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Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids)

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Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids)  


  • Type:
    Day camp, After-school/weekend program, Family programs
  • Focus:
    Education (multi)
  • Cost:
    $650/2 weeks
  • Ages:
    5 to 16
  • Gender:
    Coed
  • Main language:
    English
  • Capacity:
    Varies
  • Programs:
  • e-Brochure:
Request more info
  • Overview

    Here's what makes Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids) stand out

    ROMKids has been a Toronto staple for over 80 years, with a unique array of engaging and immersive lessons and activity-based programs inspired by the collections and research of a world-class museum. Our team of experienced staff will bring ROM's vast art, culture, and nature galleries to life through compelling storytelling, creative crafts, thrilling experiments, and more!

    • Special needs: Yes, mild support.
      A few of our campers have special needs.
    • LGBTQ+ friendly community

  • Programs, Rates & Dates

    Programs and Sessions Calendar

    ROMKids transforms lives by helping children and youth understand the past, make sense of the present, and come together to shape our collective future. We foster learning, create knowledge, share global collections and research, and spark creative multidisciplinary exchange on topics within the intersecting worlds of art, culture, and nature. Children and youth will be inspired by engaging, diverse, and thoughtful educators; hands-on and experiential learning; imaginative art projects, activities, and experiments; and unique access to the galleries, collections, and ROM experts. ROMKids encourages community through accessible and inclusive teaching practices to help children and youth find a rewarding and safe place to learn and grow.


    Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids) currently has 3 programs available; 10 TBD.

    Filter activities :


    Name
    Type/Gender
    Specialty
    Location
    Date
    Bus
     Cost
    Email
    PA day
    Coed
    Ages: 5 - 14
    Arts (multi)
    $85 to $95
    Arts & Crafts|Mixed Media|STEAM
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 2 - 4
    Arts (multi), Education (multi)
    $205 to $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Jan 11-Mar 01$205 - $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Jan 11-Mar 01$205 - $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Jan 14-Mar 04$205 - $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Jan 14-Mar 04$205 - $225
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 2 - 4
    Arts (multi), Education (multi)
    $205 to $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Apr 05-Jun 07$205 - $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Apr 05-Jun 07$205 - $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Apr 08-May 27$205 - $225
    South Annex, Toronto, ON
    100 Queens Park
    Apr 08-May 27$205 - $225
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 5 - 16
    Archaeology/Paleontology
    $580
    Arts & Crafts|Mixed Media|Archaeology/Paleontology|Zoology
    Class/league/program
    Coed
    Ages: 2 - 4
    Arts (multi), Education (multi)
    $205 to $225
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 4 - 5
    Visual Arts (multi), Education (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 8 - 10
    Visual Arts (multi), Science (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 14
    Dungeons and Dragons, Fantasy (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Dungeons and Dragons|Storytelling|Drawing|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 6 - 7
    Visual Arts (multi), Science (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 6 - 7
    Visual Arts (multi), Science (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 10 - 14
    Dungeons and Dragons, Fantasy (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Dungeons and Dragons|Storytelling|Drawing|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 8 - 10
    Dungeons and Dragons, Fantasy (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Dungeons and Dragons|Storytelling|Drawing|STEAM
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 4 - 5
    Visual Arts (multi), Education (multi)
    $280 to $310
    Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|STEAM



    Registration Details

    ROMKids offers a multitude of programs including, Saturday Club, Summer Club, March Break Camp, Holiday Camp, and PA Day camps. Registration for each program is available late Summer/early Fall each year. If you are seeking financial support or accessibility support, please contact us and we will walk you through our processes. If you have any questions about registration, please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected].

  • Reviews & Insider Perspectives

    The Our Kids review of Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids)

    our take

    At the risk of stating the obvious, the resources available at the ROM are varied, vast, and unequalled, and the summer programs make the most of all of it. Like the museum collections, the summer sessions are based in social and natural history, with each session crafted around a specific theme. Simply attending the museum for a week is, for many kids, a thrill in and of itself. Developing a relationship with docents only furthers that; campers feel that they have a unique access to the staff and the collections, and, frankly, they do. The summer programs have been running for more than 75 years, and while it’s less obvious in the day-to-day, there’s a tradition here as well, one of growing an interest in the world around us, and building an engagement with others based in a specific set of curiosities. The camps are very professionally presented, with programs run by expert, experienced staff. Any way you care to cut it, there’s a lot to love.


    More reviews of Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids)

    Anonymous Former Camper, Alum

    Summer Club, Holiday Camp, March Break Camp

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    ROMKids Jr.

