How to Do the Ex with the Fam

Oh, summer. We know your swan song is approaching when the Canadian National Exhibition rolls around. And it's perfect timing, because there are so many fun and exciting things to do as a family at the Ex that we'll be having too much fun to notice that Labour Day is right around the corner. So let's get out there! Pay a visit, stay all day and into the night, and come home full to the brim with even more summer happiness. Here are our favourite memory makers.

Yah, that's right. Stunts—extreme stunts—done on Pogo sticks. We're talking flying nine feet in the air extreme. It's fast, it's furious…it's free! Check it out, but kids, don't try this at home.

We confess, we're big fans of Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue. So we're pretty chuffed to hear that they're performing every single day of the CNE. Perfect as a family event and even better if the little ones are into skating.

The Ex has always been known for weird and wonderful foods—over-the-top culinary Frakenfoods that make us cringe or drool—and this year is no exception. Catching our attention is the promise of chicken and waffles on a stick, s'more baos, and two kinds of dessert poutine: cake poutine, and a Tim Hortons' Timbit poutine (with cola-, cotton candy-, and birthday cake-flavoured timbits). Our kids dig the novelty—and we dig being able to nibble at their wacky, indulgent treats.

Whether you have fur babies at home or not, the Superdogs know how to put on a great show. Even the littlest littles will be in awe of the tricks and stunts.

We have fond memories of the Sky Ride from childhood visits to the Ex. Just when we think we can't walk another foot, we get to sit down in the comfort of a chair lift and glide slowly (safely) over the fairgrounds, taking in the excitement from way up high. Good to know: kids must be 3'10” to ride.

The kids like this highly entertaining show, and we've always been partial to plaid. It's pretty amazing to see the ax throwing, pole climbing and chainsaw carving. Plus we get to cheer on our favourite lumberjack!

The best of the best food trucks represent at Food Truck Frenzy. And the most delicious part is that so much of it is kid-friendly, from the Gorilla cheese to churros. Grab a snack, or a meal, or two—we won't judge.

We love the food trucks, but we can't resist the historic appeal of the Food Building, offering just about any dish you could ask for. Inside tip: pick up pancakes at the British booth and then seek out the dim sum booth. Plus, there's always the 99 cent spaghetti, as delish as ever.

We can spend a good chunk of the day in this section alone. We've always loved the booths with themes like music making, throwing pizzas, getting interactive with Kinder, and arts and crafts. There are also lots of character visits (My Little Pony, SpongeBob) and a Dora Sing-A-Long Adventure.

This one is always a hit, as kids get to see baby farm animals, meet some cows and participate in farm games and fun. Don't forget the inflatable Corn Maze. Plus there's a Fishing Friendzy exhibit where the little anglers can learn how to cast.

Save a bit of time for traditional CNE fun and let the kiddos run through the fun house, ride the jeeps, or go on the Merry-Go-Round. We never regret emptying our pockets at the games aisle and then whooping our way to victory and a prize that they‘ll cherish—at least for the rest of the day.