Have questions about field trips, school programs or teacher resources? You’re in the right place! Browse our FAQs below to find the information you need. If you can’t find your answer, we’re happy to help – contact us here.
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 the K-8 curriculum.
How many students can participate in a field trip?
A minimum of 10 students is required to receive the $4 per student rate. Maximum booking size is 150, including students and chaperones. There is no minimum number 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. Staff are available on the floor to assist if there are questions in the exhibit areas.
Can I book a curriculum-linked school program as part of the field trip?
No. Our field trips are self-guided, allowing students and teachers to explore the Science Centre at their own pace.
How long should I plan my field trip for?
We recommend two hours to fully explore the exhibits and participate in activities at a comfortable pace.
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. It is important that students be accompanied by chaperones to provide supervision and ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all.
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. You will need to pay the regular admission fee for any additional adults.
What areas of the Science Centre are included in a field trip visit?
All exhibit areas are included: KidSpark, Innovation Station and Space Deck.
What activities are available for students through Grade 8 in KidSpark?
KidSpark is ideal for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3. Hands-on, learn-through-play exhibits encourage curiosity and exploration. Older students can build connections to the engineering design process, engage knowledge of science concepts and work on collaboration and team-building skills. KidSpark features three themed areas:
See what your students can explore in KidSpark by watching this short video.
What is the Innovation Station?
At Innovation Station, students bring the three stages of science—ask, test, repeat—to life! 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, each visit to Innovation Station is unique.
What is Space Deck?
At Space Deck, students get hands-on with the universe! Conduct the northern lights, direct satellites, discover Canada’s contributions to space exploration, see a piece of the Moon up close and journey through the cosmos in our planetarium.
What is the current planetarium experience?
Presentations in the planetarium run 7-10 minutes and rotate continuously during our operating hours. The maximum capacity for the planetarium is 20 people.
Current presentations:
Is the planetarium content customized for school groups?
No, the planetarium presentations are for all visitors of the Science Centre and they’re great for all ages to enjoy!
What grades are the planetarium presentations suited for?
Students across all grade levels can enjoy and learn from our planetarium experience.
Are there any curriculum connections to the planetarium experience?
The presentations are not specifically tied to the curriculum, but they explore topics related to space, astronomy, Indigenous perspectives and the night sky that can complement classroom learning across grade levels.
For older students, particularly secondary school students, what activities or experiences are available at the Science Centre?
Our on-site experiences and exhibits are best suited to students who are in Kindergarten to Grade 8. Secondary school teachers can explore our curriculum resources designed to support learning in the classroom. We also offer our popular Grade 12 DNA Fingerprinting Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. This program sells out quickly – visit the webpage for available dates and stay tuned for spring sessions.
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. Simply show your Ontario College of Teachers card, employment ID or other proof of employment when you arrive to receive complimentary admission. Additional guests are welcome to join you and purchase general admission tickets.
Is bus parking available?
School bus parking is not available onsite at Harbourfront Centre. Visit Motor Coach and Bus Parking Information for Toronto for information on bus parking.
Is 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 more information and directions, visit the Harbourfront Centre website.
Where is the Group Entrance?
Please enter through the main Harbourfront Centre entrance at the bottom of Lower Simcoe St.
Can we bring food and drinks?
The Landing Pad offers seating 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. Please do not bring food or drinks into the exhibit areas.
Can we buy lunch at the Science Centre?
There are no food services available at the Ontario Science Centre but there are a number of nearby options in the neighbourhood.
Is there a water fountain?
Yes, outside the washrooms.
Are there lockers?
Yes. Lockers cost of $4 each for small lockers (22cm x 42cm x 40cm) and $6 each for large lockers (39cm x 42cm x 40cm) for all-day use, payable by credit or debit. We encourage visitors to leave valuables and large bags, and at home or school. Backpacks, jackets and other belongings are not permitted in exhibit areas.
If we do not want to pay for lockers, where can my class to store backpacks and jackets?
One small storage bin can be provided upon request to store lunches and small back packs during your visit. Additional items must be stored in the lockers. The Ontario Science Centre is not responsible for lost, misplaced or damaged belongings. We encourage you to leave valuables, large bags and other personal belongings at home or school.
How can we pay for the field trip?
Accepted payment methods are credit card, P-card, cash or valid PO (TDSB only). Review your confirmation email and bring payment in full when you visit.
What’s the change and cancellation policy?
You must notify us of any cancellations or changes by 4 p.m. on the Wednesday of the week before your visit date by reaching out to us here. Late requests cannot be guaranteed.
Can I use other offers on field trips?
Discounts, passes and other special offers are not applicable to field trips. These only apply to regularly-priced general admission tickets.
Is the Ontario Science Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Can you tell me more about the DNA Fingerprinting program?
DNA Fingerprinting is a hands-on biotechnology workshop that gives Grade 12 students a unique opportunity to extract and analyze their own DNA in a real university lab. Hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University, students will perform advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis to explore the DNA fingerprinting process.
The program reinforces key STEM concepts through an interactive, data-driven learning experience. Students receive and analyze their own lab results once they’re back in the classroom. The sessions are $30 per student.
Why are you running the DNA Fingerprinting program at TMU?
TMU runs an outreach program called SciXchange. This partnership allows students to experience the program in an authentic lab setting.
How does the TMU program differ from the program offered at 770 Don Mills?
The DNA Fingerprinting program at TMU is virtually identical to the program that we have previously run. Students will use the same equipment and practice the same techniques.
One difference is that students will no longer receive their results while they are in the lab. Students will be taught how to analyze the results before they leave the program that day. The Ontario Science Centre Educator will email the results to the teacher later that day.
Why won’t students receive results during the lab?
TMU lab is not able to accommodate the 50-minute break that students previously received while the Educator stained the gels and prepared the results. Instead, the Educator will teach the students how to analyze the results before they leave and then email the results directly to the teacher later that same day.
Where will classes meet the Educator?
The Ontario Science Centre Educator will meet the class underneath the archway beside 43 Gerrard Street East. Buses can unload here, but there is no designated bus parking onsite. The building requires key card access; therefore, classes will need to be escorted by an Educator to enter the building.
Will there be a lunch break? Where will students eat lunch?
Yes, lunch is from 12 – 1 p.m. Students can eat on or off campus, bring their own lunch or we will walk them over to the campus cafeteria, Hub Café, which has food for purchase (cashless) and seating.
Why is there a maximum of 30 students?
TMU regulations specify that we can have a maximum of 30 students in the lab.
What if a class with less than 20 students wishes to book the program?
Classes of all sizes are welcome to book the program – however a minimum charge of 20 students will apply. If you do book a smaller class size, please make a note of the actual expected number of students so that the Educator can plan accordingly.
If I have less than 20 students, can I join another smaller class?
No. If you have a small class, we recommend you connect with your peers at other schools with smaller class sizes to collaborate on a date to attend together.
How many chaperones/adults can accompany the students for the workshop?
Due capacity and space constraints in the lab, a maximum of four adults, including teachers, can be accommodated for the workshop.
I tried to register but it says that only one date is available/sold out. Will you be adding any additional dates?
Spots can become available due to cancellations, which will be posted on our website. We’re unable to provide updates by phone or email, so please check our website regularly!
Are there any discounts available for this program?
There are no discounts available at this time.
Why are you asking for payment in advance?
The lab at TMU is not equipped to handle payment on site. Payment in advance helps us ensure that we can allocate the necessary resources.
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes. Toronto Metropolitan University is named as Additional Insured under the Ontario Science Centre’s Commercial General Liability Policy with a maximum limit of US $2,000,000.
Can you tell me more about your curriculum resources?
Explore grade-specific curriculum resources for Kindergarten to Grade 12, featuring engaging, hands-on STEM activities and easy-to-follow lesson ideas using everyday materials. Browse our Curriculum Resources to find what works for your classroom.
Are your resources available in French?
Yes, all of our resources are available in English and French.
Do the Kindergarten videos have to be viewed in sequence?
