The question ‘du jour’ among my friends who are parents is “what camps do you have your kids enrolled in for the summer?” And I get it, we all love our little rugrats, but it’s no easy feat to keep them entertained for two months straight. On the flip side, camps aren’t cheap and some kids (mine included) are picky about which ones they want to attend. So far, I have Kyle signed up for 3 weeks of camp, Ryan for 2, and Nate for none. That’s why I rely on other local attractions to fill in the rest of our summer time – mainly, Canada’s Wonderland!
I’ve been going there since I was a kid and I have so many fond memories of going there with my family and friends. It was always a highlight of my summer and filled my need for thrills. When Kyle was a year and a half I felt like I waited long enough and along with a friend and her son (who was the same age as Kyle), we headed over to Wonderland for a day of fun. Kyle may not remember it, but I’m pretty sure he was hooked instantly. We’ve been going there every summer since.
On Friday, I took the boys there for the first time this season and we had a blast. It was so fun seeing the experience through Nathan’s eyes. Even though he’s been there before, I don’t think he remembered it. He had fun dancing along to the music playing from the speakers along the paths and waiting with anticipation to get on the rides. After spending six hours spread across 15 rides, it was time to go home. I’m not surprised Nathan fell asleep instantly when we got in the car.
Keeping with tradition, we purchased our seasons passes during our visit – for the fourth year in a row. If you’re planning on visiting Canada’s Wonderland at least twice this summer, make sure you purchase your season passes TODAY! Prices go up on May 22! Purchase your tickets online HERE.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada’s Wonderland with the kids, here are some tips to consider for your visit.
TIPS FOR VISITING CANADA’S WONDERLAND WITH YOUNG KIDS
- ARRIVE EARLY! There might be a line up at the entrance gates, but trust me, the park will be next to empty, especially at the kids area. Also, there will be plenty of good parking spots which you’ll be thankful for.
- If you’re coming with young kids, bring a stroller or a wagon. Preferably one with lots of storage and seating capabilities. There is lots of walking to do to get to the kids area (it’s in the rear of the park) and you’ll want to save your kid’s energy for walking between the rides and attractions.
- Get on the “busy” rides first before the crowds. Those include the Treetop Adventure, Taxi Jam, Carrousel, Swan Lake and Boo Blasters (for older kids).
- Enjoy lunch at the playground. Maple Park Treehouse has tons of chairs, shade and picnic benches. Kids can eat and play while you get to put your feet up, even if just for a few minutes.
- Kids ages 3 and under are free (yay!) and there are tons of fun rides for them to enjoy.
- If you plan on visiting the park more than two times this season, invest in a season pass as it will pay for itself after only two visits. But buy now before prices go up May 22!
If you’ve been to Canada’s Wonderland with your young kids what tips would you add?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Canada’s Wonderland. In exchange for this post, I have received perks in the form of passes and food vouchers. All opinions on this blog are my own.
Pack a lunch and leave it in the car. It cost $65 for 4 hot dogs and some cheese covered nachos with 2 fountain drinks with no straws or lids. Talk about price gouging. 4.50 for a bottle of water?? C’mon wonderland, I’m ok paying $250 to get the family in but I shouldn’t need to remortgage to feed them there