White Oaks Carousel

The centerpiece of White Oaks Mall is a 70year-old Italian-built carousel that offers kids of all ages the rare opportunity to ride a double-decker merry-go-round. The second story isn’t its only unusual feature; the carousel also has a couple of gondola seats and two “spinner” cars that older kids can crank into whirling dervishes. The upper deck features two porch-style swings. Here’s a hint: If you want a horse that goes up and down, choose a lower-deck mount with a flower basket hanging over its head or any one of the upperdeck steeds. Cost is $2 per person. Children shorter than 42 inches can have a parent ride with them free of charge. There are discounts for packs of six or 10 tickets. For more information, call 217-787-5302. The mall is bordered by Wabash, Veterans Parkway and Iles Avenue.

Nelson Center Pool and Ice-skating Rink

In the heart of lushly landscaped Lincoln Park, you’ll find the Nelson Center, a drab institutional building saturated with that vaguely sweaty smell of kids having fun. Inside is an ice rink that features public sessions. The Nelson Center pool is a seasonal outdoor aquatic facility that is open during the summer months between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Supervised by professionally trained lifeguard staff, Nelson Center Pool features a twisted flume slide, diving board and separate kiddy pool that will keep your kids coming back time and time again. Nelson Center Pool also features a full service concession stand and locker rooms. For more information about skating or swimming, call the Nelson Center, 217-753-2800 or visit www.springfieldparks.org.