Royal Ontario Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Royal Ontario Museum?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: School-age children can touch fossils, crawl through fox dens, dig bones and join weekend workshops, while wide paths, rest areas and family washrooms keep parents comfortable, making it almost tailor-made.
![[4K] 🇨🇦 ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM (ROM) Toronto, Canada](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4d9mfp9_A9Y/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Interactive learning: Hands-on exhibits keep kids engaged and encourage curiosity.
- Family facilities: Stroller rentals, nursing rooms, and family restrooms make visits smoother.
- Central location: Located near subway stations and streetcar stops for easy transit access.
Challenges:
- Peak-hour crowds: Galleries can get busy at midday, which may overwhelm younger children.
- Limited seating: Benches are sparse in some galleries; plan rest breaks in discovery zones.
What is Royal Ontario Museum?
- A Toronto museum devoted to natural history and world cultures
- A repository of over six million artifacts, from dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian mummies to Chinese porcelain and Buddhist sculpture
- An architectural landmark that merges an early 20th-century Beaux-Arts structure with the contemporary Michael Lee-Chin Crystal extension
What is so special about Royal Ontario Museum for with kids?
- Hands-on play areas like the CIBC Discovery Gallery.
- Life-size dinosaur skeletons that thrill kids.
- Interactive biodiversity exhibits with microscopes and games.
- Iconic Michael Lee-Chin Crystal architecture and photo spots.
- Scavenger hunts that turn exploration into family fun.
Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours
Why 2-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets you cover key family-friendly galleries and take breaks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Royal Ontario Museum
CIBC Discovery Gallery:
Kids dress up, dig for dinosaur bones, and try simple science experiments.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and let younger children explore the toy corner.
Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity:
Crawl through a fox den, use microscopes, and touch preserved specimens.
Tip: Pair up kids for the identification game and take photos in the interactive stations.
Dinosaur Gallery:
See the T. rex skeleton and other massive fossils up close.
Tip: Head here first; it gets busy later. Use the trig map to spot hidden fossils.
Michael Lee-Chin Crystal:
Iconic architecture with angled glass facades and a central atrium.
Tip: Snap family photos from the main staircase for a memorable keepsake.
Signature Scavenger Hunts:
Follow themed clues through galleries to solve puzzles as a team.
Tip: Buy tickets in advance and choose a hunt that matches your kids’ ages.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Royal Ontario Museum
- Start at the galleries: Visit popular areas like the Dinosaur Gallery first to beat the rush.
- Grab the map: Pick up a free map at the entrance or download the ROM app to plan your route.
- Join a free tour: Check docent-led tour times at the info desk for engaging family-friendly talks.
Reviews of Royal Ontario Museum
Ethan
The Royal Ontario Museum is an absolutely necessary stop on any trip to Toronto. A strikingly beautiful building with a vast and fascinating collection. We were fortunate to be visiting on the day of their Block Party, when the museum is open late and they had a dance party/musicians and tons of food and drink options alongside the exhibits. Such an awesome time. The musicians and performances wer...
Mariela Romero Mederos
We completely lost track of time while enjoying the exhibitions in the different galleries. We spent three hours inside the museum and still couldn’t see it all. The variety is amazing, and every exhibition—whether nature, art, dinosaurs, or history—is truly spectacular. Definitely worth visiting—make sure to plan enough time to explore!
Bhuvan Vasudev
I recently had the chance to visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and it was a truly memorable experience. The museum is massive and beautifully designed, with an impressive infrastructure that immediately captures your attention. Even though I had only about an hour to explore (as the museum closes at 5:30 PM on Sundays), I was able to see a wide variety of fascinating exhibits. From historical ...
Dee
Great museum with impressive architecture - the crystal addition is stunning! Loved the dinosaur gallery and diverse exhibits covering natural history and world cultures. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Docking one star because it gets very crowded on weekends and some exhibits feel a bit dated plus admission fees is little high. Still, there’s plenty to see and it’s a good option to kill ...
Rachael
We were pleasantly surprised to see so much under one roof. It took about four hours to visit all the exhibits. I am sure we missed a few a long the way, as this place is enormous and very busy. It was a great learning experience. The ROM is definitely worth checking out and we look forward to exploring the museums again in the future.
When is the best time to visit Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Canada)?
Summer weekends get crowded; aim for weekday mornings. Winter visits are quieter and let you enjoy indoor galleries without long lines.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (x2) | CAD 46 |
| Child ticket (x2) | CAD 28 |
| Stroller rental | CAD 2 |
| Snacks at coffee bar | CAD 15 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 91 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Royal Ontario Museum
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
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About Royal Ontario Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 416-586-8000Explore Popular Things to Do
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