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.

Vineyard Preservation Trust acquired the carousel 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

Flying Horses Carousel is available to rent for special events for kids-of-all ages and adults!

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: $500: 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*.

Fee: Contact us to inquire

*a permit is required via the town of Oak Bluffs

Book your event here

 

Connect with this landmark

2023 HOURS

 

  • SPRING

April 8, 2023Opening day!

Saturday – Easter Sunday 11 am – 4:30 pm

April 15 – May 20, 2023  

Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 4:30 pm

Memorial day weekend 

Friday 4-10 pm

Saturday 10 am – 9:00 pm

Sunday 10 am – 9:00 pm

Monday 11 am – 4:30 pm

 

  • FREE TOURS

May 31st until June 17th

Monday-Friday only (no weekends)

Come learn about the Carousel! Take a tour of the property with our educator Lee Benjamin!

Note: the carousel will not be open for rides at this time

 

  • LATE SPRING: starting June 3rd

Friday  4pm – 8pm

Saturday 10am – 8pm

Sunday 11:00-4:30 

 

  • SUMMER HOURS

June, July and August

7 days a week!

10 am – 8 pm

 

 

 

 

This landmark is located at:
33 Lake Avenue
Oak Bluffs, MA
Public street parking