Children's Paradise – Ricardo Wagner
Family carousel with four generations of history, since 1963
Operator: Kinderparadies Spies, Inh. Anna Diebold-Wagner e.K. / Ricardo Wagner
Kinderparadies by Ricardo Wagner and Anna Diebold-Wagner is a historic children's carousel with a long family history. The ride dates from 1963 and is a sports carousel. It is far more than an interchangeable roundabout ride: ever since its first appearance at the Augsburger Plärrer, it has been passed down within the showman family and carefully maintained.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
The Kinderparadies has been spinning since 1963: a lovingly maintained sports carousel where a tractor and helicopter turn into children's adventures.
Appearances at fairs
The ride is associated with more than just the Augsburger Plärrer. The city of Karlsruhe also listed Kinderparadies with Ricardo Wagner at the Herbstmess’ 2026. The ride is also documented by the specialist platform Ride-Index. Another well-known appearance is at the Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt, where the carousel operates as “Das Weihnachtskarussell” with a different set of vehicles.
These seasonal appearances show just how adaptable a traditional children's carousel can be. Its basic idea remains the same: young riders choose a vehicle and enjoy their own ride amid the bustle of the fair. The story of Kinderparadies turns this simple pleasure into a living piece of showman tradition.
A ride on Kinderparadies
The focus is on classic children's vehicles on a rotating platform. They include a helicopter and a tractor, which children may recognise as a “Bulldog” during the ride. Each ride tells a little story: sitting in an aircraft one time, choosing a farm vehicle the next. The variety of vehicle designs is what makes the carousel appealing to young riders.
Kinderparadies is quite different from a children's roller coaster or a swing ride. The movement is limited to going round in circles, while choosing a vehicle is a key part of the experience. Parents can watch the ride from outside and keep an eye on their children. The ride offers classic fairground fun without great heights or sudden changes of direction.
General
- Manufacturer
- Hennecke on Dietz-Mittelbau
- Model
- Sports carousel
- Year built
- 1963
- Premiere
- 1963
- Also known as
- Das Weihnachtskarussell
Set-up & transport
- Footprint
- 14 × 12 m
History: Kinderparadies since 1963
Wilhelm Spies acquired the carousel in 1963 and introduced it at the Augsburger Plärrer. It has remained in the Spies or Diebold family ever since. In 2023, the ride celebrated 60 years of history there. The fourth generation, Anna Diebold-Wagner and Ricardo Wagner, continued the tradition. The company's registered name is Kinderparadies Spies, Inhaberin Anna Diebold-Wagner e.K.
Its long history does not mean that the ride has remained technically unchanged. In the 1990s, the original wooden structure was replaced with aluminium. In the early 2000s, the carousel received a new centre; the back wall and lighting were also refurbished. It thus combines the heritage of a historic sports carousel with modernisations for today's operation.
Timeline
Acquired by Wilhelm Spies in 1963 and first operated at the Augsburger Plärrer. The wooden structure was replaced with aluminium in the 1990s. New centre in the early 2000s; the back wall and lighting were also modernised. Used at the Augsburger Christkindlesmarkt as “Das Weihnachtskarussell” with a different set of vehicles.
- Operator
- Kinderparadies Spies, owner Anna Diebold-Wagner e.K. / Ricardo Wagner
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
Previous operators
Passed down within the Spies/Diebold family since 1963.
Who is the carousel suitable for?
The carousel is for children who want to enjoy a ride of their own. It is especially appealing to families who appreciate classic carousels and want their children to choose between different vehicles. Staff will decide whether a child can ride alone or only with a companion, according to the rules at the ride.
On a family outing, this ride offers a peaceful alternative to the major attractions. Children who are not yet comfortable on faster rides can also get used to the circular motion here. You can find other family attractions in our overview of rides.
Upcoming funfair dates
Kinderparadies ride – Ricardo Wagner live
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