December 14, 2007

THERE’S SO MUCH TO ENJOY DURING ONTARIO’S HOLIDAY SEASON
Cultural Attractions Make Ontario A Wonderful Winterland

 

QUEEN’S PARK — The McGuinty government is encouraging Ontarians to take advantage of the diverse range of activities the province’s many cultural attractions offer during the winter holiday season.

“It is a great time of year for families and visitors to experience Ontario's cultural attractions,” said Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll. “From dinosaurs at the ROM in downtown Toronto to Dynamic Earth’s new MINEopoly game at Science North in Sudbury, there is educational entertainment and fun for everybody!”

Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

The wait is over as dinosaurs make a roaring comeback to the ROM! The new James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs are officially open. Visitors will encounter 50 dinosaur fossils, 30 of which are complete or nearly complete skeletons including Albertosaurus, Corythosaurus and a number of hadrosaurs. Other featured specimens on display include the full skeleton cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex, a real Triceratops skull, and the massive sauropod Barosaurus. It doesn’t get any more exciting than this! Visit http://www.rom.on.ca or call (416) 586-5549.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton

Santa is making his traditional daily appearances at the Gardens until December 23. Bring along the whole family and discover the wonders of winter on Family Discovery Days (December 27 and 28, 2007) for family fun crafts, activities, presentations and more. For information, visit www.rbg.ca or call (905) 527-1158, ext. 2796 (1-905-825-5040 toll free outside of the Greater Toronto Area).

Ontario Science Centre, Toronto

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition tells the Titanic story as it has never been told before. Real artifacts recovered from nearly 4 km below the ocean tell Titanic’s fateful tale along with the stories of the 2,228 souls who journeyed with her into history. Meanwhile, at Ontario’s only IMAX® Dome theatre, Titanica brings the world’s most famous shipwreck to life through startling, eerie images from the ocean floor. The KidsSpark holiday program lets the young set learn about the kind of toys that were popular when the Titanic sailed and how they compare to the toys of today. For more information about ALL the activities going on at the Centre, visit http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca or call (416) 696-1000.

Science North, Sudbury

On December 27 and 28, Dynamic Earth is featuring an exciting holiday camp where kids can play MINEopoly, a fun way to learn about geology, mining and mineral identification. Kids can also explore Holiday Science at Science North Christmas Camps for Kids. For information, visit www.sciencenorth.ca or call (705) 523-4629 (1-800-461-4898 outside of Sudbury).

Ontario Heritage Trust’s Elgin Theatre, Toronto

Based on the stage play by J.M. Barrie Peter Pan, The Family Musical That Won't Grow Up follows the adventures of Peter, Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and Wendy and is performed in the “fractured fairy tale” style that audiences have come to love. Performances run to January 6, 2008. For further information or to order tickets, call 416-872-5555 or visit www.ticketmaster.ca or www.rosspetty.com.

Ontario Heritage Trust’s Fulford Place, Brockville

Fulford Place, a National Historic Site, is offering two-for-one admission until December 16! Bring family and friends to tour the festively decorated mansion featuring guides dressed as Edwardian domestic staff, ladies or gentlemen. For more information, call 416-325-5000.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg

Along with the spectacular collection of works by The Group of Seven, families can also enjoy special exhibitions Miller Brittain: When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears and Stones, Bones and Stitches along with a special holiday concert by The Strandzas, an all-male a capella choir who will be performing gospel and contemporary favourites on December 16. As part of McMichael’s Holiday Bonus Family Days program, parents and kids alike can enjoy hands-on art activities and live entertainment on December 27 and 28. Visit www.mcmichael.com or call (905) 893-1121 (1-888-213-1121 toll free).

- 30 -

Contacts:
Alicia Johnston, Minister’s Office, 416-325-1676
Mark Thompson, Communications Branch, 416-326-6893