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

Paddle Board Workshop with Natasha Darling

Saturday, July 12 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum

Join us for a unique hands-on experience blending Indigenous knowledge, scientific exploration, and outdoor adventure on the water.

Led by Mohawk educator and paddleboarder Natasha Darling of the Ohné:ka Healing Project, this workshop invites participants of all ages and abilities to explore the sacred connection between people and water. Through traditional Haudenosaunee teachings and modern freshwater testing tools, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local waterways—both spiritually and scientifically.

We’ll begin on land by using Water Rangers kits to test samples from the Cataraqui River, measuring temperature, pH, chlorine, conductivity, and more. Then, after a brief safety and paddleboarding overview, we’ll take to the water. As we paddle the quiet bay, Natasha will guide us in observing turtles, swans, herons, and other relatives, while introducing Mohawk words and stories that enrich our relationship with the water and the life it sustains.

This program is part of the Ohné:ka Healing Project—an initiative by the Indigenous Arts Collective that reconnects communities to the responsibility and healing power of water through events, art, education, and language.

Program Details:

Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, 2993 Hwy 2 East, Kingston
Ages: Open to all ages. Children may paddle with a parent on the same board.
Skill level: No paddleboarding experience required. Participants paddling solo must have basic swimming skills. Waivers will be signed on-site on the day of the event.
Provided: Paddleboards, safety gear, water testing kits
Capacity: Limited to 10 spots. If sharing a board with a child, please reserve only one spot.
Cost: A $10 deposit is required to register. This will be refunded after the workshop or with at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation.
Contact: For questions or cancellations, email dbrady@cityofkingston.ca
Rain Date: In the event of poor weather, participants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. The rain date is Saturday, July 19.

Register here

trains and tots

Trains & Tots

Program Details:

When: Tuesdays, 10:30 - 11:00 am, June 3 - July 8 (no session on July 1)
Ages: Designed for tots 0-4
Cost: Museum admission (and included with PumpHouse Season Pass) Pre-registration recommended as there are limited spots.

Hop aboard our Discovery Train and explore the exciting world of learning at Trains and Tots! This weekly program is designed to introduce your little ones (ages 0-4) to a fun and interactive museum experience, filled with hands-on activities like music, movement, crafts, and more. Each session engages your child’s eyes, ears, and hands through developmentally appropriate activities that promote learning and growth. It's a train ride of discovery every week! Best of all? You can stay as long as you'd like after the session to explore the museum and enjoy free playtime!

Sessions:

Emotions Express (July 8)

Join us for an exciting exploration into the fascinating world of feelings aboard our Emotion Express. From discovering hidden surprises to overcoming challenges, toddlers aged 0-4 will engage in interactive activities that nurture emotional awareness and expression. Our program fosters a positive museum experience where little ones can develop social skills and self-directed play in a welcoming environment. Let's hop on board the Emotion Express and discover the joy of exploring emotions together. Pre-register here.

What to Expect:

Structured Sessions: Each 30-minute session is packed with interactive learning activities like music, crafts, and play. Caregivers are required to stay on-site for the duration of the program.

Flexible Fun: After the structured part of the session, stay as long as you'd like for self-guided playtime. Our friendly staff will be around to assist and interact with your tot as they explore.

Comfortable Environment: We understand that tots sometimes need a break—if they’re feeling a little fussy, feel free to take a walk around the museum until they’re ready to jump back in.

Open Play: You’re welcome to stay after the session for as long as you’d like to explore the museum.

Consider a PumpHouse Season Pass: If you plan to come to several sessions, a season pass is a great value!

water warriors

Water Warriors – Hands-On Learning About Water and Sustainability

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: PumpHouse History (July 22)

Step back in time and uncover how Kingston’s early waterworks came to be! In this interactive tour, kids will learn about the massive machines that powered the city and how the Great Fire of 1840 changed the way water was delivered. Finish off by pretending to be brave firefighters figuring out how to battle the blaze! Pre-register here.

Water Warriors: Water Science (July 29)

Get ready for hands-on discovery! This session dives into the water cycle, with simple science experiments that explore how water changes from liquid to ice to steam. A storytime adventure and a new sign language word round out this fun, educational exploration of all things H2O. Pre-register here.

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 educator 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!

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: