City of Burlington



Events and Activities


Discover FUN at the Waterfront all year long!

PlayIT 

Discover March Break at The Waterfront
March 15th-18th at Discovery Landing

Anchors Away

Join us to learn about boating on Lake Ontario. This four part series combines Nautical Knots, From Bow to Stern, Water Ways: Navigation, and Geared up for Weather for an exciting sailing adventure!

5-7years               Mar 15-18            1-2pm                   TTR#210204
8-11 years            Mar 15-18            2-3pm                   TTR#210206

Nautical Knots

Every sailing adventure begins with knots!  Children will learn simple knots and their use in sailing.  Games will be used to put knots to the test.

5-7years               Mar 15                  1-2pm                   TTR#210208
8-11 years            Mar 15                  2-3pm                   TTR#210209

From Bow to Stern

Before your child embarks on their sailing adventure, it’s helpful for them to know some simple terminology! Basic boat parts will be introduced. Children will learn about boat parts and their use in a sailboat.

5-7years               Mar 16                  1-2pm                   TTR#210190
8-11 years            Mar 16                  2-3pm                   TTR#210192

Water Ways: Navigation

Just as we have traffic rules on the road, there are rules on the water.  Simple navigation is introduced through a series of games. Learn about speed limits, as well as how nature and habitats can be affected by reckless boating.

5-7years               Mar 17                  1-2pm                   TTR#210241
8-11 years            Mar 17                  2-3pm                   TTR#210267

Geared up for Weather

Children are taught the importance of weather and how it can make or break your sailing adventure. Learn about the importance of proper gear, weather prediction tips, and lake effect weather.

5-7years               Mar 18                  1-2pm                   TTR#210200
8-11 years            Mar 18                  2-3pm                   TTR#210202

Wee Weather Wonders

Wee Weather Wonders offers a hands-on approach to weather. Join a Weather Network Meteorologist in The Observatory to discover fun facts about weather.

5-8years               Mar 15                  11am-12noon                    TTR#210191

Discover Weather
Discover Weather offers a hands-on approach to weather.  Join a Weather Network Meteorologist in The Observatory to discover fun facts about weather.

9-12years            Mar 17                  11am-12noon                    TTR#210213

Discover Birds (Drop in)

Join the Mountsberg birding expert in The Observatory and meet his Birds of Prey.

All Ages                                Mar 16                  9:30am-11:30am               DROP IN

Waterfowl Prowl

Join an expert from Mountsberg as he leads a Waterfowl Prowl along Spencer Smith Park Promenade. Learn to identify the local species of our waterfront. Be sure to wear appropriate, comfortable attire and footwear.

*Children must be accompanied by a registered adult to attend this program.

 

All Ages                                Mar 16                  11:30am-12noon              TTR#210173

Discover Astronomy, The Observatory
Join us in The Observatory at Discovery Landing for Discover Astronomy presented by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada-Hamilton Centre.   Register for the topic of your choice or all four sessions by registering for Discover Astronomy, The Series.

Discover Astronomy – The Series

Join the Hamilton Chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for lectures in The Observatory followed by outdoor workshops for all 4 sessions: An Introduction to the Night Sky, Telescopes and More, Eye Spy, and DIY Telescope.  Children aged 10-16 years old must register with a registered adult.  No course on Apr 2.

Mar 19 – Apr 16                7:30-9:30pm                       TTR#215243

Discover Astronomy – Introduction to the Night Sky
Using the naked eye and binoculars, explore the stars above, not to mention the moon, planets, comets, eclipses, constellations and more. The session begins with a lecture by the Royal Astronomical Society, followed by examining the night sky outdoors. Children aged 10-16 years old must register with a registered adult.

Mar 19                                  7:30-9:30pm                       TTR#215241

Discover Astronomy – Telescopes and More
Discover what tools you need to join the world of Astronomy. Learn about telescopes and binoculars - what to buy and what to avoid. The session begins with a lecture by the Royal Astronomical Society, followed by an outdoor workshop. Children aged 10-16 years old must register with a registered adult.

Mar 26                                  7:30-9:30pm                       TTR#215242

Discover Astronomy – Eye Spy
Learn to use a telescope to locate and identify Jupiter, the Moon, and beyond the Solar System with the Royal Astronomical Society of Hamilton. The session begins with a lecture by the Royal Astronomical Society, followed by a telescope workshop outdoors. Children aged 10-16 years old must register with a registered adult.

