Ontario Science Centre — KidSpark at Harbourfront
Rating
Family of 4
$60 CAD (~$44 USD) for a family of 4 at $15 per person.
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 0-10
About
The Ontario Science Centre's KidSpark experience has found a new home at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre, bringing its beloved hands-on science play to the waterfront. After the original Don Mills Road location closed in June 2024, KidSpark relocated to keep serving Toronto families while plans for a new permanent home develop, with more interactive exhibits expected to launch in Summer 2026.
KidSpark is specifically designed for children aged 10 and under, making it a perfect outing for families with babies, toddlers, and young kids. The 'learn through play' philosophy means every exhibit station is built to be touched, manipulated, and experimented with. Water tables let kids explore fluid dynamics without knowing that is what they are doing.
Building stations with blocks and connectors teach structural engineering through pure creative play. Simple machines exhibits let kids pull levers, turn gears, and see cause-and-effect in action.
The sensory-rich environment works beautifully for very young children. Babies and toddlers are drawn to the textures, colors, and sounds throughout the space, while older children engage more deeply with the scientific concepts behind each station. It is one of the rare Toronto attractions where bringing a baby or young toddler does not feel like a compromise — the space is genuinely designed for them.
The Harbourfront location adds a bonus dimension to your visit. After KidSpark, families can walk along the waterfront boardwalk, watch boats in the harbour, or explore other Harbourfront Centre programming. In winter, the outdoor skating rink is right outside. In summer, the splash pads and canoe rentals create a full day of activities.
Admission is straightforward at $15 per person including tax, with free entry for children 2 and under. The space is fully stroller-accessible. Baby changing facilities are available. Plan for roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours of play time depending on your children's ages and engagement levels.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Friday mornings are the quietest. Weekends get busy by 11AM. Arrive right at opening for the most relaxed play experience.
Wait Times
Minimal on weekdays; 15-20 minute wait possible on weekend mornings
Nearby Food
Amsterdam BrewHouse (245 Queens Quay W) is steps away with lake views and a kids menu. Boxcar Social on Queens Quay for coffee and light bites. Jack Astor's at Queens Quay for casual family dining. The Harbourfront Centre area has several seasonal food vendors.
Why Kids Love It
KidSpark is the Ontario Science Centre's beloved learn-through-play area, now located at Harbourfront Centre after the original Don Mills Road location closed in 2024. This is hands-on science at its best for the under-10 set. Kids get to experiment with water tables, build structures, explore simple machines, and engage with interactive exhibits that teach physics, biology, and engineering through pure play.
There are no 'don't touch' signs here — everything is designed to be grabbed, pushed, pulled, and experimented with. Toddlers especially love the sensory stations, and the whole space is thoughtfully designed so even the youngest visitors can participate meaningfully.
Pro Tips from Parents
- This is the temporary location while the original Ontario Science Centre is being redeveloped — check the website for any updates on new locations or exhibits
- Combine with a walk along the Harbourfront boardwalk for a full morning or afternoon out
- Bring a change of clothes — the water play stations can get kids quite wet
- The space is designed for children 10 and under so older siblings may find it too young for them
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry during busy weekend periods
What to Bring
- Change of clothes for water play stations
- Snacks — there is no dedicated food service inside KidSpark
- Socks for kids — some play areas require them
- Hand sanitizer for post-play cleanup
- A reusable water bottle
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$60 CAD (~$44 USD) for a family of 4 at $15 per person.
Children 2 and under are free.
Tips to Save
- Children 2 and under are free.
- Indigenous peoples receive free admission.
- Groups of 20+ get a 20% discount.
- Support persons for visitors with disabilities enter free.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10:00AM-5:00PM
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 9:00AM-5:00PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00AM-5:00PM
- Saturday
- 9:00AM-5:00PM
- Thursday
- 10:00AM-5:00PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00AM-5:00PM