Looking for an exciting family day trip? From thrilling roller coasters and classic midway rides to charming storybook attractions and adventure parks designed for younger kids, there are plenty of amusement parks near Toronto and across Southern Ontario that are worth the drive.
Whether your family loves big thrills, gentle rides or a full day of attractions and entertainment, we’ve rounded up some of the best amusement parks for families in Toronto, the GTA and beyond. You’ll find options for toddlers and young children, adventurous big kids and thrill-seeking teens — perfect for a summer day trip or family getaway.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Check operating dates, hours and weather: Many amusement parks are seasonal, and schedules can change throughout the summer. Keep an eye on the forecast too, as outdoor rides may temporarily close during rain, thunderstorms or high winds.
- Buy tickets ahead: Online admission is often cheaper and saves time when you arrive.
- Check height requirements: If you’re visiting with younger kids, look at ride restrictions before you go to avoid disappointment.
- Plan your must-dos together: Bigger amusement parks can be impossible to cover in one day. Get the kids involved in planning ahead and have everyone choose one or two “must-do” rides or attractions. Prioritize those first, then consider everything else a bonus.
- Plan for downtime: Amusement parks can be busy, noisy and overstimulating, especially for younger or sensory-sensitive kids. Build in breaks throughout the day and look for quieter spots where kids can rest, recharge and regulate before jumping back into the fun.
- Pack snacks if permitted: Food and drinks can add significantly to the cost of an amusement park day. If outside food is allowed, pack water and a few filling, healthy snacks to keep kids going between meals — and balance out some of those inevitable park treats!
- Pack for a full day: Bring sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes and refillable water bottles.
Toronto & the GTA Amusement Parks
Canada’s Wonderland | Vaughan
- 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6
Best For: All ages; especially families with older kids and teens who love thrill rides
Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s largest amusement park and a must for families who love big thrills. The sprawling park offers something for almost every age, from gentle rides and PEANUTS-themed fun in Planet Snoopy and KidZville to family rides and some of the country’s biggest roller coasters.
Thrill seekers can take on favourites like Leviathan, Behemoth and Yukon Striker, while younger visitors have plenty to explore without venturing onto the major coasters. Admission also includes Splash Works, the park’s large water park, making it easy to combine rides and water play in one very full day.
Plan For: A full day — and prioritize your family’s must-do rides before you arrive
Good to Know: Ride height requirements vary considerably, so check them ahead of time when visiting with younger children.
Centreville Amusement Park | Toronto
- Centre Island, Toronto, ON
Best For: Families with younger children, especially kids 12 and under
Take a ferry ride across Toronto Harbour to Centreville Amusement Park, a charming seasonal family attraction on the Toronto Islands. The park opens on weekends in May, runs daily from June through Labour Day, then continues on weekends in September. Designed especially with younger kids in mind, Centreville features more than 30 rides and attractions, including the Antique Carousel, Ferris Wheel, Centreville Train, Twirling Teacups, bumper cars and the Toronto Island Mine Coaster.
There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the rides too. Families can visit the animals at Far Enough Farm, cool off at the splash pad or make a full day of it by exploring the beaches, gardens and other attractions around Centre Island. Even the ferry ride over — with views of the Toronto skyline — adds to the adventure.
Plan For: A half to full day, especially if you want to explore more of the Toronto Islands
Good to Know: Centreville is only accessible by ferry, so allow extra time for the trip to and from the island. Ferry lineups can be busy on summer weekends and holidays.
Fantasy Fair | Etobicoke
- 500 Rexdale Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 6K5
Best For: Younger kids and families looking for an indoor, year-round amusement park
Located inside Woodbine Mall, Fantasy Fair is Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park and a fun option for families year-round — especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. The park features full-size rides and attractions alongside midway games and a large three-level soft play area for younger kids.
Highlights include the historic Antique Looff Carousel, Drop & Hop tower, bumper cars, spinning rides, an XD Simulator Theatre and Rock ’n’ Climb climbing wall. Unlike most of the parks in this guide, there’s no general admission fee to enter Fantasy Fair; families purchase ride tickets or passes to enjoy the attractions.
Plan For: 2–4 hours, depending on how many rides and attractions your family wants to try
Good to Know: Park entry is free, so adults who aren’t riding don’t need to purchase admission. Ride tickets and passes are currently purchased in person rather than online.
Amusement Parks Beyond the GTA
Santa’s Village | Bracebridge
- 1624 Golden Beach Road, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8
Best For: Toddlers through elementary-aged kids, especially ages 2–12
Christmas comes early at Santa’s Village, a 60-acre family theme park tucked into the woods along the Muskoka River in Bracebridge. A family tradition for generations, the park features more than 30 rides and attractions with plenty geared toward younger children — plus the chance to visit Santa himself at his summer home.
