Willowbrook Park and Carousel for All Children
A beloved Staten Island gem featuring a charming carousel and serene park with a lake and woodlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more carousel rides!
Willowbrook Park and Carousel for All Children
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more carousel rides!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Staten Island gem featuring a charming carousel and serene park with a lake and woodlands.
"A treasure to have this carousel right here on Staten Island!"
🎟️ Carousel Ride Vouchers
Consider multi-ride vouchers for savings if you visit often or have multiple kids.
🍦 Ice Cream & Souvenirs
Bring cash for the souvenir stand and ice cream. Napkins/wipes are a good idea!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Carousel for All Children
Willowbrook Park
A charming, old-school carousel with beautifully decorated animals and Staten Island landmarks. Parents ride free with kids!
Willowbrook Park Lake
Willowbrook Park
A serene 5-acre lake perfect for peaceful strolls and bird-watching. No swimming allowed, but fishing permits are available.
Woodland Trails
Willowbrook Park
Explore lush woodlands with scenic walking paths, offering a natural escape within the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Carousel Fun & Park Strolls
Party Planning & Playground Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Carousel Ride Vouchers
Consider multi-ride vouchers for savings if you visit often or have multiple kids.
🍦 Ice Cream & Souvenirs
Bring cash for the souvenir stand and ice cream. Napkins/wipes are a good idea!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Carousel parking is limited. If full, try the picnic side parking lot.
👟 Playground Alert
The playground is rundown. Manage expectations or plan for other activities. +1
Toddler friendly recommendations for NY
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Carousel Ride Vouchers
Consider multi-ride vouchers for savings if you visit often or have multiple kids.
🍦 Ice Cream & Souvenirs
Bring cash for the souvenir stand and ice cream. Napkins/wipes are a good idea!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Carousel parking is limited. If full, try the picnic side parking lot.
👟 Playground Alert
The playground is rundown. Manage expectations or plan for other activities. +1
📸 Event Day Fun
Check for special events; celebrities like Mos Def's mom have appeared!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the charming Carousel for All Children as a delightful spot for families and parties, with helpful staff. The park's lake and woodlands offer pleasant natural scenery. However, the playground is noted as rundown, and some find the carousel prices have become quite high.
"Had our daughter’s first birthday party here and had a wonderful experience! It’s a very sweet and easy party location and the kids loved being able to ride the carousel 100 times.
Dora was helpful and patient with booking and planning and Jamie and her team were so helpful on site the day of the party. Absolutely recommend!"
Brittany Tori
"What a treasure to have this carousel right here on Staten Island. The staff was so excited to see my 20 year old Multiple Ride Voucher (and yes, still good!). It was a $20 value for 20 rides back then, the current price is $50, it's a good deal if you have a few kids or visit the park frequently.
On that note...sad to say the adjoining playground is awefully rundown (maybe I'll do a separate review). Willowbrook Park is still nice for a stroll around the pond (or is it a lake..no swimming! And fishing requires a permit).
Back to the carousel....the ride is beautifully decorated with Staten Island landmarks and ride-on animals (both static and moving animals are available). The "ride-ons" include the traditional horses, wild animals, and a few fantasy creatures. If climbing is an issue there's an accommodating sit down feature with benches (not saddles).
Fair warning; there is a souvenir stand and ice cream treats freezer on the site. So if you have a child who "has to have or else" bring some extra cash (and napkins or wipes). Free baby tip: we brought a baby spoon from home (for the ice cream, and they don't have cups! On a stick variety or the sandwich kind) because I didn't wan't to use a plastic spoon (if they had?), sometimes those have sharp edges.
Parking near the carousel is limited. If the lot is full, drive past the carousel to the picnic side parking.
Anyway...go and enjoy!
(Look for the old ticket vouchers on display inside the ticket booth)"
Mark Zimmerman
"I have been bringing my family here for years it has always been our favourite park in our neighbourhood. But the increased prices is becoming ridiculous, they raised the prices for everything. Small ice creams go for $4-$5. I do understand inflation and everything , but this is more of robbery of the people who have loved this place. Very unfortunate."
Lucky Man
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Willowbrook Park is accessible by car and public transportation. Several bus routes serve the area. Parking is available, though it can be limited near the carousel itself.
The park has walking paths around the lake and through woodlands. While the carousel area is generally accessible, the playground is noted as rundown. +1
Public buses are a primary option. For more flexibility, consider ride-sharing services or driving if you have a car.
While Willowbrook Park is a destination in itself, you might explore other Staten Island green spaces or the nearby Urban Zone adventure park.
Staten Island offers a mix of green spaces and urban areas. It's often seen as a quieter borough with family-friendly attractions like this park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ride prices have increased, with a current multi-ride voucher costing $50 for 20 rides. Older vouchers may still be honored.
Multi-ride vouchers offer a better per-ride price. Parents ride free with their children. +1
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day. It's best to check the official park schedule or call ahead, especially for specific event days.
Yes, the carousel is a popular spot for birthday parties. Staff like Dora and Jamie are noted for being helpful with planning and on-site management. +1
Willowbrook Park is a public park and generally free to enter. Fees typically apply only to specific attractions like the carousel rides or special events.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The carousel features traditional horses, wild animals, and fantasy creatures, with both static and moving ride-on options. It's beautifully decorated with Staten Island landmarks.
Reviews suggest the playground is rundown and lacks swings, so it may not be ideal for toddlers or young children. +1
There's a souvenir stand and ice cream freezer on-site, but prices can be high. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea.
Yes, fishing is permitted in the lake, but you will need a permit. Swimming is not allowed.
The carousel is the main draw for young children. While there are picnic areas, the playground is a drawback. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The carousel itself, with its unique decorations and animals, makes for vibrant photos. The lake and woodland trails offer scenic backdrops.
Yes, special events can offer unique photo opportunities, especially with live performances or celebrity appearances.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of others and avoid intrusive photography, especially during private events.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting, avoiding harsh midday sun. Weekdays will also mean fewer people in your shots.
Absolutely! The carousel is a perfect place to capture joyful moments of children enjoying the ride. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
However, be aware that the playground facilities are outdated and may not meet expectations for modern play equipment. While the park offers a lake and walking trails, the carousel experience is the primary draw for toddlers and preschoolers. Bringing snacks and drinks is recommended, as on-site options can be pricey.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
To save money, consider packing your own picnic and snacks. While there are on-site vendors for ice cream and souvenirs, these can be expensive. Focus on enjoying the park's natural beauty and the carousel experience to maximize your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Carousel for All Children
This carousel is also a popular venue for birthday parties, with staff like Dora and Jamie receiving praise for their helpfulness and organization. While the ride itself is a cherished attraction, it's worth noting that the adjacent playground has been described as rundown and in need of an upgrade.
Despite the playground's condition, the carousel remains a beloved spot. The multi-ride voucher system offers a more economical option for frequent visitors or larger families, though prices have seen an increase over the years.
Exploring Willowbrook Park's Natural Beauty
The park is also characterized by its lush woodlands, crisscrossed with walking trails. These paths provide opportunities for gentle hikes and a chance to immerse oneself in nature. It's a place where families can enjoy picnics, explore the outdoors, and appreciate the natural landscape.
While the park offers a serene environment, it's important to be aware of the condition of its amenities. The playground has been a point of concern for some visitors, but the natural beauty of the lake and trails continues to draw people seeking a peaceful outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit