feel. These are minor transgessions, and they will probably change, if you give them a couple more years. But the amusement park has been a fun tradition in our family for at least twice a year for the past 6 years, and overall, this is the best it's ever been. read more

Took my 5 year old grandson and he had a blast. $4.00 admission and $18.00 for an all day wristband for all the rides. How can you go wrong!

Awesome place. Its kind of small but if your child has an imagination it can be great. Here is my advice. Arrive by 10 am and buy the unlimited park pass for $22 per person. See storyland until 11. Then the gates open to Carousel Gardens amusement park. My son is 47in tall and could ride every ride except 2. (Some had to be with an adult). He had a blast. We ate lunch at a nearby cafe named Morning Call and then returned to the park. We left atound 330. Overall $90 for 3 people all day fun. You can't beat that! read more

Despite the park itself being fun and most of the employees being great, we found our experience wrecked thanks to the unfriendliness that we found in the gift shop (not the people behind the admittance counter but the shop behind it). The person behind the counter not only treated us disrespectfully, but after doing so decided to ignore us and start flirting with an employee while we were there. I'd recommend the park but would avoid the gift shop. read more