Our apologies for the lack of post yesterday. Our scheduled post did not appear.
Summer might be winding down but the activities sure aren’t. There is a tonne to do this week!
Tuesday, August 14
At the library this morning the Westminster branch has Puppets for ages 4 years and up 10:30, the East Side branch has a special guest from Guelph Lake Nature Centre for kids ages 5 years and up and there’s Scratch and Sniff Painting for ages 2 to 6 at the Main Branch. This afternoon at 2:30 at the Main Branch teens can take part in the Short Story Lowdown. Learn how to write a great story with only a few words with special guest Erik.
Cool off with a Free Tim Hortons Public Swim from 2-4 pm at the West End Community Centre.
Piping Evenings at McCrae House 7 pm
Enjoy the pipes and drums of the Guelph Pipe Band as they practice in the McCrae Memorial Gardens. Bring your own lawn chair. The rain location is the gazebo across the street in Royal City Park. Admission is free but donations will gladly be accepted.
Load up the van. It’s $15 Carload night at the Mustang Drive-in.
For more information, including this week’s shows, please visit www.mustangdriveinguelph.ca
Wednesday, August 15
Lots of fun at the library today. At 10:00 kids 5 and up are invited to Royal City Park for some fun games and activities in the sun! Look for the friendly Library staff holding balloons! Weather permitting: If unsure, phone the Main Library, Children and Youth Services at 519-824-6220 for an update on the program’s availability. Also at 10 am at Scottsdale there’s Junior DIY Craft: Mouse & Cheese! for ages 4 years & up. And at 2:30 at the Main branch kids 10 – 13 can enjoy Cooking with Susan.
Wellington County Museum Simple Pleasures
Let’s Go Fishing. Meet Larry McGratton, President of the Friends of the Grand River here at the museum for an amazing introduction to the art of fly fishing! As a group we will walk down to the Grand River and Larry will give us a demonstration. Registration is required, space is limited. Presentation will begin in the Exhibit Hall at 1:30pm. For more information please visit the website.
Wednesday Evening Walks at the Arboretum begin at 7 p.m. at the J.C. Taylor Centre at the Arboretum at the University of Guelph. These 1 ½ hour family friendly walks will be on a different topic each week and are $2 / person. This week: Snap Shots- Nature Photography in The Arboretum Explore the beauty of The Arboretum through the camera lens. Special Guest Naturalist and nature photographer Kyle Horner will teach us how to get nature in focus. Be sure to bring your camera!
Find out about Creatures of the Night at Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
When the sun goes down, the forest comes alive with all the nocturnal creatures. Meet the naturalists at the end of Conservation Road (Gate 4) to learn about and hunt for the critters that you normally won’t see during the day. Free with park admission.
Movie in the Park Featuring Ghostbusters
The movie begins at dusk with family activities beginning at 7:30pm. Suggested donation of $1.00 per person would be appreciated. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs or sleeping bags and tell your friends, families & neighbours. Popcorn and refreshments available for a small Fee. Behind Kortright Hills Public School 23 Ptarmigan Dr. Organized by the Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Association.
Thursday, August 16
At 10:00 am at the Westminster Branch kids 4 and up can create with Junior DIY Craft: Butterflies, or visit the East Side Branch for Junior DIY Craft: Caterpillars also for kids ages 4 years and up. At the Main Branch kids 2-6 can participate in a Very Hungry Caterpillar program (I’m sensing a theme here.) And at 2:30 at the Main Branch teens can work on writing the next great Canadian novel in a writing workshop.
Kids’ Garden Workshop at the Guelph Enabling Gardens at Riverside Park 10 – 11 am
This month: Love Mother Nature There are so many reasons to be grateful for nature! Let’s count all the ways. Generally, kids aged 6-10 participate in these workshops, but all are welcome and parents are encouraged to join in. To register please contact Lea: lea@green-ideas.ca
It’s time for the 24th annual Teddy Bear Picnic at McCrae House from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
The day’s highlights include performances by the magician/comedian Daring Derek and picnic games such as the Teddy Bear Road Race and the Teddy Bear Mural. Other activities designed with teddy bears in mind include the Honey Bee Toss, the Teddy Bear Bottle Toss, the Bean Bag Bear Toss, the Bear Catapult, the Teddy Bear Picnic Passport, the Gummi Bear Guess, the Teddy Bear craft table, and bear judging contests. There are four different categories in this year’s bear judging contest: Best Holiday Bear, Best Celebrity Look-A-Like Bear, Best “Picnic Theme” Bear Family and Best Guelph Bear.
