The Ontario Science Centre’s temporary Queens Quay location is a hands-on play space in Toronto, best suited to toddlers and younger children. Its three halls include a miniature market with shopping carts, tills and play food, plus a construction area, garden, gear wall and interactive installations. Older children can try the veterinarian and doctor play areas, though the current setup is quite different from the former science museum. Plan for about 90 minutes to two hours, and bring snacks for a break in the building’s dining area.
A temporary, play-focused location
The Queens Quay location is a temporary version of the Ontario Science Centre, with a different feel from the former museum. The current experience centres on imaginative play and hands-on activities for young children, rather than the extensive science galleries associated with the original site.
There are three halls, each divided into themed areas. The biggest hall brings several settings together, including a construction zone, a garden and a miniature market. Children can push shopping carts, handle play food and explore small details built into the setups.
What children can do
The miniature market is designed for pretend shopping, with tills and grocery-style items. In the construction area, children can play at building and shingling a house. Other activities include wall installations, a gear wall, a pretend pizza oven and a sushi truck.
The veterinarian and doctor areas give older children additional ways to play. A giant Lite-Brite is another interactive feature. The activities are most closely suited to toddlers and younger children, though some children under 10 may enjoy the older-kid stations too.
Planning your visit
Families often spend around an hour and a half exploring the space. A weekday morning is a useful choice if you want a quieter visit. The play area does not allow food, but there is a dining area in the same building with tables and chairs, so bring snacks and drinks for a break there.
The temporary location is best for families seeking imaginative, play-based activities for young children. If you are expecting the former museum’s planetarium, rainforest or broad science exhibitions, this is a different experience. Check the centre’s current website before setting out for details about the location and visit.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is the Queens Quay location the same as the former Science Centre?
No. The temporary location is a play-focused space with themed halls, rather than the former museum’s extensive science galleries.
How long should you plan to stay?
About 90 minutes is a typical visit.
Is the space suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The activities are especially suited to toddlers and younger children, with areas such as a miniature market, construction zone and garden.
Can you eat in the play area?
No. Food is not allowed in the play area, but a dining area with tables and chairs is available in the same building.
