Ride The Painted Ponies

Children have loved carousels for as long as any of us can remember.  The brightly colored animals slowly spinning as they move up and down, and the unmistakable “merry-go-round” music mixed with the delighted squeals of little ones brings a smile to just about  everyone’s face.  San Diego is home to two of the most historic, and still operational, carousels around.  The Balboa Park Carousel, built in 1910, is adjacent to the San Diego Zoo.  All but two pair of the menagerie of animals are original with hand-carved European craftsmanship.  Also original are the hand-painted murals surrounding the upper portion of the carousel and the military band music.  The ride lasts five minutes and is one of the few in the world still offering the brass ring game for everyone.   Open daily throughout the summer, it is located at 2920 Zoo Drive in San Diego.  619-239-0512 www.balboapark.org  At the center of Seaport Village’s plaza is a beautiful antique wooden carousel hand-carved in 1895.  It includes 54 animals and two horse-drawn chariots and is only $2.00 per ride.  Seaport Village is located at 849 W. Harbor Drive in San Diego.  619-235-4014 www.seaportvillage.com