You know how Christmas vacation starts coming to an end and you feel a bit bummed about it? Well, we had our typical winter staycation where we relaxed and visited family nearby. It was the final weekend though and I thought we needed to add a short road trip to cap it off. So we headed to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, which is about an hour and a half drive from where we live.
Admittedly not many people would run to a museum to have fun! But museums aren’t what they used to be! We spent a full day at the ROM and the kids loved it. Here are some details about the museum, as well as 9 other museums across Canada that are known to be the most family-friendly museums that are both educational and entertaining.
1. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Toronto, Ontario
The Royal Ontario Museum, one of Canada’s largest and most-visited museums, has exhibits that cover everything from ancient history to natural science. One of the main highlights of our visit was attending the special star and galaxy show at the museum’s planetarium. The Hands-On Biodiversity section was a hit. The kids were able to touch and explore various specimens, learning about different ecosystems and the creatures that live there. My son is a huge Harry Potter fan and was happy to go through the special, limited time Fantastic Beasts exhibit.
Top Attractions
- Dinosaur Gallery with life-sized skeletons
- Hands-On Biodiversity: Interactive ecosystem exploration
- Galleries of Africa and the Americas: Ancient artifacts and cultural relics
2. Canadian Museum of History – Gatineau, Quebec
Located across the river from Ottawa, the Canadian Museum of History offers a glimpse into the country’s past with engaging exhibits on Indigenous cultures, early settlers, and key historical events. The Canadian Children’s Museum inside the museum is a favorite for families, featuring interactive exhibits that teach kids about world cultures through play.
Top Attractions
- Canadian Children’s Museum: Role-playing and hands-on cultural activities
- Grand Hall: A massive display of totem poles and Indigenous artifacts
- Historical exhibits that showcase Canada’s heritage
3. Science World – Vancouver, British Columbia
Science World in Vancouver offers hands-on science exhibits that encourage curiosity and learning. With interactive displays on physics, chemistry, and biology, kids can build, experiment, and explore. The museum’s OMNIMAX theater also provides a one-of-a-kind movie experience on a massive domed screen.
Top Attractions
- Eureka! Gallery: Interactive experiments that demonstrate scientific principles
- Ken Spencer Science Park: Outdoor science exhibits
- OMNIMAX Theater with science and nature films
4. Royal BC Museum – Victoria, British Columbia
The Royal BC Museum offers exhibits that bring British Columbia’s natural history and human history to life. The museum’s Natural History Gallery features dioramas of local wildlife, while the First Peoples Gallery celebrates the art and traditions of Indigenous cultures. Kids can explore a replica of a historic town or venture into the Ice Age.
Top Attractions
- First Peoples Gallery: Indigenous artifacts and history
- Natural History Gallery: Local wildlife and Ice Age creatures
- A life-sized replica of Victoria’s old town
5. Montreal Science Centre – Montreal, Quebec
The Montreal Science Centre is filled with interactive exhibits that make learning fun and accessible for kids. With displays on science, technology, and innovation, children can experiment with robotics, play with physics, and learn about the environment. The center also has an IMAX theater showcasing science-focused documentaries.
Top Attractions
- Mission Gaia: Environmental and sustainability exhibits
- Fabrik – Creativity Factory: Hands-on design and building challenges
- IMAX Theater with documentaries and science films
6. The Manitoba Museum – Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Manitoba Museum offers a blend of history, science, and nature exhibits focused on Manitoba’s heritage. Its interactive galleries include a full-size replica of the Nonsuch, a 17th-century ship, as well as a planetarium and the Science Gallery, where kids can engage in hands-on science activities.
Top Attractions
- Nonsuch Gallery: Life-sized replica of the historic Nonsuch ship
- Science Gallery: Hands-on experiments and challenges
- Planetarium: Shows that explore the wonders of the cosmos
7. TELUS Spark Science Centre – Calgary, Alberta
TELUS Spark offers a fun and educational experience with interactive science exhibits. Families can explore topics like energy, space, and the human body. The Brainasium Outdoor Park is a huge hit with families, featuring playgrounds, climbing structures, and puzzles that encourage active learning.
Top Attractions
- Energy & Innovation: Interactive exhibits about energy sources
- Creative Kids Museum: Hands-on activities for younger children
- Brainasium Outdoor Park: Climbing and obstacle courses for active play
8. Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to human rights. Its interactive displays and exhibits offer an educational experience on global and Canadian human rights history. Kids can participate in storytelling activities and interactive displays that promote understanding and empathy.
Top Attractions
- Indigenous Perspectives: Exhibits on Indigenous rights and culture
- Children’s Exhibits: Hands-on activities designed for younger visitors
- Storytelling and Digital Displays: Engaging ways to learn about rights and social justice
9. Discovery Centre – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Another museum we’ve had the pleasure of visiting is The Discovery Centre in Halifax, a hands-on science museum designed for kids of all ages. Exhibits cover topics like health, flight, and space. The museum’s Innovation Lab lets kids explore robotics, coding, and engineering through hands-on activities.
Top Attractions
- Innovation Lab: Robotics, coding, and design challenges
- Health Gallery: Interactive displays on the human body and health
- Flight Gallery: Experiments and displays about flight and space exploration
10. Ontario Science Centre – Toronto, Ontario
The Ontario Science Centre is one of Canada’s premier science museums and features a wide variety of interactive exhibits. From a simulated rainforest to a space-focused planetarium, kids can learn about biology, physics, and the cosmos. The museum also has live science demonstrations, offering a fun way to witness scientific principles in action.
Top Attractions
- The Living Earth: Simulated rainforest and aquarium
- Space Hall: Planetarium shows and space exploration exhibits
- Human Body Exhibit: Learn about anatomy and health