Create and explore in the #digiPlaySpace

My first TIFF encounter included Adam Sandler and one of my best friends in 2002. I was in university at the time, and he had a movie screening near Yonge and Bloor. I’ll never forget the look of excitement and happiness on my friend’s face after she got his autograph.

Recently, Hannah and I got to check out the digiPlaySpace – and let me tell you, her excitement and happiness matched or perhaps even exceeded my friend’s when she was able to explore and create.

Running now until April 24^th, 2016 the digiPlaySpace can be found on the ground floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox, located at 350 King West in downtown Toronto. Children and adults alike will be thrilled with the 25 installations from nine different countries.

A fresh four, Hannah’s favourite area in the digital playground was easily the TIFF KIDS APPCADE. She loved playing Monster Mingle and Sago Mini Trucks and Diggers. Full disclosure, I only got her out of the area by promising to download the latter app. Make sure to pick up the Activity Resource and Apps brochure so you too can download at home.

Close by we found Sensory Imaging, which Hannah kept going back to. As a little artist, she loved seeing all the colours come into play as she touched the flexible screen.

She also enjoyed dancing around in Elements, and learning how things work with the littleBits Innovation and Thymio Robot Playground.

As an adult, it was fun to participate in the exhibits and learn new things from the staff members. It is so neat Hannah can learn about circuits at such a young age, considering I wasn’t learning that until I reached high school. This is a much more interesting and creative way to learn than reading a text book!

Entry to the digiPlaySpace is $10, or tickets can be purchased in a combo package with TIFF Kids International Film Festival, DreamWorks, TIFF Kids Classics, Good Friday and Easter Monday screenings for $15 for kids, $20 for adults (totally worth it).

During March Break, TIFF will be showcasing DreamWorks favourites like Shrek, Ice Age, Madagascar and more. From now until April 2^nd, TIFF is also screening TIFF Kids Classics on weekends and PA Days, including greats such as Looney Toons (which we saw – and Hannah loved!), Cool Runnings (one of my all-time faves) and The Goonies (as if you could have a classic line up without this one).

And of course, the TIFF Kids International Film Festival takes place from April 8^th to 24^th, 2016. All 139 film screenings from 35 countries take place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Highlights include a free screening of The Princess Bride and a 20^th-anniversary screening of Matilda (yes, we’re that old). There’s so many events going on, make sure to visit the website so you don’t miss a thing – the site has a handy tool where you can filter screenings by age. Plus on Friday, April 8^th, there’s a big kick off party filled with food, fun and a screening of Oddball.

Will you be attending the TIFF Kids International Film Festival this year? If so, share what movies you’re most excited about seeing below!

This post was brought to you by TIFF Kids but the images and opinions are my own.

© 2016 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.