Admission is $3.00 per person or free for members of Guelph Museums.
McCrae House is located at 108 Water Street, Guelph, Ontario.
Head to Rockwood Conservation Area at 2:00 pm for Geocaching 101
A Naturalist will give you a lesson on how to use our GPS units, and then you can try out your new skill on our Geodash course. One hour or more depending on your luck. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the trailer by the mini-putt. Due to the limited number of GPS units, it is important to pre-register for this program by calling the park at 519-856-9543. Free with park admission. Please visit the website for more information.
Cool off with a Free Tim Hortons Public Swim from 2 pm – 4 pm at Victor Davis Pool
Every Thursday, July through August, learn about fire safety and accident prevention. Meet emergency responders. Check out the emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances. This week the Fire Department will be at Bishop MacDonnell Catholic High School, Larry Pearson Park from 6:30–7:45 pm. Please visit the website for more information.
Enjoy the Wellington County Museum a Concert on the Steps. This week featuring the Grand River Brass. The concert, which is the second of a 4 part series of outdoor concerts runs from 7 to 8 pm. Admission is by donation. Please bring your own chair for the front lawn. Please check out the website for more information.
Load up the van. It’s $15 Carload night at the Mustang Drive-in.
For more information, including this week’s shows, please visit www.mustangdriveinguelph.ca
Friday, August 17
At 10:30 am little ones from birth to 24 months are invited to Bouncing Babies at the Westminster branch. At the Main branch at 10:30 there’s Infant Art for babies from birth to 19 months. And at 2:30 at the Main branch kids ages 7 and up can enjoy a Marvelous Mexican Fiesta.
From 10:30 to 11:30 at the Guelph Enabling Garden in Riverside Park, please join the Guelph Guild of Storytellers for another season of wonderful stories along the river bank in a beautiful garden. Please bring a lawn chair and your own mug for refreshments. Donations are accepted to assist with the Garden’s ongoing Horticultural Therapy programming. www.enablinggarden.org
St George’s Square Noon Hour Concert
This week’s performers: Adrian Jones and Kim Regimbal
2 guys, 14 instruments, over 1000 gigs. Adrian Jones and Kim Régimbal are long time friends that have been playing together for 15 years. Playing an average of 100 shows each year in concert venues, clubs and pubs across Canada, they have honed a sound unique to themselves. Their brand of “post-folk” fuses worldbeat flavours with more traditional singer/songwriter material and then layers on top swirls of textural harmonies.
Spirit Sings at Crawford Lake from 6:00 PM – 9:00 pm
Why not try something different this summer and let your spirit sing at Crawford Lake Conservation Area? Crawford Lake welcomes you to our annual Spirit Sings event, a magical evening of traditional First Nations teachings, games and foods. For more information please visit the website.
Saturday, August 18
Take a Rock walk, with a messy ending at Rockwood Conservation Area, at 10 am.
This will be a leisurely stroll to visit one of Rockwood’s largest caves. For the adventurous, there will be the option of crawling into one of the tunnels. If you plan on participating in the cave-crawling, please bring a flashlight and wear clothing that covers your knees and elbows. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the trailer by the mini-putt. Free with park admission. Please visit the website for more information.
On Saturday morning, the Galaxy Cinema hosts Cineplex Family Favourites at 11 am. Watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.50. A portion of proceeds go towards supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation. This week’s feature: MouseHunt Two stumblebum inheritors are determined to rid their antique house of a mouse who is equally determined to stay where he is. Find more information at the website.
