Riding a carousel is easier than riding real horses, who cannot trot in a perfect circle unless they are first lectured on the concept of pi. Take a whirl away from math class with this Groupon.
Choose Between Two Options
- $20 for one-day unlimited rides passes for two people (a $44 value)
- $39 for one-day unlimited rides passes for four people (an $88 value)
Armbands grant visitors unlimited access to all of the park's rides and attractions, including a classic Ferris wheel and a swinging ship called the Sea Dragon. Guests may also visit the Sock Hop bouncing area as well as the Butterfly Pavilion, which features hundreds of specimens in virtually every stage of the metamorphosis process. Children under 42 inches tall will need an adult to accompany them on the carousel, and children under 48 inches tall will require accompaniment on the Ferris wheel, Balloon Race, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Scrambler.
Miracle Strip at Pier Park
Although true time travel is still a thing of science fiction, Teddy and Jenny Meeks have captured a similar sensation at Pier Park. In 2009, the couple purchased the 1964 Allan Herschell Carousel that had been an iconic attraction at the now-closed Miracle Strip Amusement Park. The 30 horses and two chariots were immediately swarmed with giddy riders—some children, and some adults who fondly remembered feeding the horses wooden apples at the carousel's former home. The spinning steeds so charmed the locals that Teddy and Jenny began a more comprehensive revival. They bought Miracle Strip's 1985 Balloon Race and 1952 Red Baron rides, and when they couldn't find the park's original 1975 Ferris wheel, they hunted for one of the same make and model.
The Big Eli wheel now awards its guests views over the Gulf of Mexico and several other classic rides, including a Tilt-a-Whirl and train cars that kids crank by hand. Flowers cloak hanging baskets, and topiaries mimicking animal figures accent sandy paths, adding to the venue's picturesque nostalgia. Teddy and Jenny have also installed a butterfly pavilion, about which Bay Life magazine reports that visitors can glimpse 700 flying specimens, hatching cocoons, and caterpillars drawing up blueprints for wings.