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!
Dip into Beeswax
Saturday, August 29
Session 1: 10:30–11:30 a.m. Register Here
Session 2: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Register Here
Capacity: 25 participants
Location: PumpHouse Museum
All ages welcome
Discover the versatility of beeswax during a hands-on morning of creativity at the PumpHouse Museum.
Learn the traditional art of candle making with local beekeeper Brendan Goff, President of the Limestone Beekeepers’ Guild . Beginning with a simple wick, participants will repeatedly dip their candle into warm beeswax, building it layer by layer before taking their finished creation home.
Candle dipping will take place outdoors, rain or shine, with a tent to help keep participants comfortable. Adult assistance is strongly recommended for children under nine participating in the candle dipping activity.
Inside the Education Hive, participants can continue exploring the many uses of beeswax through hands-on activities. Gillian Goff, a local Mulberry Waldorf School teacher, will begin each beeswax modelling session with a short story while demonstrating how to shape modelling beeswax into unique figures. Approximately 15 minutes long, these sessions will be offered three times each hour.
Between modelling sessions, create a folded bee at the origami station or take a closer look at a live observation hive for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of honeybees and the work happening inside their colony.
Be sure to leave time during your visit to explore the BEES! exhibition and discover even more about pollinators, biodiversity and the remarkable world of bees.
Ticket Information
$20 Special Event - Ticket Required for anyone participating in the candle dipping activity and taking home a hand-dipped beeswax candle.
$5 Adult Admission - Available for parents, guardians and other adults accompanying a participant who do not intend to make or take home a candle. Admission includes access to the program space, activities, live observation hive and BEES! exhibition.
To ensure there are enough materials for all participants, everyone entering the program space must purchase the appropriate ticket for their level of participation.
BEES! was developed by the City of Surrey’s Museum of Surrey in collaboration with Honeybee Centre of Surrey and funded by the Government of Canada.
The PumpHouse is grateful to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for their support of the Education Hive. This hands-on learning space connected to the BEES! exhibition supports further learning through interactive exhibit elements, curriculum-linked school programming, and community programs. The Education Hive will help visitors of all ages explore pollinators, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship in meaningful and engaging ways.
PumpHouse Theme Days
Monthly Dress Up Days at the Museum
Dress up. Explore. Play. Repeat.
PumpHouse Theme Days are a new monthly tradition at the PumpHouse Museum, inviting families to add a little extra imagination to their museum visit.
Once a month, kids are encouraged to dress up according to a fun, easy theme, then head inside to explore the PumpHouse. Whether they’re padding around in pajamas, showing off their dino swag, or rocking the most gloriously mismatched outfit possible, Theme Days are all about playful self-expression and hands-on discovery.
There’s nothing formal to follow and no schedule to keep. Just come as you are (or as your theme-inspired alter ego), explore the museum at your own pace, and enjoy a visit that feels a little more special than usual.
A little extra fun
As a bonus, children who arrive dressed to match the monthly theme will receive one entry into a quarterly prize draw. Each Theme Day visit during the same quarter earns an additional entry, making repeat visits even more rewarding.
Prize bundles will vary and be inspired by current or upcoming exhibitions. Prizes may include PumpHouse swag items and free admission passes.
Upcoming Theme Days
- Thursday, August 20 – Backwards Day
- Saturday, September 12 – Dress Like a Teacher Day
- Friday, October 30 – Costume Day
- Tuesday, November 17 – Mismatched Day
- Wednesday, December 2 – Ugly Sweater Day .
Why families love Theme Days
- A simple excuse to dress up and have fun
- A relaxed way to explore the museum together
Attendance is included with regular museum admission. Pre-register or simply drop in with your themed outfit and a sense of curiosity.
School Programs
You can book any of our school and group programs through our online form
We are currently offering the following programs at the PumpHouse Museum:
Check out our City Hall program:
Check out our MacLachlan Woodworking Museum Programs:
The PumpHouse is grateful to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for their support of the Education Hive. This hands-on learning space connected to the BEES! exhibition supports further learning through interactive exhibit elements, curriculum-linked school programming, and community programs. The Education Hive will help visitors of all ages explore pollinators, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship in meaningful and engaging ways.