Apr 9                                     7:30-9:30pm                       TTR#215240

Discover Astronomy – DIY Telescope
In this session you will build a telescope in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy. Once built, use your telescope to locate craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn and more! We suggest one telescope per family or group. The kits required to participate in this workshop will be available for purchase on the night of the course for $30. Children aged 10-16 years old must register with a registered adult.

Apr 16                                   7:30-9:30pm                       TTR#215239

 

Discover Science

Discover Science – Junior Waterfront Scientist Club
Register for all 8 workshops to explore, discover, and play with science to become a Junior Waterfront Scientist.

Mar 27-May 15                       9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210193

Mar 27-May 15                        11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210194

 

Discover Science – The Marvelous Molecule Series

This three part series combines Acids & Bases, Dry Ice, Harnessing Heat and Laser Light to discover the fascinating world of molecules and the way they work in our daily lives. No substitutions of topics/dates.                 

        

Mar 20 - Apr 17                      9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210238

Mar 20 - Apr 17                      11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210239

 

Discover Science – Harnessing Heat

Discover Science is an imaginative and interactive hour of learning and fun! Harnessing Heat explores underwater volcanoes while investigating the properties of heat. Watch Dr. Fossil change states of matter while learning the science behind molecules in motion.

 

Mar 20                        9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210224

Mar 20                        11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210225

 

Discover Science – Laser Lights

In this workshop learn about light, colours, holograms and special effects. Use a real laser to create illusions, design a light show and compete in a friendly game of Laser Limbo.

 

Mar 27                        9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210227

Mar 27                        11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210228

 

Discover Science – Dry Ice

In this workshop, explore the 3 states of matter. Turn water to ice in 30 seconds, build a giant bubbling potion, carbonate plain drinking water and create the same awesome smoke illusions used in the movies.

 

Apr 10             9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210220

Apr 10             11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210222

 

Discover Science – Acids and Bases

Uncover the secrets of chemistry and the effects acids and bases have on our daily lives. Learn to test for acid rain, make your own CO2 fire extinguisher, and watch as a film canister “pops” using an acid and a base.

 

Apr 17             9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210212

Apr 17             11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#211588

 

Discover Science – Making “Sense” of Science

Discover Science is an imaginative and interactive hour of learning and fun. Sign up for Making 'Sense' of science and participate in all 4 programs, Lights/Colour/Action, Sonic Sounds, Slime and Tantalizing Taste.

 

Apr 24 – May 15                     9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210233

Apr 24 – May 15                     11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210235

 

Discover Science – Lights/Colour/Action

Discover Science is an imaginative and interactive hour of learning and fun! Uncover the hidden components in ordinary light and learn about Isaac Newton's colour wheel. Get blown away with our spectacular energy display.

 

Apr 24             9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210230

Apr 24             11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210231

 

Discover Science – Sonic Sounds

Discover sound, sound waves and the way household items can be used to create amazing movie effects and explore how sound travels.

 

May 1              9:30am-10:30am        TTR#211938

May 1              11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#211939

 

Discover Science – Slime

Discover Science is an imaginative and interactive hour of learning and fun! Explore the exciting world of polymers and the chemical reactions we use to create them. Transform two regular liquids into an oozing batch of slime.

 

May 8              9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210214

May 8              11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#211589 

Discover Science – Tantalizing Taste

Students will learn the vital relationship between their sense of taste, smell and basic biology behind them. Experiment with taste sensations while 'mapping' out your tongue. Challenge your nose with artificial scents.

 

May 15            9:30am-10:30am        TTR#210217

May 15            11:00am-12:00pm      TTR#210218

 

Reptile Rangers Camp

Discovery Landing – The Observatory (7-12yrs)

Do you love all creatures - especially creepy, crawly, scaly ones? Be a Reptile Ranger at this new day camp. Learn about reptiles and insects by interacting with real snakes, lizards, tarantulas and more! Of course there will be fun camp activities such as fun games, cool crafts and field trips but with a reptile theme. Learn about the environment and how you can protect our world and the animals we share our planet with.

