Beat the Heat and Have a Whirlin’ Good Time at the Carousel Museum in Connecticut

Summer fun means barbecues, boating, and spending lots of time at the beach. But sometimes summer weather does not always work in our favor, a fact that New Englanders know all too well. Fortunately, there are still lots of family-friendly activities that are perfect for days when the temperature gets too steamy or when the rain drives us inside. If you're looking for some indoor fun this season, I suggest heading to Bristol, Connecticut, and checking out The Carousel Museum.

A ride on an old-fashioned merry-go-round always brings back cherished memories of summer vacations with my family. But what could be better than a carousel ride? How about a carousel ride and a whole museum of vintage horses to go with it? This is exactly what you can experience at this hidden gem in Bristol. The Carousel Museum is a non-profit organization run by dedicated staff and volunteers who strive to preserve and restore carousel artifacts.

When you embark on a tour of The Carousel Museum, you will be able to experience a century of amusement history. As you observe all of this incredible memorabilia, you will feel like you are travelling back in time. View hand-carved horses and other animals, carousel art, and antique carousel instruments from around the world. There is also a restoration area, where you may be able to view some merry-go-round pieces that are being worked on. But the best part of the experience is taking a spin on the Venetian indoor carousel. The ride is included in the price of the tour and is the perfect size for the little ones to enjoy.   

And if you think that the fun stops once you leave the museum, you are mistaken. Your admission price also includes entrance to the Museum of Fire History (located within the same building), where you can view some antique fire equipment and learn about the evolution of firefighting throughout the years. A room full of model firetrucks of all sizes is always a highlight.

The Carousel Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. It is a great place to meet up with friends or to visit with extended family. There is even a special package that grandparents can take advantage of when visiting with their grandchildren. 

And if you just can’t get enough of merry-go-rounds, the museum is the perfect place to host your next birthday party or shower. Several weddings have even taken place here. The museum is also a very special spot for proposals. 

Have you visited the Carousel Museum? If so, please tell us all about your experience. You can find out more information about this family-friendly attraction at The Carousel Museum website and The Carousel Museum Facebook page. 

Are you looking for even more summer fun? If so, be sure to check out these other local Bristol attractions. You can also find another fantastic local merry-go-round at the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury, Connecticut. For even more nostalgia, travel to neighboring Massachusetts and take a spin on one of these eight fun carousels.