Summer Family Fun at Centreville

Don’t you love exploring your own city as a tourist? We sure do! Every summer we pick a few key spots around the GTA to have some family fun. Part of the adventure, of course, is travelling on the subway from the suburbs. We laugh all the way, remembering Jayden’s first subway ride at 4. When we rode the subway downtown to meet Paul, we listened to the announcer calling out the stations. Jayden stopped in his tracks as they announced Spadina station…he looked at me and said “Mommy, he said Bagina!”

This summer, we decided to take the ferry across to Centre Island, to go to Centreville. I had never been (shocking, I know), but the boys had gone two years ago and raved about it ever since. I was so excited to share this experience with the boys this year and we planned to go on all the rides and also to explore the beautiful island! There is really nothing like the breathtaking view of our Toronto skyline from the water.

Now open 7 days a week until September (then weekends for the month), here is what you must do with your family when you visit Centreville this summer;

1. Visit the animals. Far Enough Farm is run by Centreville and is free to visit!  It was our favourite part! Getting up close and personal with the animals is something our boys have always loved…and you just have to see the new baby Llama named, Prince!  Too cute!

2. Pack a yummy picnic!  It’s a great way to save some money and slow down after a busy morning on the rides.  Find a bench, eat on the beach or even just a grassy spot that you can watch all the action as it goes by! Don’t forget to pack a soccer ball or baseball gloves for after you eat! If you don’t pack your lunch, you can always enjoy a burger, poutine (yum), fish tacos or a gluten-free meal at the Carousel Cafe’s outdoor patio.

3. Grab a delicious summer treat from the over 16 vendors on the island! Ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cake (Paul’s pick every time), popcorn or enjoy the incredible view with a grown-up drink at the Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Co (right at the ferry docks).

4. Ride the roller coasters with the kids! If you have little ones, this is a great place to try out some simple rides for all ages. Take a leisurely car or boat ride, take a tour on a swan or be a little more daring on the NEW Toronto Island Mine Coaster (this one is totally MY speed!).

5. Get a little bit wet! Hit the beach (to bury your brother in the sand) or just get splashed with the Saugreen Lumber Mill Log Flume or ride the bumper boats (my kids’ favourite)!