*extended care available

July 19th – July 23rd            9am – 4pm*                       TTR#214138
July 26th – July 30th            9am – 4pm*                       TTR#214139
Aug 3rd – Aug 6th               9am – 4pm*                       TTR#214140 


CelebrateIT  

Celebrate The Brant Inn

Celebrate the memories of the historical Sky Club with professional dance company danceScape and your hosts Alex Reynoldsand Beverley Cayton-Tang. Dance the night away under the stars at Discovery Landing (or in The Observatory in case of inclement weather) at the Waterfront at Downtown Burlington. The talented performers from danceScape will demonstrate ballroom dancing techniques and offer lessons. The last hour of the evening will feature music from the era of the Brant Inn for you to take to the dance floor.

Admission is free and no registration is required. Register beginning spring 2010 to reserve your seat through RecExpress for $11.53 (includes HST) per person.


DiscoverIT

Discover Astronomy in The Observatory with Free Lectures!
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (Hamilton Centre) Meetings

8 – 10 pm, first Thursday of each month, The Observatory at Discovery Landing

Join the Hamilton Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for monthly lectures on astronomy or a related science by professional astronomers and advanced amateurs from across Canada. Starting at 8pm, each meeting also features short talks on topics such as upcoming astronomical events, star-lore, and telescope use, offered by members of the Hamilton Centre, and will appeal to people with a wide level of interest. Afterwards, should conditions permit, there may be viewing of the night sky through a telescope or two.
For more information visit,
http://www.hamiltonrasc.ca/

These meetings are open to the public at no charge and no registration or sign up is required.

Date and Speaker

Time

Thursday, January 7, 2010
Speaker: Paul Delaney, York University

8pm-10pm

Thursday, February 5, 2010
Speaker: Laura Thompson, University of Western Ontario

8pm-10pm

Thursday, March 4, 2010
Speaker: Dr. Ralf Gallert, University of Guelph

8pm-10pm

Thursday, April 1, 2010
Speaker: Jim Kendrick, Astronomical Entrepreneur

8pm-10pm

Thursday, May 6, 2010
Speaker: Jerry Wright, Perceptor

8pm-10pm

Thursday, June 3, 2010
Speaker: Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn, Astrophotography

8pm-10pm

Thursday, September 2, 2010
Speaker: TBD

8pm-10pm

Thursday, October 7, 2010
Speaker: TBD

8pm-10pm

Thursday, November 4, 2010
Speaker: TBD

8pm-10pm

Thursday, December 2, 2010
Speaker: TBD

8pm-10pm

Children’s Festival Weekend
Enjoy two days of family fun August 14 & 15, 2010
2nd Annual Discover Sandcastles Festival…

Saturday, August 14th 10am – 4pm
The Beachway
Free fun for all ages*!

Join us for Day 1 of the Children's Festival on the Beachway for Sandcastle fun!

Sandcastle Demonstration and Workshop

Master Sculptor Sandi Castle begins the day by creating a 7 foot sand sculpture and then will lead a workshop sharing some of best tips and tricks.

MORE Activities for '10

Activities this year include the return of face painting and tattoos, awesome performances, games, local talent and more fun to be announced...stay tuned!

3rd Annual Discover Sandcastles Competition

Back by popular demand! Be sure to register to reserve your spot on the beach to sculpt beginnig Spring 2010. Great prizes in all three categories including a sandcastle trophy for first prize for children, adults, and family and participation gifts too! Judges include Master Sculptor Sandi Castle, and local children's author Sylvia McNicoll. *Register beginning Spring 2010:

      2 - 3pm     Child Category 
     12 - 3pm    Family Category (max 2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children)
10am - 3pm    Adult Category

Judging begins at 3pm and you can be a judge too: Vote for the People's Choice Award! Award ceremony on the beach at 3:30pm.

 

Check the City of Burlington's event listingsand calendar of eventsfor more great festivals and events at the Waterfront and city wide!


RelaxIT

Grab a refreshment or snack from The Bitein the Fireplace Lounge and watch turn to winter from the comfort of the great indoors or enjoy the great outdoors. Reflect on the seasons' transformation by strolling along The Waterfront or discover the tranquility of The Observatory's look-out points across Lake Ontario from our lounge seating.

To provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all, entrance restrictions will apply when facility occupany levels are reached.


The Waterfront at Downtown Burlington   1340 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON   905-335-7766