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Ontario’s Top Amusement Parks: 5 Places to Visit for an Epic Family Adventure!
Amusement parks are some of the most fun places to visit with your kids in Ontario. However, they can also be enjoyed by people of all ages, making them great spots if you’re looking for a foolproof date/family day spot.
I personally don’t get on extremely crazy rides nowadays, which may be because I’ve mellowed down in age, but I still enjoy coming here for the vibes! There’s just something about hearing rollercoasters accompanied by screams, carnival food, and fun games that keeps me returning.
With that being said, I feel fortunate to be an Ontarian because I’ve discovered so many amusement parks over the years that I feel should be known worldwide! Keep reading to discover these “fun-tastic” destinations!
Canada’s Wonderland
Media credit: canadaswonderland
Address: 9580 Jane St, Vaughan
Contact details: +1 905-832-8131
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Monday& Friday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Rates
- Season passes:
- Silver: CAD89
- Gold: CAD115
- Prestige: CAD325
- Daily tickets:
- Solo: CAD45
- Bring-a-friend: CAD30
- Groups:
- Group admission: CAD43
- Birthday package: CAD60
Widely known as the premier amusement park in the country, Canada’s Wonderland should be on your itinerary if you’re looking for amazing thrills! It’s been around since 1981 and has introduced over 200 attractions over the years.
One of their recent additions is the Alpen Fury, which is their tallest rollercoaster yet and wraps around their manmade mountain. They also feature classic extreme rides like the 230-foot Drop Tower, as well as a bunch of kid-friendly ones such as the Carousel and Flying Canoes.
Canada’s Wonderland is also a great summer destination because of its 20-acre waterpark, Splash Works. Here, you can splash around different-sized pools, scream your lungs out while sliding down, or simply relax by the Lazy River.
Pro tip:
We recommend booking your tickets on their official website instead of third-party apps. They offer exclusive discounts regularly for entrance fees, dining tickets, and group admissions.
Niagara Skywheel
Media credit: clifftonhillfun
Address: 4960 Clifton Hill
Contact details: +1 905-358-4793
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 AM
- Friday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 2:00 AM
Rates:
- Fun Pass:
- Adult: CAD39.95
- Children: CAD26.95
- Niagara Skywheel:
- Adult: CAD15
- Children: CAD7
The Niagara Skywheel perfectly combines fun with sightseeing by offering fun carnival rides right by Niagara Falls! The 175-foot Skywheel is the main attraction here, as it lets guests enjoy a relaxing soar above the clouds while providing unobstructed views of the waterfall.
However, the wheel is just the cherry on top, as there are plenty of rides and attractions we recommend you go through first. For starters, the park offers a speedway where you can race your friends through a go-kart track filled with slopes, twists, and turns!
If you’re feeling brave, you can also dive head-first into the dark ride 4DX theatre, Zombie Attack. Here, you’ll be strapped onto realistic chairs and VR headsets as you and the whole theatre try to shoot your way through hordes of the undead!
Pro tip:
Opt for the Fun Pass if you’re planning to experience other attractions besides the Skywheel. It offers better value for money, as you’ll gain access to six different attractions!
Fantasy Fair
Media credit: funfromamombun and woodbinemall.fantasyfair
Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd Unit F006
Contact details: +1 437-880-8448
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates:
- Weekend and Holiday Rates:
- Under 54” Unlimited Ride Pass: CAD32
- Under 36” Unlimited Ride Pass: CAD18
- Protected Ride Ticket: CAD5.75
- Over 54” Unlimited Ride Pass: CAD32
- Family Ride Pass for 4: CAD95
- Discounted Rates:
- Under 36” Unlimited Ride Pass: CAD18
- Monday to Friday Over and Under 54” Unlimited Ride Pass: CAD27
- Monday to Friday Family Ride Pass for 4: CAD79
- Annual Ride Pass: CAD189
- 10-Ride Ticket Package: CAD55
Indoor amusement parks exude this unexplainable nostalgic feeling, and Fantasy Fair showcases this perfectly. It’s the biggest of its kind in Ontario, offering 10 colourful and wacky rides for kids and kids at heart!
One of its main attractions is the Antique Looff Carousel, which is among the most beautiful merry-go-rounds we’ve seen in our lifetime. They also offer a plane ride for those little ones who are starting to look for a bit more excitement and action in their rides.
Speaking of excitement, the park also features a realistic 6D theatre that will immerse your senses in various magical adventures. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something physical to try with your kids, you can start their bouldering skills young at the wall-climbing course!
Pro tip:
Visit the theme park on non-holiday weekdays to enjoy cheaper passes! Moreover, we recommend opting for the unlimited ride pass instead of the 10-ride package to get better value for your money.
Bingemans Big Splash
Media credit: bingemansbigsplash
Address: 425 Bingemans Centre Dr
Contact details: +1 519-744-1555
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (depending on weather)
Website
Bingemans Big Splash is one of the best summer destinations in Ontario because it takes cooling down to the next level! For starters, it features multiple twirling and straight slides that will leave you hoarse as soon as you hit the shallow pool.
