Ontario Science Centre Visit with my Kids
This summer my daughter, now eight, repeatedly asked to do science experiments and she would often tell anyone who inquired that her favourite subject was science, so we thought it would be the ideal time to plan a trip to Ontario Science Centre. We visited the centre on Labour Day weekend. Admission was free with our membership to London Regional Children’s Museum. A very big bonus incentive for us to visit. And visiting on Sunday meant we could park on a side street nearby for free as well. We stayed at a motel for the night so we could also visit family nearby. This was the only cost incurred other than the price of gas and the meals while we stayed in Toronto. I have not been to the science centre since I was about 12 or so and was anxious to see if it was the same trip I recalled or if things had improved, changed, etc. A highlight for my nephew Taiga, now one, and my daughter Ainsley, 5, was Kidspark, an interactive children’s section with toys, a rock star stage, musical instruments and even a toddler area. Less exciting was the space section and we didn’t spring for the Imax movie this year, but perhaps another time. The Ontario Science Centre currently has a Lizards and Snakes Alive exhibit that is interesting for all ages and a short film on the topic is quite informative. The Sports exhibits and the Spy area are wonderful interactive ways for children of all ages to enjoy and discover science in the every day. The Spy area is different than I had pictured it but a great opportunity to role play for younger children and there are some stations that my eight-year-old explored and were equally engagaiung for myself, my husband and my brother as well. There are chances to crack codes, discover beginner cryptography, create secret identities and examine spy gadgets. But the highlight for both my children was the Human Body exhibit. Many stood in line for hours to undergo photoaging, a glimpse into how they might look decades from now. And almost every child who visited the Human Body had to be hauled away from the sneezing girl who taught them about germs and zits. The iconic electricity exhibit in the Science Arcade hasn’t changed much in 25 years and is still fun for everyone. If I had one criticism it would be simply that I would hesitate to recommend this as a trip for anyone not yet school aged. It is simply too overwhelming and over the heads of most younger children.
Visit the Ontario Science Centre open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed December 25. Located at 770 Don Mills Road on the corner of Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Regular admission for adults is $18. Seniors are $13.50. Youth aged 13 to 17 are $13.50. Children aged four to 12 are $11. Imax movies are over and above the admission rate.
Otherwise thriftymommagogo gives this $$$$$ out of $$$$$ as it is good fun, inexpensive and educational for all family members.
