Recently, I was doing what every Parent does… I was worrying. On this particular day, the question that had my stomach in knots was “Am I doing everything I can to support The Kids interests?”.
Since Max was little he’s been eating, sleeping and breathing music and soccer. More than once a day, I have to ask him to stop kicking his ball in the dining room (a.k.a Ed and my office). And Artemis loves reading, crafts and dancing so much that she either begs to sleep with a book, pencil crayons or her sparkle shoes. Never know when the urge will come over you.
And so I worry. That they’ll have all the skills and desires to be skydivers but never find out because I never took them skydiving. With this in mind, I thought that while in Toronto this Summer, we’d deviate from the normal Family Attractions.
We visited the Art Gallery of Ontario.
If you think that Art Galleries aren’t appropriate for young kids because they have to be quiet, can’t touch things and there isn’t anything for them to see or do. Think again.
We started out the day by visiting the Francis Bacon and Henry Moore Exhibit. Art or the interpretation of it is not my strength so I really appreciated that you could rent an audio guide with headphones (for $3) or download an app to your phone (for free). It was interesting to see how much The Kids enjoyed the sculptures. I say that because they asked tons of questions and were very quiet. Mind you, so was everyone else but it definitely wasn’t silent like a library and neither were The Kids. Interestingly, they weren’t the only young kids in the exhibit (although they were the youngest) and thankfully, no one gave them a second glance. Trust me, I was watching.
After that, we walked around a few more exhibits but The Kids were excited to open up their activity bags that they received at Guest Services (be sure to ask for them). We took a break at one of the many seating areas and found tables for kids equipped with paper and utensils for drawing. The kids enjoyed creating sculptures with their molding clay but we didn’t stay long. They were excited to see the Thomson Collection of Ship Models, Kids Gallery and the Hands on Centre.
So Much for Kids to See and Do at the AGO.
Imagine you love ships and suddenly you’re in a room filled to the brim with them. Some big, some made out of wood and some no bigger than a toonie. Or, tables and pictures hanging on the wall at just the right height. The bonus, an area where you could dress up, take a picture and upload it to Instagram where your face would then appear on the screen in the gallery for you to see. Just another day for kids at the Art Gallery.
And last but not least, we ended the day at the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands on Centre. What a feast for the senses and I’m not even talking about The Kids. The room had everything; mirrors, dressup area, car sets with roads, trains with tracks, a craft table bigger than I’d ever seen, instruments, pillows, places to jump and a romantic book nook. Well, there was probably more but that’s what I managed to take in. The great thing about this centre is that kids 5 and under get in free as long as they’re accompanied by an Adult (with a ticket). If you get an annual membership for $100, your kids could play 6 days a week for 52 weeks a year.
And there’s more. Gallery Tours, Special Events and Summer Art Classes. I could go on but instead of reading about it, I highly recommend that you visit the Art Gallery of Ontario and take a step outside the norm by letting your kids experience something that they might not normally. Who knows, they might just be the next Picasso.
Explore Your Kids Artistic Interests at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Note that this is the fourth of five attractions in our “What To Do with your Family This Summer in Toronto”.
Disclosure: Journeys of The Zoo received tickets that enabled us to complete this review.
This looks great – I had totally thought I’d have to wait until the kids were older, but now I know that’s totally untrue!
Dear Rene,
Your kids would love the Hands on Centre!
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…I Should Lie More To My Kids
Sounds like you had a wonderful visit to the room. The annual membership would definitely be worth it if you lived close by!! We recently went when the RIM hosted a free day. It was a great opportunity to see the exhibits.
Dear Brandee,
I love finding local attractions that I never thought would be kid friendly or interesting but they are.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Will This Barbie Meet the Same Fate?
I love Art Galleries.
I especially love Art Galleries that engage little kids with cool, touchable “stuff”.
Delightful!
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Dear Peady,
I didn’t feel like I had to be “on The Kids” all the time to not touch things. Mind you, a lot of artifacts were behind glass but that was fine as they still asked 4,720 questions.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…I Should Lie More To My Kids
Amazing,I wish this was closer to me I would love to take the grandkids
I would totally take my kids there if we lived closer!
I really enjoy taking my kids to museums and galleries. I am so appreciative when they have family programs.
Dear Heidi,
It was interesting to see how kid friendly the Art Gallery was.
Besos, Sarah
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Oh wow! Looks so awesome!
I love taking my kids to the art gallery. There’s so much to explore and discover!
Thanks for sharing.
xoxo
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom recently posted…Our Complete Grade 2 Homeschool Curriculum
Dear Jennifer,
I imagine that Art Galleries are excellent for homeschooling curriculum. I’d love to read anything that you written on the subject.
Besos, Sarah
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I don’t think you have anything to worry about dear friend! It sounds like you’re doing your best to support, nurture, and grow your kids’ individual interests, so you ARE doing your best 🙂
That museum sounds really fun and very kid friendly!
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Dear Kayla,
Thanks for your kind words. One thing they don’t tell you before becoming a parent is that you will worry. You’ll worry so much that you’ll worry about worrying.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Will This Barbie Meet the Same Fate?
looks like a good time was had by all
I love hands on activities like what the museum has, and unique educational toys to buy too! Looks like you guys had fun!
Dear Debbie,
I was surprized by all the hands on activities. I didn’t feel like I had to watch The Kids every second.
Besos, Sarah
Sarah recently posted…Changing Lives — One Act of Kindness at a Time @Schneiders #TasteOfTheBigLeagues
AGO is great for all ages.
Dear Debbie,
The AGO really is for all ages. My Mother enjoyed herself as much as The Kids.
Besos, Sarah
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Interesting place to take your grandchildren
I used to go to the AGO all the time when I lived in TO>
I’ve never been here although I’ve wanted to. I need to make it a priority!
My grand kids would love love love this adventure!!!
This place looks awesome!!! Ive always thought art galleries are more for older quieter kids, but I guess I was mistaken!
I’ve never taken my kids before – would love to go!
I really need to visit more art galleries within Canada. My daughter is a fanatic.
Your visit brings back memories of the last time we went to see the Dinosaur exhibit and how we just could not get enough of it. It was awesome! Thanks! Gosh I think it was at the AGO!
I would take my grandkids there if we lived closer!
a lot different then the museums I visited as a kid
Great ideas, wish these things had been available when my kids were small.
I love it when places have a hands-on area for children, it’s these things that get children interested in the topic. I remember taking my children to a science centre that had so many hands on displays that it was tough to drag them away and it only worked because I bribed them with an offered of ice-cream. 🙂
Dear Elizabeth,
Speaking of the (Ontario) Science Centre, it’s on our list of things to do next Summer. I remember loving it as a child (and adult).
Besos, Sarah
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I believe there is a similar program at the art gallery of hamilton
Dear Darlene,
Thanks for the heads up. I’ll let my followers in Hamilton know about this.
Besos, Sarah
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