Best of 2003: Best Rainy-Day Outing For Kids In East County

Parkway Plaza
Johnson Avenue and Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon

A ride on the hand-carved 1926 Herschell carousel in the southwest corner of Parkway Plaza costs $1.75. The carousel spins around to the tune of "Sidewalks of New York." Kids will find the five-minute ride long enough to be satisfying, yet short enough to prevent nausea. A three-minute walk down the hall at the Fun Zone, the Kiddie Train Express circles the track. The four-minute ride, circling around a display of giant-sized toy soldiers, crayons, and alphabet blocks, costs $2 a ride, or $8 for 10 tickets. Next to the train ride are various 50-cent rides including a flight simulator, an antique roadster, a train, and a helicopter.