Canada’s Wonderland makes chaperone policy permanent in response to ‘unruly’ behaviour seen at other amusement parks

Canada’s Wonderland has announced a permanent policy where guests under 15 need a chaperone starting at 4 p.m.

Canada’s Wonderland says younger guests will be required to have a chaperone in the evenings throughout the upcoming season, making permanent a policy the park implemented last fall.

In a news release issued Tuesday, the amusement park noted that a new chaperone policy will be in effect for the entire 2026 season.

Starting at 4 p.m., all guests ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21 in order to be admitted or remain in the park.

One chaperone cannot accompany more than 10 guests ages 15 and under.

“At Canada’s Wonderland, we’re committed to providing a safe, enjoyable environment for all our guests,” the news release read.

The Vaughan theme park enacted a similar policy back in September due to “unruly and inappropriate” behaviour by younger guests at other entertainment venues.

Guests ages 15 and under could not be in the park after 6 p.m. without a chaperone during the Halloween Haunt experience.

“A safe, family-friendly atmosphere is the type of experience our guests expect and deserve at Canada’s Wonderland,” the park said in a statement released last fall.

“We’re introducing this policy as a best practice in the industry, after seeing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behaviour over the years at amusement parks and major entertainment venues.”

‘A proactive measure’

Grace Peacock, the regional director of public relations at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the parent company of Canada’s Wonderland, said the amusement park has not had any major incidents in recent years.

“This is really a proactive measure for us,” she said.

“This is really something that is being consistent and being rolled out at large entertainment venues all over. We are seeing incidents more happen in the States... certainly it is happening at parks that don’t have chaperone policies.”

Six Flags Great Adventure also has a chaperone policy, requiring all guests ages 17 and under be accompanied by an adult over 21 during all operating hours, unless posted otherwise.

Peacock noted that having an adult on site will improve safety overall.

“It is not just about the possibility of kids getting up to trouble. I think this is safety issue as well. We would prefer there to be an adult on site who is responsible for youth in case there is a medical issue, perhaps,” she said.

“Having an adult on site that we can access really quickly helps us respond better so overall we are hoping this is going to be a good safety measure for us this year.”

When it comes to enforcement, Peacock noted that it is going “take some time” for people to get used to the new policy.

“It is going to be a lot of education and awareness. I think we are not going to be unreasonable when we are chatting with folks that aren’t aware,” she said, adding that they will be asked to contact an adult if they are at the park without a chaperone.

“Ultimately, we are not going to be able have them stay in the park after 4 p.m. if they are not escorted by a chaperone.”

The amusement park officially opens for the 2026 season on May 3 for the general public and season passholders on May 1.

New ride, food options for 2026 season

When it opens next month, the park will be unveiling a “bold reimagining of a longtime favourite” ride.

Originally known as Top Gun, which opened in 1995, the ride is being re-themed as The DareDeviler “to align with the original vision of the Grande World Expo.”

“Guests can relive the daring spirit of early aviation as they soar, dive, and twist through the legacy of a legendary stunt plane built to thrill the world,” Canada’s Wonderland said in a news release.

“Enhanced by targeted track refinements and new trains, the ride delivers a smoother, more immersive experience, featuring improved seating and open, vest-style restraints for greater comfort and visibility.”

New food and beverage offerings this year include Choco Crispy Bites Funnel Cake, Donair Kabobs, and “Wonder Rush” Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverage.

The Sweet Shoppe on International Street has also been rebranded “The Sweet Spot,” offering an “expanded assortment of handcrafted treats,” including Tanghulu, fresh fruit skewers coated in a glossy hardened sugar syrup.