The underbelly of the Canadian theme park scene consists of several smaller family parks nestled within their own more remote kingdoms. The description suits Story Book Park, which is located well off of the beaten path in Owen Sound, Ontario. I made a strong effort to visit last summer for its 50th anniversary, but was it worth the trek?
Story Book Park is located adjacent to a campground just outside of town. Parking can be found in a dirt lot across the street, and the entrance is adorned by a castle hosting their main gate, gift shop, and administrative offices. Admission is a flat $30; adults without kids will also be required to show ID before entering.
In the off chance you haven’t already realized, Story Book Park’s heart lies firmly with fairy tales. Many such exhibits and decorations are sprinkled throughout the park, although their appeal is frankly inconsistent. Some of these are very creative and take a hard eye to notice;
Others are presented in the form of glass-cased houses with accompanying billboards. There’s the art of not being particularly subtle, and then there’s the hammer. Again, though, everything’s cute and informative.
Then you have absolute Dollarama-level oddities like Humpty Dumpty… but hey, he does make for a compelling photo op!
Of course, Story Book Park offers much more than static exhibits. The park’s layout is essentially a full loop of pathway, which is packed to the brim with children’s rides, playgrounds, animal exhibits, catering points, and other attractions. A trackless train offers a tour every half-hour, traversing the pathway alongside guests.
The main draw for coaster enthusiasts like myself is Python Pit, an E&F Miler kiddy coaster that began its life in Maryland before emigrating to Canada. Kiddy coasters don’t warrant being held to high judgement, but something was off with this one; compared to similar rides, it felt prone to stalling at every point. Sluggish cycles were sadly a common theme for the park’s attractions.
Next door is Wipe Out, one of just four Garbrick Merry Mixers left in operation. These have historical value for preceding the Scrambler, and I’m reliably informed that its sisters at Knoebels and Bushkill Park run incredibly fast. This one, however, clocks in at a more leisurely walking pace, and given its age, it probably won’t ever exceed that.
New for the 2024 season was Spinning Cars, a one-off SBF Visa design rescued from Adventureland in Farmingdale, New York. It exerts some much-welcome kinetic energy and colorful flair but is otherwise very tame; the kids riding with me calmly remarked afterwards that the scariest part was when a seat belt came loose.
The standout attraction was far and away the Haunted House. It’s unstaffed and located in a quieter corner of the park, confusing many passing guests into believing it was closed. Those brave enough to venture into the dark will inadvertently trigger air gusts and light-up exhibits, catching everyone by surprise.
Another one of Story Book Park’s stronger offerings are is its animal exhibits. The park houses all manner of deer, rabbits, alpacas, and goats. Everyone seems to be well cared for and evidently well fed; animals aren’t just eager to meet guests out of the kindness of their hearts, you know!
Rounding out the attractions are a small waterslide structure, a miniature putt course, and multiple playgrounds of different shapes and styles. There is absolutely no shortage of things to do — for younger guests, that is.
And that neatly sums up my thoughts on Story Book Park. Very little is offered for anyone over the age of ten, and why should it really? It’s a decently maintained children’s park, it was quite busy when I visited, and, at two and a half hours away from Canada’s Wonderland, they hardly compete for market share. Local families with young children are well served, but for anyone else, it’s too small and inaccessible for all but the most diehard of coaster completionists. I’m glad I made the trek, though, and if you’re ever in the area, it might be worth seeing.
Have you or would you visit Story Book Park? Let us know in the comments below!
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