Animal Rides Happy Rides
Family of 4
$15-$30.
Duration
30-60 minutes
Best Ages
Best for ages 1-6
About
Animal Rides Happy Rides is the kind of attraction that's been a rite of passage for Portland toddlers at Lloyd Center mall — classic coin-operated animal and vehicle rides that deliver outsized joy for the 1-5 age bracket. If you've ever spent $4 in quarters watching a two-year-old ride a horse that bobs up and down with total delight, you understand the appeal.
Located inside Lloyd Center in Northeast Portland, this is a weather-proof activity that works equally well on a drizzly November Tuesday or a summer Saturday. Lloyd Center is a large indoor shopping mall, so you get the full benefits of climate control, food court access, and free mall parking.
This isn't a full indoor play facility — it's a mall ride attraction, which means visit duration is typically 30-60 minutes rather than a 2-3 hour play session. Think of it as part of a broader Lloyd Center outing rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with lunch at the food court and a toy store browse and you've got a solid toddler morning.
Bring change — traditional coin-operated rides take quarters. Some attractions have switched to card readers, but coming prepared with coins ensures you're not caught short. Call ahead or check current Lloyd Center hours for this specific attraction before making a special trip.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings when the mall is less crowded
Wait Times
Usually minimal; may get busy on weekend afternoons
Nearby Food
Lloyd Center mall has a full food court with multiple options. The Hollywood and NE Portland neighborhoods surrounding Lloyd Center have excellent local dining within a 5-minute drive.
Why Kids Love It
Animal Rides Happy Rides is the classic mall ride attraction at Lloyd Center — the kind of coin-operated animal and vehicle rides that have kept toddlers and young kids entertained for decades. Kids who are 1-5 years old have an outsized reaction to sitting on a horse, car, or character that bobs and moves, and this delivers that simple joy. Inside Lloyd Center mall means fully weather-protected and accessible year-round.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Lloyd Center is a large indoor mall — this attraction is inside the mall itself, not a separate venue
- Bring quarters or check if they've switched to card-based systems
- Combine with a mall food court lunch for a convenient full outing
- The toy store component means kids will want to browse — budget time and energy for that
- Verify current operating status — mall attractions can change; check Lloyd Center's website
What to Bring
- Coins or small bills
- Patience for the 'one more ride' negotiation
- Snacks if not using food court
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$15-$30.
Coin-operated animal rides are typically $1-3 per ride.
Adults free.
Tips to Save
- Bring coins or small bills — animal rides are typically coin-operated.
- Lloyd Center has free parking in the garage.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Saturday
- 10AM-8PM
