Ontario Science Centre
Interactive science exhibits and OMNIMAX films, now available through pop-up experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Ontario Science Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Interactive science exhibits and OMNIMAX films, now available through pop-up experiences.
"So much to do, so little time! You can spend a whole week in here and still probably not see everything."
Check Pop-Up Locations
Confirm current pop-up locations at Sherway Gardens & Harbourfront Centre before visiting.
Book Tickets Online
Recommended for pop-up experiences to secure your spot and avoid queues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
KidSpark Pop-Up
Harbourfront Centre
Interactive play areas for younger children, featuring wildlife, a vet clinic, and town-themed exhibits.
+2
Sherway Gardens Experiences
CF Sherway Gardens
Circus-themed exhibits and an 'Innovation Station' offering hands-on science fun for all ages.
OMNIMAX Theatre
Original Ontario Science Centre (historic)
Experience immersive films on a giant dome screen with a state-of-the-art sound system.
Living Earth Waterfall
Original Ontario Science Centre (historic)
A nostalgic and iconic feature that many visitors remember fondly.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Closure and Pop-Ups
+1Maximizing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Pop-Up Locations
Confirm current pop-up locations at Sherway Gardens & Harbourfront Centre before visiting.
Book Tickets Online
Recommended for pop-up experiences to secure your spot and avoid queues.
Allow Ample Time
Even pop-ups can be engaging; plan for at least 2-3 hours for a good experience.
Bring Snacks & Water
Save time and money by bringing your own refreshments to the pop-ups.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Pop-Up Locations
Confirm current pop-up locations at Sherway Gardens & Harbourfront Centre before visiting.
Book Tickets Online
Recommended for pop-up experiences to secure your spot and avoid queues.
Allow Ample Time
Even pop-ups can be engaging; plan for at least 2-3 hours for a good experience.
Bring Snacks & Water
Save time and money by bringing your own refreshments to the pop-ups.
Embrace Nostalgia
Many visitors recall fond memories of the original Science Centre. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors fondly recall the Ontario Science Centre as a nostalgic and educational hub, offering extensive exhibits for all ages. While the original location's closure is lamented, the current pop-up experiences at Harbourfront Centre and Sherway Gardens are praised for their engaging, hands-on activities, particularly for young children. Some visitors note the need for more time to explore the original centre fully and appreciate the convenience of the pop-ups for shorter, focused visits.
"Such a great educational experience. You can go there with your family, too much fun for kids and adults. The staff was friendly. If you are visiting during winter better to know that when you arrive and get your tickets you have to wait for shuttle buses around 5 minutes so don’t take off your jacket ( if you have strollers or wheelchairs you will take accessible buses)
There are 6 levels. The best for me were levels 6 and 4. There is no level 1 actually. (the shuttle bus will drop you off in level 6)
Level 4 is great for kids they will play music, do gardening, bakery, building and other activities they can also play with water and build dams and … the good point is that level 4 has nursing room too.
There are sanitizers everywhere. Clean washrooms with changing table.
Better to bring your own snacks and water bottles. But there is restaurant and snack bar inside the building as well.
Parking lot costs 12$
Admission fee is:
22$ for adults
16$ for seniors
13$ for child 3-12
Under 3 is free"
Setareh Gharaei
"Since my family and I have a membership, we decided to come and visit the museum today. The bus ride was about 20 minutes. We walked instead of taking the shuttle bus because the line was too long. Previously, we have had experiences of food poisoning from the cafe, so we packed our own lunch and were able to get seating. This museum is amazing. There are exhibits for all- from deep water exploration to bat caves to the reproductive system. Came with kids and explored the play area on the second floor. Had a blast. Overall a great experience and would come back again."
zoe
"Incredible museum that enchants young and old. The explanations for natural and scientific phenomena and the exhibits are made so interactive that you want to see them all!!! It is worth spending a day. If you have children they will appreciate it. You too. Parking costs 15 CAD. It has a cafeteria inside where you can eat or drink something. But you can also have your own food and sit at tables outside the dining room."
Ermis Aggelou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The pop-up experiences are located at CF Sherway Gardens (25 The West Mall) and Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West) in Toronto. Both are accessible via public transit and have parking available.
Yes, parking is available at both CF Sherway Gardens and Harbourfront Centre. Harbourfront Centre parking is $6 per half hour.
Yes, the Harbourfront Centre pop-up is stroller-friendly and offers stroller parking.
Operating hours vary by location and season. It's best to check the official Ontario Science Centre website or their social media for the most up-to-date information.
