Visting Ontario Amusement Parks can be such a magical experience. Especially if you have young children. If you have been wondering what the Best Amusement Parks in Ontario for Kids Under 5 are, you are in the right place. My daughter just turned 4 and last year we took her to an amusement park: La Ronde in Quebec and she loved it so I am excited to check out Amusement Parks in Ontario this summer.
Theme parks in Ontario come in all shapes and sizes, from large parks like Canada’s Wonderland that can take all day to visit to smaller parks like Storybook Garden that are perfect for a first time amusement park experience. No matter the size, all of the amusement parks on our list are worth visiting and often the smaller parks have less lines which is perfect for preschoolers and young kids who have can’t wait long and need often bathroom breaks.
We created a guide especially for parents with young kids, to give you a better idea of the best way to spend your hard earned money and receive the best value. In this guide, we have outlined what rides are available and what the height minimums are for each ride. I highly recommend before choosing a park to visit that you get out a tape measure and measure your children’s heights to pick the best fit in terms of amusement parks in Ontario. Now my daughter is short for her age at 4, so many of her friends are taller and can ride more so height is an important factor when we choose day trips to visit attractions.
There are several fantastic Ontario Amusement Parks. From Canada’s Wonderland to Bingemans, there is something for everyone.
What is the biggest theme park in Ontario?
Canada’s Wonderland is the biggest theme park in Ontario, at over 330 acres it is one of the biggest and busiest parks in North America. However when you have toddlers and preschoolers, biggest is not always the best thus why we created our guide of the Best Theme Parks for Preschoolers and Toddlers. Though if your still set on Wonderland then check out our Best Rides for Toddlers at Canada’s Wonderland.
What are the best Amusement Parks in Ontario for Preschoolers?
Click on the links and jump down to details of each Amusement Park in Ontario.
- Canada’s Wonderland
- Fantasy Fair
- Centreville
- Santa’s Village
- Storybook Gardens
- Storybook Park
- Bingemans
Amusement Park Height Restrictions
Many amusement parks have height restrictions for their rides. The average preschooler is approximately 35 to 36 inches tall. Make sure to take that into account when selecting a theme park to visit.
Many theme parks in Ontario offer rides perfectly suited for a child of that height or less. So, if you are visiting a park with a toddler and your older children, everyone will have the chance to have fun.
What are the Best Ontario Amusement Parks?
There are many fun Ontario Amusement Parks. These parks all have activities that are perfect for your little ones. Just remember to take into account their height restrictions and requirements. These amusement parks are all family-friendly and offer a little bit of adventure but are appropriate for kids under age 5.
If you are looking for fun with water, then check out our guide to The Best Beaches in the Greater Toronto Area, or The Best Outdoor Waterparks in Ontario.
Canada’s Wonderland
1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6 – Canada’s Wonderland offers many rides that your kids under 5 can enjoy. Especially if you visit KidZville and Planet Snoopy. Located just outside of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is a fantastic place to visit with your family.
There is a variety of yummy food items at Canada’s Wonderland. There are also tonnes of rides, a waterpark, and more. With so much fun to be had, Wonderland is a great place to frequent with your kids.
Best Rides at Canada’s Wonderland for Kids Under 5
Many of the rides at Canada’s Wonderland for Kids Under 5 do not have minimum height restrictions. this makes it much easier when selecting a ride for your little one to enjoy.
- Beagle Brigade Airfield – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Blast Off! – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Frequent Flyers – Minimum Height: None.
- Joe Cool’s Dodgem School – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Jumpin’ Jet – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Lakeside Lagoon Pool – Minimum Height: None.
- Lakeside Lagoon Slides – Minimum Height: None.
- Maple Park Treehouse – Minimum Height: None.
- Peanuts 500 – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Pumphouse – Minimum Height: None.
- Snoopy vs Red Baron – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Snoopy’s Space Race – Minimum Height: None.
- Splash Station – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Sprayground – Minimum Height: None.
- Swing Time – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Waterways – Minimum Height: 36″.
As you can see, there are several rides at Canada’s Wonderland that children under 5 can enjoy. If you are looking for the Best Rides for Toddlers at Canada’s Wonderland, you are sure to find quite a few that suit your needs.
Fantasy Fair
500 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 6K5 – Fantasy Fair is Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park. Located inside Woodbine Shopping Centre in Etobicoke, this is a fantastic place to visit with the kids.
