When we was #Homeschooling Charlie I was able to teach Charlie anything he was interested in. Which included places we wanted to visit. That includes amusement parks and with National Ferris Wheel Day – happening on February 14th.
I thought you might enjoy a lesson plan on #Ferriswheels and also how your family can make their own Ferris wheel. I’ve always included places in Dallas/ Fort Worth that you could visit for a Field Trip that has indoor Ferris Wheels.
National Ferris Wheel Day – February 14 #NationalFerrisWheelDay • Holiday Facts • DIY Yard Ferris Wheel • Homeschool Lesson Plan
Holiday Facts About Ferris Wheels– A quick, kid‑friendly set of facts perfect for your blog or social graphics
- National Ferris Wheel Day honors George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the engineer who invented the original Ferris wheel for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
- Did you know the first Ferris wheel stood 264 feet tall? A marvel of engineering at the time.
- Ferris wheels are symbols of joy, celebration, and perspective, giving riders a peaceful view from above.
- Today, Ferris wheels appear at fairs, carnivals, amusement parks, and City skylines around the world.
- The London Eye and Singapore Flyer are among the tallest modern Ferris wheels.
- Ferris wheels combine math, physics, engineering, and art, making them perfect for a cross‑curricular homeschool theme.
DIY: Make a Ferris Wheel for Your Yard– A whimsical, family‑friendly project that doubles as décor and a hands‑on STEM activity.
Option 1: Simple Cardboard Ferris Wheel (Weather‑Safe if Laminated)
Materials:
- Large cardboard circles (or foam board for durability)
- Wooden dowels
- Hot glue or strong craft glue
- Spray paint or acrylic paint
- Plastic cups or small baskets for “seats”
- A wooden crate or plant stand as the base
- Optional: clear sealant for outdoor use
Steps:
- Cut two large circles for the wheel.
- Mark eight evenly spaced points around each circle.
- Insert dowels between the two circles to form the wheel’s structure.
- Attach cups or baskets as gondolas.
- Paint in bright carnival colors—pastels work beautifully for your brand.
- Mount the wheel on a dowel axle placed in a wooden crate or stand.
- Seal with clear spray if placing outdoors.
This makes a charming photo prop, yard decoration, or learning display.
Option 2: PVC Pipe Ferris Wheel (Sturdier Outdoor Display)
Materials:
- PVC pipes + connectors
- Zip ties
- Plastic buckets or small planters
- Spray paint
- A wooden or PVC base
Steps:
- Build a circular frame using PVC bends.
- Create cross‑supports with straight PVC pieces.
- Attach buckets as gondolas using zip ties.
- Paint in carnival colors.
- Anchor to a sturdy base.
This version is great for seasonal yard décor, school events, or community fairs.
Homeschool Lesson Plan: National Ferris Wheel Day– All Ages • Multi‑Subject • Hands‑On • Family Friendly
Theme:– “Engineering Joy: The Science and Art of Ferris Wheels”
Learning Goals
- Understand the history of the Ferris wheel
- Explore basic engineering and physics concepts
- Practice math skills through measurement and geometry
- Create art inspired by carnival design
- Build a Ferris wheel model
- Strengthen reading comprehension and writing skills
Preschool – Early Elementary Activities
1. Read-Aloud & Discussion– Choose a picture book about amusement parks or wheels. Discuss: What does a Ferris wheel do? How does it move?
2. Shape Hunt: Identify circles, triangles, and lines in Ferris wheel photos.
3. Craft: Paper Plate Ferris Wheel
- Paper plate
- Popsicle sticks
- Mini paper cups
- Crayons/markers
Let kids decorate and assemble their own Ferris wheel craft.
4. Movement Activity: Pretend to be a Ferris wheel—slow, steady rotations.
Upper Elementary Activities
1. History Mini‑Lesson– Write 3–5 sentences about George Ferris and the 1893 World’s Fair.
2. Math: Symmetry & Angles
- Divide a circle into 8 equal sections
- Label each angle
- Discuss how symmetry helps the wheel stay balanced
3. STEM Build Challenge– Use LEGOs, craft sticks, or cardboard to build a working Ferris wheel model.
Middle & High School Activities
1. Engineering & Physics
Explore:
- Rotation
- Center of gravity
- Load distribution
- Why Ferris wheels need strong support beams
Have students sketch a labeled diagram.
2. Geometry in Design
Calculate:
- Diameter
- Radius
- Circumference
- Speed of one full rotation (using a chosen time)
3. Creative Writing– Prompt: “Describe what you see from the top of the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.”
Family Activity: Ferris Wheel Snack Cups
Create “gondola snacks” using:
- Small cups
- Popcorn
- Fruit
- Pretzels
- Mini marshmallows
Arrange them in a circle like a Ferris wheel.
For added fun you can visit these indoor Ferris Wheel Locations in DFW for a #FieldTrip
| Location | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SCHEELS – The Colony | A massive sporting goods store with a full-size indoor Ferris wheel right in the center. | Affordable tickets, climate-controlled, great for all ages. |
| Grandscape Wheel – The Colony | While technically outdoors, the Grandscape Wheel offers climate-controlled gondolas and is part of a larger indoor/outdoor entertainment complex. | Not fully indoors, but weather-friendly and family-safe. |
| Grapevine Mills Mall (Check with LEGOLAND or Peppa Pig World) | While not confirmed to have a Ferris wheel, these indoor attractions sometimes feature small ride experiences. | Worth checking for seasonal or rotating attractions. |
Homeschool Field Trip Spotlight: SCHEELS Indoor Ferris Wheel
Celebrate National Ferris Wheel Day with a ride that’s educational and unforgettable!
Looking for a hands-on way to bring your Ferris wheel lesson plan to life? Head to SCHEELS in The Colony, where a full-size indoor Ferris wheel spins right in the heart of this massive sporting goods store. The store is climate-controlled, budget-friendly, and perfect for homeschool families seeking a blend of fun and learning.
Kids can observe the wheel’s engineering up close, count gondolas, explore symmetry, and even sketch the structure for a STEM tie-in. After the ride, explore SCHEELS’ interactive displays, aquarium, and candy shop — all under one roof.
Bonus: It’s a great spot for photos, journaling prompts, and snack breaks.
Tip: Pair your visit with a DIY Ferris wheel craft or geometry worksheet before or after the trip!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
