My visit to theOntario Science Centre

Welcome to the Ontario Science CentreThis visitors guide was prepared in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Autism.

Here are some helpful tips on visiting the Ontario Science Centre:

The Centre is a fun place for all – but be prepared for lots of people and lineups when you enter the building. At popular exhibits you may have to wait your turn and also let other waiting visitors have their turn.

The Centre can be a busy and noisy place during the day, on weekends and during the holidays. The Science Centre is less busy after 2:00 pm during the week or between 3:00 and 7:00 pm on Saturdays. Please note that we have a Quiet Zone located on Level 1.

The Science Centre is hands-on, but you can choose what to touch or try. For your comfort, you can store your belongings in the lockers located at the main entrance at the Admissions desk (cost is $1). You can also obtain a wheelchair at this location.

Please keep in mind that lighting can differ from place to place in our exhibit halls; some areas, like our planetarium, need to be dark. You can also experience differences in temperature; for example, our rain forest is hot and humid.

Washrooms are located on Levels 1, 2, 4 and 6. All are equipped withautomatic flushing toilets except for the ones in KidSpark on Level 4 and the Studios on Level 2.

There are several food service options at the Centre. You can also bring your own lunch or snack and eat it in the seating provided on Levels 2 and 6.

We have several outdoor spaces that invite you to explore exhibitsoutside. All outdoor entrances/exits are open during public hours(subject to weather/season).

2 Getting Started

I might have to wait in a line in the front lobby to buy a ticket to get into the Science Centre. I can also get a map or print one from their website before I visit. I give my ticket or show my membership card to the admission staff sitting at this desk. If I need questions answered or help if I get lost, I can ask one of these staff members.

In the Great Hall, there is a place called Inventorium where I can build stuff and learn about different technology, engineering and math.

Parent Tip: Inventorium offers several opportunities for hands-on learning.Activities can include the use of hot glue guns and small objects; please supervise your child(ren) in this area.

21 A Hair-Raising Experienceand Energy Show

I can watch and maybe even participate in a hair-raising experience that will make my hair stand straight up (but won’t give me a shock).

I can watch the Energy Show. I have to wait in line to get in. Inside I will find a seat and sit down. The Hosts demonstrate fun experiments about electricity, so I will stay in my seat while the show is on.

Parent Tip: The Energy Show is engaging and interactive, however it does have loud sounds and special effects. The Energy Show Host will let visitors know beforehand of any loud noise.

Space Hall andthe Planetarium

In the Space Hall and the Planetarium I can learn about stars and planets and rockets and astronauts.

I can see a show in the Planetarium. I wait in line to get inside. It will get very darkinside so I can look up at a night sky and learn about stars and planets. I can lie downor sit on a seat.

Parent Tip: There can be a lineup for the Planetarium show as there is limitedseating (max. 50 visitors). For assistance, please speak to a Host in a white lab coat. Note that there are two separate entrances/exits for the Space Hall.

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4 KidSpark(for kids 8 years and under)

In KidSpark I can play with lots of fun things! I can build stuff, try on costumes, play music, blow bubbles and sail boats!

Parent Tip: KidSpark has only one entrance and exit. The washrooms here aremanual (not automatic), so are easier for kids to use. If you require assistance, please speak to one of the Hosts.

6 Weston Family Innovation Centre and The AstraZeneca Human Edge

In the Weston Family Innovation Centre, I can build, experiment and test my ideas.

In Human Edge I can play, exercise, dance and climb a rock wall. I can also find out what I will look like in 50 years with a computer aging machine!

Parent Tip: The Weston Family Innovation Centre has multiple entrances and exits. Some experiences involve hot glue guns and scissors. The AstraZeneca Human Edge does not have an open layout where you can see everything.

6 The Living Earth/TELUSRain Forest and Science Arcade

In The Living Earth and Rain Forest I can see lots of living animals and learn aboutwater. There is a cave that I can choose to explore.

In the Science Arcade, I can play with instruments and try lots of experiments using balls, bicycles, weights, wheels and magnets.

5 A Question Of Truth

This hall has a lot for me to discover about people and cultures from around the world. There are puzzles to try and I can learn how to write my name using symbols.

Parent Tip: There are two different entrances and exits to this hall. Level 5 can only be accessed from Level 6 by either an elevator or the stairwells. This particularexhibit hall may appeal more to older children.

I had a good time! I did a good job!I can’t wait to visit again soon!

Live Science Demonstrations and Shows

There are live shows I can watch during my visit to the Ontario Science Centre.An information board tells me the times when each show starts. Here are all the shows that the Science Centre has to offer and where to find them.

The Energy Show 1A Hair-Raising Experience (The Van de Graaff Generator) 1IMAX® Dome Theatre 2Eyes on the Skies(age 5 and under) 4The Sky Tonight(age 5 and over) 4Science HotSpot

Papermaking

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Parent Tip: Show times change daily and are posted at the main entrance and on the information boards on Levels 4 and 6. Please note that entry to all IMAX filmsrequires a separate ticket purchased from the box office in the front lobby.