One day at Centreville already made my summer

Seriously heartfelt thanks to Centreville for sponsoring this post and the wonderful family experience that went with it.

View from the top of the ferris wheel.

“Merry-go-round! Merry-go-round! Merry-go-round! MARY-GO-ROUND! Dat ride’s for me!”

The antique carousel was the first ride we saw when we got to Centreville and two-year-old Mary just knew it had her name all over it.

The excitement has a chance to build when you plan a trip to Centreville. First, you make your way to the downtown Toronto ferry docks and then you board a ferry boat that drifts across the Toronto harbour toward the lush green islands. There were strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and more than one cooler on wheels waiting at the ferry docks with us. The ferries are completely accessible, but we decided it was worth carrying our umbrella stroller to the upper deck so we could watch the city recede into the distance.

Centre Island, ahoy!

On the Kiddie Boat ride

The rocking ferry ride was just starting, sliding way back on its curved track and then swinging quickly to one side. “Do you see why I love it so much?!” Irene asked. She tilted her head toward me and then way back, smiling wide open and screaming with pure joy. And I was smiling too, my heart nearly bursting with joy and love at the purity of her happiness. These are the moments, you guys. These are the moments that breathe light into our days.

“Can we go on it again?!”

Yes. Yes. Yes, we can. Oh god, it feels so good to be able to say to yes. After days and weeks, months and years, of no, sorry, not right now, maybe later and okay fine, I finally get to say yes. We had the all-you-can-ride wristbands that come with a family pass and the day was all about going on whatever you want, whenever you want, as many times as you want. You can even buy the pass online ahead of time for $93.92 for a family of four (which saves you over $16). You can also pick up individual and season’s passes online at a discount or just buy good, old-fashioned ride tickets when you get there.

Far Enough Farm

The vibe at Centreville is so fun and relaxed. I’ll take it any day over a giant amusement park when it comes to younger children. Even on a busy weekend, the lines for the rides were completely reasonable. We never had to wait for more than two ride cycles. Beautiful, mature trees provide ample shade, green spaces abound and there’s a better than even chance you’ll meet a goose out for a walk.

We packed a picnic lunch to keep costs down (and to help justify a funnel cake splurge!) There are plenty of food kiosks at Centreville, though, if you don’t have your picnic act together. (I’ve been there!)

Kidsfest

Kidsfest was also happening when we visited which meant there was even more fun to be had. Bouncy castles, games and shows, oh my! Mary put a special treasure coin from a pirate in her pocket and miraculously managed to bring it all the way home.

Highlights for us were the Ferris Wheel, the Antique Carousel, the Rockin’ Ferry Ride (of course), the Log Flume Ride, the Bumper Boats and riding the Centreville Train all through Centreville, past the rides, along the water and right by the sweet animals of Far Enough Farm petting farm.

On the Antique Cars

As the sun settled low in the sky and the crowds made their way back to the ferry docks, back to the mainland and back to real life, we hung on for a little while longer. The Touring Cars seat two kids across, but there was nobody in line, so we let them each ride in their own car. As each kid cycled back to the beginning, the ride operator asked, “Do you want to go again?” And off they drove, our three babies, around and around, again and again, right into the sunset.

View from the ferry at sunset

This post was generously sponsored by Centreville, but the opinions and images are my own. For more information, visit www.centreisland.ca[http://www.centreisland.ca/