5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with older kids

Toronto Islands with older kids
This is what I would recommend if you're visiting this attraction with kids 7 years and older.

My TIPS for a great visit with OLDER KIDS

1) Check the Centre Island ferry schedule and arrive at the ferry docks (at the foot of Bay Street) 45 minutes prior to departure, with snacks and water (and maybe chalks for them to draw on the pavement while they wait). DON'T FORGET TO NOTE THE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR RIDE BACK!

2) If your family has the inclination, bring everyone's bike, with locks. There are no cars on Toronto Islands! It's cyclists haven! Then, it doesn't matter on which ferry you hop on.

3) Try to catch the Lagoon Theatre play on your way in or out of your visit to Centre Island. (Their 30-min. play is great for 3-12 years old with double-entendre for the adults (2013 update: performed by Frolick Wednesday to Sunday at 11:15, 12:15, 1:15 and 2:20 until September 2); with potential shows later on the weekends. Bring cash, its pay-what-you-can, suggested admission price of $10 but they're cool about it.) 

4) Walk straight to the other end of Centre Island, past the fountains, and turn right to reach Gibraltar Beach (skip busy centre Island Beach). You'll find many beach entrances walking 10-15 minutes along the paved path. The sand is fantastic! There are less people. It feels like the ocean.

5) At the end of the day, you must check the weird contraption of the Synthecycletron by Barry Prophet, an interactive machine generating noise as you ride it. it is part of the New Adventures in Sound Art. You'll find it on your left if you walk east, past the bike rental place near Centre Island Beach.

Note that the Carousel Café by the large bridge is pretty, with a large patio overlooking the canal, and it offers a vast menu, not too expensive (I'd make two kids share a club sandwich). 

When my companions walked by the hilarious large character by the entrance of the Lagoon Theatre, he called them: "Come closer! I want to smell your conditioner!"

Also read 5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with younger kids

Also read 8 TIPS: Toronto Islands with teenagers

5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with younger kids

Toronto Islands with younger kids
Last time I visited Toronto Islands, it had been a while since my last summer visit. I was impressed!!!

There were more people than when my kids were young, but everything was really well organized to maximize everyone's experience to the Islands.

I was with two teens (I will later post tips to better enjoy the place with teens) but had a good look at what would appeal to me, were I to return with younger kids.

My TIPS for a great visit WITH YOUNG KIDS:

1) Prior to your visit, go online to buy Centreville Amusement Park tickets (you save money and will avoid the crowd at the gate. It is absolutely perfect for kids 8 years and under.
2) Check the Centre Island ferry schedule and arrive at the ferry docks (at the foot of Bay Street) 45 minutes prior to departure, with snacks and water (and maybe chalks so the kids can draw on the asphalt while you wait). DON'T FORGET TO NOTE THE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR RIDE BACK!
3) Bring cash to pay for the ferry ride! (Last time I checked, it was cash only.)
4) Once on the other side, go directly to the amusement park, a short walk off the Centre Island dock.

5) When the kids are ready to cool down, go to the great spray pad outside of the amusement park. To reach it, cross the big bridge to your left as you exit of the amusement park. Walk until you reach the fountains on each side of the alley, and go to your right. The spray pad is hidden from the sight because of the trees but it's there! And it is very pretty.

Of the ferry, you'll see signs (and probably some of their wacky characters) for the Lagoon Theatre 30-minute pay-what-you-can performances. I'd save this attraction for kids 7 and older, simply because the amusement park and the spray pad is already a full plate for younger kids but the show is suitable for 3 to 12 years old.

On the way to the amusement park, you might also catch one of the 10 Minute Drum Circle (when we visited, they offered free playshops and they supply the drums, not sure it's still going on).

Also read 5 TIPS: Toronto Islands with older kids
Also read 8 TIPS: Toronto Islands with teenagers