Let’s say your parents have decided to take you and your siblings out for the weekend, and you’re given a choice to go to an amusement park and a museum, which would you end up choosing? Chances are, you’ll go for the amusement park, of course, because you prefer to have fun and play and be active—not merely look at stuff that you’re not even allowed to touch and feel or watch an informative movie one after another.

However, a number of museums are now in tune with the modern times. They have made significant efforts to ensure they offer educational benefits, as well as amusement benefits for kids. Let’s take a look at the noteworthy ones in Canada:

Science World at TELUS World of Science

1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7

Science and fun are two words that normally don’t go together, but here, they are perfectly in harmony. Science World has a wealth of interactive exhibits that teach kids about science where they can enjoy themselves at the same time. This museum’s Eureka gallery allows kids to experiment with water, light, sound, and motion by launching a parachute and moving themselves with a giant propeller. On the other hand, at Ken Spencer Science Park, you can play a role in creating a healthier community and world by engaging in the sustainability choices on transportation, energy, water, food, waste and housing.

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

Vanier Park, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9

If you have a soft spot for astronomy, the H. MacMillan Space Centre is a must-visit for you. It offers innovative programming, exhibits and activities to further cultivate your interest in the fields of Earth science, space science and astronomy. At the Planetarium Star Theatre, you’ll gain insight on planets, galaxies, nebulas, and other astronomical spectacles, even black holes! If you’re aspiring to be an astronaut, the Dizzying Heights: Your Body in Orbit is a perfect exhibit for you to check out. It will give you a good idea of the techniques astronauts use to adjust their bodies when they’re in space. You might even get a chance to be a volunteer for the demo!

The Manitoba Museum

90 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0N2

Having the distinction of being the largest museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba is no small feat, and the Manitoba Museum doesn’t disappoint. With its multiple galleries and levels, every kid will find something enjoyable here. Drop by Science Gallery for absolute delight. You can go to the Brickyard and build anything you want with Lego bricks—maybe even recreate “The Lego Movie” set and characters complete with Batman and his famous Batmobile! While at Engineered for Speed, you can design your own race car like Vanellope in “Wreck It Ralph” and get a chance to try out a real race car. If you’re more into experiments, head to Kidscience Experiments where you’ll learn how to do a Deep Freeze Experiment or make a Fossil Cast.

Montreal Science Centre

2 rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 4B2

The Montreal Science Centre offers plenty of exciting limited exhibitions, like the Dinosaurs Unearthed 2 back in 2016, which was a hit for kids and adults alike. They also have permanent exhibitions like the Fabrik – Creativity Factory where you can learn about tools used for invention. At the Windmills of Imagination exhibit, you’ll gain insight about the world’s first electricity-to-water transformer (PTEEM) and the world’s first water-to-wind transformer (PTEVM) were created for the inauguration of the Montreal Science Centre in May 2000.

Ontario Science Centre

770 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON M3C 1T3

Since opening in 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 52 million visitors since it opened in 1969. It has the honour of being one of the first to launch an interactive approach to its exhibits, something which was eventually adapted by science centres around the world. Whatever branch of science you’re into, you’ll surely find an exhibit that’s suited for you. One of the most popular ones are the paper-making demo where you’ll get an opportunity to make paper from scratch—even choose your own colours and designs! At the Science Arcade, you can try to navigate a distorted room and discover a shadow tunnel, bike generator, and a tricky light stick.

Now that you know you can learn and have fun at the same time at these fantastic museums, where do you want to go?

SOURCES

https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

https://www.montrealsciencecentre.com/

https://manitobamuseum.ca/main/

https://www.spacecentre.ca/

https://www.scienceworld.ca/