Field Trips
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Inspire your students with a day at the Science Centre
Bring new dimensions to learning this year by planning a day at the Ontario Science Centre. Experience the awe of the cosmos in Space Deck. Exercise ingenuity in Innovation Station. Immerse yourselves in KidSpark’s themed areas. With each exhibit you explore, science comes alive. It’s why a field trip to the Science Centre is a time-honoured way to make classroom concepts tangible—and memorable!—for every student.
School groups are eligible for a special rate of $4 per student. Minimum charge is $40 (10 students), with no minimum for special needs groups. This special rate is available during the regular school year (weekends and holidays excluded).
To qualify, your class must represent:
- A full-time elementary or secondary school in Canada that is registered with your province’s Ministry of Education,
OR - A childcare centre licensed by Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
To receive this discount at the time of your visit, please book your field trip in advance online.
Our exhibits provide multiple, age-appropriate ways to build connections to Strand A of the Ontario Science Curriculum. As they engage with them, students have the opportunity to put their understanding of scientific research, experimentation and the engineering design processes to work. At the same time, they encourage consideration of their personal and collective connections to science, technology, engineering and math.
School Field Trip FAQs
Planning Your Visit
What is the ideal age for a field trip?
The Ontario Science Centre includes experiences, exhibits and programming for children, youth and adults to enjoy. For field trips, our experiences and exhibits are best aligned with curriculums for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.
How many students can participate in a field trip?
You must have a minimum of 10 students in a class to receive the rate of $4 per student. The maximum booking size is 150 people, including students and chaperones. There is no minimum number of students for special needs groups.
To ensure the best possible experience, groups may be assigned specific time slots in designated exhibit areas during their visit.
Are field trips self-guided?
Yes, school field trips are self-guided. Hosts are available on the floor who can assist if there are any additional questions in the exhibit areas.
How long should I plan my field trip for?
We recommend groups plan for up to two hours to fully explore the exhibits and participate in activities at a comfortable pace.
Chaperone Requirements
How many adult chaperones are required to accompany a school group?
For student groups in Kindergarten through Grade 8, one adult is required for every 10 students. For student groups in Grades 9-12, one adult is required for every 30 students.
How many adult chaperones can accompany a school group for free?
A maximum of one adult for every two students can accompany a school group for free. If you have more than that ratio, you will need to pay the regular admission fee for any additional adult.
What if we do not have enough adult chaperones to meet the requirements?
We kindly ask that you meet the minimum supervisor requirements, either through staff, parents or volunteers who may be able to assist for your visit. It is important that students be accompanied by chaperones to provide supervision and ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.
Experiences
What activities and experiences are available for students through Grade 8 in KidSpark?
KidSpark is ideal for students in Kindergarten to grade 3, with hands-on, learn-through-play exhibits that encourage curiosity and exploration. Older students can still enjoy KidSpark, by building connections to the engineering design process, engaging their existing knowledge of science concepts and working on collaboration and teambuilding skills. KidSpark features three themed areas :
- Town & Country: Learn about healthy foods and active living at the supermarket, get hands-on with gears and mechanics in the construction area, or collaborate and build with Rigamajig!
- The Health Hub: Visit a pretend vet clinic to learn about the needs of animals, examine a model skeleton in a pretend doctor’s office, or role-play as a first responder!
- The Pond: Grab a life jacket for a pretend fishing trip or learn about the biodiversity around us in this nature-themed area!
See what your students can explore in KidSpark by watching this short video.
Can you tell me a little bit more about the Innovation Station?
Students can bring the three stages of science — ask, test, repeat — to life with their own experiments! They can design a sail to test it against the wind, see gravity in motion on the Ball Fall Wall, or build a bridge to see how much weight it holds. With rotating challenges and ever-changing materials, there’s a new way to experience Innovation Station with each visit.
What is the current Planetarium show/experience?
We are excited to offer a selection of planetarium shows that rotate continuously during our operating hours! The capacity for the planetarium experience is 20 students at a time.
