I recently visited the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum with my kids.. I’m always surprised (and pleased) by how quiet it is there, particularly on the week days. We went on a Wednesday morning and we basically had the whole place to ourselves. It is an impressive and beautiful space that I find has a lot to offer both kids and adults.

Chris Hadfield the Hero

We hit up the space section first. I’ve been reading Chris Hadfield’s new children’s book ‘The Darkest Dark’ to my kids recently, so Lucas was pretty pumped to find so much information about and memorabilia from his new hero.

There is a ton of hands on things for kids to explore in the space area. A lot of it is directed at older kids, but my toddlers found plenty to keep them interested too.

Taking Flight

The museum boasts a world-renowned collection of aircraft and artifacts. They really are beautiful. I enjoy just wandering around and checking out the vintage planes, while my kids love the small ride on planes you can zip around on, or climbing inside one of the cockpits of the few vintage planes you’re allowed to sit in. You can also take part in a guided tour or enjoy an “ejection seat” demonstration which runs every day at 11:30 am, 4:00 pm on Sundays.

Place for Play

Parents with younger children will not want to miss out on the Hang Glider Studio. This special activity area has lego, puzzles, puppets and colouring as well as a few chairs for adults to rest on. I always hit up this area towards the end of our museum visit when they have already run around and are looking for a snack.

There’s also a nice little cafe at this museum where I often grab a coffee, sometimes lunch with the family. There are high chairs too!

Museum Details

The museum is open six days a week from 10:00 am-5:00 pm, it is closed Tuesdays. Admission for adults is $13, children (3-12 years) is $8, students and seniors $10. The museum is fully accessible and barrier free for wheelchairs and strollers. When I visit on the weekend I try and go right for opening time, I find it starts to get busier around 11:30. On the weekdays you have your run of the place.  For more information about exhibits, birthday parties and location visit http://www.casmuseum.techno-science.ca/en/index.php