Located in front of the Smithsonian’s red brink Arts and Industries Building, the landmark Carousel on The National Mall in Washington, DC gives kids about 4 minutes of riding fun. Plus parents get tons of great photo ops, as the children ride round-and-round to classic carousel music.

The 50+ brightly painted horses, a few zebras, a highly sought after flying blue dragon are ready to take children on a memorable ride. And for the really small ones, parents can ride with them in the safety of sleigh and flower pot seats to avoid getting thrown by a “bucking” horse.

So hang on, it goes faster than you would think.

For some background and history on the carousel, check out my post from last June with more information.

The Carousel on The National Mall
1000 Jefferson Dr., SW – in front of the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building and across the Mall from the National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC 20560

Dates and Times – Daily (weather permitting) 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sept. to March – 11-5.

Tickets – $2.00

Nearest Metro subway station – Smithsonian – Blue and Orange lines, then a 2-block walk.

Parking – Metered and free parking is available in the area.

 Images – from personal collection – ©2008, Jon Rochetti
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Post from: The DC Traveler

On the grounds of the National Mall and view of the Capitol Building carousel with the brightly painted horses, dragons and classic carousel music is sure to delight the little ones.

The carousel on the Mall was manufactured by The Allen Herschell Co., a company that initially manufactured steam boilers. Allan Herschell, a company co-founder, on the advice of his doctor to get out of the boiler-making business because of his lung ailment, made his first carousel in 1883. It had simple rocking horses and was powered by a steam engine. Within five years, the company was shipping a new carousel each day.

After several name changes, reorganizations and a bankruptcy, the carousel company became a leader in kiddie rides for carnivals. Over the next century it developed amusement rides such as the Caterpillar, Whiz Bang, Twister, Flying Bobs, and the Looper along with small, portable roller coasters, miniature train rides and the Dodgem bumper cars.

The Carousel on The National Mall
1000 Jefferson Dr., SW – across the Mall from the National Museum of Natural History and down the street form the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
Washington, DC 20560

Dates and Times – Daily (weather permitting) 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tickets – $1.75

Nearest Metro subway station – Smithsonian – Blue and Orange lines and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter – Green and Yellow lines
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Post from: The DC Traveler