Family-Friendly Things to Do in Burlington This Weekend — Sep 5, 2026
Archived weekend.
Weekend Forecast
☁Sat21° / 18°
⛅Sun20° / 17°
This week's pick
How to Be a Victorian
Labour Day weekend and the weather is cooperating — cloudy both days, low 20s, no real rain threat. Good conditions for Ireland House, the farmers market, and the railway club's outdoor garden layout. The summer-program calendar is winding down, so a few of these are last-chance runs before the school-year schedule kicks in. Plan Saturday morning around Burlington Centre and work from there.
Ireland House Museum runs its monthly 'How to Be a Victorian' program Sunday 1–4 p.m., and September's theme is Back to School. Kids aged 5–12 pick up a dip pen, practice copperplate handwriting, and work through a Victorian lesson to see if they'd survive the 19th-century classroom. Admission covers all activities; free for family membership holders. Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is recommended.
Local artist Hope Flynn leads a free paint-by-numbers workshop at Burlington Public Library's New Appleby Branch, Saturday 2:15–3:45 p.m. Artwork is inspired by Burlington landscapes and wildlife; all materials provided. Open to kids 6–13 of any skill level — register by email, phone, or the library website link.
The Burlington Model Railway Club opens its doors at Hidden Valley Park in Aldershot, Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Three scales running: N-scale and HO inside, G-scale on the garden railway outside if the weather holds — and this weekend it should. Free admission; donations accepted.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · Burlington Model Railway Club · Free
The Burlington Lions Club Farmers Market runs Saturday 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at Burlington Centre. Ontario produce, local meats, baked goods, honey, and artisan vendors. Go before noon if you want first pick of the baked goods.
Steamulation Lab in Oakville runs hands-on STEM workshops Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each session is a different project — check the current week's theme before you book. Sessions run 90 minutes and are designed for kids who like building and experimenting.
Royal Botanical Gardens hosts Family Birding Sunday 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the Arboretum. Guides Angelique and Jared walk a small group (max 12) through identifying Ontario species by colour, shape, behaviour, and song. Partly cloudy Sunday morning is decent birding weather. Pre-registration required.
Indigo Play Days run Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at select Chapters and Indigo locations. No reservation needed for accompanying adults. Check your nearest store's schedule for the specific activity this week.
Sat · 11:00 a.m. · Select Indigo and Chapters stores · Free
Hook screens at the Westdale Theatre in Hamilton Saturday at 1 p.m. — $9.25 a ticket for the 35th anniversary run. Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, and Rufio. A solid rainy-afternoon call, though Saturday is dry enough that you won't feel forced into it.
The Sunday 1 p.m. screening of Hook at the Westdale is a Sensory Friendly showing in partnership with Centre for Diverse Learners. Lights dimmed but not dark, lower sound, open captions, no ads or trailers, and a quiet room with support staff on-site. A Sensory Toolbox is also available. Tickets are $9.25.
