Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
A charming, vintage amusement park in New Orleans' City Park, featuring classic rides and a beloved antique carousel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more rides open
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more rides open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, vintage amusement park in New Orleans' City Park, featuring classic rides and a beloved antique carousel.
"Kids love this place. It's a great way to spend a few hours visiting City Park, but it comes with a price."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing tickets in advance online. Gate prices can be higher.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around City Park and between rides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lady Bug Roller Coaster
Amusement Park
A classic Zierer Force Two model, this low-to-the-ground coaster offers a fast and bumpy thrill.
Antique Wooden Carousel
Amusement Park
Experience a touch of nostalgia on this charming wooden carousel, a rare find with its horse-themed cars.
Park Train Ride
Amusement Park
A scenic journey around City Park, this train ride is a highlight for many, offering unique views.
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Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Ride Readiness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing tickets in advance online. Gate prices can be higher.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around City Park and between rides.
📱 Check Ride Status
Some rides may be closed or have long waits. Check with staff or online for updates.
👨👩👧👦 Family Season Pass
If you plan multiple visits, a family season pass can be a great value.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money and time by purchasing tickets in advance online. Gate prices can be higher.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around City Park and between rides.
📱 Check Ride Status
Some rides may be closed or have long waits. Check with staff or online for updates.
👨👩👧👦 Family Season Pass
If you plan multiple visits, a family season pass can be a great value.
✨ Visit During Celebration in the Oaks
The park is part of the magical holiday light display, offering a unique evening experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park offers a nostalgic experience with classic rides, particularly loved by children. While some attractions show their age and staff experiences can vary, the park provides unlimited rides and a charming atmosphere, especially during the festive 'Celebration in the Oaks' event. It's a unique New Orleans spot for family fun.
"Every year, we have a tradition of visiting an amazing place with our church, Celebration Church (you can check them out at celebrationchurch dot org !). I absolutely love spending time there with my family. The staff consists of fantastic young local talent who are not only professional but also friendly and enjoyable to chat with. They always assemble a great team to ensure everything runs smoothly at the park. We've been coming here for five years now, and we just had another wonderful outing! I can't wait for the next one! The train ride around the park, which you can only catch once you’re inside, is worth the price of entry!"
JB Eid
"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."
Austin Graff
"The only ride that was worth it was the roller coaster and the train ride. The rest of the rides were very run down and majority of them were closed yet you still pay full price. The biggest issue was the teenagers working. They had the worst attitudes. I simply asked to ride again-mind you the ride was empty and nowhere near closing- and the girl threw her hands up, rolled her eyes, and turned around yelling angrily " you know what? I dont even care anymore". Majority of the workers were just sitting down and on their phones. 3 of the workers were playing with a ball in the middle of the walkway. The cafe was absolutely disgusting. They had 5 or six employees just sitting down yet no one bothered to clean up and yet you want people to purchase food."
Christian Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is located within City Park in New Orleans. It's accessible by car, and parking is available. Public transportation options might also be available, but check local schedules.
Yes, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is a key part of the 'Celebration in the Oaks' holiday light event, offering a unique way to experience the festive displays.
Yes, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is an alternative for experiencing the holiday lights if you can't drive through the main 'Celebration in the Oaks' route.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. Typically, the park is open Thursday-Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM, but it's best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes, parking is generally available at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, especially during its operating hours and for special events like Celebration in the Oaks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. While some reviews mention around $21 for children and $12 for adults, it's recommended to buy tickets online in advance for potential savings.
Yes, discounted tickets are often available mid-week, especially during holiday seasons. Purchasing tickets in advance online is also a good strategy for savings.
It's highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially for special events like Celebration in the Oaks, where specific time slots may be required for entry.
Admission typically includes unlimited rides, though some visitors note that not all rides may be operational. The train ride is often highlighted as a worthwhile experience included with entry.
While you might be able to buy tickets at the gate, it's generally advised to purchase them online in advance to potentially get better prices and ensure entry, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Popular rides include the Lady Bug roller coaster, the antique wooden carousel, and the scenic train ride. Visitors also enjoy the Whirly Bird and Scrambler for classic carnival fun. +1
Some reviews mention that rides can be old and run-down, with occasional closures. However, others find them charming and note that there are often no lines on weekdays or Sunday afternoons.
Yes, it's considered a great place for young children, with many rides suitable for them. Parents can often accompany children on most rides, and there are even a few rides suitable for infants.
Staff reviews are mixed. Some visitors praise the friendly and professional young local talent, while others report negative attitudes and disengaged teenagers.
Yes, the park has clean restrooms available for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park offers basic options like pizza and ice cream. However, some reviews describe the cafe area as unappealing or poorly maintained.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not readily available. It's best to check the park's official policy or contact them directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charm of the antique carousel, the vintage feel of the rides, and the festive atmosphere, especially during Celebration in the Oaks. The Lady Bug coaster and the park train also make for great shots.
Absolutely! During the 'Celebration in the Oaks' event, the park is beautifully illuminated, offering stunning nighttime photography opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a family season pass if you plan on visiting multiple times, as it can be a cost-effective option. While some rides might be older, the overall atmosphere and the joy it brings to children make it a worthwhile outing. Don't forget to check out the nearby Storyland playground, which is often free and a great addition to a family day out.
✨ Budget Travelers
While food options might be limited and not always the best quality, consider packing some snacks or planning a meal outside the park to save money. The value of the unlimited rides can be high if you plan to spend a good amount of time enjoying them.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1The park truly shines during the 'Celebration in the Oaks' event, transforming into a magical wonderland of lights. This is the prime time for stunning nighttime photography, with vibrant colors and festive displays creating a captivating scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Antique Carousel
While the carousel itself is a draw, some carousels in North America still offer the chance to grab a brass ring as you pass by, a tradition that adds an extra element of fun and challenge. Though not explicitly mentioned for Carousel Gardens, the allure of winning a brass ring is a significant part of the carousel's historical appeal and a unique experience for visitors.
Navigating the Rides and Expectations
However, this 'vintage' aspect also contributes to the park's unique character. For younger children, the rides are often a source of immense joy, and parents can typically accompany them. The lack of long lines on certain days, like Sunday afternoons, can make for a relaxed experience where kids can hop from one ride to another without much waiting.
Carousel Gardens and City Park
The train ride within Carousel Gardens is particularly noted for offering a pleasant tour of a portion of City Park, providing a different perspective of the area's natural beauty and landmarks. This integration with City Park makes Carousel Gardens a destination that can easily be part of a larger day of exploration and family fun.
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