Ontario Science Centre pop-ups extended into 2026
The Ontario Science Centre has been a beloved Toronto destination for more than 50 years. Its former campus in Toronto’s Don Valley was closed suddenly by the Ontario provincial government in June 2024. While we wait for its new location to open at the redeveloped Ontario Place, check out the two Ontario Science Centre pop-ups, which have been extended through the end of 2025.
These pop-up locations are located in Toronto and are designed to help keep kids engaged with science. They make great things to do with kids in Toronto this summer, especially on rainy or very hot days!
Our visits to the Ontario Science Centre pop-ups were hosted by the Ontario Science Centre. Have questions about planning your own visit? Join our Facebook community!
Explore two new engaging exhibits at Sherway Gardens
The largest Ontario Science Centre pop-up is at Sherway Gardens mall, located at Highway 427 and the QEW in southwest Toronto. The pop-up is at the end of the hallway with the window-lined roof where you’ll also find Nike and Zara. After a month-long closure, this location reopens on Friday, June 27 with two new exhibits.
In Survival, The Exhibition, kids of all ages can learn about survival skills in an interactive exhibit. You’ll find opportunities for problem-solving, collaboration, building, and climbing as you explore different ways to be safe and survive in the wild.
The Earth Matters exhibit focuses on the health of our planet by exploring how everything in nature is linked and the small actions that can make a big difference in helping the environment.
The Sherway Gardens Ontario Science Centre pop-up is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Extended hours will be available leading up to the holidays, and the space will close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Admission is $15 per person, including taxes, while children 2 and under are free. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Indigenous peoples are granted free entry, as are support persons accompanying visitors with disabilities.
Find your KidSpark at the Harbourfront Centre Ontario Science Centre pop-up
KidSpark, the Ontario Science Centre’s dedicated space for learning through play, has long been a favourite destination for kids and their families. Now, kids 10 and under can rediscover this beloved space in its temporary home at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre Science Centre pop-up!
Long-time visitors to KidSpark will find some familiar elements along with plenty of new features. The Town & Country section has a pretend grocery store, sushi food truck, and pizza oven. At the Health Hub, kids can look at x-rays in the play doctor’s office and take care of animal stuffies in the pretend veterinary clinic. The Pond lets kids jump into a boat and imagine a fishing trip.
The KidSpark Ontario Science Centre harbourfront pop-up has been extended through the end of the year. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM and will close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Admission is $15, including taxes, while children 2 and under are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults can only enter when supervising children, making this a very family-friendly space. Indigenous peoples and support persons accompanying visitors with disabilities can access the space at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is there free parking at the Ontario Science Centre pop-ups?
Parking for the Ontario Science Centre pop-up at Sherway Gardens is free. For the Harbourfront Centre pop-up, paid parking is available in the underground parking garage at the foot of Simcoe St., or at the corner of Queens Quay and Rees St. The 509 Harbourfront streetcar stops directly outside the Harbourfront Centre and connects with Union Station.
How much are tickets for the Ontario Science Centre pop-ups?
Tickets for both the Sherway Gardens and Harbourfront Centre pop-ups cost $15 per person, including sales taxes. Children aged 2 and under are free. Outside of designated drop-off programs, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Are there gift shops at the Science Centre pop-ups?
Gift shops are available at both Ontario Science Centre pop-up locations. Proceeds will support future Science Centre programming.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to the Science Centre pop-ups?
Food and drinks are permitted, but note there’s no seating provided at either pop-up location. The Ontario Science Centre asks that parents supervise children while they eat and drink to ensure there are no spills on the exhibits.
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