Royal Ontario Museum

ROM is Canada's biggest natural-history museum and one of the largest museums in North America. ------------------- Galleries and exhibits ------------------ - The permanent collection features more than six million specimens and artifacts, divided between two main galleries: the Natural History Galleries (all on the 2nd floor) and the World Culture Galleries (on the 1st, 3rd and 4th floors). - The Chinese temple sculptures, Gallery of Korean Art, and costumes and textile collections are some of the best in the world. - The remarkable First Peoples Art and Culture gallery provides insight into the works of art and cultural heritage of Canada’s indigenous people from precolonial times to the present. The 1000-piece collection includes ceremonial clothing, birch-bark canoes, fine art and more. - - Dinosaur Gallery: With hundreds of specimens to discover, kids can peruse everything from unusual dinosaur specimens to fossilized plants. Little paleontologists can also check out the more recently discovered dino Wendiceratops ----------- Special exhibitions ----------- Each year the ROM hosts a variety of big temporary exhibits from around the world (special exhibit surcharges apply). ---------- Activities for kids ---------- - WonderWorks | Level 2: ROM welcomes families to a reimagined play-based learning space — a space that invites young children to experiment and connect with the Museum in a playful, interactive, and fun environment. - WonderWorks primarily serves families with children 3 to 8 years old; however, all are welcome to play, explore, and learn. Gallery staff and volunteers are available to facilitate experiences in the space, ensuring a strong connection between play, learning, and collections in the Museum. - Located on Level 2, WonderWorks is a foundational space within the Museum's hands-on galleries, which also includes the Bat Cave and the Patrick and Barbara Keenan Family Gallery of Hands-On Biodiversity. Stroller parking is available, but may be restricted during periods of high visitation. Children under the age of 12 visiting the gallery must be accompanied by an adult. -Younger visitors (and their parents) will appreciate the two interactive galleries at the ROM: the Discovery Gallery and the Family Gallery of Hands-on Biodiversity. - Kids can touch shark skulls and beaver pelts, dig for dinosaur bones and walk through bat caves. - The cedar crest totem poles carved by Indigenous tribes in British Columbia are also wonderful. - Imaginative play has children hiding in foxholes and dressing up in clothing from other eras that has been sourced from across the globe. Facilitators are on hand to introduce youngsters to what's on offer and answer the many questions they’re sure to have. ------- BIRTHDAY PARTIES ------- - ROM Birthday Party packages are fully customizable. Design a day filled with adventure that perfectly fits your child’s dreams and budget. All birthday activity rates are in addition to Museum admission. Museum admission is required. Purchase 20 admission tickets or more to qualify for the group discounted admission rates. Activities: - Familiy Tour: Create an action-packed guided tour tailored to your child’s favourite things. From exploring knights and amour to uncovering ancient Egypt’s mysteries or journeying back in time to the age of dinosaurs – there is something extraordinary for everyone. - Treasure Trek: Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt throughout the Museum for kids and families. Plus more! And that’s not all - the birthday child will receive an extra special surprise bag filled with ROM goodies to make their day even more unforgettable! They also provide a custom digital ROM birthday invitation for you to share with your guests. Ask them about the nearby Yorkville restaurant partners, just 5 minutes away, to add an extra touch of magic to your child’s special day. -------- KNOW BEFORE YOU GO --------- Admission is free the third Monday evening of the month – arrive after 6pm to avoid the rush. Audio tours to select galleries can be downloaded from the website. Docent-led tours are offered daily in English and French. Strollers are available for rent at the coat check. Special exhibits are often excellent but cost extra; check the website to decide if you’re interested enough to commit the additional time and cash.