Kansas City Carousel Guide
It’s always a challenge to dream up new and exciting activities to keep your children occupied during the summer months off of school. So why not create a mini-holiday and celebrate something seemingly small that makes huge heaps of fun? July 25 is Merry-Go-Round day. Gather up the kids and make your way over to one of Kansas City’s carousels for a whirling good time.
The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth is the ultimate stop for the merry-go-round celebration. The museum is a monument to all things carousel from a 1913 carousel to the tiniest of peanut box versions. This is the perfect spot to take in more than just a ride and have fun while learning history all in one day. www.FirstCityMuseums.org, 320 S. Esplanade in Leavenworth
When one spin on the merry-go-round isn’t enough to entertain your kiddie crew, stop by the Kansas City Zoo where your group can ride the Endangered Species Carousel in between visits to your favorite live animals. www.KansasCityZoo.org, Zoo Drive in Kansas City, Mo.
Take in a Royals game and bring your kids over to the Royals carousel at the newly renovated Kauffmann Stadium where you can ride on a baseball bat or a bald eagle while singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and cheering on your favorite team. www.Royals.mlb.com, 1 Royal Way in Kansas City, Mo.
Zonkers Family Entertainment Center is full of fun and games to keep you busy all day. But don’t forget to take a load off after ski ball on the center’s Venetian Carousel. The arcade games are a great way to keep older children busy while youngsters enjoy the smooth ride on the horse of their choosing. www.Zonkers.com, 20070 W 151st St in Olathe
Taking a large group for the ride? The Independence Center’s double decker carousel is the perfect place to pack them all in or give braver children a bit of a thrill on the top level. Simon.com, 2035 Independence Center Drive in Independence
Squeeze in some early back-to-school shopping and take a break for a ride on the carousel at the Oak Park Mall. The mall features plenty of stores for you to enjoy as well as tons of children’s places so make it an all day trip. www.TheNewOakParkMall.com, 11149 W 95th St in Overland Park