Hands On: Attractions designed for interaction
Exploring a city is so much more rewarding when you can immerse yourself into the action. And Toronto has lots of it, whether you’re travelling with family or just looking to indulge your inner-child.Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre delights, informs, and challenges visitors through engaging and thought-provoking experiences in science and technology. OntarioScienceCentre.ca
Ultimate Dinosaurs at the ROM
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Ultimate Dinosaurs: Giants from Gondwana is on for a limited time. For the first time in North America, audiences will meet a new breed of beast in the ROM’s landmark exhibition. Not only will you see new dinosaurs, you’ll experience them in new ways through augmented reality. The exhibition also features a range of interactive experiences that both adults and children will love including reactive walls, a multi-user interactive game and interactive timeline. ROM.ca
Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
Housed in the historic landmark Brookfield Place, it’s considered the ultimate sports shrine. Aside from gawking at the Stanley Cup, a collection of hockey artifacts and graphics of favourite NHL legends, diehard fans won’t want to miss the hall’s NHLPA Be A Player Zone, featuring two state-of-the-art interactive games on a simulated rink complete with stands, boards and scoreboard. Go for a shoot-out against the computer-simulated goaltender and record your shot’s speed and trajectory, or grab your glove and stick and play goalie as you face the best of the best NHL shooters. HHOF.com
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo’s Discovery Zone features the Kids Zoo, a dynamic, interactive children’s wildlife experience. In the warmer months, there’s Splash Island, an exciting two-acre water play area and the Waterside Theatre, home of exciting family entertainment. TorontoZoo.comArt Gallery Of Ontario
Check out the AGO’s Weston Family Learning Centre. Build sculptures, create costumes and gain new perspectives on art and art making in this refurbished space for kids and families. Also planned are a visual media lab for digital media art projects and a state-of-the-art 90-seat education theatre. AGO.net/Weston-Family-Learning-CentreBata Shoe Museum
During Weekend Family Fun at the museum, the whole family can enjoy hands-on crafts, scavenger hunts and more. There are also drop-in programs for little ones, who can paint a mini-clog, try on shoes and go on a treasure hunt in the galleries. BataShoeMuseum.caGardiner Museum
At the museum’s Open Clay Studio, you can create your own masterpiece. Or take advantage of the drop-in clay classes, hosted by a professional ceramist where you can try out the various techniques for working with clay. The studio is equipped with nine wheels for throwing as well as tools for hand building and glazing. At the end of the class, send your object for firing or take it home to air dry. GardinerMuseum.on.caMcMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael displays a wide range of Canadian art exhibitions each year, and offers a stimulating array of programs and events for people of all ages. They include curators’ lectures, tours, music performances, kids’ camps, workshops, school programs and hands-on art activities. McMichael.comThe Franklin Children’s Garden on Centre Island
Take the ferry to the island and enjoy fun activities, garden sculptures and more. Kids can water the lush garden, learn about herbs or create a craft with seeds. No ferry service in the winter. Toronto.ca/Parks/FranklinRiverdale Farm
Tour the farm’s wooded areas, ponds and butterfly-herb-flower-vegetable gardens. See cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and farm cats along the way. Chat with the farmer during daily chores that include animal hay feedings, egg collection, cow milking and more. Free. FriendsOfRiverdaleFarm.com
Grounds of Bradley House Museum