Last weekend, we decided to take the kids to the Royal Ontario Museum located in Toronto. We thought it was a perfect time to go since my son has been obsessed with dinosaurs since the beginning of this year.
I have to admit, being there brought back so many memories for myself when I was a kid. I remember going with my class in elementary school, and now I am there taking my own son who is in elementary school. It actually made me feel very old, lol!
As soon as we arrived, we noticed they offered coat check, so we totally took advantage of that. I think they charged $2.50 a jacket which was so worth it in my opinion. I really didn’t want to lug our heavy coats around all day.
We started off by heading straight to level 2, because of course that’s where the dinosaurs are. lol! My son found everything so fascinating. He loved that each dinosaur had a drawing beside it showing which parts of the dinosaur were real, and what was artificial.
Both my kids loved the play center that was located in the dinosaur area. They have one section where kids can dig for dinosaur bones. The other section had toys and books that was great for my younger daughter to play with.
Next we went to the Bat Cave which was located on the same level as the dinosaurs. The bat cave was pretty neat. You walk though this small, dark cave and see sections of how bats live throughout the exhibit.
We also went to the Discovery Gallery to see all the birds.
After the discovery gallery, we went and saw the Earth’s Treasures exhibit. It was full of jewels, gems and rock excavations.
Biodiversity: Life in Crisis was the last exhibit we saw on the 2nd level. This exhibit displays animals that are on the endangered species list. They also had ROM staff there showing the kids animal skulls, and letting them hold them.
I loved how all of those exhibits were on the same level, and all very close to one another. I definitely suggest heading straight to Level 2 first, since that level was geared most towards young children.
Once we were done looking at everything we wanted to see on Level 2, we head to Druxy’s ROM Cafe for lunch. They had so many options to choose from. Hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, pizza, sandwiches and salads to just name a few. They also had a ton of dessert options as well.
After lunch, we headed to Level 3 to see the Egypt exhibit where the tombs and mummy’s are displayed. Not only did my son want to see it, but I wanted to as well. I remember that was the one exhibit I wanted to see when I was a kid.
We decided to end our trip by heading to the gift shop. We let the kids pick out 1 thing each that they would like to take home as a memory of our trip to the ROM.
If you are looking for something to do with you kids during the March break, you should really check out the Royal Ontario Museum. They have so much going on!
From March 11-19 ROM’s Big Blue March Break is on. Highlights include:
• Wade into the wondrous world of dolphins with customized echolocation goggles
• Sail into the heart of a historical mystery and learn how archaeologists uncovered secrets of the
Franklin Expedition through 19th century Inuit oral testimony, scattered artifacts, and more
• Swim along to an exclusive, marine-themed production from The Fringe of Toronto Theatre Festival
• Head back on shore to encounter live animals with Hands On Exotics
Visitors will also be able to experience Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story. You’ll be able to come face-to-face with a massive 80-foot blue whale skeleton- one of the largest and most- complete ever assembled! They will have many interactive, hands-on, marine-themed activities, all designed to bring the mysterious world of the blue whale to life.
They will also have drop-in activities from 10:30 am to 30 minutes before closing during the Big Blue March Break all free with your admission.
If photography interests you at all, you have to check our the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. This exhibition features 100 amazing all-new wildlife photographs that showcase the natural world. You have to pay extra for this exhibit but I have to say it was worth it! I wasn’t allowed taking pictures to show you guys but the photos are incredible! Just reading some of their stories about what they went through to get that “shot” was insane! This exhibition closes March 19, 2017 so hopefully you can make it in time to see it!
For more information on the Royal Ontario Museum such as admission, parking and a list of all the galleries visit their website, here
Disclaimer: I received complementary tickets in exchange for this review but all opinions are my own.