A day of nostalgia and family fun for all ages can be found less than an hour’s drive from Buffalo, on the shores of Lake Ontario at Olcott Beach Carousel Park.
The volunteer-driven, vintage kiddie park features rides from the old Olcott amusement park open from the 1940s to 1990s, a Ferris wheel longtime Western New Yorkers may remember from the old Whistle Pig in Niagara Falls, a 1928 Hershell-Spillman carousel and a vintage arcade. The best part? Vintage prices to match. All rides are just 25 cents.
“Despite inflation and prices rising all around us, we keep our costs constant,” says Rosemary Sansone, president of Olcott Beach Carousel Park, Inc. “This is a place where people can bring their children and not have to worry about the cost. Kids can experience the whole park for $2. Families still have money to patronize our local ice cream shops, boutiques, gift shops and restaurants for a fun and affordable day out.”
The kiddie rides are for children 52 inches tall and under, though still plenty for older kids and parents to enjoy. People of all ages can ride the carousel and enjoy the old-fashioned arcade, which features a fortune teller, penny press, an old-fashioned digger machine for guests to dig for prize and more. There are also Skee-ball machines for those ages 8 and older.
This year, the park will also host movie nights with special hours of operation, including a July 16 showing of “The Miracle on 34th Street” to kick off its annual Christmas in July celebration.
“Christmas in July is one of our most popular events,” Sansone says. “Children even wear their Christmas outfits for their visit with Santa, who has little gifts for every young guest. We have photo ops set up throughout the park, Christmas music playing on our 1930s band organ and a special space for writing and mailing letters to Santa.”
The park relies on volunteers to run the ticket booth, staff arcade games and maintain the park, and Sansone says volunteers pride themselves on ensuring a clean, carefree environment. There are plenty of jobs to choose from and volunteers can work as many or as few days as they like. Those interested in volunteering can call 716-778-7066 to learn more.
In addition to the special events throughout the summer, fundraisers like the The Park After Dark allow the non-profit organization to keep prices low and open to all—and makes for a fun night of live entertainment and carnival games for adults.
“We’re very grateful for the support of our community,” Sansone says. “Olcott is such a beautiful place; with a revitalized Main Street, Krull Park, the beach, and our rides and amusements, it makes for a perfect day trip for families.”
Olcott Beach Carousel Park is open noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in June, and noon-6 p.m. Friday through Sunday from July 4 through Aug. 31. Last day of the season is Labor Day, Sept. 1 from noon-6 p.m.
Save the date
Fourth of July
JULY 3-4
The park will be open special hours July 3 and hold its annual patriotic kids parade at noon on July 4.
Janice Spagnola’s Extra Fun Balloon Stage Show
JULY 12 and 13, 2 P.M.
These live shows coincide with the Olcott Pirate Festival.
Christmas in July
JULY 18-21
Catch Santa and other fun surprises as he vacations in Olcott for the summer.
Puppet theater show
JULY 27, 3:30 P.M.
Omnipresent Puppet Theater will present “Hansel and Gretel” as part of Old Olcott Days.
The Park After Dark
AUG. 12, 6 P.M.
The annual fundraiser for the park, open to all adults 21 and older.
Community Day
AUG. 18, 12 P.M.
Celebrate the park’s 23nd season with special offerings, shows and attractions.
