The PumpHouse offers learning opportunities, programs, and special events for visitors of all ages. From exhibitions to site-based and neighbourhood-based walking tours, from baby/toddler programs to school visits, from adults-only evenings to family-focused programs, the PumpHouse has something for everyone!

Public Programming

PumpHouse Pop-In

Sundays 2 p.m. until Aug 31.

Swing by the PumpHouse every Sunday at 2 PM for a surprise pop-up activity in our Discovery Centre! Led by our energetic summer students, these drop-in sessions are hands-on, playful, and always inspired by the museum’s exhibits—from steam power and science to trains, dinosaurs and beyond

Each week is something new, so whether you're in town for the day or a local looking to shake up your weekend routine, just pop in and see what’s happening.

Geared for kids and families. Price is cost of admission or season pass.

water warriors

Water Warriors – Hands-On Learning About Water and Sustainability

See link in each description to register to the session

Program Details:

When: Tuesdays, 10:30–11:00 am (final session continues all day)
Ages: Designed for children 4–7
Cost: Museum admission (and included with PumpHouse Season Pass) Pre-registration recommended as there are limited spots.

Water Warriors is a weekly summer program at the PumpHouse Museum, designed for children aged 4–7. Through fun, hands-on activities, kids explore the importance of water conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Each 30-minute session blends storytelling, sign language, crafts, and science experiments to encourage young minds to think critically and act kindly toward the environment. Whether they're learning how big machines once brought water to Kingston, mixing up safe bubble solutions, or expressing themselves through eco-art, participants will walk away with a greater appreciation for our most precious natural resource.

Programs:

Water Warriors: Spray & Play Rainbow Art (August 5)

Make some colourful magic! This joyful session blends storytelling and creativity as kids learn a new sign, hear a story about inclusion and self-expression, and create their own spray-bottle rainbow artwork. It’s a celebration of community, colour, and creativity. Pre-register here.

Water Warriors: Bubble Bonanza (August 12)

Who knew bubbles could be this fun and eco-friendly? Kids will craft their own bubble wands from recycled materials, mix a special eco-bubble solution, and learn why water-friendly choices matter. Then it’s time for a round of “bubble tag” where everyone gets to float, dodge, and pop! Pre-register here.

Water Warriors: Water Testing & Paddle Board Mural Celebration (August 19)

Wrap up the Water Warriors series with a special session that blends science, storytelling, and Indigenous knowledge. Led by Mohawk paddleboarder Natasha Darling from Tyendinaga, children aged 4–7 will collect water samples from Lake Ontario and use real scientific tools to explore what makes each water source unique. Alongside a water-themed story, participants will reflect on water as a shared and sacred resource.

After the session, join Natasha and Mohawk artist Melissa Brant for an extended celebration featuring a collaborative paddle board mural and fun activity stations open to all. Pre-register for Water Warriors portion here. (For Paddle Board community portion, purchase general admission)

What to Expect:

Hands-On Learning: Each 30-minute session features interactive activities like experiments, storytelling, crafts, and games.

Flexible Exploration: After the program ends, you’re welcome to stay and continue exploring the museum with your child.

Kid-Friendly Space: We know every kid is different—need to take a break or shift gears? No problem. Staff are happy to help make the visit a success for everyone.

Consider a Season Pass: Planning to attend multiple sessions? A Season Pass offers great value and unlimited fun!

Meet A Paleontologist

Aug. 16 // 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

At the PumpHouse

Calling all young dinosaur fans and curious minds! On Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, join us at the PumpHouse Museum for a hands-on fossil adventure led by real-life paleontologist Dr. Linda Tsuji from the Miller Museum of Geology.

This exciting program is perfect for kids ages 5–12 and their grown-ups. Learn what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, get your hands dirty making a fossil cast using a real specimen, and explore an exhibit of incredible fossils and casts on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum. It's a rare chance to step into the shoes of a scientist and travel back to a time when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Your ticket includes full access to the PumpHouse Museum. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the program.

Space is limited—don’t miss out on this dino-mite event!

Thank you to our Velociraptor Visionary Sponsor: Loopstra Nixon LLP for supporting our Dinosaurs Among Us educational programming.

Register today

pride beading

Pride Beading (POSTPONED - NEW DATE COMING SOON)

Join us on Thursday, June 6 for a welcoming and hands-on Pride Beading Workshop led by Flint & Maple, a local Indigenous-owned business that specializes in beautiful beadwork.

Whether you're brand new to beading or a seasoned crafter, this workshop is for everyone! You'll create your very own pride-themed beaded wristlet to take home and wear with pride. All materials are provided—just bring your pride and creativity!

Event Details:
Date: TBD
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: PumpHouse Museum
Cost: $10 per participant (materials included)

This is a family-friendly, all-ages event. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Guardians who are there to support a young participant (and not making their own wristlet) do not need to purchase a separate ticket.

Come connect, create, and celebrate Pride in a space that welcomes all.

Tickets: