How much does Jane's Carousel cost?

$2 per ride, cash only. Children under the age of 3 must ride in the chariot with an accompanying adult (both need tickets).

What days is Jane's Carousel open?

Wednesday through Sunday, typically 11 AM to 7 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours may vary seasonally and in bad weather — check the website.

Is Jane's Carousel good for toddlers?

Yes — the two chariots are designed for small children who can't sit on the horses alone. Toddlers love the chariots, and the ride is gentle.

How do you get to Jane's Carousel?

The F train to York Street or the A/C to High Street are the closest subway stops. It's also a short walk from the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Jane's Carousel

Name: Jane's Carousel
Address: Old Dock Street, Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City, NY, 11201, US
Telephone: (718) 222-2502
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(5,600)

Family of 4

$8 (4 rides at $2 each)

Duration

30-45 minutes

Best Ages

2-8

About

Jane's Carousel is one of those NYC experiences that sounds too good to be true: a beautifully restored 1922 carousel in a glass-walled pavilion designed by a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, sitting on the DUMBO waterfront with the Brooklyn Bridge looming overhead, for $2 a ride. It's real, and it's as charming as it sounds.

The carousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1922 and originally operated at Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio. After decades of disuse, it was purchased by artist Jane Walentas and her husband David in 1984 and meticulously restored over 25 years. The 48 horses and two chariots were stripped, repaired, and repainted to their original glory.

The restoration alone cost over $9 million.

The Jean Nouvel-designed pavilion that houses the carousel is a transparent jewel box of glass and steel. During the day, it frames the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. At night, it glows like a lantern on the waterfront. The effect is genuinely beautiful — this is not a typical kiddie ride.

For families, the logistics are simple: walk to DUMBO, buy a ride for $2 cash, enjoy 3 minutes of carousel bliss, then wander the waterfront. Combine with a visit to Jacques Torres for chocolate, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or explore the cobblestone streets of DUMBO. It's a low-cost, low-stress activity that punches well above its weight.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons; weekends get busy but lines move fast

Wait Times

5-15 minutes on weekends, near zero on weekdays

Nearby Food

["Jacques Torres Chocolate (2 blocks, hot chocolate that fixes everything)","Juliana's Pizza (3 blocks, widely considered the best pizza in DUMBO)","Time Out Market DUMBO (5 min walk, multiple food options under one roof)"]

Why Kids Love It

Jane's Carousel is a fully restored 1922 carousel housed in a stunning Jean Nouvel-designed glass pavilion on the DUMBO waterfront. It sounds fancy, but what kids see is: big colorful horses going up and down with the Brooklyn Bridge right outside the window. The combination of the vintage carousel, the glowing glass box, and the waterfront setting makes it feel magical.

The carousel has 48 intricately carved horses and two chariots (perfect for toddlers who can't hold on to a horse yet). The restoration is museum-quality — these horses were hand-carved in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Each ride is about 3 minutes, and at $2, it's one of the cheapest thrills in New York.

The pavilion itself is photogenic to an almost absurd degree. At night, the glass walls glow and reflect the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Even if your kids are too old or too young for the carousel, walking here at sunset is worth the trip.

Pro Tips from Parents

Cash only — $2 per ride, no exceptions. The nearest ATM is on Front Street
The chariots are first-come-first-served and fill up fast; line up early in the queue if you need one for a toddler
Visit at sunset for the most spectacular photos through the glass walls
Combine with a DUMBO walk: Jacques Torres chocolate shop is 2 blocks away
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays — check the website for holiday schedules and weather closures

What to Bring

Cash (singles preferred)
Camera
A jacket in winter (the glass pavilion can be chilly)

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$8 (4 rides at $2 each)

Tips to Save

["$2 per ride is already one of the best deals in NYC","Cash only — bring singles","No need to ride more than twice; combine with the free waterfront walk"]