The Balboa Park Carousel current hours are Sat. & Sun., 11am-5:30pm.
Closed for maintenance through May 9
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The Balboa Park Carousel is Available for Limited Private Use
If you are interested in renting the carousel for a party or commercial filming and/or photography, please contact us at info@balboapark.org or call the Balboa Park Visitors Center at 619-331-1112.
100 Years in Balboa Park
The Balboa Park carousel has brought joy to families and park visitors for 100 years. With many original features, the Balboa Park Carousel is one of just a few in the United States that operates how it did in 1910.
- Open weekends and school holidays
- Carousel Party Rentals
- Commercial Filming & Photography
- Menagerie Carousel
- Original Herschell-Spillman Co. Carousel
Hours
Saturdays, Sundays, & School Holidays
11AM-5:30PM
Holiday Hours: February 19, Presidents’ Day
Location
1889 Zoo Place,
San Diego, CA 92101
Mailing
1549 El Prado Ste. 1,
San Diego, 92101
Contact/Tickets
carousel@balboapark.org
(619) 239-0512 x8
Tickets
$4/ride or 4 for $14
A brief history of the Balboa Park Carousel
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1910
Carousel is built by Herschell-Spillman Co. in North Tonawanda, New York and placed in Luna Park, Los Angeles
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1913
Carousel moved to Coronado’s Tent City
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1922
Carousel moved to Balboa Park
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2021
The Carousel earns a Historical Resources Designation by The City of San Diego’s Historical Resources Board
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2022
The Balboa Park Carousel celebrates its 100th anniversary in Balboa Park
Carousel Fun Facts
Start the countdown
Balboa Park Carousel rides are timed the old-fashioned way with an egg timer that ensures each ride is 5 mins long.
Cue the music
The carousel music is played from its original military band organ. We still have 102 of the original music rolls that all play different tunes.
Off you go
The Balboa Park Carousel is powered by the original General Electric motor, installed in 1910 when the Carousel was built.
Hold on tight
The carousel spins at a top speed of 13 mph on the outside ring.
Try your luck
The Balboa Park Carousel is one of only 12 known remaining carousels in North America that operate a brass ring game.
