Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre is world renowned for its hands on approach to science education
When the Ontario Science Centre first opened in 1969 it became renowned throughout the world for its leadership approach to hands on science. While most museums feature passive exhibits, the Ontario Science Centre had a strong emphasis on interactive 'hands-on' exhibits and live demonstrations. Many other Science Centres and Museums now follow a similar format.
In 1996 the Ontario Science Centre was expanded to include the first OMNIMAX theatre in the province of Ontario. Over the last decade many more changes and improvements have been brought about with the help of corporate funding.
The Centre has hundreds of exhibits throughout, many of them interactive. Exhibits include astronomy, nature, geology, human anatomy, music and more. Traveling exhibits are also hosted providing new things for visitors to see and explore. Outside the Science Centre there is an aquatic fountain that is also the largest outdoor hydraulophone in the world. This is played by placing your fingers over small openings to block the flow of water which produces a sound similar to that of a pipe organ. Access to this feature is free 24 hours a day. The Ontario Science Centre is a great place for a family visit rain or shine. You can purchase separate admission to either the Science Centre or the IMAX theatre which is the only one in Ontario or, if you wish to see both, you can combine admissions and save some money.
Tip: You can bypass the lineups and save 33% on admission to the Ontario Science Centre and 4 other 'must see' Toronto attractions by purchasing a Toronto CityPASS prior to your vacation.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesOpen Now: No
Hours This Week:- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 770 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada
Phone: (416) 696-1000
Official Website: Ontario Science Centre
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina | Eglinton Station (On Yonge Street Portion) | 5 MInutes |
| Bloor-Danforth Line | Pape Station | 1 Minute |
How to get to Ontario Science Centre by TTC Subway
Make your way to Eglinton Station on the Yonge Street subway branch and catch the #34 Eglinton East bus from stop id 14671 east to Eglinton Avenue at Don Mills Road. Walk south along Don Mills Road to the entrance on your right.
From Pape Station take the #25 Don Mills bus north to Don Mills Road at St. Dennis Drive. The entrance is right across from the stop.
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Reviews
Rated out of 5
Nice place, I feel that many exhibits need an update. There isn't a direct flow to the place, exhibits are all over around the multi levels with dead ends and clearly worn exhibits. The rain forest needs spicing up, it is just a weird room with a little mist and a path. There needs to be a route developed with thought in mind about sectioning the exhibits.
James Kirby - 25 days ago
Nice place, I feel that many exhibits need an update. There isn't a direct flow to the place, exhibits are all over around the multi levels with dead ends and clearly worn exhibits. The rain forest needs spicing up, it is just a weird room with a little mist and a path. There needs to be a route developed with thought in mind about sectioning the exhibits.
This place is huge and there's so much to do in it! It's definitely aimed towards kids, being very hands on and visual, but it really is fun for all ages. It's definitely worth the price and someplace that I'd recommend people check out. Only complaint I had was how long the line to get tickets was, but otherwise it was an amazing time.
Meaghan Piccolo - 29 days ago
This place is huge and there's so much to do in it! It's definitely aimed towards kids, being very hands on and visual, but it really is fun for all ages. It's definitely worth the price and someplace that I'd recommend people check out. Only complaint I had was how long the line to get tickets was, but otherwise it was an amazing time.
Iryna Nijem - 1 month ago
Place is very dated now, same displays/experiments they had 30 years ago when I was a kid are still there it seems, the Ontario Government needs to fund this centre with more up to date displays, experiments with current/up to date technologies teaching about science. Having been to the San Francisco Exploratorium recently they had unlimited displays with up to date computerized experiments and activities for kids and adults, you needed like a few days there to really experience all their science displays and go through everything. The Ontario Science Centre is more walking with less substance, it needs a complete overhaul, get rid of the old areas and add all new technologies to make it a world class Science Centre.
Ray Garcha - 1 month ago
Place is very dated now, same displays/experiments they had 30 years ago when I was a kid are still there it seems, the Ontario Government needs to fund this centre with more up to date displays, experiments with current/up to date technologies teaching about science. Having been to the San Francisco Exploratorium recently they had unlimited displays with up to date computerized experiments and activities for kids and adults, you needed like a few days there to really experience all their science displays and go through everything. The Ontario Science Centre is more walking with less substance, it needs a complete overhaul, get rid of the old areas and add all new technologies to make it a world class Science Centre.
Great place. Clean. Lots of variety. You kind of get the feeling that this place had lots of funding 10 years ago but not so much anymore. Many other reviewers are saying that it's dated, but I have seen worse. The place is bigger than my love for Jessica Alba. I really liked the outdoor area, and the kids play areas. Note that there are two of them! be prepared to pay $10 for parking. It did seem to get a little spooky as you descend further and further down. Most of the lights are turned off down there too.
Francisco Altares - 1 month ago
Great place. Clean. Lots of variety. You kind of get the feeling that this place had lots of funding 10 years ago but not so much anymore. Many other reviewers are saying that it's dated, but I have seen worse. The place is bigger than my love for Jessica Alba. I really liked the outdoor area, and the kids play areas. Note that there are two of them! be prepared to pay $10 for parking. It did seem to get a little spooky as you descend further and further down. Most of the lights are turned off down there too. 
Video
Photo Gallery
Playing the Hydraulophone outside Ontario Science Centre cc licensed photo by Glogger 
A rock from outer space at the Ontario Science Centre -
Barong cc licensed photo by greaterumbrage -
Ontario Science Centre, Toronto (460144) cc licensed photo by Bob Linsdell -
_DSC5058 - 2011-06-25 at 14-49-14 cc licensed photo by jaaaarel -
road_trip-2908.jpg cc licensed photo by yurilong