The Main Library will be hosting “Bollywood Day” on Saturday, August 18th from NOON until 1:30pm. Experience the culture of India with food, dancing & so much more! Local businesses – Dragonfly dance club and Bollywood Bistro – will be in attendance. Free Admission with your Library Card
Spirit Sings at Crawford Lake from 6:00 PM – 9:00 pm
Why not try something different this summer and let your spirit sing at Crawford Lake Conservation Area? Join us on Friday, August 17 or Saturday, August 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. as Crawford Lake welcomes you to our annual Spirit Sings event, a magical evening of traditional First Nations teachings, games and foods. For more information please visit the website.
Sunday, August 19
No Idle Hands: Working in the Poorhouse Garden 2:00 PM
Spend an afternoon stepping back in time into the shoes of an “inmate” of the House of Industry and Refuge or “Poor House” during the Great Depression and World War II years. Participate in the daily tasks that would be assigned on the Industrial Farm. Cost is $20.00 per adult, $10.00 per child aged 12 and up, or $50.00 per family. Registration is required.
Cool off with a Free Tim Hortons Public Swim from 5-8 pm at Lyon Pool on York Road.
Ongoing
If you haven’t made the trip over to the new Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village, it’s worth checking out. There are activities daily in both the historical village and the museum that are lots of fun for kids. You can get in to both sites free if you have a membership to the Guelph Civic Museum.
Back To Nature Walks Every Sunday (including holiday weekends) at the Royal Botanical Gardens; 2 to 3:30 p.m. at locations* noted below.
Come walk with us! Did you know that a walk in the woods reduces stress no matter what your age? Enjoy the great outdoors at Royal Botanical Gardens and spend healthy, active, quality time with your friends and family. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, fox tracks, deer and other seasonal sightings. Every week is a different adventure! NOTE: Our trails are rocky and muddy. Baby carriers work well on our trails, and the kids just love the views! Most trails are not suitable for strollers, except those designed for off-sidewalk use. Dress for the weather and meet your leader at the following locations*:
1st Sunday of every month: Hendrie Valley; meet at Cherry Hill Gate parking lot
2nd Sunday of every month: Princess Point; meet at the parking lot
3rd Sunday of every month: Cootes North Shore; meet at the Nature Centre
4th Sunday of every month: Cootes South Shore; meet at the Aviary parking lot on Oak Knoll Drive, Hamilton 5th Sunday of every month: Rock Chapel; meet at the parking lot
*Please note: The rotation of hike locations has changed from previous years.
*If the weather looks threatening, please check our Program Update Line at 905-527-1158 ext. 404. Weather updates are posted one to two hours before program start time. Fees: Free (donations welcome)
The Donkey Sanctuary Open Days happen from early may until October. The Public is welcome to visit and interact with the donkeys and stroll the beautiful grounds on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm, May 6 to October 31. For more information and a map to the sanctuary, please visit the website.
Bug and Butterfly University At Greenway Blooming Centre Breslau
Every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon throughout July and August. Fun programs for all ages, created and delivered by John Powers, internationally known as the Butterfly Man® and the Bug Man®. Along with Marco, John teaches students about the growing and hatching of butterflies. He displays and explains his incredible collection of insects, some of which are entries in the Guinness Book of World Records. Guest speakers are featured as well as artists and photographers.
Early Years Programming
If you are looking for a drop in program, check out the long list of programs offered through the Early Years Centre.
City of Guelph Public and Family Swims
City splash pads and wading pools are free all summer. Splash pads are located at Hanlon Creek Waverley Park, Norm Jary and West End Community Centre and are open daily from June 28 to September 3, from 11 am-7pm. The city’s wading pools are located at Sunny Acres, Mico Valeriote, Exhibition Parks and are open from June 28 to September 3, from 12-6 pm. The fountain at Market Square at City hall is operational from 9 am to 10 pm daily.
Centennial Pool 519-837-5620
Public Swim
Sunday 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Family Swim
Friday 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Victoria Road Recreation Centre 519-837-5621
Public Swim
Saturday 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
West End Community Centre 519-837-5657
After School Swim – Leisure Pool with slide open
Tuesday 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Family Swim – Leisure and Therapy Pool (no slide and children must be accompanied by an adult)
Saturday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Public Swim – all pools and slide open
Friday 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
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