A trip to the Merry Go Round is an old fashioned thrill for all ages. Los Angeles boasts five fanciful carousels to choose from. All are very inexpensive, and make an ideal destination for a family outing. Bring a picnic along and make an afternoon of your visit. Or just do a quick stop to break up a busy day.

My favorite carousel is the one at the Santa Monica Pier. Built in 1916, the carousel is adjacent to the amusement rides and the beach, making it an ideal stop to include in a day at the beach. It is also a great spot to hold a kids’ birthday party.

Located in Griffith Park not too far from Shane’s Inspiration Playground is a pretty Carousel that was built in 1926. It is open every weekend all year long and on all holidays. In the summer, they expand their hours and are open not only weekends, but also every weekday except Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 pm.

This ranks number three for me as, although it lacks a little charm as it is inside a bustling mall, this is a very elaborate two-tiered carousel. It is also conveniently located in a family friendly zone near Target, several children’s boutiques, and a kids’ play area. The cost is three dollars a ride, but accompanying adults ride free. It feels shiny and new and is worth a trip. The kids always want to go on the top level.

This small carousel is nestled outside between some shops and offices, but as it is the only Merry Go Round in the Valley can make a nice treat for some fun seeking children. This is open every day (except if it rains) and the price is $1.50.

South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is a huge mall, but it is at least light and airy. Their Merry Go Round is open during mall hours and is only a dollar a ride. For Easter they change out the horses for bunnies!