by Lisa Andermann
The city of Toronto is one of North America’s largest, most diverse and exciting urban centres. It is a great family destination, so please consider bringing your children with you! The Delta Chelsea conference hotel is well-known for its indoor pool and water slides. They feature a family pool with a 130ft indoor ‘Corkscrew’ waterslide, Club 33 teen lounge and Kid Centre.
Within walking distance, or short taxi ride/public transportation, are a number of excellent museums and kid-friendly sites, just a few of which are mentioned below.
Entrance to the Royal Ontario Museum
Photo credit: Michael Prokaziuk
Royal Ontario Museum 100 Queen’s Park ; Telephone: 416-586-8000
Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries throughout the Museum, spanning both world cultures and natural history. With six million objects in its collection, curators actively conduct research as art historians, archaeologists and material culture specialists. Collections range from Stone Age implements to 20th century art and design. Dinosaur galleries may be more popular with kids!
Art Gallery of Ontario 317 Dundas Street West; 416-979-6648
With a collection of more than 80,000 works of art, AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. From the vast body of Group of Seven to Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece The Massacre of The Innocents, the AGO offers an incredible art experience. Transformation AGO is an innovative architectural expansion by architect Frank Gehry that resulted in one of the most critically acclaimed architectural achievements in North America. Highlights include Galleria Italia, a gleaming showcase of wood and glass the length of a city block, and the often -photographed spiral staircase.
Special exhibits: March 16–June 16, 2013: Revealing the Renaissance: Art in Early Florence
Harbourfront Centre Tel: 416-203-1233
Downtown on the shore of Lake Ontario. Boardwalk, nice views, interesting shops and Inuit art museum. Combine with upscale dim-sum and water views at the Pearl Harbourfront and you have a great family outing!
Eskimo Art Gallery 12 Queens Quay W.; 416-366-3000
Founded in 1981, the Eskimo Art Gallery has a long tradition of presenting the finest contemporary Inuit art from the Canadian North. In addition to museum-quality masterpieces, there are works by the most talented Inuit artists of the younger generation. Services also include art consulting and appraisals.
Hockey Hall of Fame (for some Canadian culture!) 30 Yonge St.; 416-360-7735
The world’s one and only! Spread across 60,000 square feet, the Hall of Fame offers something for everyone: the finest collection of hockey artifacts from around the world; state-of-the-art games that challenge shooting and goalkeeping skills; themed exhibits dedicated to the game’s greatest players, teams and achievements; an extensive array of multimedia stations; theatres; larger-than-life statues; a replica NHL dressing room; and NHL trophies including, best of all, hands-on access to the Stanley Cup.
CN Tower in Toronto
CN Tower: Wonders of the (Modern) World 301 Front St. West
In 1995, the CN Tower was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Besides serving as a telecommunications hub, the Tower provides world-class entertainment and a wide range of unique attractions, exhibits and food and beverage venues. 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. Elevation is complimentary with the purchase of a main course.
