Legends use carousels..camp California ..ghost camp..better figure it out ..stay positive ..don't get dizzy ...no private carousel ..better figure it out ..travel to planet earth by yourself read more

Nestled within the walls of the Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco, the Leroy King Carousel isn't just your typical merry-go-round. With its beautifully hand-carved animals, whimsical characters, and rich history, this carousel is a delight for children and adults alike. It was built between 1904 and 1906 by Charles I. D. Looff, a famed creator of hand-carved carousels and amusement park rides. This carousel boasts a fantastical collection of hand-carved animals, each one unique and bursting with character. Choose from majestic horses and playful bears to fantastical tigers and whimsical giraffes to creatures straight out of fairytales! Riding the carousel requires museum admission, which may not be ideal if you only have the carousel in mind. The ride is only two minutes, which might leave some riders wanting more. The museum, and especially the carousel, can get crowded, particularly during peak hours and weekends so be prepared for wait times. Carousel Operating Hours: Friday - Sunday, 10am-4pm Ticket Pricing $5.00 per person $3.00 for members (or with paid museum admission) read more

Leroy King Carousel - Carousels Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ruby is the heart and soul of the Yerba Buena carousel. She brings magic. With her bright hair, vibrant outfits, and kind, joyful energy, she turns an ordinary ride into something unforgettable. Every time we visit, she welcomes the kids like dear old friends -- and my children adore her. One of my favorite little things: the way she clicks her tongue like a horse -- "Giddy yap!" -- as the carousel starts. It's such a small gesture, but it shows how much love and playfulness she brings into what could be just a routine job. People like Ruby turn everyday moments into memories. Yerba Buena won't be the same without her read more

Bought a ticket for my preschool aged daughter for $5 (which is already absolutely overpriced). My daughter wanted me to hold her hand while she rode the carousel because she was nervous, but the woman at the counter said I would need to pay an ADDITiONAL $5 just to stand next to her while she rides. That is INSANE. The ticket I bought for my daughter should include my ability to accompany her for her safety and enjoyment of the ride. I reluctantly gave the cashier another $5, which I figured then paid for me to ride my own horse, since we both paid for tickets....and then was scolded when I sat on a horse, told that I had paid for a "standing ticket." I simply looked at the woman with a glazed stare because I cannot fathom how anyone came up with this absolutely nonsensical pricing system. Like...this is such a rip off and a buzzkill. Seriously, caregivers have enough to deal with...Y'all, I encourage you to go to the zoo or the children's playground carousel instead. Not only are they cheaper, but the experience is better and the staff is more understanding. read more

Gorgeous animals, all restored wooden antiques made by the celebrated Charles I.D. Looff, except for a replica lion in honor of LeRoy King himself. 4 rows wide. Almost all jumpers, except for alternating outside horses. Stunning and intricate details. Lots of mirrors to catch the light. Classic carousel music, albeit pre-recorded. Each row has a different theme, and some rows are all the same non-horse animal (camel, goat, or even giraffe, which is uncommon to find as a jumper). Unusual large chariot with seating on all 4 sides facing its center, looks like it could seat around 8 people comfortably. The staff are nice, and may even dress up for the part and be knowledgeable about the carousel. Nice indoor viewing area with seats. Pleasant breeze when the ride is in motion since multiple doors/windows are open. Not the fastest but definitely not the slowest, and the breeze helps. Even when the ride is closed, it's very easy to admire through the large, clean glass walls, which also help the carousel appear well lit for photos. Only down sides are that it isn't open Mondays through Thursdays even during summer, and several of the animals have visible wear down to the wood on the ears and other places. Public transportation highly recommended over parking. read more

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A neat old carousel with an interesting variety of animals. My daughter enjoyed it. ETA: I wrote this in 2012, and Yelp says it's a draft. read more

Today, I took the family to the Leroy King Carousel, part of the Children's Creativity Museum which is such an amazing activity for children and families in San Francisco. The carousel is across the city Target and near the Moscone Center. The carousel is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. For families who are members of the Children's Creativity Museum, they receive a discount on carousel tickets. Tickets are normally $5.00 per ride, but, if you visit the museum or are a member, tickets are $3.00. Each ticket is good for one (1) ride on the carousel. The rides last for about 3 minutes. No matter if you love the carnival or are just a kid at heart, this is a great family friendly activity! read more

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ALL the horses move up and down! Perfecto! Highly recommend above all carousels in North America. They also have giraffes! And gargoyle chariots! What are you waiting for? Rush now. Hurry! read more

Came here for holiday ceremony the weekend of Thanksgiving. Families everywhere, the employees of carousel were friendly and kept things orderly. No need for waivers, just common sense fun on a clean and enjoyable ride. Perfect for kids and adults! Love the Yerba Buena area! read more

