Where to take carousel-obsessed toddler?

I have a carousel- (and train-)obsessed toddler. So I'm looking for places to take her on carousel rides, that preferably won't break the bank. Currently not a zoo member, so that's not such a good option. But most other places seem to charge $2 a pop, and to charge for the adult who accompanies the child on the carousel -- that adds up quickly! Anyone know of good, less-expensive carousels? What about Fairyland? I read something online about there being long lines for rides there, and also that adults are not allowed at all on the rides. If one or both of these apply to the carousel(s) at Fairyland, then it wouldn't be a good option for us. But otherwise, I thought it might be worth a shot, perhaps on a weekday? Any other thoughts on carousel options also welcome, including ideas for where there are playgrounds with playground-type carousels/merrygorounds. Any of those in the East Bay? -round and round and broke!

Fairyland also has a little train - sometimes a longer line to get on, and the views from the train are pretty unspectacular, but my kid loves it anyway. Good luck! Mom of a toddler

East Bay: Tilden Park (my favorite! I face paint up there sometimes too); Oakland Zoo; Kennedy Park in Hayward; Pixieland in Concord.

San Francisco: Zeum; Golden Gate Park/Sharon Meadows; SF Zoo; Also ask about buying multiple tix in advance; some carousels may offer a little discount that way.

Note: I've never worked for the Oakland zoo, but membership is fab for young families! If you can't afford one, ask family to pool their resources and get you a year's membership as a holiday present. It includes several ride tix, guest passes, and FREE PARKING. The love of carousels may wax and wane, but there's so much to learn and do up at the zoo - visit animals, ride the little train, Zoo Lights, bring a friend along with your membership pass - plus that nice walk up and down hills that makes for a long, peaceful night of sleep

Another important aspect is that Oakland Zoo has a reciprocal membership program with many other institutions and activities. http://www.oaklandzoo.org/site/support-the-zoo/membership/membership-benefits Alana Dill, Face Painter

And of course the carousel in Tilden http://www.tildenmgr.com/

where to find small coin-op car or carousel ride?

My 2 year old is a merry-go-round nut. Going to tilden or the zoo isn't always doable and after seeing a video of a friend she's longing for a spin on one of those tiny coin-op merry-go- round or car rides that seemed ubiquitous in my youth- you know outside supermarkets and the like. Anyone have one they frequent? dp