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.
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
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*.
*a permit is required via the town of Oak Bluffs
Connect with this landmark
2023 HOURS
- SPRING
April 8, 2023– Opening 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
Oak Bluffs, MA