Right in the heart of downtown Boston, the Greenway Carousel spins with creatures you won’t find anywhere else — lobsters, foxes, grasshoppers, falcons, butterflies, and more. It’s one of The Greenway’s most beloved attractions and a joyful stop for kids, families, and anyone who believes you’re never too old for some child-like fun.

More than just a ride, the Greenway Carousel is a reflection of the park itself: community-powered, locally inspired, and designed so everyone can enjoy the magic.

A Carousel Designed by the Community

The Greenway Carousel began with a simple, generous vision: create something lasting and joyful for Boston’s children. A lead gift from Amalie Kass helped bring the idea to life, and from the start, community voices helped shape what it would become.

In 2010 and 2011, The Greenway hosted community meetings and design sessions to gather ideas, and at the suggestion of the donor’s grandson, decided to work with the audience who would be using the Carousel every single day – local kids. Through children’s design workshops, young Bostonians shared drawings and ideas that would go on to influence the look and feel of the carousel.

Instead of traditional carousel horses, the community chose to feature local New England animals – from sea creatures to native pollinators and more. 

 

Original drawings from children’s workshops

Characters from  the Shawmut Peninsula

When construction began in 2013, Carousel & Carvings built the structure while artist Jeffrey Briggs brought the carousel’s characters to life. Using the children’s drawings and ideas as inspiration, Briggs created rideable figures based on animals native to the Shawmut Peninsula and New England region.

Today, riders can choose between 36 characters, whether it be hopping on a lobster, gliding on a peregrine falcon, or climbing aboard a grasshopper. Even the Sea Serpent gondola has local roots, inspired by historical reports of giant oarfish sightings in Gloucester Harbor in the 1800s.

The result is a carousel that feels unique and special to Boston. The Carousel is playful, educational, and tied to the surrounding environment. 

Jeffrey Briggs working in his studio

Built for Everyone to Ride

From the beginning stages of the Carousel’s design, accessibility was a core priority. The Carousel was designed using universal design principles in partnership with the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD), going beyond basic wheelchair access to support riders with a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive needs.

These details make all the difference. One rabbit figure remains stationary rather than moving up and down. Some creatures feature varied textures for riders who prefer more tactile surfaces. The loading area and ride experience were designed to be welcoming and comfortable for as many people as possible, including a wheelchair access ramp. Here at The Greenway, accessibility is not only valued but also celebrated as something that helps families, friends, and communities come together

A Greenway Classic, Year After Year

Since its opening, the Greenway Carousel has welcomed hundreds of thousands of riders and typically spins through more than 80,000 rides each year. It has become a tradition for many families on their trips into the city, and is now a key stop along our Playway! In the area, you can also visit the New England Aquarium, spend time in Faneuil Hall, and walk a few blocks down to the Children’s Museum.

Caring for the Creatures

Keeping the Carousel looking its best takes ongoing care. Each year, the creatures receive touch-ups to maintain their color and character. Periodically, they also undergo more extensive restoration work to ensure their safety and quality. 

In 2022, Adirondack Studios carefully removed and restored all carousel figures using media blasting to return them to their original detail and finish. Three lobster figures that had sustained structural damage were fully recreated.

Behind the scenes, our Maintenance team continues to invest in the Carousel’s home at the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grove by improving drainage, refreshing surrounding surfaces, and protecting the structure from the elements. In 2025, we installed a brand new tent top for the Carousel!

Plan Your Ride

Whether it’s your first spin or your fiftieth, the Greenway Carousel is ready to welcome you. Operating from about March – December each year, you can visit our website to see hours, ticket information, and seasonal updates before your visit. We hope to see you soon! 

Thank You to Our Supporters

The Greenway Carousel at the Tiffany & Co. Grove was made possible by a lead gift from Amalie Kass and additional support from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, Mabel Louise Riley Foundation, Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund, Marketplace Center/Clarendon Group USA, Citizens, John W. Alden Trust, Boston Harbor Alliance, Maggie and Jim Hunt, Steven and Christine Manfredi, and the Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation.

Their support helps keep this one-of-a-kind Boston ride spinning for all.