Every August, the Canadian National Exhibition closes out summer vacation with a bang. Every day at the CNE is jam-packed with non-stop entertainment: rides, games, musical performances, death-defying feats, variety shows, carnival food, parades, and more.

Here are the best things for kids to do at the CNE in 2014.

Attractions

These permanent fixtures at the CNE are open daily 10 am to 8 pm.

Kids’ World
There’s always something fun on at Kids’ World, from animal shows and character meet-and-greets to workshops and music performances. This is also the location of the Baby Care Centre changing and feeding station and Toddler Town, a play centre for the under-4 set. Ages: baby, toddler, pre-school, school-age

Kiddie Midway
There are many rides for wee ones, including bumper cars, teacups, and a merry-go-round. Ages: toddler, pre-school, school-age

The Farm
Pick apples, dig for potatoes, milk a cow, and collect chickens’ eggs, and commune with pigs, cows, and alpacas. Ages: toddler, pre-school, school-age

Make Music
Kids can pick up bang on drums and play with electronic instruments at this interactive attraction on KidStreet in Kids’ World. Ages: toddler, pre-school, school-age

 

Reptilia
Reptiles on wheels! Displays in reptile trailer in Kids’ World Park include live pythons, alligators, boa constrictors, and tortoises. Go at a showtime to learn more about the reptiles. (Shows daily at noon, 3, and 6, plus 1:30 and 4:30 Friday through Sunday and on Labour Day.) Ages: toddler, pre-school, school-age, tween

Character Meet and Greets

All characters except ExBot can be found in Kids’ World throughout the day.

ExBot the Robot
This friendly robot can be seen daily near the Princess Margaret Fountain on the west end of the grounds. Ages: all

Angelina Ballerina
Aug. 15 – 20 Ages: toddler, pre-school

Equestria Girls and Doh Doh
Aug. 21 – 26 Ages: toddler, pre-school

Diego
Aug. 27 – Sept. 1 on the Kids’ World Stage at 11:45, 1:15, and 2:45. Ages: toddler, pre-school

Roving Fun

Mardi Gras Parade
The parade takes place every day at 6 pm; see the floats and, hear the brass band, and catch a beaded necklace. Ages: all
when: Daily at 6 pm

Hockey Circus
Hockey meets circus with this show combining acrobatics, juggling, and stunts. Ages: all
when: performances throughout the day.

Shows

Acrobats, Aerialists, and More

Flying Wallendas
The 15-minute oudoor tightrope show includes an 8-person, 3-tier pyramid. Ages: all
when: Mon.-Thu. at 4:30 and 7 pm; Fri.-Sun. at 1:30, 4:30, and 7
where: Princes’ Boulevard

Mirage Acrobatics Show
The cirque is in town! Colourful trapeze artists and aerialists perform on high. Ages: all
when: Daily at 4:30 and 6:30 pm
where: Ricoh Coliseum

Michael Harrison, Ventriloquist
Harrison’s show combines ventriloquism, puppetry, and comedy. Ages: school-age, tween
when: Aug. 15 – 29 and Sept. 1 at 12:30 and 3 pm; Aug 30-31 at 12:30, 3, and 7
where: Variety Stage

Air Show

Canadian International Air Show (CIAS)
Look up to see one of Canada’s biggest and best air shows ever, a Labour Day weekend tradition. Ages: all
when: Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 1-4 pm
where: CNE grounds and surrounds

Animals

SuperDogs
Talented dogs (many of them rescues) perform tricks and dance for the crowd, then have a meet-and-greet afterward. Ages: all
when: Daily at noon and 2 pm
where: Ricoh Coliseum

Birds of Prey
Handlers at the Canadian Raptor Conservancy present 30-minute flight demonstrations by eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures (5 to 7 birds per show). Ages: all
when: Daily 11:30, 1, 2:30, 4, 5:30
where: Kids’ World Park

Reptilia
see above

Dance

All performances are 30 minutes.

Araguacu Latin Dance Company
A mix of hip-hop and Latin dance, this show is sure to delight kids who love to groove. Ages: all
when: Aug. 27 at 6:30 pm
where: International Pavilion, Direct Energy Centre

Ijo Vudu African Dance
This promises to be entertaining even for the littlest family members, with energetic dancing and drumming and colourful costumes. Ages: all
when: Aug. 29 at 3 pm
where: International Pavilion, Direct Energy Centre

The Kozaks
Ukrainian dance at its best. This show borders on gymnastics…with swords! Ages: all
when: Aug. 31 at 4:30 pm
where: International Pavilion, Direct Energy Centre

Music and Plays

All performances are 30 minutes.

Splash ‘N Boots
This energetic kids-music duo performs daily shows. Ages: toddler, pre-school, school age (~6 yrs)
when: Daily at 12:30 and 5 pm
where: Kids’ World Stage Ages: toddler, pre-school, school age (~6 yrs)

Love You Forever…and More Munsch
Dramatizations of scenes from popular Robert Munsch books.
when: Daily at 2 and 6:30 pm
where: Kids’ World Stage

Dora the Explorer Sing-a-Long Adventure
Join Dora and Boots on an interactive musical adventure. Ages: toddler, pre-school
when: Aug. 27 – Sept. 1 at 11 am and 3:30 pm
where: Kids’ World Stage

Tour

CNE Ghost Walks
Learn about the 200-year haunting history of the CNE grounds on an hour-long tour. Ages: school-age, tween
when: Mon. and Thu. at 8 pm and 9 pm (no tour Labour Day)
where: departs from Princes’ Gate

Variety Show

Rising Star Talent Competition
If your older child or tween dreams of Broadway or just loves to sing in the shower, this two-hour talent competition for performers ages 6 through 25 may be a good one to see. Ages: school-age, tween
when: Aug. 15-29 at 7 pm
where: Variety Stage  

Workshops

Under the Little Top
At these daily half-hour circus workshops, kids try tight wire, juggling, balance tricks, and acrobatics. Ages: pre-school, school-age
when: Daily at 10:30, noon, 1:30, 3, 4:30, 6, and 7:30
where: Kids’ World Park

Professor Wick’s World of Wonder
Daily half-hour magic classes for little Houdinis-in-training or Harry Potter fans. Ages: pre-school, school-age
when: Daily at 11:30 am and 1, 2:30, 5:30, and 7 pm
where: KidStreet, Kids’ World

 

How To Save

• Kids get in for $2 on Monday August 18 and Monday August 25.
• Adults pay $6 after 5 pm on Mon.-Thu. evenings (Labour Day excepted).
• Kids and teens (19 and under) get in free before 3pm on Aug. 26.

PHOTO: IAN MUTTOO/FLICKR CC