There are several rides at Fantasy Fair that are perfect for kids under 5. Just make sure to check the height restrictions prior to visiting. Doing so will help you to be prepared.
Best Attractions at Fantasy Fair for Kids Under 5
At Fantasy fair, there are some rides and attractions that have no minimum height requirement. Make sure to check the list below to make sure you are fully informed.
- Fantasy Fair Express (Train) – Minimum Height: None
- Antique Carousel – Riders under 36” and under 44” must be accompanied by an Over 54” chaperone.
- Dreamer’s Play Village (Soft Play Area) – Minimum Height: None.
- Crystal Kaleidoscope Ferris Wheel – Riders over 36″ in height may ride alone. Riders under 36” in height must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Ships Ahoy (Spinning Cups) – Riders under 36” must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Fantasy Flight (Balloon Ride) – Riders under 36” and under 54” must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Airforce – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Rock ‘n’ Climb (Climbing Wall) – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Drop & Hop – Riders between 36”-42” must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- XD Simulator – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Smash & Dash (Bumper Cars) – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Spinners – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Midway Games – All ages welcome.
Fantasy Fair is a fabulous place to visit. There are many rides that permit children under 36 inches. Some require they be accompanied by an adult. There are also plenty of other activities to participate in. Check out Fantasy Fair for your next family excursion.
Centreville
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3 – Centreville Amusement Park is located on Centre Island in Toronto. Take a ferry over to this exciting amusement park. Your kids are sure to have fun. There is a lot for kids under 5 to do.
Aside from rides and attractions, there are several amazing food outlets to choose from at Centreville. From pizza to funnel cake and everything in between, you are sure to find something that everyone can enjoy munching on.
Best Attractions at Centreville for Kids Under 5
There are many attractions at Centreville to choose from. Listed below are the ones best suited to children under 5. Some of these do require an adult to go on with them though, so keep that in mind.
- Beasly Bear – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Rockin’ Ferry – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Scrambler – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Toronto Island Mine Coaster – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Log Flume Ride – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Antique Cars – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Leapin Lily Pad – Minimum Height: 36″.
- Ferris Wheel – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Pony Express – Riders must be less than 54″ tall.
- Haunted Barrel Works – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Tea Cup Ride – Children under 36″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Antique Carousel – Minimum Height: None.
- Swan Ride – Children under 48″ must be accompanied by someone 48″ or taller.
- Fire Engines – Riders must be less than 54″ tall.
- Touring Cars – Riders must be less than 54″ tall.
- Kiddie Boat – Riders must be less than 54″ tall.
- Sky Ride – Minumum Height: 36″
- Bumble Bees – Riders must be less than 54″ tall.
Centreville has so much to offer to the entire family. There are many attractions and rides that children under 5 can participate in. Don’t forget to pack your camera because you are going to want to get pictures.
Santa’s Village
1624 Golden Beach Rd, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8 – Santa’s Village is simply wonderful. Who doesn’t want the magic of the holidays all year round? This place is great because of the magic it provides to children and adults alike.
When you walk into Santa’s Village you are sure to be impressed. This is because the atmosphere is so unique. Santa’s Village truly is wonderful.
Best Rides at Santa’s Village for Kids Under 5
When visiting Santa’s Village, there are several rides for children under 5. Some do require an adult to accompany them and some do not. With so many rides to choose from Santa’s Village is a great choice for a visit.
- Santa’s Enchanted Forest – Minimum Height: None.
- Suspension Bridge – Minimum Height: None.
- Santa’s Elf School – Minimum Height: None.
- Ralphies Range – Minimum Height: 44″ or 36″ with an adult.
- Snowbo & Arrows – Minimum Height: 44″ or 36″ with an adult.
- Candy Cane Express – Minimum Height: 42″ or none with an adult.
- Go Karts – Minimum Height: 54″ or 36″ with an adult.
- Visits with Santa – Minimum Height: None.
- Mr. Rudolph’s Mini Golf – Minimum Height: None.
- Santa’s Farm Tractors – Minimum Height: 48″ or none with an adult.
- Blitzen’s Balloons – Minimum Height: 48″ or none with an adult.
- Jumpin’ Star – Minimum Height: 36″ or 32″ with an adult.
- Antique Merry Go Round – Minimum Height: 32″ or none with an adult.
- Peppermint Penguin Coaster – Minimum Height: 48″ or 36″ with an adult.
