Museums offer the perfect mix of education and entertainment, which is why some of the bigger and better known ones get very busy during school breaks. If you are looking for something off the beaten track, may we suggest a visit to a police museum. Depending on the community, some are large interpretive centres while others simply give insight into the history of law enforcement in the area. Either way, what kid doesn’t want to learn more about forensics or sit in a replica jail cell (while parents silently wish it will be the only cell their child will ever see!). The best part? These museums offer free or pay-what-you can admission.

Vancouver: vancouverpolicemuseum.ca

New Westminster, B.C.: nwpolice.org

Calgary: youthlinkcalgary.com

Winnipeg: winnipeg.ca/police/museum

Orillia, Ont.: (Ontario Provinical Police): opp.ca/museum

Toronto: torontopolice.on.ca/museum

Montreal: spvm.qc.ca

Halifax: museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca