The present-day carousel is actually the fourth one occupying this space in Central Park. The very first one was installed there in 1871 and the following two were both destroyed by fire.
There are 57 painted horses and two chariots on the carousel and it brings joy to children every day of the week (opening hours depend partially on the weather).
The carousel is a part of the Central Park scenery and you may remember it from numerous films or TV series (e.g. How I Met Your Mother). It is definitely a place worth visiting even if you do not plan to take a ride.