Deb S

Review of Canadian National Exhibition

I hadn't visited the CNE in years and finally deci...

I hadn't visited the CNE in years and finally decided to take my kids (4 and 7). The ticket prices for rides were a bit too much for me ($60 ish for a ride all day pass) but honestly it didn't matter.

We started the day at kid street which was an amazing play area that simulates various jobs and community areas. They had an airplane with check in counters, gas station with cars, grocery store and check outs (similar to the science centre if you are familiar). Another room had a construction site, tv studio cooking show and a hair salon. Another building was an art studio where kids made things. One was sponsored by pizza pizza and did hourly make your own pizza. We didn't want to line up, so skipped that one. Finally there was a room sponsored by Mad Science and had lots of hands on experiments. As a teacher I was pretty impressed with the awesome play opportunity presented.

After a few hours there, we headed to visit the butterflies. Then wandered to the farm building. We loved the 'be a farmer for a day' and riding a tractor and a horse. The live animals upset my kids a bit, seeing them in small enclosures, but that is reality! It might urge them into vegetarianism.

After that we wandered through the midway and ate our snacks then bought some dole whip (I thought that was only sold at Disney world?!). We headed to the Super Dogs show about a half an hour early only to discuss an insane line that almost cause my kids to cry but it started loading into the theater pretty soon and it fit about 3,000 people so no need to worry. They still squeezed people in as the show was starting, but definitely get there a half hour early if you want a good spot.

By this point it was 2.30pm and we were all getting tired. After the show we watched a fun strong man perform at busker's corner and then wandered back through the midway and lined up for Tiny Tom donuts. We left by 3.30 and felt like we had a very full day and could probably return and do more, without ever feeling the need to get on a ride!