Royal Ontario Museum

So, here’s the deal: taking three kids to a museum sounds like a gamble, right? Will they love it? Will they hate it? Will they attempt to scale a dinosaur skeleton while screaming, “I am the king of the world!”? These were my thoughts as we rolled up to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto. Spoiler: the day turned out to be an epic win.

The moment we entered, the Fossils and Dinosaurs Gallery sucked us in like a prehistoric black hole. My boys were immediately blown away by the massive T. Rex skeleton looming over the room. I swear, I saw their jaws literally drop to the floor—though that might have been the remnants of a mid-morning snack. They darted from display to display like caffeinated meerkats, firing off questions like, “How did dinosaurs poop?” and “Do they have actual dino DNA here?” The answer to both, in case you’re wondering, is “fossilized feces” and “Jurassic Park lied to us.”

The Discovery Gallery was pure gold for parents of energetic kids. Here’s where they could touch stuff without anyone giving me side-eye. Digging for fossils? Check. Trying on historical costumes? Double check. Handling an ancient artifact and me yelling, “BE CAREFUL!” like my life depended on it? You bet. The kids had a blast pretending to be archaeologists while I silently prayed they wouldn’t accidentally discover something priceless and send us into debt. (Spoiler: they didn’t.)

After two hours of “LOOK AT THIS!” and “WHAT’S THAT?”, it was time for snacks. The ROM Café was surprisingly solid. The boys were thrilled with sandwiches and juice boxes, while I grabbed a much-needed coffee and a salad that looked suspiciously too healthy for my weekend vibes. The café even has massive windows, so you can take in a great city view while plotting your next move—or just catching your breath.

Have you seen the ROM’s outside? It’s like someone dropped a giant crystal spaceship in the middle of downtown Toronto. My kids were convinced it’s where the Avengers hang out, and honestly, I couldn’t argue. Inside, the futuristic vibe continues with incredible exhibits around every corner. The Biodiversity Gallery was like a live-action nature show—except my kids kept yelling, “That one looks like Winnie!” (our dog) at every furry animal exhibit.

I was a little worried the kids would lose interest in the Indigenous Art and Culture section, but they loved it. The stories told through the intricate carvings and beadwork had them asking all sorts of questions about history and traditions. It was a proud parent moment—until one of them asked if we could buy a giant totem pole for our living room.

By the end of the day, we’d seen dinosaurs, touched history, and made a million memories. Sure, there were moments where one kid wanted to stay and the others wanted to move on (pro tip: divide and conquer), but overall, the ROM delivered big time.

For anyone thinking about going, here are my tips: Go early to beat the crowds (and because kids + lines = disaster). Pack snacks, but definitely hit up the café for a recharge. Plan for a full day. This place is massive, and you don’t want to rush through. Wear comfy shoes because, trust me,...

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is located in Toronto, Canada, and is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in North America. Here are some key details about the ROM, including what it contains and why it is famous:

General Overview

— Established: The museum was founded in 1912 and is one of the oldest museums in Canada. — Architecture: The museum's main building is known for its distinctive architecture, which combines historical and modern elements. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a contemporary wing added in 2007, is particularly notable for its bold design.

Collections The ROM features a vast array of collections that span multiple disciplines, including:

— Natural History:

— Fossils, mineral specimens, and biological specimens representing various ecosystems. — Highlights include dinosaur skeletons, particularly the famous T. rex and a variety of other prehistoric species.

— World Cultures:

— Artifacts and objects from cultures around the globe, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and Africa. — An extensive collection of Indigenous Canadian artifacts and artworks.

— Art:

— A variety of Canadian and international art, including contemporary art, decorative arts, and historical pieces. — The museum features Canadian art from the Group of Seven and other important Canadian artists.

— Textiles and Costumes:

— A rich collection of textiles, garments, and costumes from various cultures, showcasing the evolution of fashion over the centuries.

— Archaeology:

— Artifacts from ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, the Americas, and Mesoamerica.

— Science and Technology:

— Displays related to geology, paleontology, and zoology, emphasizing the intersection of science and natural history.

Famous Exhibitions The ROM hosts several high-profile temporary exhibitions that draw significant public interest. Past exhibitions have included unique displays on ancient civilizations, natural wonders, and contemporary art.

Why It Is Famous

— Cultural Significance: The ROM is known for its diverse collections and educational programs, making it a crucial institution for cultural preservation and education in Canada. — Research and Scholarship: The museum serves as a center for research in various fields, contributing significant knowledge through its collections and academic collaborations. — Community Engagement: The ROM is active in community outreach and offers numerous educational programs and events to engage visitors of all ages. — Visitor Experience: With its interactive exhibits, dynamic events, and rotating art and cultural displays, the ROM is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Additional Information

— Visitor Information: The ROM offers various amenities, including guided tours, a museum shop, cafes, and spaces for special events. — Membership & Support: The museum has options for membership and donations, which support its exhibitions and educational initiatives.

The Royal Ontario Museum continues to evolve and engage new generations through its extensive collections, research initiatives, and dedication to...

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is easily one of the best cultural attractions in Toronto. Located right in the downtown core (next to Museum Station), it's convenient, family-friendly, and full of fascinating exhibits that can appeal to all ages.

I spent around 4 hours here and still didn’t feel like I covered everything! The Natural History section was the highlight — the dinosaur fossils, including the massive T. rex and Barosaurus skeletons, are absolutely stunning. The biodiversity and Earth sciences galleries are incredibly well-curated, with interactive and educational displays.

The World Culture galleries are equally impressive, with artifacts from ancient Egypt, China, Rome, and more. The Samurai armor and the Chinese temple sculptures stood out in particular. The ROM also includes Indigenous exhibits, which are thoughtful and evolving — it's great to see the effort toward representing Canada's First Peoples, though there’s room for more depth.

The museum often features special exhibitions (note: some require an additional ticket), which are top-notch and worth checking out. Recent ones have focused on fashion, wildlife photography, and ancient civilizations.

Architecturally, the ROM is bold — the contrast between the original 1914 building and the modern "Crystal" addition is striking, even if a bit polarizing. Inside, it's spacious and well-maintained, although signage can be a bit confusing during busy times.

🎟️ Admission isn't the cheapest (around $26 CAD for adults), but worth it for what you get. If you're local or planning multiple visits, consider a membership or look out for free admission nights.

👍 Pros:

Amazing dinosaur and natural history exhibits

Massive and diverse collection across history and cultures

Family and stroller-friendly

Easy access via public transit

👎 Cons:

Some exhibits feel a bit dated

Food options inside are limited

Special exhibits cost extra

💡 Tips:

Go early to beat the crowd

Book tickets online

Don’t skip the second and third floors — they’re full of surprises!

Verdict: If you're visiting Toronto, don’t miss the ROM. Whether you're into science, history, art, or just curious about the world, this museum delivers. It’s educational, entertaining, and a great way to spend a half or full day. Highly...