The most beautiful carousel in all of San Francisco, and maybe the world! The carousel operator is famous, epic, and globally renowned

This is a clean and beautiful carousel just across the street from Yerba Buena garden and not far from Montgomery BART. Two turns for $4, which is perfect because my kids have decision paralysis and always pick the "wrong one" the first time they ride a merry-go-round. Parents are free if they stand next to their child under 4. My kids are 4 and over, so I paid, hopped on a camel, and rode it as well. There aren't any seat straps. It is enclosed in glass and feels more modern than its 113 years. Ride a camel or goat or horse. There is a pretty cool looking dragon sleigh. Merry-go-rounds are delightful. Would I cross the bay for this one? No, we have the one in Tilden, which I think is by the same designer. Would I cross a few streets to make this an add-on activity? Without a doubt! read more

Beautiful ripoff in San Francisco . Short (under 42") have to have an adult accompany for paid admission too - so pay $10 per 1kiddo ride. Carousel is gorgeous and well maintained. Makes the kid happy so it's worth it I guess . read more

My girls had so much fun riding at the carousel today and last time we were here it was amazing. We are gonna make us a regular thing going forward. read more

Leroy King Carousel - Carousels Near Me - San Francisco, California

My kids always have a great time here. Friendly staff makes it even more enjoyable at every visit.

What a cool place to visit. This amazing carousel is nostalgic and fun. It is a worth the visit.

I'm still gonna give it five stars but I am wondering where is Ruby? She was the best my kids just absolutely love to go to the carousel and see Ruby and now someone else is running it and they suck no personality no care and no love Ruby was the absolute best she brought so much personality and sparkle she brought the carousel to life why wouldn't you guys have her running it all the time to me it's absolutely crazy anyone else would run this super disappointed that she isn't running it anymore and I know others are going to be very upset when they find out it's a boring person with no personality Ruby made it so much fun for the kids read more

How freaking fun was this? A carousel built right by the Children's Creativity center, this was like a magnet for our little one year old. We waited in a short line, paid $4 per rider (cards accepted) and picked out the shiniest horse of them all. My daughter is at an age where she loves anything and everything so her expression as she clutched on to the horse was priceless. I held her up on the horse instead of doing the sleigh and she absolutely loved it, so in turn, I absolutely loved it. The ride lasts around 3-4 minutes and I think the younger your child the more they'll enjoy it. From this tourists viewpoint, SF has so many green spaces and kid friendly things compared to other big cities and this just solidifies it even more so. read more

Fun attraction in San Francisco. Kids got so much fun on it. Good time to spend l. Weekend.

Very fun and whimsical! There's a lot of horses and nice music. It's really good for little kids and adults!

This carousel is one of the best in San Francisco! I went here for the first time today and the horses were so cool! It's also right next to the Children's Creativity Museum. Check it out! read more

Such a great experience! The wait took less than 1 minute and the conductor was very kind. Hoping they have a great day !! There were many children here. This place is a must if you want to have a fun experience with your child! There are many animals for you to choose to ride on. There are even multiple seats you can sit on with your family together! The music is great I love this place. I remember coming here every week with my family before COVID hit. Hope they get lots of visitors read more

Awesome, fun ride. Not crowded at all on Sunday. Perfect ending for our kids on this fun trip to San Francisco. read more

Super fun experience it's one of the best carousel rides I ever been on. Strongly recommend if you bist sf! read more

Leroy King Carousel - Carousels Near Me - San Francisco, California

After a billion years of gazing longingly at the Zeum Carousel when I drove past, my boyfriend and I finally found a time to stop and explore it's tempting delights - New Year's Day. Yeah, we're big kids! Anyway, even with years of build-up and anticipation, it was still everything I hoped it would be! The Zeum is a grand historic carousel with a great variety of hand-made animals. Can you believe it was built in 1908 (and then restored 80 years later for us)?! It has beautiful lions, giraffs, horses, camels, and more. I personally, picked the giraffs to ride. They are so majestic; tall and orange! It was fun going around and watching all the kids (of all ages) having a ball. I'm glad we finally made the stop. The Zeum Carousal can been seen from the corner of Fourth and Howard Streets in downtown San Francisco and is in the Yerba Buena Gardens. There are other attractions all around it, such as ice skating, a technology museum, and a theater. This area would be especially great for a day out with kids. I'll definitely be back when I get the chance! At only 3$ for 2 rides, it's a steal! Great cheap parking nearby at Mascone Parking garage, btw. See ya there! read more

Leroy King Carousel - A beautiful lion - Carousels Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My daughter loved it. She wanted to go on it again. We paid $3 since we went to the museum. Otherwise it's $4. Highly recommend this carousel for parents whose kids are crazy about Carousel. Beautiful view at this place. read more

Awesome staple of San Francisco. Legendary 100 years in the city and beautiful at night.

