August might be the month when summer plans slow down as families start to prep for the school year, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Amusement rides are staples of summer and carousels are a classic example. Pony up to these five merry-go-rounds before they close for the season.
Lee District Park
The newest addition to the NoVA carousel family offers the most inclusive ride yet. Opened in July 2017, the carousel at Lee District Park has benches that move vertically to ensure children of all abilities get the full experience. The carousel includes traditional horses and animals native to the Chesapeake Bay. // 6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria; $2-$3; open daily until Sept. 3
Burke Lake Park
Head over to Burke Lake Park in Fairfax for a relaxing day, and take a ride on the colorful carousel. Children younger than 2 get to ride for free; parents who ride with their children need to buy a ticket. The carousel may have a vintage look, but it’s sure to provide plenty of fun for the kids. // 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station; $0-$3; open daily until Sept. 2
Frying Pan Farm Park
Gallop back in time to a century ago on the Frying Pan Farm Park carousel. It underwent an extensive restoration last year, and now the circa-1920s Hirschhorn carousel is back open and ready to go for a spin. // 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon; $2-$3; open daily through November
Lake Fairfax Park
Spend the day on a lake with a skate park, trails, campgrounds and, of course, a carousel. Go for a round of rides on the carousel at Lake Fairfax Park. Little ones will love going round and round on this small lakeside attraction. // Lake Fairfax Park: 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston; $2-$3; open daily until Sept. 2
The Carousel on the National Mall
Head into DC for one last summer hurrah and step right up to The Carousel on the National Mall. The large carousel—there are 60 horses total—is popular among tourists and locals alike taking a break from Smithsonian sightseeing. There are plenty of horses to choose from, but it’s the sea dragon that is always the first to be claimed. // 867-919 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC; $3.50
This post originally appeared in our August 2019 print issue. Want to stay up to date on all of the best places to visit this summer? Subscribe to our biweekly Things to Do Newsletter.
