The Usual Suspects

Royal Ontario Museum
In addition to such perennial faves as the Ancient Egypt Exploration Area and the Keenan Family Hands-On Biodiversity Gallery, kids can revel in the ROM’s crystal-housed James and Louise Temerty Dinosaur Galleries. Future paleontologists will love meeting Gordo (the 27-metre barosaurus skeleton), touching the fossils and taking the dinosaur IQ tests in the Dino Fun area. Also entertaining: the daily Earth Rangers’ Animal Adventure show, which features live animals from around the world.
Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. March break events, March 8 to 16. Free with admission.

Toronto Zoo
It’s the year of the frog at the Toronto Zoo. Frogzibitz, a series of interactive stations set up throughout the zoo, allows kids to find out how to make an authentic frog call, learn about Kermit’s eating habits, and hang out in a Frogzibitz habitat.
Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave. Frogzibitz, March 7 to 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free with admission.

Casa Loma
Pirates have stormed the castle this March break. The Pirate Baron will astound wee ones with magic tricks in the library, while Long John Strong juggles cannon balls and cutlasses in the conservatory. Casa Loma also invites junior Blackbeards to roam the castle and search for a chest of riches.
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terr. Pirate Treasures, March 8 to 16. Adults $12, seniors and ages 14 to 17 $7.50, ages four to 13 $ 6.75.

Ontario Science Centre
The Science Centre is extending its hours this March break and providing a series of special shows and exhibitions. Survivor Mars is an interactive game show where teams compete to outwit, outplay and outlast each other on Mars. There’s also Spaced Out!, a brand new show about the size and scale of the solar system. Also running are the ever-popular Science Magic and Cool Science shows, as well as a papermaking demonstration. The kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re learning.
Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Rd. Extended March break hours, March 8 to 16. Admission includes Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition IMAX show.

Rogers Centre
It’s midway magic at the Rogers Centre with the annual (misnamed) Spring Fling, Canada’s largest indoor carnival. The brood can amuse themselves with rides, games of chance and an indoor skating rink. Sadly, there are no equipment rentals; bring your own skates and helmets, and check them on-site instead of toting them all day.
Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way. Spring Fling, March 7 to 16, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. All-day pass, age eight and up $20, ages two to seven $14; no-ride ticket $10; all-week pass (all ages, non-transferable) $30.