A Ferris wheel is a giant rotating wheel with passenger cars attached around its rim that takes riders high into the air for a view of the surroundings. The wheel turns slowly and continuously, lifting each car up one side, over the top, and back down the other side in a gentle circle.

The original Ferris wheel was built by engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Fair organizers wanted something spectacular to rival the Eiffel Tower from Paris's recent world's fair, and Ferris delivered: his wheel stood 264 feet tall and could carry over 2,000 passengers at once. People were amazed that such an enormous rotating structure could work safely.

Today, Ferris wheels are popular attractions at carnivals, amusement parks, and city waterfronts. Modern ones range from small traveling carnival rides to permanent giants like the London Eye, which stands 443 feet tall. The slowness of the ride sets it apart from roller coasters and other thrill rides. Instead of speed and surprise, a Ferris wheel offers a peaceful climb and a changing perspective as you rise above the crowds, see the whole fairground or city spread below, and then descend back to earth.