Summer’s still on at Centreville
Summer’s not over yet and neither is the summer fun at Centreville Amusement Park, where special events are planned for weekends in September before it closes for the season.
The Centre Island amusement park, surrounded by 600 acres of parkland, is the ideal site for its own version of the Amazing Race. Visitors are invited to take part in the Amusing Race, a timed scavenger hunt with a chance to win prizes and the grand prize that includes a $1000 staycation package from the Eaton Chelsea Hotel.
The first 50 guests each day of the September weekend promotion (September 7 to 22) are guaranteed a prize just for showing up at Centreville. The low-key amusement park is well suited to families with younger children, featuring rides like the antique cars and fire engines that have been meticulously maintained by the park’s operators, the Beasley family, for the past 50 years.
The log flume ride, floating swans, spinning teacups and kid-friendly drop zone ride are also among the offerings of this island attraction. While Centreville serves as a centrepiece for the island, it’s only one of many draws provided by Toronto’s Centre Island. The multiple amenities and the pleasant boat ride to get there, makes a visit to the island feel like a vacation.
Far Enough Farm is a free attraction that’s been providing a chance to interact with a variety of animals for half a century. Formerly operated by the City of Toronto, the Beasley family adopted the farm this season and along with some upgrades, added about 30 new residents. One of the newest, a baby Cameroon Dwarf goat, is waiting for a name to be provided by a naming contest that runs from September 7 to 22. Email entries to contest@centreisland.ca and include Animal Naming Contest in subject line.
Centreville also offers dining options including the Carousel Café and Shopsy’s Island Deli. Pizza, burgers, corn-on-the-cob and other fast food are available elsewhere on the island.
Round out a visit to Centre Island by spending time on one of the beaches, enjoying a picnic, walking or riding a bike (available to rent or bring your own) through parkland lush with trees or relaxing on a bench near the fountains and reflecting ponds, surrounded by lush planters. A 35-minute tram tour highlights the history of the island and is a great way to get acquainted with the island’s offerings.
Take a virtual tour of Centreville Amusement Park at www.centreisland.ca.
Photos by Exploring Photography
