Kids hate to be told ‘don’t touch’ and frankly, adults don’t like it much either, so the Ontario Science Centre’s ‘touch and try everything’ approach makes it a favourite place to explore.
Open every day but Christmas from 10am-5pm, the Science Centre has a wide range of exhibits that cover everything from weather to wildlife, but the most popular area by far is the Science Arcade, where visitors can play with electricity (and live to tell about it!), sound, light and more to learn basic scientific principles. The best thing? An enormous silver ball known as the Van de Graaff generator that, when touched, will make your hair stand on end. It’s entertainment that just never gets old – even if you do!
A regularly-changing lineup of 3-D movies in the IMAX® Dome theatre are not only stomach-churningly fascinating but also a great opportunity to sit down and take a load off after racing through the exhibits with excited kids. Check for movie selections and times when you arrive so you can plan your day.
Tips
- It’s possible to take public transit to the Science Centre, but if you’re traveling with little ones, transferring from subway to bus might be a pain. Parking in the Ontario Science Centre lot is just $8.00, which might make it the cheaper option in any case.
- Ramps and elevators make all levels of the Science Centre accessible, wheelchairs and strollers are available for free, and family-friendly lockers make it possible to stow your stuff while you explore.
- Be sure to choose the areas that will be most appropriate for your kids, to maximize their experience. While those who can read will be happiest in the Science Arcade, really little one will love KidSpark, a huge area filled with bright coloured objects that make cool sounds and teach lessons all at the same time.
- Don’t rush. The Science Centre is designed to surprise you at every corner with even the smallest displays. Look up and find quirky flying machines. Look to the sides and see bird-shaped window decals that tell you which live birds are just outside the window you’re standing beside.
- Again, the CityPass ticket means you don’t have to wait in line for admission. Show it to one of the attendants and you’ll be able to move straight into the exhibits.
For more on discounts to the best attractions in Toronto, visit: www.citypass.com/toronto.
Continue for the Top 5 Sights & Attractions in Toronto: The Royal Ontario Museum.
Photo by Ian Muttoo on Flickr.com
Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales