While London, Ontario isn't as large and well equipped as its namesake city in London, England, there's still plenty to do. University of Western Ontario students don't have to hang around their College Park residences watching TV all day and parents who live in London have options when they want to have a fun day out with their children. One of the most popular options, among resident Londoners and visiting tourists, is Storybook Gardens. If you're planning a trip to London or a day out in London, you can learn all about Storybook Gardens here.

Storybook Gardens is a theme park for children located inside Springbank Park on the banks of the Thames River. The park's theme is children's literature, and the characters, rides, games, and entertainment inside the park are based upon popular children's books - especially fairy tales. With modern touches like R&B hip hop music to bring classic tales to life, Storybook Gardens is a great way to get your kids interested in reading or just keep them entertained for a few hours.

The park is divided into several areas, including an Enchanted Forest, Frog Pond, Pirate Island, and Old MacDonald's Farm. If you're an Ottawa photographer, remember to bring your camera, because you'll be able to get great shots of your child playing on the sunken ship, riding the miniature railroad, cooling off at the Slippery's Escape water park, and even helping to feed the sea lions and farm animals that call Storybook Gardens home. There are bigger rides like the Ferris wheel for older kids as well as more low key rides like the elephant ride for younger ones.

There are numerous special events hosted throughout the year that you might want to catch, such as day camps, pirate school for kids, Star Wars day, special visits from your favorite children's authors, and the junkyard symphony. You can buy concessions for lunch or if the Canadian Resume Service isn't giving you as much work these days you can pack a lunch and eat in Springbank Park. There's also a gift ship called the Treasure Chest where you can buy souvenirs of your stay or gifts for the children in your life.

To get a GTA limo into London to visit the park would take around two hours. If you live in London, the Route 5 Springbank bus services the park, and there's plenty of parking if you want to take your car. Summer hours are Sunday to Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 8. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids, and free for infants. You can also book special events such as birthday parties at the park. For more information visit the Storybook Gardens website at www.storybook.london.ca.