Centreville Amusement Park with a Toddler

Centreville with baby My love affair with the Toronto Islands started the summer of 2011 when I was pregnant and the following year I took the baby for a picnic with the girlfriends. This year we were invited by Centreville to spend the day exploring all the Island has to offer for a toddler. I’d walked by Centreville in previous years so it was a treat for my parents and I to spend an entire day just in Centreville. Oh yea and the Little Monkey too! A $7 ferry ride is all it takes to leave the big city behind for a day of leisurely walks, beachside lounging, playing with animals and exploring the thrill of rides.

centreville far enough farmOur day started out at Far Enough Farm (admission is free!) where we met Tracey one of the Farm Managers. She introduced us to Jacob the Sheep, Jake the Donkey and an ex-police Horse, Boot amongst many others. As you may know we’ve been to quite a few farms this month between Riverdale and the EX but only at Far Enough Farm did I see the attentive interaction between the staff and the animals. Loving belly rubs for the little pigs and grooming for the horses were just the little touches. The Little Monkey enjoyed squealing around the animals, playing with the bunny rabbits and had a hoot of a time with the “baas” of the sheep (just watch the video!).

 

 

Next up was a leisurely lunch at Carousel Cafe where we enjoyed lunch on the patio and I was pleased to learn that they are super kid friendly with high chairs and drawing mats for the little ones. I took a risk and tried the seafood linguini and was surprised that it was really good! The veggie burger and fish and chips also got good reviews. So all in all this is a cute little spot with attentive service to get your grub on.

IMG_20130812_152849We’re still at an age where the toddler doesn’t dictate where we go which is why we were able to save the best for last. THE RIDES!!! There’s plenty on offer for the older kids (4 ft and above) but we found quite a few rides that toddlers could enjoy as well. Paying adults are able to accompany the little ones on some rides and that’s what worked for us. We tried to put her in the boats alone and it was a huge fail! Also another fail was me thinking that the Rockin Ferry Ride was suitable for a toddler. In my defense I always saw it in the slow rocking phase.. she balled her eyes out with my mom once it got going! OOPPPS!!! The Antique Carousel dating from 1907 was the biggest hit with our 22 month old. She wanted to go on it forever! Third time we called it quits! Probably should have checked the Rideometer before we chose our rides!

If you’re preggers like me, Centreville is best tackled with a partner in crime as it can get exhausting running after a toddler and let’s not forget the inability to get on some rides! My mom was probably the biggest kid – she even snuck in a ride alone on the log flume ride. Our little one refused to take her nap that day, which was fine by me. She had plenty to entertain her, more to learn and lots of fun to be had with her grand parents. The Island and Centreville is very stroller friendly so I highly recommend you bringing one along. Great way to carry any snacks and picnic items you may want as well. Change of clothes will definitely come in use with a toddler.

There’s more to the Islands than Centreville but you can easily spend an entire day here exploring. That said you can picnic by the beach, cycle your way around the island or play volleyball as well. Like I said, plenty to see and do! While a visit to the Island and Centreville is highly weather dependant (no rain!), the park is open daily from June 1 to September 2nd and then every weekend in September, check out the Centreville website and Facebook page for upcoming events (like a fall fair!). Centreville is just another little joy being a city dweller! Plenty of ways to discover Ontario!

 

  • Victoria Ess
    August 22, 2013 at 12:56 am

    It’s so nice that you’re getting out to all these great Toronto attractions! That picture with your daughter and mother is just lovely.

  • Sh
    August 24, 2013 at 2:29 am

    I can’t believe how lucky I was to come across your post. I was just on the Centreville website trying to figure out what would be good for my son for our trip tomorrow when I saw your post via Twitter. My son is the exact same age as your daughter, so I will be taking your recommendations with me when I go. Thanks so much for the tips, it makes me feel so much more at ease!!

    • Yashy
      August 24, 2013 at 9:46 am

      Thanks so much for those kinds words! I’m so glad I was able to help – hope you’ll come back and let me know how your day at Centreville was!! Would love to hear your tips!! Have a great time and thanks for stopping by!

  • Cheryl (@loucheryl)
    December 9, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    Our family LOVES Centreville. It’s a must stop for us in the Summer. My 4 year old son loves it as much as I do. I’ve been going since I was his age.

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