Toronto4Kids / July 2012 / Centreville Amusement Park

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Centreville Amusement Park

Centreville, located on the Toronto Islands, is a natural destination for a day trip, especially with younger children in tow. With over 30 rides and attractions, this theme park is a feast of rides for little ones. And getting to this amusement park is almost as exciting as the park itself. The only way to get there is by the Centre Island Ferry, which leaves from Bay Street and Queen's Quay every 15 minutes. Upon boarding the ferry, kids will undoubtedly feel like they are going on a far-away adventure!

This attraction absolutely caters to younger children who can have a ball even without high-octane, death-defying thrills. The great thing about Centreville is that your toddlers aren't limited to a few "safe" rides that most amusement parks offer. Gone are the signs from the “big kid parks” where you have to be a whopping “THIS TALL!” to ride. The majority of the park is dedicated youngsters, keeping them entertained for the entire day – from dry land rides to water rides. There are cars, fire engines, carousels, boats, bumble bees, tea cups, etc. In fact, kids can go on most of the rides either by themselves or with an adult (except the bumper boats and bumper cars).

The 14-acre theme park is designed to look like a turn-of-the-century Ontario village.  You'll love the antique carrousel with its fanciful animals. Kids can get plenty of driving experience zooming around in the antique cars, touring cars or fire engines. Enjoy picturesque views from the top the windmill-style Ferris Wheel.

And for those who can handle a few more thrills… tackle the rough seas aboard the Rockin’ Ferry Ride, twirl in the Tea Cups, spring up and down on a kid-friendly drop tower, fly around in circles on the back of a buzzing Bumble Bee, spin around in the dark in the Scrambler, take a fast ride down the Monster Coaster, take a plunge in the Log Flume Ride, or bounce around in Bumper Boats and Bumper Cars.

One of Centreville’s highlights is Far Enough Farms, a small farm and petting zoo. A wide variety of animals are always ready for up close and personal contact. Kids will love to see lambs, goats, cows, geese, pigs, and other farm animals. Pony rides are also available. Access to the farm is completely free once you are on the Island.

Want to relax and enjoy some leisurely activities? Take in a golf-game at the 18-hole miniature golf course; don’t forget to bring your bathing suit to cool off in a wading pool; or take a ride aboard the Centreville miniature train or the swan boats.

Centreville offers kid-sized thrills, laughter, great food, fun, and relief from the city's heat. The park-like setting makes it ideal for a family outing; especially for parents who have long since given up on adrenaline jolts!

Centreville is open weekends in May and September; open daily in June, July and August. You are able to purchase All-day Ride Passes or you can also purchase ride tickets on a pay-as-you-go basis. Season passes are available – a great deal if you plan to visit the Island often. Return ferry fares: adults are $7.00, seniors/students (15-19 with a student pass) are $4.50, children are $3.50, and toddlers under 2 years can enjoy a free ferry ride! (Prices subject to change). Call 416-392-8193 for a Ferry departure schedule. For more information on Centreville, call their Summer Fun Line at 416-203-0405 or visit their website at: www.centreisland.ca.