Hop aboard the Candy Cane Express, take a spin on Santa’s Carousel, ride the Peppermint Penguin Coaster or try the new Yeti Trek family roller coaster. Families can also explore Elves Island, visit Santa’s reindeer and farm animals, play mini golf and cool off in the Spray & Play Zone. Santa’s Village opens in late spring and runs throughout the summer, with special fall and Christmas seasons extending the fun later in the year.
Plan For: A full day
Good to Know: Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted inside the park, but families can bring a picnic and use the picnic area located across from the main parking lot. Baby food and formula are permitted inside.
Adventure Village | Hamilton
- 580 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8
Best For: Families with school-aged kids who enjoy active attractions and a variety of activities
Located near Hamilton’s waterfront, Adventure Village is a seasonal outdoor family amusement park where kids can mix and match a variety of activities. The park’s 18-hole miniature golf course winds past waterfalls, ponds, bridges and shipwreck-themed features, while the rest of the grounds offer plenty of opportunities for active family fun.
Take a spin on the Krazy Kars bumper cars, scale the 25-foot Rocky Mountain climbing wall, bounce on the bungee trampoline or challenge the family to outdoor laser tag. There are also batting cages and Big Al’s Mining Camp, where kids can pan for semi-precious gemstones and take their discoveries home.
Plan For: 2–4 hours, depending on how many attractions you choose
Good to Know: Adventure Village is primarily an outdoor, seasonal attraction and activities are weather permitting. Not every attraction may operate during all park hours, so it’s a good idea to check what’s available before visiting.
Storybook Gardens | London
- 1958 Storybook Lane, London, ON N6K 4Y6
Best For: Toddlers and younger elementary-aged kids who love imaginative and active play
Step into a world of imagination at Storybook Gardens, a charming family attraction located in London’s beautiful Springbank Park. Opened in 1958, the park brings familiar stories and nursery rhymes to life through themed play spaces, gardens, characters and interactive attractions designed especially for younger children.
Kids can climb aboard Pete’s Friend-Ship pirate ship, tackle rope climbers and training towers, explore the miniature play village, bounce on the jumping pillow and cool off at the On the Riverbank Splash Pad. Families can also enjoy live summer programming and classic rides on the Storybook Carousel and historic Springbank Express Train. The main summer season runs from mid-May through early September, while seasonal activities — including an outdoor skating trail — continue at other times of the year.
Plan For: 3–5 hours
Good to Know: The carousel and miniature train require separate ride tickets and are located just outside the paid park grounds. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic and snacks into Storybook Gardens.
Story Book Park | Owen Sound
- 123221 Story Book Park Road, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N8
Best For: Toddlers through elementary-aged kids, especially children under 12
Tucked into a shady, wooded setting just outside Owen Sound, Story Book Park is a locally owned, family-run amusement park that has been welcoming families since 1975. Designed especially for younger children, the park combines classic amusement rides with playgrounds, water play and plenty of old-fashioned family fun.
Kids can ride the Merry Go Round, Ferris Wheel, Great Western Train, Pirate Ship and family-friendly Python Pit coaster, explore the Haunted House or play a round of mini golf. On hot summer days, pack the swimsuits for the splash pad and waterslides. There are also picnic areas throughout the park, making it easy to settle in for a full day. The park operates seasonally from late spring through the summer.
Plan For: A half to full day
Good to Know: Most attractions are included with admission, while mini golf is available for a small additional fee. The park has plenty of shaded areas and picnic tables, so you can bring along a picnic and make a day of it.
Make it a Getaway: Turn your visit into a summer weekend away! Owen Sound and the surrounding Grey-Bruce area offer family-friendly campgrounds, beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails and plenty of other attractions to explore.
Canada’s Dinosaur Park | Indian River
- 2206 County Road 38, Indian River, ON K0L 2B0
Best For: Dinosaur-loving kids and families looking for something different from a traditional amusement park
Travel back millions of years at Canada’s Dinosaur Park, a seasonal family attraction located just outside Peterborough. Families can walk through wooded trails filled with more than 60 life-size dinosaurs, including impressive animatronic models that move and roar, while learning about the prehistoric creatures along the way.
There’s more to discover beyond the dinosaurs. Kids can dig for fossils, play a round of mini golf and meet snakes, turtles, crocodilians and other animals at the park’s reptile sanctuary. Canada’s Dinosaur Park is operated by a registered charity, with admission helping support the care of rescued reptiles.
Plan For: 2–4 hours
Good to Know: This is primarily a walking attraction rather than a ride-based amusement park, so comfortable shoes are a must. Much of the experience is outdoors and along wooded trails.
