Growing up just outside the GTA has meant many trips to Canada’s Wonderland over the years. As someone who is not your typical thrill seeker, I always had a routine to work myself up to go on the big rollercoasters. I’d start with Bayern’s Curve which was a small rollercoaster-like ride that went around in a small circle, and then I’d move on up to Thunder run. Once I tackled those and felt confident that I could handle the fun – everything was game.
I haven’t been to Canada’s Wonderland since becoming a mother, so it was definitely time to bring my girls to visit Canada’s Wonderland for the first time. Since they are 3 and 5 years old we stuck to Splash Works, Kidzville and Planet Snoopy which offer plenty of options for younger children and families to enjoy together.
I actually had no idea there was so much for young children to do at Canada’s Wonderland, which was a pleasant surprise.
We immediately headed to Splash Works to cool down and check out the water rides.
New to the park this year is Muskoka Pluge – an 18 m tall waterslide complex featuring four adrenaline pumping speed slides. Riders step into an enclosed launch chamber before plummeting into a high-speed free fall through S-curves and 360° loops at speeds of approximately 40 km/h.
If that sounds right up your alley, you will also want to check out Barracuda Blaster, where sliders zip down a high-speed pipe flume, then twist around the vertical banks of a giant whirling bowl of water before being flushed out into the Lazy River.
Black Hole is a four-story speed slide that takes sliders into an abyss of blackness, where they will twist, turn and splash in total darkness.
Riptide Racer gives rival sliders the chance to compete for first place as they take the liquid fast track down an enormous eight-lane splashway.
Of course Splash Works offers water rides for visitors of all ages from splash pools to wave pools and plenty of great water slides. My girls particularly enjoyed the splash island kiddies slides and the Pumphouse, which is a water playground featuring water jets and a giant bucket that dumps water onto anyone playing below.
Once the kids had their fill of all the fun in splash works we headed over to Kidzville and Planet Snoopy for the rest of the day.
Despite being only 5, and terrified of the dark, Keira is actually a bit of a thrill seeker. She loves rollercoasters to the point where she throws her arms up and laughs through the ride before begging for more. Ava, my 3 year old, on the other hand is typically fearless, but was terrified the first time we took her on a child sized rollercoaster. Needless to say, Ava was happy to watch from the walkway while Keira and I went for a ride on Taxi Jam – a kids steel rollercoaster.
After that we enjoyed the family friendly rides found in Canada’s Wonderland until the girls were exhausted and ready to leave. It was a quiet ride home after such a seriously fun and busy day.
Canada’s Wonderland also has entertainment scheduled all summer long, you will want to check out these great special events and activities on your next trip to Canada’s Wonderland:
• The WoofJock Canine All Stars – Splash! International Showplace Weekends, May 13 – June 25: The WoofJocks Canine All Stars will make a Splash in this dock and pool centered show that features both jaw dropping feats of athleticism and crowd-pleasing antics of the WoofJocks.
• Brew & BBQ Action Zone, June 24 & 25: Guests can indulge in a variety of BBQ favorites, from burgers to ribs, while listening to live music and enjoying signature craft brews from some of the area’s best local breweries.
• Parkour Freestyle International Showplace, Daily July 28 to August 15: This high-flying professional stunt team will display their awe-inspiring Parkour skills as they leap, vault and catapult their way through this high-energy, gravity defying show!
• Chinese Acrobatic Show, International Showplace Daily, August 17 to September 4: The Chinese acrobats will display their amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control as they push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats.
• KidZfest, KidZville, July 31 – August 6: Join us for a special celebration just for kids, at KidZfest! Live entertainment, foam pits, and MARVEL© Superheroes will take over KidZville for the entire week!
• Taste of Greece, Action Zone, August 19 & 20: Opa! It’s Canada’s Wonderland’s 2nd annual Taste of Greece Festival! From kebobs to signature desserts, we are bringing classic tastes of the Mediterranean! Enjoy a myriad of Greek dishes, music, and street entertainment.
• Taste of Italy, Action Zone, August 26 & 27: Canada’s Wonderland’s 2nd annual Taste of Italy Festival lets you enjoy all of your favorite authentic Italian dishes, from pizza to pasta and everything in-between. Foodies will be serenaded with Italian music as they indulge!
• Food Truck Festival, Action Zone, September 2 & 3: If you love food trucks, you’ll love this festival rolling into Canada’s Wonderland this summer. The park’s Food Truck Festival will feature local food trucks from the Greater Toronto Area, offering Park guests a uniquely delicious culinary experience!
• Oktoberfest, September 16, 17, 23, 24: Back by popular demand, our 2nd annual Oktoberfest event at the Park will include authentic German-themed food and beverage specials, traditional festival bands, and daily activities!
Are you brave enough to ride Muskoka Plunge?
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Blog Meets Brand and Cedar Fair. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Megan
Saturday 29th of June 2019
Canada wonderland is the best place aver this is going to be the 5 I go and the wader slide r fantastic love that is the best place to spend in the summer
Stephanie LaPlante
Tuesday 20th of June 2017
I haven't been to canada's wonderland since I was a little girl. I would love to visit during of their festivals.
Brianne
Tuesday 20th of June 2017
Wow this place looks great! My kids love water parks!
Nellie Blazina
Tuesday 20th of June 2017
Looks like you all had Such a fun vacation. Might just have to go check it out myself. We're in need of a fun water park adventure.
Jenn Mitchell
Monday 19th of June 2017
This looks like it would be such a wonderful time! I would love to be able to experience this splash park one day.