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!
PumpHouse Play Days (Saturday Dino Edition!)
Saturday March 21, 28 & April 4
Two Time Options: 10-11 a.m. & 12-1 p.m.
See below to register...
Your favourite Tuesday morning just got a Saturday spin.
By popular demand, PumpHouse PlayDay is coming to Saturdays — and we're making it extra special. These limited Saturday sessions combine the relaxed, drop-in spirit of PlayDay with a dinosaur focus, inspired by our Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit, which closes on April 15th.
Each Saturday features two session options where kids ages 0–7 create a fun, take-home dinosaur craft alongside their caregiver. No booking stress, no formal instruction — just show up, make something cool, and explore the museum while you're here.
What to expect:
Session runs one hour and features a self-guided dinosaur craft with all materials included. Simple instructions are provided so families can create comfortably at their own pace. Outside of your craft session, you can explore the museum, including Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit!
Saturday Session Dates & Crafts
March 21 — Dino Suncatcher
REGISTER HERE: 10-11 a.m. session | 12-1 p.m. session
Using bright tissue paper and bold dino shapes, kids design a colourful prehistoric window decoration that glows beautifully in the sunshine. A perfect keepsake to remember Dinosaurs Among Us! This is also our Dinosaur Dress up theme day! See Theme days further down on this page.
March 28 — Dino Feet & Finger Puppets
REGISTER HERE: 10-11 a.m. session | 12-1 p.m. session
Little ones can choose to make wearable dinosaur claws for stomping fun, a tiny dino finger puppet for imaginative storytelling — or both! A session packed with pretend play and prehistoric creativity.
April 4 — Chomping Dino
REGISTER HERE: 10-11 a.m. session | 12-1 p.m. session
Kids design and assemble a playful dinosaur that actually chomps! Perfect for imaginative play and a little prehistoric roaring before the Dinosaurs Among Us exhibit closes April 15th.
Good to Know
- Caregivers must remain onsite at all times — this is not a drop-off program.
- Regular museum admission applies — included with Annual/Season Pass. Both children and accompanying adults must register
- Small snacks and drinks are welcome outside of exhibition areas.
- Strollers welcome; Discovery Centre is fully accessible.
- Come and go as you please within your registered session time.
- Best suited for children ages 0–7 (siblings of all ages welcome)
PumpHouse Play Days
Every Tuesday | 10 am–12pm
PumpHouse Museum, Discovery Centre | Drop-in
Need a play option that doesn’t involve overthinking, overpacking, or overcommitting?
PumpHouse Play Days are a weekly, drop-in play time designed to feel simple from start to finish. No booking, no instructions, no schedule to follow. Just show up, let the kids play, and take a breath.
Every Tuesday morning, the Discovery Centre is your place for unstructured, open-ended play. Kids can explore hands-on activities, build, create, socialize, and move freely. Each week features a new self-guided craft set out for anyone who wants to try it, alongside all our regular Discovery Centre favourites—like the giant Lite-Brite, blocks, K’NEX, and more.
While your kids are busy, you don’t have to be. Bring a coffee. Relax with waterfront views. Chat with other parents. Read a few pages of a book. Stay close—or sit back and let them do their thing.
Come for ten minutes or stay the whole morning. PumpHouse Play Days are meant to fit into your day, not take it over.
Why it works:
- Drop-in, open play—no planning required
- Included with museum admission and the Annual Pass
- A different self-guided craft each week
- Space for kids to play independently
- Time for adults to relax, reset, and just exist
- Explore other parts of the museum too, including the Exhibit Hall, Pump Room, and the kid-and-adult favourite Swyrich Train Room
Guidelines
- Caregivers must remain onsite at all times. PumpHouse Play Days are a shared play experience, not a drop-off program.
- Small snacks and drinks are welcome, but please enjoy them outside of exhibition areas.
- Museum staff are present and available, but play time is unguided and self-directed. Caregivers are responsible for supervising their children.
- There is no age limit, but activities are best suited for children ages 0-4. Younger or older siblings are welcome to join in at their own pace.
- Strollers are welcome, and the Discovery Centre is fully accessible for families using mobility devices or strollers
- Come and go as you please.
If you’re looking for a low-stakes outing where everyone gets what they need, this is it.
How to join:
- Book at you would a normal museum visit! You can purchase ahead of time online, or simply turn up at the museum!
- Included in annual pass!
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
- Friday, January 30 – pajamas Day (PD Day)
- Thursday, February 12 – Feather Day (bird-inspired fun)
- Saturday, March 21 – Dino Swag
- Wednesday, April 29 – Black & Yellow Bee Day
- Friday, May 29 – Crazy Hair / Crazy Hat (PD Day)
- Friday, June 26 – Rainbow Day
- Thursday, July 2 – Canadian Tuxedo
- 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:
Thank you to our Velociraptor Visionary Sponsor: Loopstra Nixon LLP for supporting our Dinosaurs Among Us educational programming.