    Read review

    Parent of 1-to-1 Camper, Parent

    Inclusion at ROMKids

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    March Break Camp

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    March Break Camp

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    ROMKids Jr.

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    ROMKids Jr.

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    Read review

    More reviews of Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids)


    Anonymous Former Camper, Alum

    Summer Club, Holiday Camp, March Break Camp

    I really enjoy going to the ROM camp because it is one of my favorite camps and it holds a special place in my heart. To fully understand why I enjoy the ROM camp so much we must first go back to when I first started attending in 2014. Although I was young aged 7 at the time, I was immediately impressed by how much fun it became to learn about different things, I was also impressed by how the time was managed. I never felt like there was any time I wasn’t doing anything or not having fun. There was never a dull moment when I went to camp. When I was a bit older, we visited curatorial, I loved it because I saw things I never saw before and always learned something new about either history, science or how the museum works. When I went to camp, I was astounded by the friendliness of the staff, from security guards to camp staff everyone was friendly and pleasant to talk to. I really appreciate the camp staff as they helped me feel included as a person with a disability. A couple of years ago I was chatting with some camp staff about the museum and its exhibits and eventually the Stairs of Wonders came up as the only exhibit I had never been to, due to the fact that I am in a wheelchair. After a couple days of preparation, the staff came up to me and asked if I was willing to go on the Stairs of Wonders with them and if I could ask my parents for permission to take me. My parents accepted and the next day we went up the stairs. It is an event born out of kindness by the staff and I am forever grateful and will never forget the experience. In conclusion, I really love ROM Camp and wouldn’t hesitate to come back even as a volunteer or a staff member. I wish I could go back sooner and be able to return home with some more great stories. ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    ROMKids Jr.

    “The best thing about ROMKids Jr. are…the staff's enthusiasm and knowledge as well as their ability to connect with each and every student (child); the mix of content that reaches both kids and adults; the gallery access and hands-on activities that engage kids; the variety of topics that spark a love for knowledge and curiosity for kids and adults alike. Also, you have staff that work so well together...like a tight knit group of old friends with true talent. A rarity. Many thanks. ... Show More


    Parent of 1-to-1 Camper, Parent

    Inclusion at ROMKids

    My daughter had her first ever summer camp with ROMKids when she was 5 years old. As a kid with special needs, she had never attended any programs where there were no teachers, EAs, nurses or parents. We started with half-day although she had one-to-one support. It went very well and opened the door to a whole new world for my daughter. Since then, ROM camp has been a must for us. Alex and her team have been professional, dedicating, caring and flexible in supporting my daughter to have the best experience of camps. Before registration they provided advice to parents on what programs fit her needs based on last year's performance. They allowed her to stay with younger groups to make it easy for her. They collected information from parents to train the one-to-one support staff. They encouraged family to meet/ talk to the one-to-one support staff prior to the program to ensure kid's special needs and parent's expectations are fully understood. During the camp, they made all possible accommodation to keep my daughter busy with fun activities when she couldn't keep up with the group. They covered her seamless. At the end of the day, they always provided a summary of the day, so parents knew how she did at camp. My daughter is on a very strict medical diet. The team did very well taking care of her special diet. They fed her when she was very young strictly following schedule and instructions provided by parents. Later on, they provided hands-on assistance to encourage the development of self-care skills. It has been over 5 years that my daughter attended summer camp, winter break camp, March break camp and PA day programs at ROM. She was always happy and relaxed enjoying the time at ROM. She always looks forward to the next camp at ROM. She made friends with ROMKids staff and volunteers. Sometimes when we had family visits to ROM, we were glad to see she say hi to a staff and tell us the staff's name. As parents, when she was at ROM camp, we can comfortably focus on our own work knowing that she's being taken care of by ROMKids staff. It is a huge relief to parents like us. Inclusion is a right not a privilege. Alex and her team make it true for my daughter and other kids with special needs. I cannot tell how appreciate we are. A big THANK YOU to this group of young people who make the world more beautiful! ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “The entire staff are amazing. People are so caring and thoughtful with the kids. All year, our daughter would say random facts she knew about animals or history and when we asked her how she knew that she always said ��ROM Camp!’ It's a lasting impression.� ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    March Break Camp

    “Extremely organized. This is the best camp I have had my child in. From Day 1, I felt extremely at ease knowing that my child would be safe and entertained.”


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “The best things about SC are...the staff. Everyday, my son comes home and says how much fun he has had with all of you. He also loves having access to and knowing things the general public doesn't have easy access to. Thank you for a wonderful summer. Can't wait to do it again!� ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    March Break Camp

    “My daughter enjoyed and felt comfortable being herself and learning. ROM is just an amazing institution with kind people. Keep up your culture as that shows through the frontline staff. Thank you.”


