So today we took the kids to the Ontario Science Centre. It was a great idea that we had tossed around a few times, but had put off due to William’s age. They say that children between the ages of 8 to 12 get the most out of the Centre and I can see why, hence we waited. Now two and a half is not pre-teen age, but I think it was old enough. William seemed to have a ball and we found there was lots for him to do. Emily also had a great time and there was plenty of fun activities they could do together. As all parents know it is hard to get their children to play nice all the time so when those moments crop up we take them. And then run 🙂 Just kidding. The kids actually had some good times today and this meant that Doug and I did to.
This was on our way into the main exhibit hall. William was marveling at all the rocks and wood! Emily was patient with his chatter and calls of “Emmie, Emmie”. It was too cute.
We spent about three hours in total roaming through the Centre and we decided to purchase a family membership. We plan to go back a few more times in the winter so the value is there, no matter how you look at it. And the great thing about the Centre is that they change up the exhibits on a regular basis so there is something new to look forward to. For example, there will be a new exhibit at Christmas time that has something to do with the movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and I for one am looking forward to seeing it! The one they have going on right now is all about using a GPS (Global Positioning System) to go Geo-caching! It is totally ironic that this was running today because Doug is an avid fan of Geo-caching. The kids enjoyed what I call “the treasure hunt” effect of Geo-cashing and we learned a bit on the way.
Future doctor?
Practicing for her first trip into space!
The kids really enjoyed the KidsPark area which meant that Doug and I enjoyed it. It reminded me all the world of Innoventions in Epcot at Disney World. And as anyone who knows me can attest, if it acts like Disney in any way then I am all in favor of it 🙂 The interaction makes it fun and engaging for kids of all ages. This area was really designed for kids under 6, but Emily had just as much fun as William.
Emily had the opportunity to try out this Rocket Chair in the Space Hall. It was a riot and as you can see from the look on her face, she can really ham it up!!
We ended our stay in the Science Arcade. What a cool room this is! It really is kind of like an arcade / circus / playroom, for all ages. The kids spent the most time in here and did not want to leave. We tested out drums and other musical instruments. Emily stuck her head, repeatedly, over this air tunnel type thingy. The resulting photo is pretty hilarious! There is this cave like tunnel that is fairly dark. Doug took both kids through several times and managed to not only scare the heck out of Emily, but a few other children as well! I even had one mom tell me, somewhat sarcastically, to “thank” my husband for freaking out her son:-) Poor kid, but it was pretty funny!
This will make combing her hair so much easier tonight 🙁
All in all we had a really nice time at the Ontario Science Centre. I managed to get a little turned around by taking the elevator to the wrong floor, not once, not twice, but three times. I am normally pretty good with directions, but I guess all the playtime got me discombobulated. The kids wore themselves out running around and as a family I think we had a pretty good day. Now the evening, well, that is another story…. Not to leave you in suspense, but let’s just say we should have run with the high we were on and just come home. Will we ever learn???
William, Emily and Suzanne
FT&PD
Suz
I know I look a little goofy in the last photo there, but as time marches on I am reminded of how few photos there are of me with my family. Now that is mostly my own fault because I am not a fan of my own photos. Anyway, I am trying to rectify this by being in more pictures and sharing them. Ultimately it does not matter what I look like to my kids, as long as I am with them.
Suz
Really great post Suzanne! I enjoyed reading it. Would you believe that I have never been to the Ontario Science Centre? Born and raised in Toronto and I’ve never been there, not even on a school trip. My boys on the other hand, have gone there as part of their school trips and I remember they both had a great time. I’m glad that you all enjoyed the Geo-caching exhibit and that you already have something else to look forward to in your next visit. I’m going to make the OSC our next family day out. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Thanks Nelly. You should take the family sometime. It will be nice to have a fun and educational place to visit that is indoors when the snow flies! I can’t wait to see the new exhibit when it arrives. 🙂
Hi Maple Mouse Mama! I really enjoyed reading about your day at the ON Science Centre. Hummmm wonder if a senior would enjoy the place…..:-)
Thanks Gem and yes, I think all seniors would enjoy it and you young beach folks to 🙂
This is so amazing Sis and I,m so Proud of you for this Blog on Maple Mouse Mama.Glad the kids and yourself and doug Enjoyed the Ontario Science Center
Thanks Janet! We had a great time. Thanks for checking out my blog! MapleMouseMama is all me!! Love you guys 🙂
The trip to the OSC sounds like a lot of fun, glad to see you had a great day. Maybe one day the folks from the beach might make a triip of it.
You had me at “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” one of the very first movies I have ever watched as a kid. I enjoyed all its songs like “Posh”, “Truly Scrumptious”, and of course the title song.
Great, funny and educative place to take kids! Love it!
Everyone looks like they enjoyed the trip. “)
seems like everyone had loads of fun at the museum! 😀
A very detailed account & interesting read. Love that film chitty chitty bang bang too!
I can relate to your feeling but it’s really awesome for children to experience. They will have good values and know-how while they’re growing up.
It’s always nice to visit the science center. You always learn something new.
It’s been a while since I last visited some sort of Science center. It’s a cool place for kids!
Kids love museums and Science Centres as they are so full of information! They are like sponge, absorbing everything they see… But nowadays, kids just want to stick to their iPads…. I’m glad yours love the trip!
Cool post! I am pretty sure kids loved their visit at Ontario Science Center 🙂
i love going to science museums as a kid until now! its very educational and fun at the same time! i happy you guys had a great time!
I’m glad that there are still and actually growing number of science museums not only in the Philippines but across the world. It’s good that these museums makes science fun for kids and not only are they enjoying, they are also being informed or educated.
Would you know if there is a math museum where kids (and parents) could enjoy learning math? Hehe. It seems like the hardest subject to learn.
I had a good laugh reading your post. It reminded me of a trip we took to the Science Center when my kids were younger. At the end of it, we were spent. Haha!
Glad you enjoyed your trip to the Science Centre! I am sure such trips ignite interest in science and research in kids.
I used to love science centers as a kid. They have a world of knowledge. Glad that you had fun with your kids 🙂
I would like to take my kids to educational places like this. Such centers combine having fun and acquiring knowledge. Love your pics!
I miss this place. It was a big part of my childhood, and I took my son quite often. We’ve since moved away from Toronto, I must make a point of visiting here during our next road trip!
one of my favourite places to go
I love seeing you joined in photos( i hated to have my photo taken but looking back now i was not part of all the photo memories my kids have and thats sad)you look great and it good memories for the kids.
I remember going to the science center on a school trip and loved everything especially the electronic ball that makes your hair stand up