This month, Spring will finally arrived! Now that we are coming out of the dark and gloomy winter months, it’s time to focus on some Spring activities for children! Given that we have centres in a few different communities, we will be uploading these blogs by region. This blog will highlight 10 Spring activities for children in the Hamilton region.
1. Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Enhancements
What: Enter the dazzling world of Disney magic, live on ice! Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney Pixar’s Cars race across the ice! Dive into adventure with Ariel and The Little Mermaid’s undersea kingdom. The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from Sunnyside Daycare and race for home in their most daring adventure! Plus, enter the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and pals Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love comes from within. From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment.
Where: First Ontario Centre – 101 York Blvd, Hamilton ON
When:
- March 19th, 11:00am and 3:00pm
- March 20th, 11:00am, 3:00pm & 7:00pm
- March 21st, 11:00am, 3:00pm
- March 22nd, 11:00am, 3:00pm
Who: All ages! Children 2 and over will require their own ticket.
2. March Family Fun Day at the AGH
What: Family Fun Tour: Ever wondered what your child thinks about art? In these mini-tours of Gallery Level 2 exhibitions, our expert docents will show children and parents how to look carefully and think creatively. Followed by Collaborative art making: exploring sculpture. Join the team of artist-instructors who help families create their own works of art inspired by the exhibitions on view. In March, they’ll be exploring sculpture! Inspired by the Early Snow: Michael Snow 1947-1962 exhibition, families will explore non-traditional media to create sculptural art.
Where: Art Gallery of Hamilton – 123 King St W, Hamilton ON
When: March 29th, 1:00 – 3:30pm
Who: Children of all ages!
3. Maple Syrup Festival
What: Travel back to a simpler time at Westfield Heritage Village. Discover one of Canada’s most time-honoured and tasty traditions. Explore historical and modern methods of making maple syrup from the tree to the table. Families can purchase and enjoy a delicious, reasonably-priced pancake breakfast.
Where: Westfield Heritage Village – 1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton ON
When: March 15th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 29th & April 10th!
- 10:00am – 4:00pm
Who: Children of all ages
4. Do it Yourself Terrarium and Succulent
What: Bring spring into your home by building a miniature garden. Tools and know-how provided to help you create a self-sustaining garden to sit on your windowsill.
Where: Hamilton Public Library, Turner Branch – 352 Rymal Rd E, Hamilton ON
When: March 14th & May 30th
- 2:00 – 3:00pm
Who: Children 8 – 12 years old
5. Night at the Museum Family Flashlight Tour
What: Have you ever wondered what it might be like to work the evening shift at the historic Hamilton Waterworks? Come along with us for a special evening ‘flashlight’ tour of the Pumphouse and find out. Flashlights will be provided to help spotlight some of the amazing 19th century engineering found at the museum. See if you can spot some of the hidden objects on the tour.
- Cost: Adults: $12, Seniors/Youth/Children: $10, Family: $30. Pre-registration is required.
Where: Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site – 900 Woodward Avenue, Hamilton ON
When: April 3rd, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Who: Children 3 years old and over
6. Wednesday Wigglers Program
What: The Wednesday Wiggler program provide activities for children of preschool age an opportunity to explore the environment through a balance of adult facilitated and child directed activities. Children learn best through play, Wigglers offers a theme based drop in program with story time, songs, discovery and creation centres.
Where: Hamilton Children’s Museum – 1072 Main Street East, Hamilton ON
When: Every Wednesday in April (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th)
- 10:00 – 11:30am
Who: Children 2 – 4 years old
7. Spring Bump Baby & Toddler Expo
What: An annual expo that has demos and samples from nearly 100 top brands in the world of parenting from 0 – 5 years old. You’ll have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with sleep consultants, perinatal workers, speech specialists, massage therapists, parenting specialists and more at the expert lounge. The main stage features parenting specialists, listen to your favourite Instagram mom’fluencers’, story time, cooking demos and children sensory activities. Swag bags will also be available for the first 100 families each day. Contest and giveaways will be held throughout the weekend!
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds – 630 Trinity Rd S, Jerseyville ON
When: Saturday/Sunday May 23rd-24th
- Hours 9:00am – 3:00pm
Who: Children 0 (bump) – 5 years old
What: The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a place of learning for everyone, a special place where children are encouraged to discover the history and science of Canadian aviation through our collection of aircraft and artifacts.There is a flight simulator that is always a fan favourite with children.
Where: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope ON
When: Year round, 7 days per week from 9:00am – 5:00pm
- 2020 Closure Dates:
- February 24th – March 3rd
- March 30th – April 7th
- Flight Simulator
- Friday → Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Who: Children 10 years and older can enjoy the flight simulator and there are other computer flight simulators available for younger age groups. There is no set minimum age but on average, children above 5 are able to reach the pedals and manage the simulator with parental assistance.
What: Hamilton Children’s Museum invites young visitors to stretch their imagination as they touch, build and experiment in a friendly, child-focused setting. Home to interactive, hands-on galleries, the museum encourages learning through self-directed play. At the museum learning happens through play. Play supports a child’s learning in the areas of physical, social/emotional, language and cognitive developmental. Through play children learn to cooperate, solve problems, pose and answer questions and develop their fine and gross motor skills. Play inspires imagination, and imagination helps children to understand their world. The exhibit galleries feature a ship for sailing on, a dock for fishing, a galley kitchen to feed your crew and fort building.
Where: 1072 Main Street East, Hamilton ON
When:
- October 1st – March 31st
- Wednesday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
- April 1st – September 30th
- Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Who: Children of all ages!
All of these activities are child friendly and come highly recommended by various sources in the community. If you have tried any of these places before or plan to in the future, please let us know on our social media pages!