No, the original Ontario Science Centre building has permanently closed. The experiences have moved to pop-up locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the KidSpark pop-up at Harbourfront Centre is $15 per person, with children aged 2 and under free. Prices for other pop-ups may vary.
It is recommended to book tickets online in advance for the pop-up experiences to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Information on discounts for the pop-up experiences is not widely available. It's advisable to check the official website for any potential offers.
Admission typically grants access to the interactive exhibits and themed areas within the specific pop-up location.
Season passes from the original Ontario Science Centre are not valid for the pop-up experiences.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
The pop-ups feature familiar exhibits from the original KidSpark area, including wildlife themes, a vet clinic, and construction play, as well as new circus-themed and innovation stations.
Yes, the KidSpark pop-up at Harbourfront Centre is specifically geared towards ages up to 10, making it very suitable for toddlers and young children.
While smaller than the original, it's recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the interactive elements and explore the exhibits at the pop-ups.
Absolutely! The pop-ups aim to provide hands-on learning experiences, encouraging curiosity and exploration in science and technology, similar to the original centre.
The original Ontario Science Centre featured a giant domed OMNIMAX Theatre with a state-of-the-art sound system, offering immersive cinematic experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the pop-up locations themselves may not have dedicated food services, both CF Sherway Gardens and Harbourfront Centre have numerous dining options available.
Yes, it is generally recommended to bring your own snacks and water bottles to the pop-up experiences to save time and money.
Harbourfront Centre offers a variety of cafes and restaurants, providing diverse culinary choices for visitors.
CF Sherway Gardens is a large shopping mall with a wide array of restaurants and food court options.
The original Ontario Science Centre had a restaurant and snack bar, but these are no longer accessible as the building is closed.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed at the pop-up experiences. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas.
Look for colorful exhibits and interactive displays. The themed areas, like the circus exhibition or the vet clinic, offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, capturing your children's engagement with the exhibits is a wonderful way to remember your visit. Ensure you are mindful of other visitors.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to check for any posted signage regarding photography restrictions within specific exhibit areas.
Photography inside the OMNIMAX Theatre during a film showing is typically not allowed to avoid disturbing the audience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+2 The interactive nature of these exhibits ensures that toddlers and preschoolers will be engaged and entertained for hours. Remember to bring snacks and water, and consider booking tickets in advance to secure your spot. The Sherway Gardens pop-up also offers engaging activities suitable for younger visitors, with its circus-themed exhibition and innovation station providing hands-on fun.
While the original Science Centre was known for its vastness, these pop-ups are more manageable for families with very young children, offering a concentrated dose of educational play. Adults and Teenagers
Many adults have expressed how much they enjoyed revisiting the Science Centre experience, finding it just as engaging as they did as children. While the focus of the current pop-ups is largely on younger audiences, the underlying principles of science and innovation are universally appealing. The interactive nature of the exhibits encourages exploration and discovery, making it a great outing for teens looking for something different, or for adults seeking a fun and educational activity.
Budget-Conscious Visitors
Bringing your own snacks and water is a key strategy to keep costs down during your visit. Keep an eye on the Ontario Science Centre's official channels for any potential promotions or special offers that might become available for their pop-up events. Exploring these more accessible pop-up locations is a great way to experience the Science Centre's educational offerings without the commitment of a full-day visit to a larger venue.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy and Closure of the Ontario Science Centre
The centre was a beloved landmark for generations, offering a space for discovery and learning for families and school groups alike. However, in a controversial decision, the provincial government announced the permanent closure of the main building.
+1 The government cited structural issues and the cost of repairs as reasons for the closure, with plans to relocate and rebuild the centre in a new location, potentially by 2029. In the interim, the spirit of the Ontario Science Centre lives on through temporary pop-up experiences. These initiatives aim to provide continued access to interactive science exhibits for the community, bridging the gap until a new permanent facility is established.
+1Exploring the Pop-Up Experiences
+2 This area is particularly praised for its hands-on activities and ability to keep young children entertained and learning. Meanwhile, the pop-up at CF Sherway Gardens offers a different set of attractions, including a circus-themed exhibition and an 'Innovation Station.' These exhibits are designed to spark curiosity and encourage experimentation, providing a dynamic learning environment for visitors of all ages.
Both pop-up locations are accessible and aim to replicate the interactive and educational spirit of the original Science Centre, ensuring that the legacy of hands-on science discovery continues. Nostalgia and Community Impact
Advocacy groups and individuals have voiced their concerns about the loss of such a vital resource for children's education and development.
+1 The pop-up initiatives are seen as a positive step in keeping the Science Centre's mission alive, but many hope for a robust and accessible new facility in the future.
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