Capture the spirit of adventure at the Ontario Science Centre this summer

Unbelievable exhibition, new films, extended hours and special IMAX prices signal summer fun is here

TORONTO, July 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Longer days and warmer weather mean summer is here! The Ontario Science Centre helps make the most of your summer with interactive exhibitions, larger-than-life IMAX films, engaging programs and week-long day camps. Extended hours and $9 IMAX tickets from July 1 to September 5 put the Centre at the top of cultural attractions to experience when school's out. 

"This summer, we encourage visitors to awaken their curiosity and inner adventurer and to explore the world around them, starting right here at the Science Centre," said Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "Whether they crawl through a life-size model of a prehistoric snake, see the beauty and vulnerability of the Earth through an astronaut's eyes or journey through America's majestic national parks on a giant OMNIMAX screen, our summer line-up highlights how the spirit of adventure is essential to scientific endeavour."

Channel explorer and adventurer Robert Ripley's inquisitive spirit by exploring, investigating and learning firsthand about the science that underlies and explains the seemingly inexplicable in the exhibition The Science of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Through experiments, challenges, touchable specimens, computer interactives and multimedia experiences, this highly engaging exhibition allows visitors to delve into Ripley's legendary compendium of oddities, anomalies and fantastic feats, and make Ripley's passion for discovery their own.

Gain a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet as never seen before
with the IMAX space epic A Beautiful Planet. The film features stunning footage of Earth – and the effects humanity has had on it over time – captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Experience the ultimate off-trail adventure to some of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural wonders and untamed wilderness with the film America Wild: National Parks Adventure, which opens July 1. Soar over red rock canyons, hurtle down steep mountain peaks and explore America's legendary national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Redwood National Park and the Everglades.

To allow visitors to fully appreciate the Science Centre's spectacular summer line-up, hours will be extended from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Additionally, IMAX tickets will be $9 for all age categories from July 1 to September 5, 2016. For information about our summer IMAX special or to purchase tickets, please visit www.OntarioSciencecentre.ca/Prices/.

The Ontario Science Centre has welcomed more than 50 million visitors since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach now adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is an international leader in free-choice science learning and a key contributor to Ontario's education and innovation ecosystem, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Science Centre

Video with caption: "Video: Make yours an Ontario Science Centre summer!". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSKBa_iSiVY

Media contacts: Anna Relyea, Director, Strategic Communications, 416-696-3273 | c: 416-668-1967, [email protected]; Jefferson Darrell, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3154, [email protected]; Andrea Mus, Media Relations Officer, 416-696-3191 | c: 416-895-5482, [email protected]