10 theme parks and water parks to visit near Toronto if you can't afford a trip to Florida
You don't need to plan a trip to Disney World in order to enjoy some fun rides and attractions. There are lots of amusement parks and waterparks near Toronto that offer endless summer fun.
You can spend a day riding giant rollercoasters, filling up on treats and zipping down waterslides at these spots around the city.
From wave pools to lazy rivers and thrilling rides, these parks are full of warm-weather excitement.
Here are 10 amusement parks and water parks to visit around Toronto this summer.
Canada's Wonderland
Price: $44.99 + per person
Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr., Vaughan, ON
Why You Need To Go: Canada's Wonderland is one of the most iconic amusement parks in the Toronto area. The park is home to over 200 attractions including 18 rollercoasters.
If you're feeling brave, you can ride some of the most thrilling coasters like the Yukon Striker, Leviathan and Behemoth, or opt for something a little less scary like a float on Swan Lake.
You won't want to miss out on the famous funnel cake and summer festivals at this spot. There are lots of places where you can grab a bite to eat as well as some shops to explore.
Clifton Hill
Price: Free admission
Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: Clifton Hill's "World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls" is packed with attractions and fun things to do.
You can soar 175 feet above Niagara Falls on the Skywheel, zoom around like Mario on the Niagara Speedway, play some Dinosaur Adventure Golf and visit the wax museum.
If you're feeling brave, you can check out Zombie Attack.
Clifton Hill also has a range of restaurants including Boston Pizza, Kelsey's and Rainforest Café.
Big Splash
Price: $39.95 + per adult
When: Opening June 22, 2024
Address: 425 Bingemans Centre Dr., Kitchener, ON
Why You Need To Go: This waterpark is the largest in the Kitchener area and it offers endless summer fun.
With a heated wave pool and nine waterslides, you can spend the day getting soaked and enjoying the attractions.
Some thrilling experiences include the Full Throttle, Boomerango, The Cyclone and Torpedo Bay.
You can also enjoy things like beach volleyball, mini golf and bowling.
If you work up an appetite after a day spent speeding down waterslides, you can head to Boston Pizza and fill up on some food.
Santa's Village
Price: $44.95 + per person
Address: 1624 Golden Beach Rd., Bracebridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who says you need to wait until December to get in the Christmas spirit? You can head to the North Pole this summer by visiting Santa's Village.
The 60-acre theme park has 30 rides and attractions to enjoy, including Santa’s Roller Coaster Sleigh ride, Jumpin’ Star mini-dropper, Candy Cane Express and a Ferris wheel.
You can also explore Santa's Enchanted Forest, see cute animals at Santa's Farm and cruise around in Santa's Summer Sleigh.
There are several spots to grab a bite to eat, including Kringle’s Kitchen, Yule Lodge & Mrs. Claus Bakeshop.
Wet 'n' Wild
Price: $54.95 + per adult
When: Reopening June 8, 2024
Address: 7855 Finch Ave. W., Brampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's lots to enjoy at this waterpark located just outside of Toronto.
You can spend the day splashing around in the massive wave pool, speeding down waterslides, zooming through tunnels and plummeting down chutes.
Centreville Amusement Park
Price: $40.71 per adult
Address: 9 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located on the Toronto Islands, this amusement park is the "ultimate summer destination," according to the website.
It's home to 30 rides and attractions as well as 14 food outlets.
You can spin around in the Twirling Tea Cups, ride the Log Flume or zoom around in Bumper Boats and Bumper Cars.
There are lots of delicious treats to enjoy, such as ice cream, funnel cake, BeaverTails, pizza and more.
Centre Island website
Storybook Gardens
Price: $9.25 per person
Address: 1958 Storybook Ln., London, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can step into a mini fairy tale at this theme park in London. Storybook Gardens has several rides and attractions to enjoy, including a miniature train, Ferris wheel, a mechanical elephant ride and the classic Storybook Carousel.
You can also relax at the Vintage Storybook Chapel, wander to Frog Pond Lookout and see what's growing in Gnorbert’s Gardens.
Other attractions include a splash pad, rock climbing wall and pedal cars.
Fantasy Fair
Price: Free admission
Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd., Unit F006, Etobicoke, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can check out Ontario's "largest indoor amusement park" just a short drive away from Toronto.
Fantasy Fair, located in Woodbine Shopping Centre, has 12 full-size rides and attractions.
You can ride the JRB Express Train throughout the Amusement Park, experience the antique Looff carousel, soar to new heights on the Crystal Kaleidoscope Ferris wheel and more.
There are also a variety of midway games to enjoy as well as face painting on the weekends.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Price: $38.99 + per person
Address: 5685 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a summer trip to North America's "largest indoor waterpark and resort." Fallsview Indoor Waterpark features 3 acres of thrills, including 16 waterslides, a wave pool, hot springs and outdoor sun deck.
You can get drenched by the 1,000 gallon tipping bucket, speed down 6 storey high waterslides and lounge in the giant jacuzzis.
There's even a beach area complete with lounge chairs that will transport you to the tropics.
Splash Works
Price: $44.99 + per person
Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr., Vaughan, ON
Why You Need To Go: This giant, 20-acre waterpark in Canada's Wonderland is worth a summer visit. The park is home to 17 different water slides and water attractions that will keep you cool on the hottest of days.
Activities include cliff jumping, the drop-launch chamber of Muskoka Plunge, free-falling from 60 feet and floating along the lazy river.
There's a brand new ride opening this June called Moosehorn Falls, a raft ride through a twisting river.
There are lots of food stations throughout the waterpark where you can fuel up and you will also have access to the rest of the rides at Canada's Wonderland.
From amusement parks with thrilling rollercoasters to waterparks with giant slides, these spots offer tons of summer thrills.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
Wish Trees at Canada's Wonderland.Canada's Wonderland | Handout
Rendering of Tundra Twister.Courtesy of Canada's Wonderland. 