Just this Wednesday, my family went to Centreville Amusement Park and oh boy, what a wonderful way that was to highlight our summer! The last time we’ve been there was just last year but when you’re with kids that become more and more independent and adventurous as they grow, it was like we visited the island park for the first time! There was never a dull moment right from the start because of the short but fun ferry ride to and from Centre Island!
Our visit only got more exciting than our last one because each of my kids has his and her own favourites in Centreville. My son, who is now over 2 years old, is now allowed to ride many fun rides by himself and a whole lot more rides with adults (me!). He enjoyed the Pony Express most, and it was his very first horseback ride! The Centreville Train was also another favourite of his, where we all got to take a relaxing train tour around the whole park. It’s one of my favourites too because we rode together as a family.
While my daughter, who is now 7 years old, surprised me with her new favourite rides: the Saugreen Lumber Mill Log Flume and Toronto Island Mine Coaster! I’m proud of her because she doesn’t mind the splash and thrilling bumpy ride on the Log Flume, and I’m glad to have brought her change of clothes. And oh my, I was really stunned by her bravery when she took the Mine Coaster and even loved it!
Centreville may be small with over 30 rides and activities, but I very much appreciate that it is packed with various aspects of amusement: there are classic rides like the Antique Carousel and Ferris Wheel, water rides from the serene Swan Ride to the rough but fun Bumper Boats, some pleasantly dizzying spins from Twirling Teacups and Beasley Bear Ride, more daring adventure rides such as Haunted Barrel Works and Scrambler, and even live animal interaction with the Pony Express and the nearby Far Enough Farm which houses a large variety of farm animals.
I especially liked the rides that let the kids drive by themselves, like the Fire Engines, Touring Cars, Antique Cars, and Bumper Boats. I can’t wait for my son to grow big enough to try them!
There are fun activities too for foolproof family bonding like a friendly golf tournament on the Miniature Golf Course, and a whole lot of fair games for exciting prizes.
As an adult, I love that Centreville and Far Enough Farm are budget-friendly in many ways. There is no general admission fee, and you would only need to pay for rides which can be through all-day pass, season pass, or a certain quantity of tickets. There is also a special discounted price for families of four or more. And yes, Centreville can host special events like birthday parties!
Another thing that I love about this family adventure we had is that there are so many other things to do in Centre Island. There are bikes and boats for rent, picnic areas where you can bring your own food and griller, the beautiful Chelsea Beach, and restaurants with scenic views. You’ll never run out of things to do!
How can we not go back again? We’ll sure have something new to do in Centre Island. Speaking of, “Amusing Race 2015” will be happening on the weekends of September. It’s like Amazing Race around Centreville and Far Enough Farm, and it’s free! If you have not been to Centreville yet this summer, grab your family and don’t miss this one!