Blue Mountain Resort | The Blue Mountains
- 190 Gord Canning Drive, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 1C2
Best For: Families with school-aged kids and teens who enjoy outdoor adventure and active attractions
Best known as a ski destination, Blue Mountain Resort transforms into a family adventure playground during the warmer months. The highlight for many families is the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, which twists and turns down the mountain on a kilometre-long track — with riders controlling their own speed along the way.
There’s plenty more to fill the day, including ropes courses, climbing challenges, hiking trails and scenic gondola rides, along with shops, restaurants and activities throughout Blue Mountain Village. The resort’s summer attractions typically operate from late spring through fall, making this a great option for families looking for something a little more adventurous than a traditional amusement park.
Plan For: A half to full day — or turn it into a weekend getaway
Good to Know: Attractions have individual age, height and weight requirements, so check ahead if you’re visiting with younger children. Activity availability and hours can also vary by season.
While You’re There: Nearby Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is another great family stop, with caves and caverns to explore, hiking trails, suspension bridge views and other outdoor adventures.
East Park | London
- 1275 Hamilton Road, London, ON N5W 1B1
Best For: School-aged kids, teens and families who enjoy active attractions and water play
Pack plenty of energy for a day at East Park, a large family entertainment and amusement park in London. The outdoor park offers a mix of attractions for kids and adults, including an 18-hole mini golf course, go-karts, batting cages, driving range and a seven-climb rock climbing wall.
East Park is also home to a seasonal waterpark featuring waterslides, a wave pool, splash areas and water play for younger children. Families can choose the activities they want to enjoy or combine the amusement attractions with waterpark fun for a full summer day out.
Plan For: A half day for the amusement attractions or a full day if you’re adding the waterpark
Good to Know: Attractions operate seasonally and have individual height and age requirements. Packages vary depending on which activities you want to include, so it’s worth deciding what your family wants to do before purchasing.
Looking for more places to cool off? East Park is also featured in our guide to the Best Water Parks in the GTA & Ontario.
Treewalk Village | Multiple Ontario Locations
- Stouffville • Hamilton • 1000 Islands
Best For: Younger kids, especially ages 3–7; Treetop Trekking’s other activities are great for older kids and teens
Let their imaginations run wild at Treewalk Village, an outdoor adventure playground where kids can explore a colourful village of treehouses, rope bridges, slides, hammocks, nets and secret wooden fortresses tucked into the forest. Part of Treetop Trekking, the experience gives younger children the excitement of playing high among the trees without the harnesses and heights of the full aerial courses.
Treewalk Village adventures last two hours and are best suited to younger kids, while families with older children can check out Treetop Trekking’s Discovery Courses, ziplines and aerial game treks. The Stouffville location also offers uplå, a huge suspended trampoline and aerial village, giving families even more ways to play in the trees.
Plan For: 2–3 hours, or longer if combining Treewalk Village with another activity
Good to Know: Reservations are strongly recommended as sessions can sell out. All guests, including supervising adults, need a ticket to enter Treewalk Village, and children must have an adult present.
Locations: Treewalk Village is available at Treetop Trekking Stouffville, Hamilton and 1000 Islands. Treetop Trekking also operates adventure parks in Barrie, Brampton, Ganaraska and Huntsville, offering other family activities for a range of ages.
Clifton Hill | Niagara Falls
- 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4
Best For: Families with kids of all ages, especially those who like having lots of different activities to choose from
Just steps from the Falls, Clifton Hill packs an amusement park’s worth of family fun into one colourful entertainment district. Take in incredible views from the 175-foot Niagara SkyWheel, race around the elevated Niagara Speedway, challenge the family to Dinosaur Adventure Golf or head indoors to explore the games and attractions at the huge Great Canadian Midway.
Families can pick and choose individual attractions or make a full day of exploring Clifton Hill and Niagara Falls. Other options include glow-in-the-dark mini golf, dark rides, wax museums and interactive attractions, with plenty of restaurants and sweet treats along the way. Many attractions operate year-round, making Clifton Hill a fun option beyond the traditional summer amusement park season.
Plan For: A half to full day — or make it part of a Niagara Falls weekend getaway
Good to Know: Clifton Hill isn’t a gated amusement park, so there’s no general admission fee. Attractions are individually ticketed, and bundled passes are available if you plan to visit several.
Make it a Getaway: There’s far too much to see and do in Niagara Falls for just one afternoon! Stay overnight and combine Clifton Hill with the Falls, Niagara Parks attractions and other family experiences around the city.
From major roller coasters and classic amusement rides to treetop villages, mountain adventures and roaring dinosaurs, Ontario has plenty of exciting destinations for families to explore. Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon outing, a summer day trip or a weekend getaway, there’s an adventure here for every age and thrill level.
Looking for more ways to cool off this summer? Check out our guide to the Best Water Parks in the GTA & Ontario, featuring waterslides, wave pools, splash parks, inflatable water adventures and more.
