Weekend Fun Inspired By AIR MILES Perks

Three cheers for April!  That fresh spring air, tulips bursting through the ground, Easter Weekend and of course those long rainy days.  Flooded backyards and gloomy weather can lead to the itch, the need, to get out of the house.  It’s the perfect time of year to start planning some epic outings with your family.  Where to start?  With your AIR MILES Card of course.  You won’t want to miss some of the incredible perks offered to you simply for being an AIR MILES Collector!  Yes, you read that right.  That mighty AIR MILES Card you have tucked in your wallet offers Collectors the ability to take advantage of some fabulous discounts and deals at numerous museums, stores and landmarks near you just for being a Collector – no Miles needed!  These deals and discounts are called AIR MILES Perks , and they have been hand-picked just for AIR MILES Collectors.

This week my family and I decided it was time to escape the house and take advantage of some of those AIR MILES Perks.  Our choice of adventure was Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto Ontario.  Ripley’s Aquarium Canada, located next to the CN Tower in downtown Toronto, is Canada’s largest indoor aquarium.  We were ready to explore all it had to offer and thanks to my AIR MILES Card we saved 20% off each general admission ticket. Winning!

Our experience at Ripley’s Aquarium is one I won’t soon forget.  With 16,000 aquatic animals spread out over 130,000 sq. ft., the Aquarium is the perfect place to escape for a fun family outing.   As you walk through the neatly organized Aquarium it’s as if you have entered another world.  Lulled by the hushed tones and ambiance of the sea, you have the opportunity to explore places like the Rainbow Reef, Ray Bay, and learn about the many species of fish that inhabit our Canadian Waters.  Our group consisted of tourists from ages 2 to 70 and there was truly something to capture everyone’s interest.

A moving walkway fluidly transports you through an underwater tunnel, home to the Aquarium’s most fearsome looking animals.  These creatures, known to strike fear in millions are now gracefully circling above your head as you are slowly taken on a tour of their lagoon.  I might have had to resist the urge to yell SHARK!!

 It’s an amazing, transportive experience.  So amazing, that I might have gone through that tunnel twice!

Have you ever crawled through a tube surrounded by sharks?  I have!  Just another incredible moment in our tour of Ripely’s Aquarium.  I hope I’m never again this close to the creatures of the deep.

For the younger set, Ripley’s Aquarium offers the Discovery Centre.   A hands on demonstration area stuffed with learning and sensory experiences for all.  Personal note:  It’s a lot louder in the Discovery Centre.

 And touching a stingray?  This is something everyone should have the opportunity to try and least once.

Another favourite spot was our tour of Planet Jelly.  Having had a couple of close encounters with kelly fish out in the ocean, I could not wait to check out this part of the Aquarium. I could have spent hours watching the five species of beautiful and yes, dangerous jelly fish floating and swimming in their massive habitats.  Their tanks were backlit and surrounded you on all sides, it was mesmerizing, almost magical.

Before we left we took a moment to pet a shark and pose for a picture or two, as one does when presented with the opportunity to safely and humanely touch a real life shark.  It was an amazing way to spend an afternoon.

What I liked:

• Manageable Size:  The Ripley’s Aquarium is easy to see in a morning or afternoon.
• Hands on Experience:  There is lots to see and do!
• Something for everyone:  From Toddlers to Teens to Seniors there is something to interest everyone.

If you go:

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, next to the Rogers Centre and CN Tower.
•  Don’t forget to use your AIR MILES card to instantly save 20% off your admission. Tickets must be purchased prior to visiting the aquarium at airmiles.ca/Perks

Insider Tips and Tricks:

• Travelling with a Toddler and have a stroller in tow?  You can check it at Guest Services so your little one is free to explore. (and you can chase!)
• Be sure to leave lots of time to explore the Discovery Centre.
• You do have to walk through a Gift Shop on the way out.  This can mean big melt downs for little one’s.  Be prepared to make a quick purchase or a fast exit!

When you planning your next family adventure, don’t forget to check out all the Perks available to you at airmiles.ca/Perks.  There’s an entire catalogue of national and regional options in the Perks catalogue.  Some Perks are available by simply showing your AIR MILES Card others offer exclusive discount codes or vouchers that you won’t want to miss.

Not an AIR MILES Collector?  It’s a free loyalty program that gives you Miles for the shopping you already do.  You can choose to use your Miles for all kinds of rewards like flights, merchandise, and events, or put them towards everyday purchases like groceries and gas.  So what are you waiting for?  Visit Airmiles.ca/Enroll and sign up today!

 

One lucky reader of How To Survive Life In The Suburbs will WIN two (2) passes to visit Ripley’s Aquarium!

To enter please comment below telling me your favourite place to use your AIR MILES Card.  Then use the Rafflecopter form provided to earn those extra entries.

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