The Ex marks the spot for families

Canadian National Exhibition — Our annual farewell to summer event is about more than the midway and the food building. The CNE this year has some great events for kids and families. Of course, the young set always heads over to Kids’ World, a nook in the west corner of the fair with small-sized rides, a petting zoo, puppet parade and a stage featuring acts like Alex and the EXcellents and Doo Doo’s Dance Party. And on Princes Boulevard East, there’s the nightly show by Circus Orange called Jump Jet. The 20-minute show features pyrotechnics, acrobatics and music. In a similar vein, the Grand Illusion & Escape Artist Show, also outdoor, has illusionist Kevin Ridgeway and escape artist Kristen Johnson showing off their tricks. At the Ricoh Coliseum, new this year is the Aerialist & Equestrian Show. It’s set to music and has aerialists and horses galloping their stuff. The CNE runs from August 15 to September 1. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for kids 13 and under. 416-393-6300 or theex.com.