The Carousel.
Home Experiences Exhibits Carousel Wishes and Dreams

Carousel Wishes and Dreams

Admission
Dates
Permanent

Step inside the ultimate toybox—the perfect place for the whole family to play together! Bring your imagination and a sense of adventure and get ready for a fun-filled ride in Carousel Wishes and Dreams

  • Ride the Carousel—a National Historic Landmark 
  • Explore a maze mirror with optical illusions galore
  • Climb a treehouse 
  • Serve pretend-play sweet treats in a retro ice cream parlor 
  • Play vintage games you remember from childhood 

Carousel rides are free for member children and children under age 2; nonmember cost is $2 per ride per child. The $2 fee per child rider helps fund ongoing care and maintenance of the Carousel. Accompanying adults are free of charge. 

Riding of Carousel animals is limited to children 17 and under only. Adults are still welcome to sit on the benches or stand beside their child at no cost but are not permitted to ride on the animals. 

Accommodations can be made for visitors with disabilities who wish to ride the Carousel. It is accessible for our visitors who use wheelchairs.

Smiling child on Carousel horse.
Family riding the Carousel.
A Historic Landmark

History of the Carousel

Our Carousel’s Indiana roots date back more than a century. Its original home was White City Amusement Park, later named Broad Ripple Park, where for years after it opened in 1917, only White families were allowed to ride. The carousel left the park in 1956 and reopened in 1976 at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, where all families are welcome to ride. It’s been a guest favorite ever since!

Read All About It

Sensory information

Get ready for your visit by reviewing the sights and sounds you'll experience in Carousel Wishes and Dreams.

Loud Noises
Bright Light
Movement Opportunity
Tactile Opportunity
Please Note

Accommodations can be made for visitors with disabilities who wish to ride the Carousel. It is accessible for our visitors who use wheelchairs.

today at the museum