These are the voyages of Toronto Teacher Mom. Her continuing mission: to explore strange new sports, to seek out arctic life and new exhibitions, to boldly go where no clown has gone before. (Cue Star Trek NG theme song.) As a teacher and a mother of two, one of my favourite places to take the kids in the summer is the Ontario Science Centre. And it's not just because certified Ontario teachers get in for free or that it's close to home. I go because there is always so much to see and do, and there are so many areas to explore both inside and out. Plus, the opportunities for experiential learning are endless. Last month, an invitation came my way to check out the newest exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre on Media Family and Friends Day and I was delighted to accept.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a tall really tall juggling clown. Instantly, I felt like a kid and was eager to explore the new Circus Exhibition (on until September 3, 2012). 

With more than 20 interactive exhibits, I was most excited to check out the High Wire where you get strapped into a harness and attempt to make it across a cable three metres above the ground. I didn't chicken out, really I didn't. It was just that my little guy was very clingy that day and didn't want to leave my side. I swear.

There were a lot of fun things to try out such as the Creative Costumes and Play Area where you can dress up and role-play, the Human Cannonball where you can explore physics while shooting projectiles out of a cannon using a hand pump, and the Balance Bar where you can experience how balance and gravity come into play while walking the tightrope. Wallenda made it look much easier than it really is.

We continued throughout the exhibition, which covers 7,500 square feet, and were mesmerized by bright colours and feelings of nostalgia. 

It almost felt like we kept going around in circles because we didn't want to miss anything. So much to see! But I made sure I got a little workout while I was there. It paid off, doncha think?

It was also really cool to watch a demonstration on a bungee contraption of sorts where you're suspended in mid-air and then, using momentum and your own body weight, you bounce up and down and flip forwards or backwards.

Next up, we headed to the Shoppers Drugmart Omnimax Theatre to watch the new flick To the Arctic. The film is not only full of extraordinary images of glaciers and waterfalls but also tells a poignant story of a mother polar bear who struggles to protect her cubs in a frigid environment of melting ice and unexpected predators. Narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, To the Arctic is a documentary that explores the universal motifs of love and hope while touching upon the need to protect such a fragile region.

After the movie, we headed to the Sports Exhibition (on until January 6, 2013). Just outside, there was a workout space for little kids with cushioned obstacles and a cool-looking slide.

By the time we got inside, it was pretty packed and there were several lineups. The kids did manage to race against a dino, though.

The boisterous crowd in what felt like cramped quarters was a bit overwhelming for me. So we took a break and enjoyed a bite in the cafeteria. I have never eaten there before and with the price we paid, I will definitely continue bringing my own snacks on future visits.

We spent a little over three hours at the Ontario Science Centre and, as much as I was dying to see Star Trek Live, I was pretty confident my kids wouldn't sit through the whole thing. And obviously they would not have the same appreciation for it as their mother, who faithfully watched Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Voyager in her younger years. But don't worry, I will return. On my next mission, sans enfants. Until then, live long and prosper.