CNE vs. Canada's Wonderland

[Ref]

I have company visiting this week and was wondering what entertainment would be best - They have young kids (under 10 and above 6).

They want to go somewhere that has amusement park rides and I have not been to either the Ex or Wonderland in many, many years.

Anyone have experience with both this year?

TIA

 

[MissCroft]

If it's rides they're looking for Wonderland is better. But I find there's not much else interesting there. The CNE is more fun with more to do, imo.

 

[freespirit]

If it's rides they're looking for Wonderland is better. But I find there's not much else interesting there. The CNE is more fun with more to do, imo.

Even so, can kids between the ages of 6 and 10 go on the BIG rides? Pretty expensive day trip if they can't.

 

[SinnamonFairbanks]

I would say the ex is better if they have small kids. There is less walking to get to the rides and attractions and you dont have to walk as far to get carni food. Lol, it's cheaper and there's a lot of free stuff. I know there is shopping outlets, live entertainment , indoor displays and an exhibit that is open for people to go through.... I think when i was there it was about dinosaurs.... Anyway. I always look forward to the cne... Not so much wonderland. Because of the walking, parking, the expensive bad food. Plus i'll take any excuse to go into toronto

 

[TeasePlease]

It's totally different, IMO. Wonderland is all about the rides and the odd show.

The Ex is a fair, with rides and food and plenty distractions.

Definitely more to do than just rides at the Ex. As an adult, I'd prefer the Ex, but the rides are way better at Wonderland. The kid world rides at the Ex are majorly cheesy. Like beaucoup de fromage.

 

[richaceg]

just remember...CNE has ribfest...wonderland you got pizza pizza...

 

[NorthernBear]

Kids that young would not appreciate either one. Take them to Centre Island or better still, the Toronto Zoo

 

[Shakeandbake]

Kids that young would not appreciate either one. Take them to Centre Island or better still, the Toronto Zoo

I absolutely agree , the CNE is extremely expensive once you are in and to a couple prizes and rides and some food could easily and I mean easily have you down a few hundred dollars. Wonderland is good if it is a hot day and they can also enjoy the water side of it.

The zoo has a great water park is a pretty good value and kids enjoy animals as well.

 

[TeasePlease]

just remember...CNE has ribfest...wonderland you got pizza pizza...

CNE has Bacon Nation. /discussion

 

[MPAsquared]

CNE has Bacon Nation. /discussion

Pure heaven! As is bacon wrapped deep fried mars bars! Oh em gee!

 

[fmahovalich]

CNE has smaller rides...but WAY WAY more choices.

Better food
Displays
Dog shows
military expo
farm animals
all kinds of stuff.

AND CHEAPER!

 

[Madeline Rhodes]

Wonderland is a waste until a child is 52 inches +.

CNE can be a win/win kind of day. They do have rides, and activities for younger/shorter children, as well as a strange little thing I found out the first time I went. Their indoor pavilion of shops... Cater to clothing in certain areas. There are a LOT of children clothing stores there. I picked up a snow suit, and 2 dresses one year for 70$. I picked up enough clothing to outfit a teenage girl in my life another year for 110$. Her back to school clothing was pretty much set.

The go train system means it is relatively simple to get there and not have to worry about parking... Etc.

Just a personal opinion.

 

[TeasePlease]

GO and TTC are convenient. But, parking directly on site under the Direct Energy building is most convenient and surprisingly underutilized. Also, if you plan to shop til you drop, you can take the elevator straight from the market to your car... Priceless.

It's so expensive though. You can drop a couple hundred for admission/passes and parking alone for a family, plus another bill on food. It's easily a $500 day.

 

[wigglee]

The cne , though sometimes schlocky and boring, is a historic relic of canadian culture and a lifelong tradition for me

 

[NorthernBear]

The cne , though sometimes schlocky and boring, is a historic relic of canadian culture and a lifelong tradition for me

Canadian culture? WTF is that?

 

[frankcastle]

I think kids would enjoy wonder land better. The rides are better and looks nicer.

CNE while interesting is a weird hodge podge of things that might be hit or miss for those kids.

Wonderland is more expensive.

CNE has a schedule for each day outlining the various shows and events going on you might want to peruse that as it might sway you,

But from a kids perspective Wonderland is better for rides.

CNE is better value and variety for food.

 

[frankcastle]

I think kids would enjoy wonder land better. The rides are better and looks nicer.

CNE while interesting is a weird hodge podge of things that might be hit or miss for those kids.

Wonderland is more expensive.

CNE has a schedule for each day outlining the various shows and events going on you might want to peruse that as it might sway you,

But from a kids perspective Wonderland is better for rides.

CNE is better value and variety for food.

Edit didn't think about the size of the kids.

 

[spankingman]

Actually I find the ERIE COUNTY FAIR in Hamburg NY a LOT better than the CNE.Been going for years now.Nice drive,great food that's not going to bust your wallet,find people there a LOT more friendlier that at the Ex.Just MHO