FREE Activities for Parents and Children Summer 2014

Written by admin, June 13, 2014

June 12, 2014 – More info is also available at:

City of Peterborough’s website

Family HEALTHline
705-743-1000

Art Gallery of Peterborough
705-743-9179
http://www.agp.on.ca

Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Located on Little Lake adjacent to Del Crary Park.
Free admission to gallery for parents and children of all ages.
Fee subsidy available for summer camps, call 705-772-7777, ext. 1827.

 

Beaches
http://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/2014/05/30/back-in-the-swim-of-things/
705-743-1000

There are many local beaches and playgrounds with free swimming and sand play.  Check the above website for water quality reports before you go.  Beavermead Beach on Ashburnham Drive and Rogers Cove on Maria Street will have lifeguards seven days a week, from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., June 27 to August 24, 2014.  Both beaches have washrooms. Remember to pack your hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lots of water for drinking.

 

Bikeways and Trails
http://peterboroughmoves.com/maps-resources/
705-743-7777, ext. 1485

Enjoy a walk, stroller or bike ride along one of Peterborough’s many trails.  There are many in town and in the county.  Visit the website for many printable maps and details.  Printed copies of the maps are available at the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Green-Up, Kawartha Tourism, Wild Rock Outfitters and Peterborough Public Health.

 

Ecology Park
http://www.greenup.on.ca/ecology-park/
705-745-3238, ext. 212
1867 Ashburnham St.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Ecology Park is a 5 acre park which is part of the Trans-Canada Trail.  There are special theme gardens, for example, children’s, butterfly, and wildlife.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens.

 

First Rider Program
www.stsco.ca
1-800-757-0307

Friday, August 22, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 23, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lansdowne Place, 645 Lansdowne Street, West, Peterborough

This school bus safety program is strongly encouraged for young children and parents as it is especially important for children who will be riding the bus for the first time in September.  Each session runs for 30 minutes on the hour and half hour and includes a ride on a school bus.

 

Jackson Park
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Peterborough_Parks/Jackson_Park.htm|
705-742-7777

Located off of Parkhill Road, Jackson Park is a wonderful place to spend the day with friends and family.  The upper area of Jackson Park has a playground structure, picnic tables, washrooms and area to sit in the shade. There is a beautiful trail running through the park with a picturesque forest and creek running throughout.

Jackson Park has 2 entrances; one located at the Monaghan Road and Parkhill Road intersection and the other located at the corner of Parkhill Road and Fairbairn Street.  For more information please contact the City of Peterborough at the phone number above.

 

Junior Parks Program
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Junior_Parks.htm
705-742-7777, ext. 1805

Drop-in program for children ages 4-8, however parents are reminded that they need to stay in the park while the program is being offered.

Part-time summer student employees of the Recreation Division will offer games, crafts and special theme days in the parks.  All Junior parks staff are HIGH FIVE certified.

City of Peterborough Parks:

Date

Location

Time

July 2 to July 19 Turner ParkHigh St & Chamberlain St 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 2 to July 19 Kiwanis ParkMiddlefield & Milford Gates 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
July 2 to August 9 Stewart Street ParkStewart St 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
July 22 to August 9 Barnardo ParkSunset Blvd & Northminister Ave 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 22 to August 9 Union Street ParkUnion St. 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 22 to August 9 Simcoe and Bethune ParkBethune St. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

 

Lakefield Literary Festival:  CHILDREN’S TENT EVENT
http://lakefieldliteraryfestival.com/event/celebration-at-the-childrens-tent/

Saturday, July 12, 2014 – 9:30 a.m. at Cenotaph Park, Lakefield,
Free Admission for everyone to the Children’s Tent only; all other events require tickets to be purchased.
Author Sheree Fitch will entertain from her classic books, Mable MurpleSleeping Dragons All AroundToes in my Nose, and her newest book, Singily Skipping Along.  Author/Illustrator Werner Zimmermann is an enthusiastic presenter who is well-known for his Farmer Joe series, Pippin the Christmas Pig and A Porcupine in a Pine Tree.  Werner’ presentation will involve an interactive element and there is a rumour that chickens may be involved!

 

Lovesick Lake Community Action Program for Children
http://www.llnwa.com/#!community-action-program-for-children-/c152e
Call Melody Benson at 705-652-8787

For parents with children between the ages of 0-6 years of age and of Aboriginal Ancestry.  Child care is provided.  This program provides food supplements, nutritional education, referrals, adult and child socialization, one on one supports, cultural teachings and much, much more….

 

Meet-ups for Moms and/or Dads
www.meetup.com

Meetups are neighbours getting together to learn something, do something, and share something.

 

Old Millbrook School Family Centre
www.millbrookfamilycentre.com
705-932-7088

1 Dufferin St., lower level, Millbrook

Drop-in program for children (0-6 years) and their parents/caregivers

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Other activities also planned throughout the summer.

 

Parks and Trails
www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Free_in_Peterborough/Parks___Trails.htm

To obtain a map or an Outdoor Adventure Guide call 705-742-2201

The uniquely diverse topography of Peterborough & the Kawarthas creates endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and trail systems of varying use and terrain types are among the region’s best features.

 

Peterborough Family Resource Centre/Ontario Early Years Centre
CLOSED for July and August

Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/visit12.aspx
705-750-4950  

353 Hunter Street East
The Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre is located next to Lock 21-Peterborough Lift Lock and has free admission, exhibits and movies.
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The web site has interactive activities; 3-D tours, youth zone, photo gallery, games and other fun activities.

