November 2019 — Botanica Wichita is preparing for opening night of Wichita’s largest holiday attraction, Illuminations. On November 29th,
guests will not only be able to stroll the gardens to enjoy over 2 million lights, but the newly restored Khicha Family Carousel will also be open for rides.
For Wichita natives, many remember the Joyland Carousel. After the amusement park closed its doors in 2014, Joyland co-owner Margaret Nelson Spear donated the carousel in hopes that it would be fully restored for other children to enjoy in the new Carousel Pavilion at Botanica.
It costs $3 to ride the carousel, and tokens can be purchased at the carousel pavilion. There are 36 horses and 2 chariots (that are handicap accessible), there is a Heated Pavilion, and tokens do not expire and can be used during future visits.
*There are limited rides for the Carousel during Illuminations. Botanica will do their best to accommodate all who want to ride the Carousel at Illuminations, but there is only time for 1,200 rides per night. So when there are more than 1,200 people in attendance, not all will be able to ride. But, the Carousel will also be open from 12-4 Monday through Saturday every day, starting Saturday, November 30th.
Hours
Standard Carousel Hours:
Monday-Saturday Noon-4pm
During Illuminations:
Sunday-Thursday 5:30-8:30pm
Friday-Saturday 5:30-9:30pm