Photo: Contributed

How can you keep those kids occupied this summer all while staying close to home? Needing something different than what the Okanagan has to offer? A fun filled family environment? Why not take a look at visiting one of Canada's Amusement Parks! Be that Boredom Busting Parent your kids will brag about when they head back to school in September!!
 
Of course we've all heard of Canada's Wonderland. An amusement park that can boast of hosting the world's biggest and fastest rollercoaster! The Leviathan is 306 feet high and goes at the speed of 148 km's per hour. They are also home to the world's largest animatronics park: Dinosaurs Alive! There are over 200 attractions, 69 rides and a 20 acre water park on site. With a multitude of dining options, shopping options, live entertainment and the Peanuts Gang in Planet Snoopy; there's plenty to do for all ages at Canada's Wonderland ~ located only a short drive from Toronto, Ontario.
 
Looking for something closer to home? Calaway Park in Calgary offers a wide range of fun for everyone!  Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park opened in 1982 and has successfully been pleasing crowds since with 32 rides, 24 food locations, 25 skill testing games and 4 attractions. One flat fee at the front gate and you have access to all the rides, shows, live entertainment and parking you can handle! There's also a 104 site campground for those interested in spending more time there. 
 
How about Education and Fun all in One? Then MarineLand is the place for you ! Located in beautiful Niagara Falls, this park offers 10 rides along with both marine and land animal displays, shows and education centres. Some of the features include Killer Whales, Beluga Whales, Bears, Deer, a multitude of other fish varieties as well as an on location campground. And located a short drive from MarineLand is the Niagara Falls Sky Wheel: rise 175 feet above Niagara Falls for the most spectacular view you will ever experience in a personal climate controlled gondola, providing year round sightseeing comfort day and night.
 
Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec hosts and amazing yearly event of beauty in the sky with L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, a world renowned international fireworks competition. When not watching them light up the sky, enjoy experiencing the 40 rides, including ten roller coasters; among them Le Monstre, a 131 ft high wooden double-tracked roller coaster which currently holds the record for highest double-tracked roller coaster in the world! La Ronde was opened in 1967 as the midway of the Expo 67 World's Fair. On May 4, 2001 the city of Montreal sold the park to the US company Six Flags. The park is home to Terminator X: A Laser Battle for Salvation, an interactive laser-tag attraction themed around the Terminator series, which opened in March 2010.
 
How about playing indoors? Then West Edmonton Mall is the place to go! Not only does the world's largest mall boast of world famous shopping and indoor entertainment experiences available 24-7-365; the Mall is home to the indoor amusement park of Galaxyland. The world's largest indoor amusement park features more than 24 rides and play areas for all ages.
 
And only a short drive from Kelowna, we have access to PlayLand at the Vancouver PNE. Since 1910 the PNE has been thrilling visitors with over 30 rides and amusements. Try the new Atmos'Fear Ride: swing 360°, while going 70 km/hr, at 218 feet high! With a Haunted Mansion, Mini Adventure Golf and family picnic areas, there's no excuse for boredom this summer!
 
For more information or to plan your trip to one of these great amusement spots, stop in for a chat with your Travel Agent!