What are kiddie rides?
A kiddie ride is a child-sized, themed, mildly interactive coin-operated ride that can be ridden by young children for amusement. Kiddie rides are commonly available in amusement parks, arcades, malls, hotel game rooms, outside supermarkets, and large department stores. Less commonly, they may also appear in other venues such as restaurants, food courts, grocery shops, and auto dealerships. When activated by a coin, a kiddie ride entertains the rider for a short time with a mild motion that replicates the ride's theme. Most rides also include sounds and music. Some even feature flashing lights, pedals, and/or buttons. Commercial kiddie rides are often very colorful with an animal, vehicle, or famous cartoon character theme which appeals to children. They are usually driven by a heavy-duty electric motor, which is usually disguised inside or underneath the ride's metal, fiberglass, or vacuum-formed plastic body.