A carousel - or carousel is an entertainment activity consisting of a rotating circular platform and a rider's seat. Traditionally, "seats" are installed on columns in the form of rows of Trojans or other animals, many of which move up and down through gears to simulate dancing, and are accompanied by cycles of circus music. This led to another American name, Gallup. Other popular names are jumpers, horseback riding and Pegasus.

Carousels are usually full of horses, each weighing about 100 pounds (45 kg), but may include a variety of mounts, such as pigs, zebras, tigers or mythical creatures, such as dragons or unicorns. Sometimes, a chair or bench shaped seat is used, and occasionally, the shape of the mounting seat may be similar to that of an airplane or a car.

The "roundabout" or "carousel" installed on the playground is usually some different equipment: a simple rotating platform with a pole or handle, powered by children, which children can grasp when riding.