Fodor’s Travel Toronto Guidebook mentioned a visit to Toronto Islands would be a nice day trip for families with young children. Originally, we planned to go to Centreville Amusement Park after our visit to CN Tower. But the tour of the tower took us about three hours, ending our first full day.
We made it the following day in beautiful breezy and sunny weather. Taking the ferry to Toronto Islands, which felt very familiar to our ride from Michigan’s upper peninsula to Mackinac Island, we enjoyed the wind in our faces and saw the city from a distance.
Many Canadians looked like they were dressed for a day at the beach. Had we known, we might have come a bit more prepared for the trip to the islands.
Going on a Ferry Ride
Fun Times for All Ages at the Centreville Amusement Park
Centerville Amuseument Park reminded me of our the Indiana State Fair visit, but with less vomit and mess around the park. We couldn’t make a decision on what type of pass to get, since we weren’t sure how long we would spend there. In the end, we decided on a day pass.
Getting an all day pass turned out to be the best way to go. 60+ tickets would have gotten us through the two hours or our day, planning carefully which rides we should or should not venture. The all day pass gave us the freedom to try out different rides.
Antique Carousel
Waiting as best as they could, Linus wanted to go on a carousel ride. An antique carousel built in 1907, was one ride our boys enjoyed. Touted as one of the oldest in another guide, I’m not sure if this one is as old as the one in Strasbourg, France.
Then Piano Man says, “Ma! Look over there!”
What do you know? Betty must be a popular name in Canada.
One-Person Water Bumper Boats
Linus was too small to ride this single boat ride. He cried his little heart out, but Piano Man and Prof had a good time together.
Two-Person Swan Ride
I tried to encourage him on the two-person swan ride. Linus said, “Ummah, it’s too slow….Waaaaah!!!!!”
Bear Spinning Ride
“Okay, how about a fast spinning bear ride?” I asked.
Linus begrudgingly agreed. But spinning the wheel inside the already spinning bear made us both sick. I was so dizzy that I left my DSLR camera. Two rides later at another part of the park, I bolted back and thanked the guy who had my camera.
I said, “THANK YOU! Wow, Canadians are so nice!”
The guy just laughed a hearty laugh…knowing that it was true.
Train Ride Around the Entire Amusement Park
This is the ride you want to take if you are want to check out the rides without having to make the long walk around with little ones.
We saw a farm, various rides at the far end of the park, and the snack bar.
Miniature Golf and Kiddy Rides
We’ve played mini golf when Linus was younger, and it took forever to get through the game. Tickets for mini golf were extra, so we opted to split up. Prof took Piano Man on an 18-hole game, while I coaxed Linus into riding kiddy rides like a big boy – all by himself.
Quickly, Linus felt the emptiness of seeing the sights without his big brother. He began to feel melancholy. No matter how much I tried to show excitement or encourage to go on rides with him, he looked even sadder.
Linus said, “I’m just going to wait for ‘hung’ (his way of saying big brother in Korean) and appah. Then we can all go together.”
Can you hear the sound of sad “Peanuts Christmas” movie music playing the background?
(By the way, the phonetic spelling of big brother in Korean is “hyung.” But we like that he insists on saying “hung.”)
Linus and I rode on a fast moving froggy ride that drops you a few inches at a time high above the ground. Initially, Linus was excited, but after the ride, he lost his appetite for thrill rides.
So no roller coaster rides for this guy.
Together Again
Linus lit up once he saw his brother. We rode the water coaster ride at least three times together. This ride alone was worth getting an all day pass.
Then off to a family of four drive where Piano Man was in the driver seat, British style. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like for Piano Man in 10 years. Yikes!
Linus was thrilled to have his brother again. Piano Man was another story.
But in the end, they had a blast together. Those moments made us smile.
Mass Exodus off Toronto Islands
Time to leave. We spent six hours at Centerville Amusement Park. No stroller – just our walking legs, my purse, and camera bag.
Our ride’s here!
Time to go home.
Linus passed out from a full day of running, playing, and having fun.
It was a hazy day while seeing the sights of Toronto, but at least we got a view of the CN Tower. No matter where we drove around the city, we could always get a view of the CN Tower.
Have you been to the Centreville Amusement Park?
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