A prime example of their exciting slides is The Cyclone, which will let you slide around in circles before splashing you down into the pool. The Boomerango is also a surefire hit for adrenaline-seekers because of its near-vertical drop.
Young ones can enjoy the action as well, thanks to the park’s kid-friendly attractions, among which is the famous Spray’N’Play. This aquatic playground features mini slides, climbable structures and a boatload of sprays and showers!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for something interesting for your kids to try during their school break, check out the park’s various camps! Aside from having fun, they can also learn skills like cooking, volleyball, canoeing, and more!
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Media credit: fallsviewwaterpark
Address: 5685 Falls Ave
Contact details: +1 905-374-4444
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Rates:
- General Admission: Starts at CAD 39
- VIP Pass: Starts at CAD 79.99
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a great side destination if you’re planning on spending a day near Niagara Falls. It’s one of the largest indoor water amusement parks in the country, spanning 3 acres with 16 thrilling slides and attractions.
It’s a fantastic family destination because it caters to all age groups, thanks to its variety. For instance, the youth and young at heart can enjoy adrenaline-inducing slides, like the extreme racing slide, while the adults who’d much rather relax can chill by the sunnyside pool.
Kids can also have their own fun at the Tiny Tots Splash Park, which is filled with sprays, water blasters, mini-slides, and showers! There’s also an indoor beach where you can relax and enjoy the sunny atmosphere, regardless of the weather.
Pro tip:
You can also pair your entrance to the waterpark with an overnight stay in their partnered hotels: Sheraton, The Brock Niagara, Skyline Hotel & Waterpark, and Clifton Victoria Inn. This way, you’ll have the luxury of staying near the waterpark!
Centreville Amusement Park
Media credit: centrevillefun and vishwa_bagadia
Address: 9 Queens Quay W
Contact details: +1 416-203-0405
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Rates:
- All-Day Ride Pass:
- Under 4-Feet Tall: CAD35.18
- Over 4-Feet Tall: CAD44.25
- Family Pass: CAD146.90
- Season Pass: CAD86.13
Centreville Amusement Park is located on its own island, which makes it feel much more spacious and special. It offers various rides and attractions, one of which is a gondola that will go from one edge of the island to another while providing you with views of the theme park.
This slightly remote location makes the overall atmosphere feel peaceful, especially by the duck pond, where you can also feed these peaceful birds. You can catch stunning views of Toronto’s skyline while you’re here!
As for the rides, you can expect to find the traditional ones like the bumper boats, mini Ferris wheel, carousel, and a tower drop. There’s also a haunted mansion that we highly recommend if you’re visiting with friends because of its chaotic fun.
Pro tip:
If you want to cool down and enjoy magnificent views of the sea, you can also stop by Centre Island Beach, which is free!
Santa’s Village: Muskoka’s Theme Park
Media credit: santasvillageon
Address: 1624 Golden Beach Rd
Contact details: +1 705-645-2512
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, depending on the season
Rates:
- Spring:
- Online: CAD49.95
- Walk-In: CAD52.95
- Summer:
- Online: CAD52.95
- Walk-In: CAD55.95
Santa’s Village is one of those places that will immediately captivate you with its magic. This time, you’ll be filled with jolly feelings, as you’ll feel like you’re a kid again roaming around Saint Nick’s turf, and boy, does he have a lot of attractions to offer!
For starters, you’ll find the Candy Cane Express, a steam-powered-looking train, around the park. Moreover, you’ll find several exciting rides ranging from traditional fast-paced rollercoasters to tower drops, Ferris wheels, and a boat bumping ride.
Moreover, the park also features a hiking trail called the Enchanted Forest, which you can explore and discover its inhabitants. Meanwhile, if you’re feeling competitive, you can try racing your friends at the go-kart track or get the highest score at the archery range!
Pro tip:
While you’re here, be sure to try beaver tails if you haven’t yet! It’s an iconic Canadian pastry that’s shaped after its name, and it comes in various sweet flavours.
Adventure Bay Family Water Park
Media credit: adventurebaywindsor and citywindsoron
Address: 401 Pitt St W
Contact details: +1 519-974-2782
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates:
- General Admission Full-Day Rate: CAD32.50
- Windsor Resident Full-Day Rate: CAD25.25
If you’re looking to cool down, have fun, and scream your lungs out (legally), Adventure Bay Family Water Park is the spot for you! This massive indoor waterpark offers a bunch of thrilling slides, attractions, and pools that will either leave you feeling relaxed or jolted with adrenaline.
The park features seven main slides and attractions, and its central star is undoubtedly the Python. It’s your traditional tube slide, where you and another friend will slide down various slippery twists and turns before hitting the pool.
Another crowd favourite is the wave pool because of its accurate but sometimes exaggerated simulation of ocean waves. Meanwhile, you can speed through the Whizzard if you’re looking for a more fast-paced slide where you can compete with your friends to see who’s the quickest.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for great local restaurants to try, we recommend heading out and crossing the street towards Sir Cedric’s Fish & Chips. It’s an old and charming diner that offers English food like its namesake and baked potatoes!
