Archived weekend.
This week's pick
Rain both days, so the outdoor calendar is mostly a wash. The good news: Saturday is stacked indoors. Gabby's Dollhouse at Burlington Centre is the obvious anchor for the preschool crowd, and the Joseph Brant Museum and Art Gallery of Burlington both have drop-in programming that can fill a Sunday afternoon without spending much. Pick your day, pick your spot, and stay dry.
Gabby from Gabby's Dollhouse is at Burlington Centre Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., by the elevator — photo op included. Face painting and Fairylandia-themed activities round it out. Free to attend; arrive before noon if you want a short queue.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · Burlington Centre · Free
A Burlington mom says: We got there at 11 and the queue by the elevator was still short. Face painting kept her busy after the photo.
The Joseph Brant Museum's Kids' Kitchen Series runs Saturday at 1 p.m. Young chefs cook hands-on and explore how food traditions have moved through Canadian history. Tied to the museum's current eat, make, share exhibition — worth seeing before or after the session.
Sat · 1:00 p.m. · Joseph Brant Museum
The Art Gallery of Burlington runs a free Family Open Studio Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Artist-instructors are on hand, but kids can also work independently. The session draws on Roda Medhat's sculptural installation currently on view — worth a look before you pick up a paintbrush.
Sun · 1:00 p.m. · Art Gallery of Burlington · Free
Foodie FunFest takes over Ancaster Fairgrounds on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 100+ vendors — food trucks, local artisan makers, and Burlington-area producers. A full day out; easy to graze your way through with kids in tow.
Sun · 10:00 a.m. · Ancaster Fairgrounds
Hamilton Public Library's Central Branch runs Comics and Secret Identities Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon. Kids read comics, meet new characters, and design their own superhero. Free, no registration listed — show up a few minutes early.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · HPL – selected branches · Free
Bark for Books is at the Waterdown Branch Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon. Kids read aloud to certified therapy dogs from Therapy Tails Ontario — low-pressure, confidence-building, and genuinely calming for reluctant readers. Free to attend.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · HPL – selected branches · Free
Creative Kids: Hot Dog Days runs Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Loft at Longo's on Walkers Line. Kids make homemade toppings and learn basic kitchen skills around a cookout theme. Registration required; check The Loft's site for pricing and spots.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · The Loft @ Longo's Walkers Line
The same miniature train setup runs Sunday at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday's forecast is drier at 29% precip, making this the better day to attempt it. Free entry; donation appreciated.
Sun · 11:00 a.m. · Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology · Free
The Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers bring miniature train rides to the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Museum admission is by donation and includes self-guided tours of the 1859 Boiler house and Pumphouse. Train rides may be cancelled if rain is heavy — check their Instagram before heading out.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology · Free
The Burlington Lions Club Farmers Market runs Saturday at Burlington Centre, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's an outdoor market, so rain gear is the call. Local produce, baked goods, honey, and artisan vendors — good for a quick early stop before the Gabby meet-and-greet inside.
Sat · 8:00 a.m. · Burlington Centre · Free