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “The best things about SC are...the kindness the staff showed to my daughter--she had trouble leaving me. Also love that they keep busy, learn new things, etc. Very happy with the program--will re-enrol!”


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “Educational experience, spending the whole day in the museum! Getting to see areas of the museum not accessible to the public. The best summer camp experience we have had. Will definitely be returning again next year!� ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    ROMKids Jr.

    “The best thing about ROMKids Jr… are the friendly instructors, the chance to meet other kids and parents, and the interesting subject matter at the ROM sparks lots of interest in children which parents can build on after. I enjoyed the program this fall as did our twin girls. Thanks Miranda and Alex for all the hard work!� ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “The content is amazing and the instructors turn the content into kid friendly, super engaging fun education. (I wish school was THIS good with education!!)”


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “The entire staff are amazing. People are so caring and thoughtful with the kids. All year, our daughter would say random facts she knew about animals or history and when we asked her how she knew that she always said ��ROM Camp!’ It's a lasting impression.� ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    ROMKids Jr.

    "Thank you so much for a truly memorable and special experience. We will treasure our time here at the ROMKids Jr. programme forever. The progress that our son made from day 1 to day 8 with his ability to sing along with the group and follow gestures was thanks to the patience and kindness of your staff. Our son's excitement and love for learning are enriched thanks to Miss Trisha and Miss Morgana. We are forever grateful and will miss you all!” ... Show More


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “The counsellors are great! Amazing personalities. Dedication and patience clearly seen. Your counsellors are the only people I have ever seen who will walk kids in the morn from the subway with a smile and energy!!”


    Anonymous Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    “Feels like a well oiled machine. Very secure and safe--lots of staff around. Daughter is excited to go to camp each day and is learning so much!”


    Parent, Parent

    Summer Club

    The kids always come home excited to talk about what they have learned! We love it--they even want to come back to the ROM to share what they've seen with us on the weekends.


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  • Gallery

    Royal Ontario Museum Kids (ROMKids) - profile photo

    Video Gallery


  • Meet the Staff

    Director's Message

    Camp Director, Professional Camp Counsellor, But Most Of All, A Doorman

    There’s a lot about my job that I love. I love collaborating with our volunteers, assistants and instructors to build our programs; I love seeing our campers’ eyes light up when they meet our Futalognkosaurus; I love buying craft materials for campers to turn into gallery-themed masterpieces… but the part of my job that I treasure most is holding the door at the end of the day during camp.

    The practical reasons for being a doorman are to make sure kids leave safely escorted, and to be available to talk to any parents with questions at the end of the day. But the fun part is listening to all the kids tell their parents what they did that day in such animated, excited ways. Some memorable quotes:

    “Today I learned that birds are actually dinosaurs, so tomorrow can you make me a dinosaur chicken sandwich for lunch?”

    “This morning we went to Egypt and this afternoon we went to China, so now I’m too tired!”

    “MOM! Did you know that dinosaurs pooed and I touched a poo today?”

    It’s amazing to see how much fun ROM kids have here.

    When the last day of camp inevitably rolls around, I love bringing out my guitar to sing one last round of “The Cat Came Back” and “Blackfly” (if you’ve been in the theatre on a camp morning, you’ll know what songs I’m talking about). Though we’re all sad to say our last goodbyes, it’s always nice to hear the kids continue singing as they get out the door, their parents laughing and often saying, “see you next year!” or “we’re already signed up for more”.

    Truly, the best part about holding the door at the end of the day is seeing our ROMKids community continue to grow. Recognizing the kids and parents year after year really lets us know we’re doing something right. Being a part of these kids’ lives as they grow up is a tremendous honour.



    Staff and Counsellors

    ROMKids has a large team of staff ready to make your child's experience at camp safe, enjoyable, and fun! You can count on our staff to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all our campers. Children to staff ratios are 6:1 for 5 year-olds, 8:1 for 6–7 year-olds, and 10:1 for children 8 and older. Instructors hold degrees or diplomas and have professional and teaching experience. Assistants are senior secondary school or university students who have extensive experience in educational programs, and are often CPR certified. Many of our staff were former campers and volunteers themselves who loved their experiences and pass along their joy to current campers. Each group also has two or more volunteers to provide additional support.

