#81-Ride the Carousel at Hempstead Lake

Climb aboard one of the 36 beautiful horses housed in the Carousel Pavilion at Hempstead Lake State Park and as the whimsical music starts to play and your steed "jumps" into the air you'll immediately be transported back to a simpler time.

The historic wooden merry-go-round located at the north end of the park in West Hempstead, just off of the Southern State Parkway (Exit 18) dates back to 1916 but hasn't lost its charm. It was donated to Hempstead Lake by Philanthropist A. Hecksher in 1931 and restored in 2004-2005, but all but four of the horses are the original ones.

Local kids and adults can ride each for only $2 on weekends and holidays in the spring, summer and fall. (They are currently open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m., but all dates and times are posted here.) It's also a great place to host kids' parties since the facility is equipped with dining areas.

Stunning and entertaining, the carousel stands the test of time and certainly earned a place on our list of the Top 100 Things to do in Malverne-West Hempstead. Grab the family and take a spin on it this weekend and check back next week to see what other local attractions we recommend.