- Santa’s Summer Sleigh – Minimum Height: None.
- Ferris Wheel – Minimum Height: 48″ or none with an adult.
- The Red Baron – Minimum Height: 48″ or none with an adult.
- Santa’s Carousel – Minimum Height: 42″ or none with an adult.
- Rudolph’s Rollercoaster – Minimum Height: 48″ or 36″ with an adult.
- Santa’s Pray and Spray Beach Zone – Minimum Height: None.
- Treasure Island Paddle – Minimum Height: 48″ or none with an adult.
- Santa’s Reindeer – Minimum Height: None.
- Santa’s Farm Petting Zoo – Minimum Height: None.
- Elves Island Elf Sky Challenge – Minimum Height: None.
- Elves Island Playground – Minimum Height: None.
- Muskoka Mining Sluice – Minimum Height: None
There are so many fantastic rides and attractions for your children to participate in. If you are going to Santa’s Village with your children under 5, you are sure to find something for everyone to enjoy.
Storybook Gardens
1958 Storybook Ln, London, ON N6K 4Y6 – Storybook Gardens is a magical place to visit with the entire family. There is quite literally something for everyone here. From several food options to attractions, you are sure to have a magical experience.
Best Attractions at Storybook Gardens for Kids Under 5
There are many attractions at Storybook Gardens for kids under 5. With so many different toddler areas, you are sure to find something fun to do with your little ones.
- Carpet Slide – Minimum Height: 36″
- Ferris wheel – Minimum Height: 36″ to ride with an adult
- Old Woman’s Shoe – Minimum Height: None (Toddler playground)
- Sand Pit – Minimum Height: None
- Pirate Ship – Minimum Height: None
- Toddler Play Zone
- Elephant Ride – Minimum Height: 36″
- Village Playhouse – Minimum Height: None
Storybook Gardens offers up so many different experiences for children of all ages. Check out their interactive map for more information.
Storybook Park
123221 Story Book Park Rd, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N3 – Storybook Park is located just minutes from Owen Sound. There is a wide range of activities for families to participate in. Have a picnic, play mini-golf, enjoy a nice meal at the on-site restaurant and have fun with all the rides and attractions.
Best Attractions at Storybook Park for Kids Under 5
There are many different attractions that kids under the age of 5 can take part in at Storybook Park. The wide range of activities offered makes it easy to find something fun for everyone in your family.
- Python Pit -Minumum Height: 36″ or 33 – 36″ with an adult.
- Merry Mixer– Minimum Height: 42″ or Accompanied by an adult.
- Berry Go Round – Minumum Height: 42″ or Accompanied by an adult.
- Red Baron – Minumum Height: 42″ or Accompanied by an adult.
- Boat Ride – Minimum Height: None
- Merry Go Round – Minimum Height: None
- Ferris Wheel – Minimum Height: None
- Rocket Ride – Minimum Height: None
- Great Western Train – Minimum Height: None
- Pirate Ship – Minimum Height: None
- Frog Hopper – Minimum Height: 36″
- Splash Pad – Minimum Height: None
There are so many fun rides and attractions that your children under 5 can take part in. Storybook Park is a fantastic theme park in Ontario for families to visit.
Bingemans
425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, ON N2B 3X7 – Bingeman’s is located in Kitchener Ontario. This amusement park in Ontario has so much to offer your entire family. There are several different activities for everyone to take part in. Whether you go bowling at Kingpin bowl lounge, visit the waterpark or take part in the many interactive experiences, excitement is guaranteed.
Best Attractions at Bingemans for Kids Under 5
There are so many fun things to do at Bingemans. Especially for children under 5. Big Splash Waterpark offers quite a few fun water activities to choose from as well. Just make sure to follow the rules and regulations.
- Wave Pool – Minimum Height: None
- Spray N’ Play – Minimum Height: None
- Mini Golf – Minimum Height: None
- Three Level Play Structure – Ages 2 – 12
- Gameworx – Minimum Height: None
- Kingpin Bowl Lounge – Minimum Height: None
Bingemans also offers camping and more. If you are looking to make it a weekend trip, Bingemans is a fantastic choice.
There are so many wonderful theme parks in Ontario. If you are looking to have a fun experience as a family, there are many options to choose from. Taking your children under 5 to Ontario Amusement Parks doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are many activities at each park that your little ones can participate in.
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