Ho-kay, here's a tentative list of possible Saturday activities:
Hockey Hall of Fame - $15
Pros:
- What kind of Canadian doesn't like hockey?!
- If Gary Bettman is in town for a news conference, you might just find an opportunity to punch him in the nose.
Cons:
- Oh who the hell are we kidding.
- If I can't afford to go to a game, you can be damn sure I'm not paying to see the museum.
The Ontario Science Centre - $18
Pros:
- SCIENCE!
- You might even learn something.
Cons:
- Not nearly as entertaining as it was during those grade school field trips.
Ontario Place - $17.75, does not include most rides ($33 for unlimited riderery, group discount of $104 for every 4 people available, so $26)
Pros:
- Still a variety of things to do on the cheaper ticket.
- Variety.
Cons:
- No 'real' rides (proper roller coasters and the like). There is a water park however (everyone who can't swim put up your hands!)
- Appears to have greatly tilted towards children since the last time I went. Small ones.
Fort York - $8
Pros:
- Pretend you're educated and give a damn about history!
- Short enough that it can be combined with another activity to make a two-part day (the main attraction, the military drill and review, cycles on an hourly basis)
- You might even learn something?
Cons:
- Not as much mileage here. Of course it is cheaper.
- There is an annual beer festival here. however, said festival will not be held on August 22nd.
- Ontario has history to learn? Lies!
Royal Ontario Museum - $28 ($22 if we can get at least 10 people... which may be possible if a few locals tag along)
Pros:
- SCIENCE!
and History!
- Huge. This is definitely an all-day activity.
- Newly redesigned and expanded with loads of neat stuff to see.
Cons:
- It's still a museum. If you don't like them, you don't like them.
- Huge. This is definitely an all-day activity.
The Art gallery of Ontario - $18
Pros:
- Pretend you're cultured!
- Completely rebuilt, with a newfangled design by everyone's favourite comedic Canadian architect, Frank Gehry.
Cons:
- Yeah, I'm probably the only person who would even take this option seriously.
- Mongrel take your goddamned 'school field trip' locations and sho-
Random Toronto Beach/Lakeshore Park - Free!
Pros:
- Plenty of space.
- Relaxing.
- Can't beat the price.
Cons:
- Lying around on a pile of sand all day isn't always that great (especially in cases of bad weather).
- Can't bring your own BBQ
- Swim? In
Lake Ontario? Are you kidding me?
Centre Island <- (warning: home page plays annoying music). $6.50 for the ferry ride to Centre Island. Theme Park admission Free, individual ride tickets less than a dollar.
Pros:
- Old school theme parks are sometimes fun and charming. This is one of those times.
- Can alternate freely between theme park and beach.
- It's neat to get on a quiet island out in the lake, while still keeping a pretty nice view of the city. And the beach here doesn't smell half so much like Toronto.
Cons:
- Currently closed due to strike. Of course if the strike is still on in late August, we'll have far worse things to worry about.
- If you're looking for roller coasters or impressive rides, this ain't the place. Think of it more like a beach-with-benefits.
- You can't swim here either.
The Toronto Zoo - $21
Pros:
- A day of animals!
Cons:
- A day of animals!
Canada's Wonderland - $40
Pros:
- If you want RAWR ROLLAR COSTARS I AM A REAL MAN, this is the place. Show off your inner Saxton Hale.
- It
is a hell of a lot of fun.
Cons:
- It costs HOW much?
- Transit time to and from downtown is FOREVER because the damn thing is out in VAUGHAN. Expect to have to get up early and spend at least an hour each direction getting there.
- Depending on the volume of park attendence that day, most of your day could easily be spent waiting in lines.
Random trail wander in Toronto - Free!
Pros:
- There are actual green spaces in this town?
- WE R EXPLORARS
- Can be combined with other functions
- No real defined goal.
Cons:
- Hope you don't mind exercise.
- No real defined goal.
The CNE - $15 ($11 if you pre-purchase online), individual ride prices vary.
Pros:
- Has a small number of actual roller coasters and other 'real' rides. Not THAT much, but the best you'll get downtown.
- Extemely wide variety of pavilions and attractions, many of which do not cost extra.
Cons:
- Individual rides usually require an exorbitant number of tickets.
- Everything will be trying to sell you junk here.
Shakespeare in High Park (play will be 'The Tempest') - Pay-What-You-Can!
Pros:
- The apex of the 'pretend you're cultured!' attractions.
- Outdoor theatre >>> Indoor theatre
- I was meant for the stage
Cons:
- What do you mean not everyone likes Shakespeare?
- Outdoor theatre >>> Indoor theatre... unless it rains!
- What the hell did I say about the 'school field trip' destinations?!?!
Toronto Chinatown Festival 2009 - Free!
Pros:
- Casual street festival, can be combined with other attractions or destinations.
- The questions of 'what's for lunch?' is solved for you.
Cons:
- Weeaboos need not apply
- Actual entertainment value unknown at this time. I wouldn't gamble the whole day on this.
Ballet in the Park (ballet wil be Romeo & Juliet) - Free!
Pros:
- Like the High Park Shakespeare Dream thing, only with more dancing.
Cons:
- Like the High Park Shakespeare Dream thing, only with more dancing.
There may be some smaller events as well. I'll ask Koipond if he's heard of anything else.
Post your first and second choices or suggest alternatives, I guess? If you wish to propose a "combo" choice, then hey, go for it.
