Especially for Kids in Sault Ste. Marie

Families have various options for keeping the kids entertained. The Spruce Haven Wildlife Zoo, 2016 Third Line W. (tel. 705/779-2424; www3.sympatico.ca/sprucehaven/), is home to more than 100 animals, including llamas, ostrich, rare Ibex Mountain goats (native to Russia), yak, jungle cat, arctic wolves uncommon in Canada, and the usual assortment of bears, ferrets, peacocks, ducks, and foxes. Some of the zoo's animals are there for rehabilitation. This relatively young zoo opened in 1988 and its mission is to be a safe haven for disadvantaged animals and birds. The Petting Area features unusual miniature farm animals including horses, bunnies, Sicilian donkeys, pygmy goats and Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs Admission is $5.50 for adults; $3.50 children; open May 1 through December 31, weather permitting.

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center, 50 Pim St. (tel. 877/287-4752; 705/945-6242; www.bushplane.com), is Canada's salute to aviation, housed in the historic waterfront hanger, once home to the Ontario Provincial Air Service. Local hero Roberta Bondar's memorabilia from her shuttle Discovery trip is on display, as well as interactive displays, nearly two dozen bush planes, an integral part of Canada's firefighting heritage. Be sure to check out the working lightning strike recorder. Open daily all year round; $10 adults, $5 students, $2 children.