18 Ontario Attractions You Definitely Visited As A Kid If You're A Millennial In The Province
Get ready for a trip down memory lane! If you're a millennial who grew up in the province, you likely have some childhood memories from these iconic attractions across Ontario.
From standing on the CN Tower's glass floor to indulging in maple taffy on a farm, these quintessential Ontario experiences were basically a rite of passage for every kid in the province.
See how many of these 18 Ontario attractions you remember visiting as a kid, from beaches to museums and parks.
The CNE
Price: To be announced
When: August 16 to September 2, 2024
Address: 210 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Let's go to the Ex! The Canadian National Exhibition is one of the top agricultural fairs in North America and was founded way back in 1879.
Featuring iconic rides, food and entertainment, this event is a summer tradition for many Ontarians.
Niagara Falls
Address: Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're from Ontario, odds are you've checked out this famous spot at least once. While the giant cascade is cool to see, your favourite memories probably include braving the haunted houses on Clifton Hill and snapping pics at Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Price: $18 per adult
Address:1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Those who grew up around Toronto have likely visited this historic village at least once on a school trip. The attraction has tons of interactive activities as well as live actors and seasonal events.
Winterlude
Price: Free
When: Every winter
Address: Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: From gliding (or falling) along the Rideau Canal Skateway to racing down snow slides and gobbling up maple taffy, Winterlude was a quintessential part of growing up in Ontario.
The Ontario Science Centre
Price: $22 per adult
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: This interactive museum was always a fun visit, whether during a school field trip or on the weekend with family. With experiments and cool exhibits, it's a curious kid's dream come true.
Storybook Gardens
Price: $4.75 + per adult
Address: 1958 Storybook Ln., London, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you ever found yourself in the London area as a child, you may have taken a trip to this fairy tale attraction. Storybook Gardens is a nostalgic park with all sorts of rides and attractions.
Great Wolf Lodge
Price: Prices vary
Address: 3950 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: This giant indoor waterpark was basically rite of passage for any kid growing up in the area. With slides, giant play structures and more, a weekend getaway to this spot was always a cause for excitement.
The Toronto Zoo
Price: $24.95 per adult
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing more fun than spending a day with adorable animals. From giant giraffes to majestic lions, the Toronto Zoo has so many amazing creatures to see.
Calypso Theme Waterpark
Price: $54.99 + per adult
Address: 2015 Calypso St., Limoges, ON
Why You Need To Go: As Canada's "largest theme waterpark," this outdoor attraction offers tons of thrills. The park is home to twisting slides, wave pools, cabanas and more.
Woodbine Mall & Fantasy Fair
Price: Free entry
Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Woodbine Mall is home to the "largest indoor amusement park in all of Ontario" and chances are you spent an afternoon at this spot as a kid. With 12 full-sized rides and birthday party packages, it's a dream come true for youngsters.
Maple Syrup Festivals
Price: Prices vary
When: Springtime
Address: Across Ontario
Why You Need To Go: It doesn't get much more Ontarian than a trip to a maple farm during the spring. You probably have fond memories of exploring a sugar bush and indulging in sweet maple taffy.
African Lion Safari
Price: $37.95 + per adult
Address: 1386 Cooper Rd., Cambridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: Every Ontario millennial has probably had the hilarious experience of monkeys climbing all over their car at African Lion Safari. Complete with a water park and presentations, this spot was always a summer highlight.
Canada's Wonderland
Price: $44.99 daily admission
Address: 1 Canada's Wonderland Dr., Vaughan, ON
Why You Need To Go: This giant amusement park was a quintessential part of childhood (and adulthood, for that matter). Funnel cake, rollercoasters and a waterpark made this destination a summer dream come true.
Fall fairs
Price: Prices vary
Address: Across Ontario
Why You Need To Go: The end of summer meant the start of fall fairs and this was always a cause for excitement. Ontario's fall fairs are full of cute animals, fun rides, delicious treats and more.
Centre Island
Price: $9.11 return ferry fee per adult
Address: 9 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Home to Centreville Amusement Park, this island is the "ultimate summer destination." It's home to 30 rides and attractions and 14 eateries.
From floating along on the swan ride to snacking ice cream, this spot is full of nostalgia.
Centre Island website
Pinery Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend, ON
Why You Need To Go: This scenic provincial park is a popular spot for beach days and boasts 10 kilometres of sandy shores to enjoy.
It's known for its turquoise waters, scenic sunsets, rolling dunes and lush forests. Who remembers splashing through the waves or camping out at this spot?
CN Tower
Price: $43 + per adult
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Nothing was more thrilling or terrifying than standing on the CN Tower's glass floor as a child, gazing down at the city below. This iconic Toronto landmark features towering views, a sky-high restaurant and more.
The ROM
Price: $26 + admission
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Royal Ontario Museum was always mind-blowing to visit as a kid. The giant dinosaur bones and spine-tingling bat cave likely left an impression on you. There were always interactive exhibits and fun activities to enjoy while visiting this spot.
From thrilling rides to sunny beach days and fairy tale parks, you probably have a few core memories at these attractions.
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.
