Kiddie Ferris Wheels in Hersheypark

Between 1926 and 1983, Hersheypark operated three different kiddie Ferris wheels.

1926 Kiddie Ferris Wheel

Did you know that Hersheypark installed its first two kiddie rides in 1926? One of the two was a kiddie Ferris wheel, installed 24 years before the first full sized Ferris wheels were installed in Comet Hollow.

This kiddie Ferris wheel was manufactured by W.F. Mangels Company. The ride was placed in what would become the Kiddieland section of the park 23 years later. It was located where Simply Chocolate (a food stand) is located adjacent to Fender Bender, today.

1930 - Aeroplane Swing and 1926 Ferris Wheel — 1926 Kiddie Ferris Wheel is seen to the left. Postcard circa 1929.

1959 Kiddie Ferris Wheel

In 1959, Hersheypark added a second kiddie Ferris wheel. This was placed in the Kiddieland section of the park in front of where the Craftbarn – now called 1906 Grill – is in the park today. Very few pictures of the ride exist, and one picture is featured below.

This second kiddie Ferris wheel, though not placed next to the original, matched the park having two full-sized versions, the Twin Ferris Wheels.

*This kiddie Ferris wheel was likely manufactured by Pinto Brothers. Image is from 1963.*

However, following the 1960 season, Hersheypark retired both the Airplane Swing and the 1926 Kiddie Ferris Wheel. The kiddie wheel was replaced by the Bizzy Bees, which is still operating in Hersheypark today (making it one of the oldest rides in Hersheypark). The 1959 Kiddie Ferris Wheel remained in operation through the 1971 season. It was one of several kiddie rides scrapped when Der Deitschplatz was built for the 1972 season.

Little Wheel

When Hersheypark held its first Candylane event in 1983, the park rented an Eli Bridge kiddie Ferris wheel called Little Wheel. They only rented the ride for the 1983 Christmas Candylane.