Amusement rides, sometimes called carnival rides, are mechanical devices or structures that move people to create enjoyment.
- Flat Rides
- These are rides that move passengers parallel to the ground, such as carousels, twists, and bumper cars.
- Simulator Rides
- The audience is shown a movie while their seats move to correspond to the on-screen action.
Origin and Evolution
After the Exposition, the term midway came into use as a common noun to refer to the area for amusements at different events. The Ferris wheel made its debut in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition, while the first dark ride appeared in 1835 at Coney Island, New York.
Age-Appropriate Rides
Kids aged 3–10 months can enjoy slides and various rides with their parents. Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts 18 coasters, including the Green Lantern.
Swing Ride and Park Preferences
The swing ride features seats suspended from a rotating carousel top. Larger amusement parks offer a wide variety of rides for tourists, from small kids’ rides to large thrill rides.
Planning a Park Visit
While not every park will have every type of ride, guests can plan a great visit by choosing parks with rides they are interested in.