I always find myself here, yet I have never actually rode it. One day when I have kids I'll bring them here. Until then, I'll just admire how it's in the best spot in the middle of corporate union square read more

It is a very family friendly and clean area:) opens at 11:30 and there was a fun park near by while we waited! Ride is 5$

Great for kids and fun animals! Especially awesome when they have other events in the area, aka SF library book mobile

Awesome!!!!!! Make sure you go ride the carousel outside of the Creativity Museum!!!!!!!

Came with family and had loads of fun, definitely recommend !!! Funnest part of Yerba Buena !

My 3 year old son is super into animals and carousels right now. So when we decided to give this one a try we knew he'd have a good time. We were blown away at what a kick he gets out of this carousel. $4 for 2 rounds- good deal. He has a smile from ear to ear, hours after riding. Combine this with some time as the Creativity Museum or the YB Bowling Alley (or both) and you've really got yourself an afternoon. Animals to ride: Camel Horse Ram Giraffe Lion (stationary- does not go up and down) read more

Some grownups are big kids Some grownups are kids who have never grown up I'm definitely in the second group and after our visit here, I think I can put Dorothy C into the second group too On my recent trip to SF, Dorothy kindly took me and my teddy bear, Teddy to SFMOMA on her annual pass. We were on our way over to the museum from lunch at Tin on Howard when we came across this carousel Haha, I don't think we even needed to exchange a conspiratorial look between ourselves before heading over for a ride This carousel has an interesting history, which is on a board for all to read. Carved by legendary carousel maker Charles Looff in 1906, it has moved through various parks in cities as far apart as Seattle and Long Beach before being purchased by the City of san Francisco, restored and installed in its current location $3 buys 2 rides and Dorothy and I had a good look at the many varieties of animals on show in between rides. Teddy had some ahem close encounters with some of them! Great way to find the kid within! read more

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So fun. My 11 month old niece loved it, and they were nice enough to give us a ride, even though it was technically the last one of the day.

On our recent trip to San Francisco, this indoor carousel (a historic treasure) was perfect for my 2 year old son on a rainy Sunday afternoon... I was surprised that it was only $3 for two rides! I think in LA , we usually pay $3-$4 for one or $5 for two. The Children's Creative Carousel is 107 years old and for over 50 years, it was a main attraction @ the SF amusement park, Play land @ the Beach. It was restored and moved many times and finally bought by the city in 1998 and installed @ the Children's Creativity Museum in the Yerba Buena Gardens. I guess that's why it didn't have seat belts. read more

Always a great treat! This place has been here for years and it never disappoints. Must try!

While in SF solo with mister baby, I had a mission to find a carousel. This location was ace as it is in walking distance for wherever you are in the financial district. If you have a museum pass, they'll knock off some $. For the cheapest option, you can hop on and ride 3 times. The carousel is clean with many different characters to ride on. There's a place to park your stroller, but bring your bags just incase on with you (this was recommended by the attendant.) The ride time isn't very long but it captivated all of the kids on the ride. I held 4 month old Mister baby on a horse and his eyes beamed with joy. Worth. every. penny. read more

Leroy King Carousel - Carousels Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What child doesn't like a merry-go-round? Problem is, when cities build an area for kids, they often don't think about installing a carousel. So when a parent finds one, it's a real treat. When San Francisco built out the bare top of the Moscone Center, one of their adds was the same carousel that had been at Playland. After a 15-year stop in Long Beach, it was returned to The City at the prime corner of 4th & Howard, in a place geared toward the younger set (Zeum, small playground, ice rink). It's a fun one for kids, too. We were there one summer afternoon, and I saw that all the kids loved riding it, including our kid. $3 for two rides is a good price, especially in San Francisco. With the parking situation, it's hard to justify a trip out here just to ride a merry-go-round. But if you and your children happen to be in the area, this is a must-ride. read more

Fun for my little ones and right by the park! Fun way to celebrate as a family! Thank you for keeping this going!

Went Sun 7/18/10 because Target Family Day. Regular ride $3pp, we got to ride FREE. Did you know that American carousels go counterclockwise. European carousels go clockwise. That's cool. Line was long at 2:40pm, but we only had to wait about 15 min. They don't fill up the carousel. I think they want to keep the line long so they don't have to run it so often. Ride is only 3 minutes long. $1 a minute regular price. Crazy. Still worth it when it's FREE! When it's FREE it stops at 4pm. Regular hrs: 11-6 Daily read more