A short stroll along the promenade takes you to the Amusement Center. This quiet area features an outdoor roller skating rink, where kids can go around and around on their tricycles or roller blades while parents watch from the benches surrounding the circular path. There is also a nice playground area, featuring swings, slides, and all of the usual park equipment kids love. A small splash fountain is also here, so kids can cool off after playing in the hot sun. Best of all is a restored carousel, where children can ride one of many beautifully-painted horses.
This carousel was built in 1949 and brought joy to the children who came to the Crandon Park Zoo. When the zoo moved away in 1981, the carousel and roller rink were locked down. Luckily, they were restored and re-opened in 1998, for children to continue enjoying today. This is one of very few carousels in Miami, so it is a real treat! The carousel is open only on weekends and holidays only, 10:30 am to 5 pm. The cost is $1 for 3 rides.
Around the amusement area, you will find several concession stands selling hot dogs, pizza, arepas, chicken fingers, Cuban sandwiches, ice cream, chips, sodas, and even flip-flops, cameras, sunscreen and souvenirs.