Students can enjoy the following 7-10 minute presentations:
- European Southern Observatory (ESO)
See a selection of various cosmological objects and regions captured by different ESO telescopes. From galaxies made up of gas, dust, billions of stars and their solar systems, to nebulas where new stars are beginning to form! - Celestial Canoe
Students can learn how The First People of what is now northern Canada watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky—mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.
Are the same shows offered to students of all ages?
Yes, we offer the same planetarium shows for students of all ages to enjoy!
Is the show offered on a set schedule, or does it run continuously throughout the day?
The planetarium shows run continuously during operating hours. If you have missed one, you can explore other exhibits and return later!
For older students, particularly secondary school students, what activities or experiences are available?
Our experiences and exhibits are best suited to students who are in kindergarten to Grade 8. For secondary school students, you can visit our website for additional curriculum resources or sign up for our Teacher eNews to be the first to learn about upcoming livestream topics!
We are also offering our popular Grade 12 DNA Fingerprinting Program at Toronto Metropolitan University this fall. Visit our website to sign up and view available dates this year.
Can I visit the Ontario Science Centre before I book a field trip to see if it would be a fit for my class?
Yes, teachers are welcome to visit during our regular operating hours to explore our experiences and exhibits. Simply show your Ontario College of Teachers card when you arrive for complimentary admission. Additional guests are welcome to join you and purchase general admission tickets.
Arrival and Parking
Is bus parking available?
School bus parking is not available onsite at Harbourfront Centre. Please visit Motor Coach and Bus Parking Information for Toronto for information on bus parking.
Is there vehicle parking available?
Paid underground parking is available onsite at 235 Queens Quay West, or above-ground one block west at Rees Street and Queens Quay West. For detailed directions and parking lot information, please visit the Harbourfront Centre website.
Where is the Group Entrance?
Please enter through the main Harbourfront Centre entrance via the bus drop-off loop at the bottom of Lower Simcoe St.
Lunch and Storage
Can we bring food and drinks?
Groups may enjoy lunch in the Landing Pad, with seating available for up to 50 people. A time for your class to use this area will be assigned at check-in. Outdoor public spaces may also be used when available. Please do not bring food or drinks into the exhibit areas. Thank you for helping us keep the Ontario Science Centre clean and safe for all visitors.
Can we buy lunch at the Science Centre?
There are no food services available at the Ontario Science Centre; however, there are a number of options in the neighbourhood.
Is there a water fountain?
There is a water fountain and bottle refill station outside the washrooms. Food and beverages can be enjoyed in the landing pad area.
Are there lockers?
Yes, lockers are available for all-day use at a cost of $4 each for small lockers (22cm x 42cm x 40cm) and $6 each for large lockers (39cm x 42cm x 40cm) payable by credit or debit. However, we encourage our visitors to leave valuables, large bags, and other personal belongings at home or school. Backpacks, jackets, and other belongings are not permitted in exhibit areas.
If we do not want to pay for lockers, will you have enough space for my entire class to store small backpacks/jackets?
We have one small storage bin that can be provided upon request to store lunches and small back packs during your visit. Additional items will need to be stored in the lockers. We encourage our visitors to leave valuables, large bags, and other personal belongings at home or at school.
Please do not leave valuables in the storage bin as the Ontario Science Centre is not responsible for lost, misplaced or damaged belongings.
Booking and Cancellations
How is payment facilitated?
Please check your confirmation email and bring payment for the full amount on the day of your visit. Accepted methods of payment include credit card, cheque, P-card, valid PO (TDSB only) or cash.
What’s the cancellation and booking modification policy?
Once your booking is confirmed, you must notify us of any cancellations or changes by 4 p.m. on the Wednesday of the week before your visit date by emailing schoolbookings@ontariosciencecentre.ca.
If your student numbers change and a refund is required, please allow 30–60 days for the refund to be processed.
Can I use other offers on field trips?
Discounts, passes and other special offers are not applicable to field trips. These apply to regularly-priced general admission tickets.
Accessibility
Is the Ontario Science Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Ontario Science Centre is wheelchair accessible (including washrooms).