CNE vs Canada’s Wonderland: Best Toronto Theme Parks for Kids, Teens & Families (2025 Guide)
- Jason Kucherawy
- Aug 18
- 5 min read
Toronto parents and visitors face the same summer dilemma every August: do we head downtown for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), or drive up to Vaughan for Canada’s Wonderland? Both are iconic Toronto attractions, both promise rides, food, and entertainment — but which one is best for young kids, thrill-seeking teens, or a family that spans both?
In this 2025 guide, we compare CNE vs Canada’s Wonderland by rides, food, shows, costs, deals, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect family day out.
🎡 CNE vs Wonderland for Young Kids (Under 7)
If your kids are toddlers or in kindergarten, the CNE is your best bet. The Kiddie Midway is full of gentle rides where parents can hop on too, plus plenty of non-ride fun: farm animals, the SuperDogs show, an aerial ice performance, and interactive exhibits. Even if your kids only manage a handful of rides, you’ll still have a full day of experiences.
Canada’s Wonderland has Planet Snoopy and KidZville, with dozens of kid rides. The catch? Many require kids to be at least 36” tall, and some don’t allow parents to ride. Add in long walks and the size of the park, and it’s often overwhelming for a three- or four-year-old. Wonderland becomes a better fit once both kids are tall enough and have the stamina for an all-day ride marathon.
🎢 CNE vs Wonderland for Tweens and Teens
Once your kids are older, Wonderland wins hands down. It’s Canada’s undisputed roller coaster capital with 18 coasters including Leviathan, Behemoth, Yukon Striker, and the brand-new AlpenFury. The Splash Works water park adds another layer for hot summer days. One ticket covers everything, so teens can roam from open to close without worrying about paying for each ride.
The CNE has thrill rides on its Midway, but for most teens, the Ex is more about hanging out with friends than riding record-breaking coasters. That’s why evenings — when admission drops to $13 — are packed with teenagers roaming in groups.
🍟 Food, Shows, and Extra Attractions
CNE: The Food Building is legendary, with everything from deep-fried Oreos to global street food. Add in free concerts, cultural exhibits, the Air Show, farm animals, and parades — the CNE offers variety well beyond rides.
Wonderland: Food is standard theme-park fare (burgers, pizza, fries, nuggets) and comes second to the rides. There are some live shows and character meet-and-greets, but they’re extras, not the main draw.
🎟️ CNE vs Wonderland Costs and Tickets (2025)
CNE (https://www.theex.com):
Adult admission: ~$26
Kids 5–13: ~$22
Kids 4 & under: free
Ride-All-Day pass: ~$70 (but you can also buy tickets for just a few rides)
Parking: $40–45
Transit: GO Train to Exhibition Station (Lakeshore West) or TTC streetcars 509 Harbourfront / 511 Bathurst.
Canada’s Wonderland (https://www.canadaswonderland.com):
Admission: ~$55 online (before tax/fees)
Kids 2 & under: free
Parking: ~$30
Transit: Subway to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre then YRT bus 20, or seasonal GO Bus from Union Station.
💸 Discount Deals and Special Offers
Kid’s Toonie Monday → Kids 13 & under just $2 with a paying adult (Aug 18 & 25, gate only).
$13 Nights → Admission is $13 after 4:45 pm (Aug 18–21 & Aug 25–28).
EXcelunch Special → Buy admission weekdays 11 am–1 pm, leave before 2 pm, and get your money back.
PRESTO Perks → Save up to 47% on Ride-All-Day passes and 27% on admission if purchased before Aug 14; smaller discounts after.
Canada’s Wonderland (https://www.canadaswonderland.com/special-offers):
Advance Online Discounts → Save up to $40 off gate price on select days.
Fast Lane Options → Skip the lines for $69 (Fast Lane) or $79 (Fast Lane Plus), plus fees & tax.
Season Passes → Worth it if you’ll go more than once this summer.
🛠️ Tips for Visiting CNE and Wonderland with Kids
🎡 CNE Tips
Plan around shows: Anchor your day on a couple of must-sees (SuperDogs, ice show, air show) to avoid zig-zagging across the grounds.
Food strategy: Visit the Food Building early or late. For families, divide and conquer — everyone picks a dish and meets up outside.
Transit over parking: Parking is expensive and fills quickly. GO Train or TTC drops you right at the gates.
What to skip: Midway games if you don’t want to lug giant plush toys home, and the indoor shopping pavilion unless you’re actually shopping for a massage chair.
Bring: Stroller or wagon for under-7s, refillable water bottles, sunscreen, patience.
🎢 Wonderland Tips
Eat smart: You can leave and re-enter the park. Many families pack a cooler in the trunk and tailgate in the parking lot to save on food costs.
Footwear matters: No flip-flops on coasters like Leviathan and Behemoth — wear secure shoes.
Hats & sunglasses: Must come off on thrill rides. Bring a small bag or fanny pack; rides have cubbies, but you’ll want your own system.
Buy online: It’s cheaper and avoids the front gate lines.
Timing rides: Go to the back of the park first; save the big coasters for early or late.
Water park strategy: Hit Splash Works early, then switch to coasters as crowds shift.
What to skip: With little kids, don’t try to cover the whole park. Stick to Planet Snoopy/KidZville.
✅ Bottom Line: Which Is Best for Families in Toronto?
With young kids, the CNE is the better choice: more variety, lower cost, and forgiving if they can’t last a full day.
With teens, Wonderland wins: an all-day thrill machine with coasters and water slides.
With a family that spans both? Maybe do both — Wonderland for the coaster crowd, and the Ex for a carnival-style day out.
❓ FAQ
Is the CNE cheaper than Wonderland?
Yes, especially if you have young kids who won’t use a Ride-All-Day pass.
What is the best day to go to the CNE?
Mondays (for $2 kids’ tickets) and weekday evenings (for $13 admission after 4:45 pm) are the best value.
Can you bring food to Canada’s Wonderland?
Outside food isn’t allowed inside, but you can leave and re-enter. Many families pack a cooler and tailgate in the parking lot.
👉 Whether you’re chasing roller coasters or mini-donuts, both parks deliver uniquely Toronto summer traditions. Just choose the one that fits your kids’ ages — and your budget — and you’ll have a day worth remembering.
👟 Why Tour Guys Shares This
At Tour Guys, we don’t just lead walking tours — we help visitors and locals alike make the most of Toronto. Whether it’s navigating the CNE midway with your kids, finding the fastest route to a Wonderland coaster, or uncovering hidden gems in Kensington Market, our goal is to share the kind of local expertise and insights you won’t find in a brochure. Even when we’re not guiding a tour, we want you to feel like you’ve got a local friend in the city.
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