Attractions & things to do for the kids in your life

Gibson House Museum (Toronto)

Family Tested
Indoor
Chrismas
Stroller

Hands-on history

There are major constructions going on around the Gibson House Museum which will permanently hide the historic house from Yonge Street and has changed its access. Otherwise, Gibson House reamins Toronto’s historic house with the most hands-on activities. In the minds of young visitors, the museum's great discovery room for children makes the actual visit to the rest of the 1851 house look like a mere bonus. During the Holiday season when we visited, the costumed guide had all the patience in the world for the children's questions. We were allowed to touch a few old-fashioned toys, peek into a few bedrooms and stop at the kitchen for a taste of hot cider and a cookie. Then, we headed towards the modern-looking Discovery Gallery, where the real fun started for kids. Many boxes awaited us. In the "Sheep" box, we found real wool my daughter could glue on a drawing of a sheep and take home. (Note that what the boxes contain varies from one year to the next.) I loved the quilt puzzles with wooden triangles and quilt design to reproduce. Then, there was the weaving box with materials to create your own weaving device from scratch. There was also a costume section including heavy buckets with a yoke.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Schedule / hours: 2017: Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday, and on Holiday Mondays, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. They offer drop-in activities on the weekdays of the March Break, from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m.
Admission price: 2017: Around $6/adults, $3.50/seniors and students, $3/2-12 years old.
Address: 5172 Yonge Street Toronto
Phone: 416-395-7432
Website: www.toronto.ca
Nearby restaurants: • You’ll find cafés and a small food court by the entrance to the North York Subway Station off Yonge Street (just south of Gibson Museum).
While you are there: • The North York Central Library (one of the best Toronto Public Library branch) across from Gibson Museum, on Mel Lastman Square.
Age group: 4 - 12 years old
Attraction suitable for:
Preschoolers
School
Preteen

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Nathalie's tips for a smooth outing

After years of doing all kinds of outings with my children, I can assure you the secret to a perfect outing lies in the details, not the destination.

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