This post is sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
PA Days are the perfect excuse to pack up the family and head out on an adventure. One of our favourite family-friendly destinations in Toronto is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. They offer the perfect mix of awe-inspiring beauty and interactive educational moments that will have you returning repeatedly. So get ready for a hassle-free day – you can marvel at the mesmerizing jellyfish or get up close with rays. Be prepared for your family to have an unforgettable experience.
The Ultimate PA Day Experience
PA Days are gifts from the universe,breaking up the mundane school year and offering amazing opportunities to make memories with the kids. I love that Ripley’s can be enjoyed year-round, and no matter what the weather is outside, it’s always perfect at the aquarium.
Must-See Exhibits for Family Fun
There is so much to see and do at Ripley’s that you won’t hear one complaint of boredom from the kids. Our teen and younger kids checked out all of the exhibits, and we’re so happy to share some of our favourites.
The breathtaking Dragons exhibit puts dragons (literally) in your hands, allowing you to immerse yourself in the mythical creatures’ world. Getting to touch the dragons was hard to beat. Our youngest also couldn’t resist sticking his head in a dragon’s mouth to see if he could easily be lunch. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes!
Next, enter the amazing Dangerous Lagoon, a 315-foot-long tunnel that allows you to immerse yourself in an underwater world full of sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. The moving sidewalk allows you to stand in place and marvel at your surroundings or jump off if you’re in the mood to soak in more. You’ll see little and big minds alike absolutely delighted with the marine ecosystems and animal behaviour on display.
Younger children will adore the Discovery Centre, where they can get up close and personal with marine life. Nestled in a safe and educational setting kids can touch and learn about various creatures like starfish and sea anemones. My kids couldn’t get enough of this section.
My personal favourite was Planet Jellies. The Jellies seem to dance in the water, perfectly choreographed in endless movements. I found the space the perfect calm retreat to help the kids relax and take a breather before we moved on to explore more. We spent the time learning about the role jellyfish play in ocean ecosystems, while being mesmerized by their movements.
Rainbow Reef is a delight to the eyes, as you’re immersed in some of the planet’s most vibrant colours, thanks to tropical fish and coral. The learning lessons here are plenty, and it’s very easy to teach kids about supporting the marine ecosystem when it’s so stunning to look at.
Finally, we recommend Ray Bay which allows you to watch these beautiful creatures navigate through the waters, and you may be lucky enough to touch them. They also have divers that hand feed the rays and educate guests in an up-close environment. **Chefs kiss.**
Interactive Activities for All Ages
One of my favourite parts about Ripley’s is that at every corner there is a new opportunity to learn something through reading, listening, or touch. The kids discovered how much their weight would be worth if they were lobsters, how the locks worked in the canal system, and even about the jaws of sharks. They excitedly spun knobs and ran from one experience to the next. With each new display, there was an opportunity to learn through fun for the whole family.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
There is absolutely no issue with deciding on a whim to pack up the car after reading this post and heading down to Ripley’s Aquarium. That is my type of parenting, and I approve wholeheartedly.
But, and hear me out, you can also pre-plan the day for a smooth(er) visit. To skip the line, you can easily pre-purchase your tickets online. Plus, you can save 15% off general admission when you show your PRESTO card at the ticket desk – valid for same-day use. This is just a few ways that Ripley’s is making parenting easier.
I found ample parking around the aquarium and you can also easily take public transportation. To plan your TTC trip, head over to their website.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada can be found at the base of the CN Tower, 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9.
Perfection at Ripleys’
For the perfect PA Day activity in Toronto make sure you head on over to Ripley’s. For more information about Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and to secure your tickets, head on over to their website. Also, make sure you follow along on their social media to stay up-to-date on aquarium news.
This post is sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
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.
Love taking the kids there. There’s always so much to see and learn
Thank you for this great information. Everytime I went there I had a great time regardless of who I went with!!