Centreville Amusement Park

Centreville Amusement Park is a charming, vintage-style amusement park located on Toronto Island, offering over 30 rides and attractions perfect for young families. With its storybook setting, gentle rides, petting farm, and scenic location away from city traffic, it provides a safe, nostalgic experience that feels worlds away from downtown Toronto despite being just a short ferry ride across the harbor.

• ✓Antique carousel with hand-painted horses dating back decades
• ✓Far Enough Farm, a free petting zoo with goats, sheep, chickens, and other friendly animals
• ✓Swan boat pedal rides on the scenic pond
• ✓Centreville's miniature railway that tours through the park
• ✓Splash pad area perfect for cooling off on hot summer days

1. 1.Purchase an all-day ride pass online in advance for better value, as paying per ride adds up quickly with multiple children.
2. 2.Take the Toronto Island Ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (9 Queens Quay W), which is an attraction itself for kids. Arrive early on summer weekends as ferry lines can be long, or consider visiting on weekday mornings for smaller crowds.
3. 3.Bring your own snacks and water to save money, as outside food is permitted in picnic areas throughout the park.
4. 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, as much of the park is outdoors with limited shade, and you will be walking between attractions on the island.
5. 5.Combine your visit with exploring the rest of Toronto Island, including the beaches and walking trails, to make a full day trip.

Visit on weekday mornings during June or early September for the smallest crowds and pleasant weather. Weekend afternoons in July and August are busiest. Aim to catch an early or mid-morning ferry (around 10am) to maximize your time before afternoon heat and crowds peak.

Admission to the island is free, but you need to purchase Toronto Island Ferry tickets (approximately $9 CAD for adults, $4 for children) and either individual ride tickets or all-day passes at Centreville. The park accepts credit cards, and there are snack bars on-site, though bringing your own food can save considerably.

Open daily from late May through early September (Canadian summer and school holidays), with limited weekend-only operation in May and September depending on weather. The park is closed from October through April. Check the official website before visiting as opening dates vary slightly each year based on Victoria Day weekend.

On Toronto Island itself, options are limited to the park's snack bars and the Rectory Cafe (near the ferry docks). For better kid-friendly dining, head back to the mainland waterfront where you will find St. Lawrence Market (great for families to grab fresh treats) or family chains like Jack Astor's Bar & Grill at Harbourfront.