Ontario Science Centre: Have You Been?

So we spent our Victoria Day Monday at the Ontario Science Centre and it really delivered. It really was a great way to kick off our #KidsInThe416 series.

It has been two decades since I was last at the Science Centre and am so glad that my kids are at the age where they can finally enjoy and participate in these kinds of adventures. The Science Centre gave them room to explore all while being contained and in eye sight.

KidSpark

We spent most of our visit in the KidSpark area which is made for kids 8 and under and was a perfect way to spend the day (4 hours). It is full of activities and centers that are made at just the right height for your little ones to explore and learn. While we walked around with our 20 month old to make sure she was safe our older kids happily ran off and explored on their own. There were so many different stations that really were geared towards keeping the little ones entertained and happy.

I was amazed at how hands-on the kids were allowed to get and loved that no matter how much everything seemed to be buzzing with noise there were still quiet little nooks of space carved out for things like reading and playing with your younger children.

Location & Parking

 Located in the Don Mills and Eglinton neighborhood it is easily accessible by public transit and just off of the Don Valley Parkway. Parking is available on site for $10 and there is even handy charging stations available to charge electric vehicles for free.

Strollers, Breast Feeding & Change Rooms

You will be happy to know that the Ontario Science Centre is stroller and wheelchair accessible. There is large elevators available and there was little to no wait when we went and the facility was busy. In the KidSpark section there is tons of stroller parking outside the main rooms to park your stroller and just walk around and enjoy the space. There are great family washrooms that not only have change stations in them but they also provide mini toilets and sinks for the kids. If you are a breast feeding momma who prefers a little privacy they also provide “baby care rooms” with a rocking chair and change station so you can feed you little one.

Food

There are 3 different places within the Science Centre for you to get either a full meal or a light snack. The Lobby Cafe is in the front lobby, the Kid Spark Cafe is in the vicinity of the KidSpark area and the Valley Restaurant which offers plenty of hot meal choices and is located in the lower level. My favourite part in regards to food though is that you are allowed to bring your own. As a family of 6 I find feeding us while we are out and about equals to a weeks worth of groceries so I was pleasantly relieved to know we could pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it on premises.

Outdoor Space

The Science Centre is in the Don Valley and the layout and outdoor space is magnificent. There are doors in the facility that allow you to go out and explore the surrounding area and experience the green space. My toddler was mesmerized with the bird feeders that are at the same level as the windows, she spent a good 10 minutes with her nose against the window taking in the birds.

Space

This was one of my favourite areas because I have always been fascinated with the planets and galaxies and even though some of the exhibits were geared towards older visitors my 5 & 6 year old still managed to explore and interact. Something I wish I knew before I went was that there is a planetarium at the Science Centre with scheduled shows. Next time I will be taking the kids to see that for sure.

More to Explore

It wasn’t until we were already home that I realized there were many areas we missed altogether. I actually don’t think we could do the whole Science Centre in one day if we wanted to, at least not with 4 young children. Grateful that there is the option to buy a membership that pays itself back usually within 2 visits.

A Question of Truth challenges our beliefs and Mindworks delves into the mysteries of the human brain. Living Earth delivers natural wonder, including a simulated tornado and a full rainforest environment. The Science Arcade is a fan favorite with a complete hands-on science experience that includes the famous electricity demo. A rich variety of programming is presented throughout the year. And of course, we have what is still Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre – reason in itself to visit.

IMAX

And this is where I failed my children and caused both of the older ones to breakdown and cry in corners of the Centre. There is a new IMAX film playing called “Humpback Whales” and they wanted to see it. This is something we will have to attempt when the younger ones are not with us as I can’t expect them to sit through a movie but it seems like it is a “must-do” as well.

All-in-all the Ontario Science Centre was a great place to visit with the kids. It provided us with an amazing play-based learning experience and when we left we were all really tired. The kids couldn’t stop talking about all of the fun stuff they did and they kept asking questions that I couldn’t answer (thank you Google). This is one of the places you will visit with your kids that you will feel like you are doing a great job at parenting and nurturing their curiosity. Amazing at the wonderful facilities that Toronto has to entertain and educate us.

Have you ever been to the Ontario Science Centre? If you want more information please visit there website here. Make sure you follow along with all of our #KidsInThe416 adventures and feel free to post your own adventures using the hashtag so I can follow along and see what other parents are up to.

Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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