Let me share our experience of visiting the Ontario Science Centre on Canada Day. Situated in the heart of Toronto, the science centre occupies vast acres of land. Despite it being a busy day, there were ample parking spaces, although they were filling up quickly. After parking, we took a short walk to the shuttle that transported us to the science centre, where we also purchased our tickets. Make sure to take a screenshot of the special events displayed near the ticket counter.
Considering our young children’s limited walking abilities, we didn’t plan to stay for more than four hours. It’s worth bringing strollers or wagons as the centre is accommodating for them, and there’s plenty to see and explore by foot. With three kids under seven, we had to be mindful of their energy levels and interests. Thus, we devised a strategic plan for our visit.
1.KidSpark: Designed specifically for children ages 8 under, KidSpark offers a variety of interactive play areas where kids can learn through play. From building structures to experimenting with water, engaging with light and shadows, and exploring the world of nature, KidSpark provides a safe and stimulating environment for young learners.
Once you’ve obtained your tickets, head straight up to the 6th floor to reach KidSpark. Conveniently, you can park your stroller just outside the entrance and proceed inside. The children had an absolute blast at KidSpark, particularly in the pretend grocery store. They enjoyed selecting their own groceries and checking out at the cash counter. Another highlight was the opportunity to play pretend as a doctor. There was a patient bed with a variety of medical tools to mimic a doctors office. Additionally, there was an organic farm section where the kids could grab a trolley, pick vegetables, and place them in their cart. However, the water station stole the show for the kids—they had a wonderful time making bubbles, playing with fishing lines, and exploring the fascinating dam effect created with cards.
2. The Valley Restaurant; Following our delightful time at KidSpark, we made the decision to have lunch at the Valley Restaurant located on the 4th floor. This spacious eatery offers ample seating and a diverse menu, featuring options such as burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, chicken fingers, Tim Hortons coffee, and a wide array of candy treats.
3. The AstraZeneca Human Edge: This exhibit explores the wonders and complexities of the human body. Engage in interactive displays, learn about the human brain, test your physical abilities, and discover how your body functions.
Adjacent to the Valley Restaurant, you’ll find The Human Edge, an exhibit dedicated to exploring the wonders of the human body. Inside, you’ll come across fascinating displays of skeletons, showcasing the development of a fetus from its early weeks until full term. Cross sections of the human body are also showcased, allowing visitors to gain insights into its inner workings. Additionally, you can witness the process of air filling up the lungs, providing a unique perspective on respiratory function. As an added bonus, AstraZeneca offers exciting activities like a rock climbing wall and a diving simulation chamber, adding an adventurous twist to your experience.
4. The Living Earth: Step into the Living Earth exhibit, where you can encounter live animals, discover ecosystems, and learn about the diversity of life on our planet. Get up close to fascinating creatures and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world.
To access this section, you actually enter through the Valley Restaurant. One of the highlights was the charming rainforest-inspired area, complete with a captivating waterfall. Another intriguing feature was the simulated tornado, providing a thrilling experience. Additionally, we had fun playing a game on a screen where the objective was to sort hidden plastic bottles among a sea of trash-filled boxes. It was an engaging and entertaining activity for all of us.
5. The Weston family Innovation Hub: Immerse yourself in the world of technology and innovation at the Innovation Hub. Participate in activities that involve coding, robotics, digital art, and more. Learn about emerging technologies and experience the creative side of science.
While primarily designed for older children, our kids still had a great time participating in an activity that involved wearing bird wings and testing their aviation skills by flapping them. It was a fun and engaging experience that allowed them to explore the concept of flight in an interactive and playful manner.
6. Science Arcade: Explore the Science Arcade, a collection of interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific principles. Engage in hands-on experiments, discover the properties of light, explore forces and motion, and investigate the wonders of electricity and magnetism.
Children found numerous enjoyable attractions that encouraged interaction and playfulness, often resulting in laughter and excitement. For instance, there were interactive elements that reacted to shouts, creating a lively environment perfect for kids. Additionally, we had a great time experiencing a noise isolation tunnel, where a simple press of a button transformed the space into a remarkably quiet zone, despite the surrounding noise. It was a fascinating and immersive experience for all of us.
My five-year-old is enthusiastically yelling at the sculpture, hoping to make it vibrate with all his might. 😅
These mentioned activities and exhibits only scratch the surface of the wide array of hands-on experiences available at the Ontario Science Centre. With regular updates and additions to its offerings, there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover and learn from. Renowned for its interactive and immersive approach, the Ontario Science Centre stands out from other exhibitions by actively encouraging visitors to touch and engage with exhibits. This aspect is particularly appealing for young children, as it allows them to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of science.
