Centreville is a small amusement park located a short ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto.
My husband and I were born and raised in Toronto and have fond memories of Centreville. It’s a day trip many local families make each summer.
Located on Centre Island, the Toronto Ferry Docks is the only way to get to Centreville.
Family Fun at Centreville
Last weekend was our kids’ first visit to Centreville.
My husband and I were curious how they would like Centreville as their only visits to an amusement park have been Walt Disney World. Yes, a very noticeable difference in size and scale.
As soon as we boarded the ferry we could tell how excited they were.
Our 2 year old probably could have called it a day after riding the ferry. He kept shouting “More!” and was tearing up as we left the boat and walked towards Centreville from the dock. Our daughter kept asking “How much longer until we see the rides?”
As soon as they came into sight – five minutes of walking and pushing strollers – it was game over.
We went on every ride they were allowed on. Swans, boats, carousel, cars, trains, fire engines x 3!
After a short lunch break, we headed over to Far Enough Farm to visit the animals.
We saw some cute piglets, sheep, hairy chickens, and donkeys.
Surprise! A peacock sitting in a tree squawking at us as we walked past.
Then it was back on the rides and a few games. Thank goodness for the “prize every time” games!
Why Visit Centreville Amusement Park
With over 30 rides and attractions, it is very manageable to see and do everything within a few hours – which is all you have when you have young children and a nap schedule to work around.
Many of the rides are geared towards younger children and are great for those just learning how to ride by themselves. We were amazed how much our 2 year old wanted to do on his own without us or his sister.
Centre Island itself is very big. Besides Centreville, there are many things families can do on the island.
There are bike trails, several beaches and tons of picnic space. During summer months, bikes and boats are available for rent and the beaches are supervised in July and August.
Many families on the ferry ride over with us brought full sized coolers, portable grills and beach toys with them.
Our kids loved their first visit to Centreville and Centre Island.
The day was just as nostalgic for my husband and I as it was enjoyable for them. Seeing the swans, antique cars, touring cars and fire engine rides brought back fond childhood memories and we’re hoping to make another visit later this summer.
A Few Tips For Your Family
1. Get There Early
Centreville is open 7 days a week until September 2nd (after that it will be open weekends for the remainder of the month) and weekends are the busiest days.
We were near the front of the line around 10:30am on a Saturday morning. By the time we left Centre Island around 3PM the line up to board the ferry extended all the way back to the street – about a block long!
2. Spend as Little or as Much as You Want
There is no admission to Centreville itself so you can spend as little or as much as you want. Ride tickets are available for purchase in sheets (sheets of 10 or 65) and all day ride passes (individual or family of 4) are available for families who can’t get enough of them like us.
3. Pack Snacks and Drinks
While there are many family friendly dining options at Centreville including Pizza Pizza, Shopsy’s and Funnel Cake, bringing your own food into the park is allowed. If you are visiting with little ones consider packing a few drinks and snacks in your bag or backpack.
Centreville is great for families looking for a fun and relaxing day trip without having to drive for hours.
If you want to know what the kids thought, this pretty much sums it up – “This was one of the best days of my life. Why didn’t you bring me here when I was 2 like my brother?” (our 5 year old daughter Miss L).
*This post was generously sponsored by Centreville, but the opinions and images are my own. For more information, visit www.centreisland.ca
haha what a cute comment from your daughter! I remember going when I was a kid, and having a blast. I still go now, and am pleased to find many of the things I loved still kicking around.
My Little guy has so much fun last year at the Far Enough Farm. We didn’t do any rides as he was still pretty little. Maybe this year on our next trip to the island!
It looks like the perfect place to spend as a family on a nice day.
Great tips. I’ve never been to Centreville, will have to make a point of it when passing through Toronto some day soon!
I haven’t been there since I was kid! Still looks the same! I’ll have to take my little monkeys there this summer! Thanks for the tips!
Never heard of it, so thanks for sharing. It looks so peaceful beside the water and fun for the kids. Great place for a picnic.
we haven’t been yet, but I would love to get the boys out there this summer
Hope you’ll be able to make it out to Centreville this summer. The boys will love it I’m sure.
Centreville is a must for all families that live in Toronto or visit. I love that there is no admission and you can buy tickets or an all day pass. Great for those grandparents who want to enjoy the day but are not necessarily interested in the rides themselves. I have fond memories of going as a child and my kids loved it when we went too. I love that your daughter is already keeping tabs on what her brother gets to do. Too cute.
Yes I think that’s the one thing most people don’t know about Centreville – there is no admission so people that don’t like the rides don’t have to feel like they’re wasting money on admission to walk around.
I was amazed that most of it looks the same as when we were kids.
I know, she’s funny that way. Always keeping count of everything!
LOL I love your daughter’s statement. Happy to hear you all had a great day!
Yes, she is funny that one!
I have not been to Centre Island since my kids were kids. Looks like things haven’t changed much. I hope I will be able to take my grandchildren there this summer
Yes, they haven’t changed at all! Well the rides still look new for a park that has been around for many many years. Enjoy your Centre Island visit Rose.
Believe it or not I’ve never heard of this place! I can’t wait to take my kids the next time we are in Toronto!
I wonder why people from out of town aren’t familiar with this Lisa. I know locals know about it but in general maybe the “islands” aren’t that well known to visitors. You have to visit when you’re in Toronto next! I will take you there! 🙂
awww your kids sound adorable!!
we definitely have to go! i remember when i was little riding the swans too! it’ll be nice to take our daughter soon!
This brings back a lot of memories! I cannot wait to take my kids there this summer. Looks like it hasn’t really changed much since I was a kid myself 🙂
I have never been there but have heard about it. We never seem to make it to Toronto in the summer, maybe one year!