  • Location & Operations

    Address

    South Annex, Toronto
    100 Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario, M5S2C6
    South Annex, Toronto
    100 Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C



    Associations

    Ontario Camps Association Associations
  • What's New

    Stories

    • ROM Staff

      I started volunteering with ROMKids in 2013 when I was 14.  I first started volunteering because I wanted to fulfill my high school volunteer hours, and I had always enjoyed coming to the ROM as a child. Little did I know, seven years later, I would still be working with ROMKids as a staff member. I have worked as a volunteer, camp assistant, 1:1 assistant and lead assistant, and I can honestly say that ROMKids is one of the most positive workplaces I have worked in. 

      The instructors are some of the most skilled people I have met; their lessons are captivating, and their planned activities or crafts are insanely creative. I can’t think of another camp that would take their campers to the Humber River with the sole purpose of collecting fossils or a camp where children can meet the people who are in charge of curating their favourite museum gallery. 

      Of course, camp wouldn’t be able to run without the hardworking and passionate camp staff and volunteers. I have led numerous camp assistants and volunteers, and it is clear that everyone enjoys their job and that they are all there for the campers. Each staff brings their own personal touch to the way they run their group and the connections they build with their campers over two weeks most often remain throughout the summer (or even the following summer!). The dynamic between the staff, volunteers, and campers is exceptional. We may work in the same museum, but every day is different. Whether it’s the instructors who have planned a lesson about an artifact you didn’t give much thought about, or your campers who think of a new game or topic of conversation, there’s never a dull moment. 

      I am currently a master’s student in ecology at the University of Toronto and, without a doubt, my time with ROMKids developed the soft skills most often required in science (but aren’t typically taught in school). Notably, after spending years talking to kids aged 5 to 14 about various museum topics, I have become quite skilled at communicating both my own and other people’s science. In fact, science communication has become a large part of my work. I’ve always had a passion for natural history, but I would never have thought that I’d also have a passion for sharing stories about the natural world with others. 

      As a whole, ROM camp is a pretty special place and it’s no surprise that both staff and campers are excited to return year after year.

       

    • "ROMKids is a real ROM treasure..."

      ROMKids is a real ROM treasure, an amazing resource for the museum community, for the city and GTA and, in the virtual world, also well beyond!  The kids programs at the Royal Ontario Museum have been a big part of my family's experience for almost a decade now, and I couldn't think more highly of the curriculum and the leadership.  My daughter Ellie first started attending programs and then Summer Club at age 4, and she has been a super-fan ever since.  The programs have incredible flexibility, not only offering something for every interest, but they are also inclusive and accessible and welcoming.  For younger children, every day of Summer Club is the most fun and grandest adventure in the most amazing playground a kid will ever have... for older students, there are no better role models than the camp assistants, counselors, and especially fearless leader Kiron.  Indeed, it's the people who realize the potential of the collections and bring them to life, connecting kids to curators, stories, and art, culture, and nature.

      I love that the director himself grew up at the ROM.  Ellie always says she wants to follow in his footsteps!  Under Kiron's experienced, expert, and fun guidance, the program continues to grow and evolve, as do families' relationships with it.  In my opinion, it is one of the most impactful of all the institution's public-facing facets, because it is an investment in the future of the museum and in the generation that will inherit it.  We are hugely grateful for all that ROMKids has offered us and can't believe how lucky we are to have such a gift right in our own backyard!

       

    • Former Camper's Testimonial

      I really enjoy going to the ROM camp because it is one of my favorite camps and it holds a special place in my heart. To fully understand why I enjoy the ROM camp so much we must first go back to when I first started attending in 2014. Although I was young aged 7 at the time, I was immediately impressed by how much fun it became to learn about different things, I was also impressed by how the time was managed. I never felt like there was any time I wasn’t doing anything or not having fun. There was never a dull moment when I went to camp. When I was a bit older, we visited curatorial, I loved it because I saw things I never saw before and always learned something new about either history, science or how the museum works.  

      When I went to camp, I was astounded by the friendliness of the staff, from security guards to camp staff everyone was friendly and pleasant to talk to. I really appreciate the camp staff as they helped me feel included as a person with a disability. A couple of years ago I was chatting with some camp staff about the museum and its exhibits and eventually the Stairs of Wonders came up as the only exhibit I had never been to, due to the fact that I am in a wheelchair. After a couple days of preparation, the staff came up to me and asked if I was willing to go on the Stairs of Wonders with them and if I could ask my parents for permission to take me. My parents accepted and the next day we went up the stairs. It is an event born out of kindness by the staff and I am forever grateful and will never forget the experience.  

      In conclusion, I really love ROM Camp and wouldn’t hesitate to come back even as a volunteer or a staff member. I wish I could go back sooner and be able to return home with some more great stories.

       



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