No. While it's recommended to view all the videos, teachers can select the video most relevant to their needs. Teachers can also download summaries and use the “key moments” feature within YouTube to skip directly to the content that they want to see.
Did you partner with anyone to develop the TAS10/20 and ICD20 resources?
These resources have been funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
We partnered with educational stakeholders and subject matter experts, including Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE) and the Ontario Council for the Association for Computer Studies Educations (ASCE), to identify current gaps and needs, gather considerations and suggestions for new resource development, and co-develop some resources.
Did you incorporate feedback from technology and skilled trades teachers to develop these resources?
Yes. We engaged Technology and Skilled Trades teachers across Ontario through focus groups, online surveys, and both virtual and in-person meetings. Their feedback helped us identify gaps and needs, gather suggestions for new resources, and co-develop some of the content to ensure our resources are relevant and effective for classroom use.
I have some feedback/questions about your resources. Who can I talk to about this?
We welcome you to provide your feedback using the survey links available at the bottom of the resources webpages.
Will you offer curriculum-linked school programs at Harbourfront Centre?
Not at this time. Please visit our Teachers + Students section for information about our free Livestream Learning series. Be sure to sign up for our Teacher eNews to be the first to know about the next registration opportunities for programs like our DNA Fingerprinting program at Toronto Metropolitan University!
I’ve heard that the Science Centre has been offering and delivering science programs in GTA schools. How do I book a program for my class?
Due to the high volume of requests, we are not accepting bookings for our in-school programming. Please visit our Livestream Learning page to learn more about our free virtual programming series and our Curriculum Resources for science activities and lesson plans that you can use in your classroom.
How can I submit a request for a school science program for future years?
We are not currently accepting bookings for future in-school programs.
I’m a parent volunteer organizing our school community fun fair. Who can I talk to about having the Science Centre deliver science programming?
Due to a high volume of requests, we are unable to participate in school community events. Please visit our Science at Home page for fun activities that you can demonstrate at your event!
Why are you only working with publicly funded school boards to deliver programs?
We offer a wide range of free curriculum-connected resources for educators, and homeschool groups are always welcome to visit us at Harbourfront Centre for a self-guided tour. If you have any questions about booking a school or group visit, we’d be happy to help.
When will we be able to register for new Livestreams?
Check our website or sign up for our Teacher eNews to be the first to learn about upcoming Livestream dates!
What livestream topics can we expect?
We’re planning to cover illusions this October and have a space-themed livestream later this year. Keep an eye on our Teacher eNews and website to be the first to learn about additional topics we’ll be covering!
I missed your Teacher PD webinars last year. Will you be offering more next year?
All of our sessions were recorded and are available on our website under Professional Learning Resources. Sign up for Teacher eNews to be the first to know about future Teacher PD sessions.
How do I register for this program?
For more information about the program and to register, please visit the Aga Khan Museum website, agakhanmuseum.org.
Is this program available at Harbourfront Centre?
This program is delivered only at the Aga Khan Museum, located at 77 Wynford Drive in Toronto, near Don Mills and Eglinton.
Can I book a school field trip to the Science Centre and the Caravans of Knowledge: STEAM Along the Silk Routes program at the same time?
No. You must complete separate forms to book a Science Centre field trip and the Caravans of Knowledge: STEAM Along the Silk Routes program at the Aga Khan Museum. To book a Science Centre field trip, visit our Field Trips page and complete the form. Visit the Aga Khan Museum website to book a Caravans of Knowledge program.
How do I change/cancel my booking for this program?
Please contact the Aga Khan Museum directly at learn@agakhanmuseum.org
Is this program available in French?
No, this program is only available in English.
Why are you partnering with the Aga Khan Museum to deliver school programs?
The partnership between the Aga Khan Museum and the Ontario Science Centre represents an innovative collaboration that bridges art, science, and education to deliver exceptional learning experiences. By combining the Museum’s expertise in cultural storytelling with the Science Centre’s leadership in scientific discovery and interactive engagement, this program helps students explore how innovation and culture have travelled across time and place.