Let's Go to the Ex! The Kid's Edition

Today marked the beginning of the end. Of summer that is. The Canadian National Exhibition, better known as The Ex or the CNE, opened today, reminding us that that summer is almost done, and school starts again in just two weeks. But what an amazing two weeks it will be!!

I headed down today with Little Boo, for a special mommy-son date, and we hit a few of the highlights for the younger set.

We arrived just in time for the President's Choice Super Dogs show at 12:30 (3 shows daily). This show is an absolute must-see for us each year at The Ex. The dogs are so talented and entertaining! The half-hour
show is a little different each year, and this year has a "Gone Country" theme. My favourite part is always the jumping. The dogs are so agile and graceful as they soar over the higher and higher rails. And the dance routines are amazing! You and your kids will love it!! Free with CNE admission.

Our next stop was the Canadian Forces exhibit. This area, right across from the Direct Energy Centre, showcases military vehicles and equipment, with personnel on site to supervise exploration and answer questions. Little Boo got to sit inside a fighter jet, a tank, and an armoured personnel carrier. He also got to operate a robotic arm. There's equipment to try on and green screen pictures to be taken.  Do you have a mini-soldier or pilot in your house? Check out this exhibit, again, free with CNE admission.

Our final stop of the day, the Kiddie Midway has rides suitable for the younger set, and lots of "prize every time" games for the kids to play. This is a great area if your kids are under ten. They can get on rides by themselves, and will find lots of preschool (very low thrill) through school-ager (medium thrill) options. Little Boo is particularly fond of the Orient Express, a mini-roller coaster, but sadly that one wasn't running today. (We'll catch it on our visit next week). He may though have found a new favourite - the Kite Flyer. On this ride you lie flat on your tummy on a platform and fly through the sky. I believe Little Boo's synopsis was, "Awesome!"

Most rides in this area require 4 tickets. The big ferris wheel requires 5, and you must be 54 inches tall to ride alone. Since I'm afraid of heights Little Boo unfortunately did not get to do that one. Maybe next year. (Four inches to go!)

The Ex has so much to offer, we couldn't do it all in one day. We didn't even make it to The Farm for the animals and butter sculptures or Kid's World, for the live shows (Splash 'N Boots!), Reptilia, Birds of Prey, and more. More fun to come on another visit next week, this time with Daddy too!

The CNE runs August 16-September 2.  All the details on admission, special deals, and ride prices are available at the CNE website.