Riverside Park Carousel
Historic 1919 carousel with seasonal rides in Guelph
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
1–2 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
Best on dry days; closed in rain or high wind
Stroller Access
Yes, step-free park paths
Washrooms
Park washrooms nearby
Food
Concession stand on-site
Parking
Free park parking
Booking
Not needed for regular rides
Parent Effort
Low (supervise from side)
A charming, budget-friendly outing that pairs a century-old carousel with a spacious city park. It is an easy win for families with young children who love classic rides and playground energy.
About This Place
Riverside Park Carousel in Guelph is a wonderful attraction for families, offering a glimpse into history with its beautifully restored 1919 carousel. The carousel operates seasonally and provides joy to children and parents alike. With affordable rides priced at $2.65 plus HST and season passes at $23.43, it's both an enjoyable and economical choice for a day out. The park also features lovely picnic areas, and though the Riverside Express train is temporarily out of service for conversion to electric, the park continues to be a vibrant location for outdoor fun and special private bookings available upon request.
Official Website open_in_new- Friday – Sunday
- 12:00 – 19:30
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Historic carousel fun
Ride beautifully restored animals on a 1919 carousel that has delighted generations.
Affordable pricing
Single rides and season passes are inexpensive, and chaperones ride free.
Park amenities
Enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and a concession stand in a large green space.
Seasonal atmosphere
Open late spring through Thanksgiving, making it a sunny-day tradition.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Chaperone policy
- Children under 5 must be accompanied by a chaperone aged 14+; chaperones ride free.
- Ride rules
- One child per animal; no laps, food, drinks, pets, or smoking on the rides.
- Weather closures
- Rides close during rain or severe wind for safety.
- Payment methods
- Cash, credit, or debit accepted at the Riverside Park Concession.
- Private bookings
- Available outside regular hours via facilitybooking@guelph.ca.
- Train status
- The Riverside Express miniature train is out of service for 2026.
Kid Fit by Age
Must sit upright and hold on unassisted; under-5s need a chaperone.
Perfect age for a first carousel experience with a chaperone alongside.
Love choosing an animal and waving to parents as they ride.
Still enjoy the ride, plus the park’s playgrounds and open space.
May prefer the park’s sports areas and walking trails over the carousel.
Too tame; better suited as a nostalgic photo stop than a main activity.
Insider Tips
Arrive right at opening (12 p.m.) to beat the weekend queue and secure favourite animals.
Combine your visit with the park’s playground and picnic areas for a full afternoon.
Buy a season pass early if you plan to visit more than eight times over the summer.
- •Children must remain seated and hold on while the ride is moving.
- •Wait for the carousel to come to a complete stop before stepping off.
- •Children not following safety rules will be asked to leave the ride.
- •Step-free access to the carousel platform and surrounding park paths.
- •Service animals are permitted on the ride area.
- •Park washrooms and concession stand are nearby; check City of Guelph site for accessible facilities.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons in early June or September tend to be quieter. Weekends and holiday Mondays (Victoria Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving) are busier but still manageable.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxSunscreen and hats for the open queue area
- check_boxCash or card for tickets and snacks
- check_boxA light jacket for breezy autumn afternoons
- check_boxCamera for classic carousel photos
Location
Address
Guelph, ON N1H 1G9, Canada
Phone
+15198221260
