midway

Walk onto any midway and you will hear names like Tilt-A-Whirl, Zipper, and Scrambler shouted over the music. But if you have ever stood in line wondering what a ride actually does, you are not alone. This guide to carnival ride names explains the rides you are most likely to see at a county fair, how each one moves, and who will enjoy it most. If you are still deciding between gentle spins and big thrills, our comparison of thrill rides vs classic rides is a great companion read. Ride names can vary a little by manufacturer and by carnival company, but most portable rides fall into a few clear groups. We sort them by type so you can quickly spot what fits your family. Quick List of Popular Carnival Ride Names Ride Name Ride Type Thrill Level Good For Ferris Wheel Observation wheel Low All ages Carousel (Merry-Go-Round) Spinning platform Low Young kids and families Bumper Cars Driving ride Low to medium Kids and teens Tilt-A-Whirl Spinning flat ride Medium Older kids and adults Scrambler Spinning flat ride Medium Older kids and adults Swings (Wave Swinger) Swing ride Medium Kids tall enough and adults Pirate Ship Pendulum ride Medium to high Teens and adults Gravitron Spinning room Medium to high Teens and adults Zipper Flipping cage ride High Thrill seekers Drop Tower Free fall ride High Thrill seekers Fun House Walk-through attraction Low Kids and families Classic Family Carnival Rides Ferris Wheel The Ferris wheel is the symbol of the fair skyline. It was first built by George Ferris for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and you can read more about its story on the Ferris wheel history page. Riders sit in seats or gondolas that slowly rotate to the top for a view of the whole fairgrounds. It is calm, great for photos, and perfect at sunset. Carousel Also called the merry-go-round, the carousel spins slowly while horses or other animals move up and down. It is often the first ride small kids try, and many fairs still bring vintage-looking carousels with bright lights and organ music. Bumper Cars Riders drive small electric cars inside an enclosed floor and bump into each other. Bumper cars, sometimes called dodgems, are a hit with kids and parents who want to ride together. Fun House The fun house is a walk-through attraction with tilted floors, moving stairs, mirrors, and slides. It is a nice break from the spinning rides and lets kids burn off energy. Spinning [...]