 

Peterborough Museum and Archives
www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca
705-743-5180

Museum Drive at 300 Hunter Street East (Armour Hill)

Year-round Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
Year-round Weekends & Holidays, 12 noon to 5:00 pm.
Barrier-Free Access, Free Parking, Picnic Facilities.

Admission to museum exhibitions is by donation.
Special events may require a separate entrance fee.

 

Peterborough Musicfest
http://www.ptbomusicfest.ca
Free outdoor concerts for all ages at Del Crary Park

Wednesday and Saturday, June 28 to Aug 27, 2014.

Concerts begin at 8:00 p.m.

There is no smoking in the park.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, DEET insect repellent, and water for drinking.

 

Peterborough Public Library
http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/kids.htm

Main Branch:  345 Aylmer St. Peterborough, 705-745-5382

Summer hours:           Monday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Delafosse Branch:  727 Parks St. S., Peterborough, 705-745-8653

Summer hours:           Tuesday – Thurs, 2:30 – 7:30 pm

Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Both branches have Summer Reading Clubs for all ages from preschool to teens:

 

Children http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Kids/Kids+Summer+Flyer.pdf

Teens/Youth  http://www.peterborough.library.on.ca/Assets/Library+Assets/Documents/Teens/Teen+Summer+Flyer.pdf

There are many fun workshops and events.  Most events are free, however some have a small fee for supplies.  Please visit the library website or pick up a listing of events at the library.

Always available free are books, magazines, DVDs, computer and internet and Peterborough Healthy Families Resources, www.peterboroughhealthyfamilies.ca

 

Peterborough County Libraries

Contact your local library for information about their free summer programs.

Asphodel-Norwood Public Library
http://www.anpl.org/at-your-library/childrens-services/
705-696-2744

 

Cavan Monaghan Libraries
http://www.cavanmonaghanlibraries.ca/
Millbrook Branch – 705-932-2919

 

Curve Lake First Nation Public Library
http://clfnpubliclibrary.webs.com/
705-657-3217

 

North Kawartha Library
http://www.northkawarthalibrary.com/index_files/Page342.htm

Apsley – 705-656-4333

 

Otonabee –South Monaghan Library
http://www.otosoumon.library.on.ca/

Bailieboro Library – 705-939-6510

Gayle Nelson Keene Library – 705-295-6814

Stewart Hall Library – 705-749-5642
Selwyn Public Library
http://www.mypubliclibrary.ca/programs1.htm#Fall

Bridgenorth – 705-292-5065

Ennismore – 705-292-8022

Lakefield – 705-652-8623


Riverview Park and Zoo
www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm

1230 Water Street, North, Peterborough

Open Daily, 8:30 a.m. – Dusk

  • Splash pad, playground, picnic shelters, disc golf, 27 exhibits, 48 species
  • “Meet the Keeper” – Monday – Friday at 1:00 p.m.; meet zoo staff and their animals.
  • Otter feeding daily at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 pm.
  • Free musical concerts at the gazebo on Sundays, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. all summer long.  Remember to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
  • Miniature Train operates 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily, $2 per person over 2 years of age for a 15 minute ride.
  • Visit the web site for a virtual tour and fact sheets about the animals.

 

Sports Facilities http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Free_in_Peterborough/Sports___Exercise.htm

There are numerous facilities available free for community use, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer and lacrosse fields, basketball courts, a disc (frisbee) golf course, a skateboard park, and beach volleyball courts.

 

Swim to Survive
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation.htm
705-742-7777, ext. 1873

Advance registration required.

Program runs every Wednesday from July 2 – 30, 2014.

Free drowning prevention program for children 5-12 years of age.  The goal is to provide children with basic swimming techniques to help them survive a fall into water.  This is NOT a swimming lesson – but an excellent opportunity to familiarize children with water.

 

Wading Pools
http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Recreation/Public_Beaches__Wading_Pools___Splash_Pads.htm

705-742-7777, ext. 1873

Open June 27 – August 24, 2014

Supervised daily, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Small, shallow pools are suitable for young children to approximately 8 years of age.

Please note:  Children must not be left alone in the park without appropriate adult supervision.

  • Barnardo Park, 955 Barnardo Avenue  (Northminster Ave. and Sunset Blvd.)
  • Knights of Columbus Park, 5 Park Street, North (Park St. and Lake St.)
  • Turner Park, 673 Chamberlain Street, (High St. and Chamberlain St.)
  • Otonabee Park, (Southlawn Dr. and Severn Rd.)
  • John Taylor Memorial Park, 500 McKellar Street, (McKellar St. & Catherine St.)

Whetungs’ Ojibway Art Gallery
www.whetung.com

705-657-3661

Curve Lake, Buckhorn

Open Daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Whetung Centre contains the art gallery, museum and craft store, is open year round and offers free admission, free parking, wheelchair access, and picnic area.

 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program
http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/what-we-do#hta

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a charitable program that helps kids in financial need aged 4-18 participate in organized sport and recreation activities.

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program works with community organizations to form local Chapters that identify and approve the children who receive support.  If you would like to apply for your child to receive support, please call our central toll free call centre (1-877-616-6600).  Based on your postal code and town/city information you will be provided a contact on the closest Canadian Tire Jumpstart chapter so your request can be processed locally.

 

Faith Based Camps:

Hope Valley Day Camp
www.hopevalley.ca
705-652-6850

2882 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield

Day camp for all children ages 7-17 years, divided into 3 groups; 7-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-17 years.  Fee is by donation only.  A bus will pick children up at 20 locations throughout Peterborough.  Registration form, camp themes, and a bus schedule can be found on the website.


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