Creativity Carousel

HOURS:
Every day, 10am – 5pm (last ride at 4:55pm)
$4 per rider, $3 with paid museum admission

A Historic Treasure

The Children’s Creativity Carousel was built in 1906 by Charles Looff. For over 50 years it was a main attraction at the famed San Francisco amusement park, Playland-at-the-Beach. The Carousel was restored and installed at Children’s Creativity Museum in 1998 and once again provides a fun and exciting ride for all ages. Click here to see photos.

History of the Children’s Creativity Carousel

  • 1906 Constructed in Rhode Island by renowned designer and craftsman Charles I.D. Looff. Could not be installed in San Francisco as planned due to earthquake and fire. 1907 Installed at Luna Park, Seattle
  • 1913 Moved to San Francisco’s oceanside amusement park, Playland-at-the-Beach
  • 1972 Playland-at-the-Beach closes. Carousel purchased by private collector and put into storage in New Mexico
  • 1983 Moved to Shoreline Village, Long Beach, CA
  • 1998 Purchased by the City of San Francisco, fully restored, and opened in its current location at Children’s Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum) in Yerba Buena Gardens

  • Hours

    Wed-Sun 10am to 4pm