Back-To-School History Lesson: The Royal Ontario Museum

With a dedication to showcasing world culture and natural history, the Royal Ontario Museum or ROM as most call it, attracts over 1 million visitors each year. Almost all of these people come out throughly impressed by the 6 million items in more than 40 different galleries, many of them featuring interactive activities: The kids will be exhilirated, the moment they step into the darkness of the bat cave, which is surprisingly realistic. The ever-popular CIBC Discovery Area is equipped with a costume area, mock archaeological digs and even a native tipi.
However, if you're not interested in these types of things, I recommend the massive ancient world exhibit full of artifacts including a wall of coins, several sculptures and unbelievable life-sized structure replicas. Don't forget to check out the fossil collections and well-stocked art galleries either; they're both are well-known parts of the museum.
But the one place you must see is the newly built Michael Lee-Chin crystal. This is one of the most unique and intriguing pieces of architecture you will ever have the privelege to see. In my mind, this wonderful design is comparable even to that of the Beijing Olympic venues. Although, it doesn't house many permanent items, you might be lucky enough to catch one of the temporary exhibitions. Generally, they explore contemporary aspects. You will see an amazing 7000 sq. ft. shop, filled with reproductions of ROM objects and ROM branded souvenirs though. And you will see five-star dining with numerous Toronto flavours in the C5 Lounge. And you will see an inviting market-style diner complete with fresh and healthy menu items.
One thing you should keep in mind when you're touring this museum; nature-related things are on the 2nd level, while cultural portions are on every other floor.
If you'd like to visit the Royal Ontario Museum, you can take the TTC Subway towards Downsview station, getting off at Museum Station. If you prefer to drive the address is:

100 Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON
M5S 2C6

So don't worry if your kids miss school; because they won't want to miss the real learning at the ROM.

(416) 586-8000