Flying Horses Carousel
33 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Capacity 20 children + adults | April, May, September, October
About
The Flying Horses Carousel is the nation’s oldest platform carousel. Since 1884, the Flying Horses Carousel has delighted visitors in the town of Oak Bluffs.
Constructed by Charles Dare of New York Carousel Manufacturing in 1876, it is one of only two Dare carousels that still exist. Originally operated as an attraction on Coney Island, it was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884 and includes stationary carved wooden horses with manes and tails of real horsehair and inset glass eyes. Each horse is brightly painted and fixed to the rotating platform by a metal post.
In the 1870s, when the Flying Horses Carousel was designed, summer recreation in America was expanding. At its peak, Coney Island, the most famous of the country’s amusement parks, had 25 carousels in operation – including the Flying Horses Carousel.
The carousel was acquired by Vineyard Preservation Trust in 1986 to prevent it from being dismantled and sold piecemeal to collectors of antique carved horses. The Trust undertook an extensive restoration of the Flying Horses, returning the carousel to its original appearance, complete with the historic panel paintings that were done by a Dare factory artist.
Rental
Rent the Flying Horses Carousel for your next special event!
Spring/Fall: April, May, September, and October
Summer: June, July
Time: Before 10 am or after open to the public hours
Kids Parties
- 2 Hours
- Twenty children (20) plus adults
- Guests are invited to bring in their favorite food and cakes.
Fee: $400: All-you-can-eat popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade, unlimited rides on the Carousel, and chances to grab a brass ring!
Fee: $600: All of the above plus four tokens per guest for arcade games.
Special Events & Weddings
- 2 Hours
- Up to Thirty (30) adults
- Space only, no carousel rides
- All-you-can-eat popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade. Guests are invited to bring in their favorite food and drinks*.
*a permit is required via the town of Oak Bluffs
Connect with this landmark
The Flying Horses Carousel is OPEN!
Summer Hours: 2022
May
Saturday & Sunday 11am-4:30pm
Memorial Day Weekend
Friday 4-9 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am-9pm
Monday (Memorial Day) 11am-4:30pm
Weekends in June
Fridays 4-8pm
Saturdays 10am-8pm
Sundays 11am-4:30pm
June 18-September 4th
Daily 10am-9pm
September 5th – October 10th
Holidays & Saturdays & Sundays: 11am – 4:30pm
Free Tours!
Monday-Friday
May 31st until October 7th open 11-2 for tours only – no horses – during the weekdays
Your purchase will directly support the work of Vineyard Preservation Trust and has an added bonus of supporting our thriving island community.
Oak Bluffs, MA