Who needs Disney World? Canada's Wonderland has been around for 30 years of rides, shows and water park fun. There are 15 roller coasters alone to choose from. On today's segment I tried out the Behemoth and thankfully it wasn't quite as scary as I thought. Although I admit I may not run back to try it again! The water park is definitely more my speed.

They also have family friendly live shows and this year it's all about the Peanuts characters. Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus star in Snoopy Rocks on Ice! Planet Snoopy is a new children's area featuring three brand new rides and a chance to interact with the cast of Peanuts characters.

www.canadaswonderland.com

If you are looking for more ways to have fun with the family this summer, here are my other suggestions:

For a more historical and culturally educational option, try the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site on Cape Breton Island.

If you are checking out the Cabot Trail this summer make sure to include a full day at Louisbourg. The French came to Louisbourg in 1713 and Cape Breton, known then as Isle Royale, became one of their thriving strongholds in the New World. It fell to the English in 1758 but now each summer the Fortress springs to back to life. Dozens of costumed interpreters become the town's residents circa the summer of 1744. Period homes, exhibits and theme centres line the streets and the waterfront.

You'll see musicians, soldiers, merchants, street vendors, bakers, servants and fishermen.The "residents" interact with you with stories, dances, music, cooking, sewing, gardening …you get the picture!

For a family it costs $44.10. Your first stop will be the Visitor Reception Centre, just beyond the modern town of Louisbourg. Park your car there in the free parking. Then you'll take a seven minute bus ride from the Visitor Centre to the Fortress.

www.pc.gc.ca

For a more scientific educational experience check out Alberta's Royal Tyrell Museum. If you have kids that are into dinosaurs this museum will bring them to life like no other in the world. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the museum houses a range of permanent galleries, including Dinosaur Hall that will immerse you in the 3.9-billion-year history of life on Earth. The Museum is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, six kilometres northwest of Drumheller, Alberta, in Midland Provincial Park. Plan to spend anywhere from two hours to two days visiting.

www.tyrrellmuseum.com

If your kids prefer live animals to fossils the largest and best aquarium in Canada is the Vancouver Aquarium. Located in Stanley Park, the Aquarium is home to over 70,000 animals. Kids will love the multi-coloured life inside a tide pool, and will marvel at deadly piranhas, scary insects… even a shark. The whale pool is a must, especially around feeding time. Underwater windows provide a rare close-up view of these enormous but gentle creatures. The Amazon Gallery brings together exotic birds and plants then schedules a tropical thunderstorm.

And this summer kids can check out SpongeBob Squarepants on the big screen in the 4D Experience Theater. It's free with the regular $17 kids admission to the Aquarium.

http://www.vanaqua.org

And for a great family attraction that could be coming to you check out Cirque de Soleil. It could be Quebec's best known export (or is that Celine?).It is truly one of the most amazing shows in the world; high-energy acrobatics in a unique theatrical environment, wild costumes and make-up, all set to live music. There are three unique shows performing across Canada.

KOOZA – Big Top

• Vancouver starting July 22

Totem – Big Top

• Quebec City starting July 22

Alegría – Arenas

• Winnipeg from July 22 – 25
• Regina from July 27 – August 1
• Saskatoon from August 4-8
• Edmonton from August 11 - 22
• Kelowna from August 25 – 29
• Kamloops from September 1 - 5
• Victoria from September 8-12

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com