Friday Fun – Free things to do with your family

Lots of great things happening for free this weekend.

You can cool off for free at any of the city wading pools, or splash pads, and the downtown fountain. There is also a free family swim at Lyon Pool on York Road on Sunday from 5 -8 pm. And don’t forget children can fish without a license this weekend during Family Fishing Week. There are some great local fishing spots so grab a pole and head out to the water.

Saturday brings art on the street downtown from 10 am to 5 pm. We love wandering past the booths, picking out our favourites and chatting with the artists. I give my kids an imaginary budget and seeing how they “spend” it is enlightening. There are always art activities for kids, often music, face-painting and interactive activities for kids to enjoy.

At the East Side library Branch on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 kids ages 4 and up can create their own summer pinwheels – a perfect piece of playful art.

There’s a new summer festival premiering on Saturday as well. Release under the sun will take place at the Royal City Park gazebo from 2pm to 8pm and will feature local DJ talent from the area. Families are welcome to bring a blanket and enjoy the music and the park.

If you feel like travelling a little further afield, you can visit the Afro Festival put on by the The African Women’s Alliance of Waterloo. The festival takes place at Waterloo Park, Westmount Road, Waterloo and includes dance, music, drama, art and African cuisine celebrating the rich cultural heritage of all of the countries that comprise the African continent. It is a family friendly event with children’s games, a free bouncy castle and plenty of wonderful entertainment! The event runs from 12 – 8 pm and is a free event with free parking. Visit www.afrowomen.org for more information.

Cap off the weekend with a concert in the park. The Waterloo Concert Band performs at the Riverside Park Bandshell at 7 pm. Donations appreciated. Enjoy your picnic dinner while listening to the band!

There are plenty of other great events and activities happening this weekend. Check out our complete list and have a lovely weekend!

Tagged as: activities, Art and Creativity, art on the street, children, Community, concerts, downtown Guelph, events, families, family, family events, family fishing week, Friday Fun, Guelph pools, Guelph Public Library, local events, Riverside Park, slash pads, swimming, wading pools