The Rock Garden is perfect for families with young children, grandparents, photographers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy nature together.

What is the RBG Rock Garden?

The Rock Garden is the oldest garden within the Royal Botanical Gardens, originally opening in 1932. After an extensive restoration, it reopened in 2016 and now blends its historic charm with beautiful modern garden design. The six-acre garden features winding pathways, waterfalls, ponds, bridges, colourful perennial gardens, and limestone terraces that make every visit feel a little different.

What You’ll See Throughout the Year

Spring

Spring is one of the most magical times to visit the RBG Rock Garden. Families can enjoy:

• Thousands of tulips, daffodils and flowering bulbs
• Blossoming trees
• Bright spring perennials
• Waterfalls running at full strength
• Birds returning after winter

It’s an ideal spot for Mother’s Day outings and spring family photos.

Summer

Summer brings the gardens to life with vibrant colours around every corner.

Look for:

• Colourful perennial displays
• Butterflies and pollinators
• Lily ponds
• Shaded walking paths
• Beautiful picnic-worthy scenery

The seasonal Escarpment Train Exhibit is always a favourite with younger children, and the Rock Garden Bistro offers a great place to stop for lunch or a snack.

Fall

Autumn may be the Rock Garden’s best-kept secret.

Families will love:

• Brilliant red, orange and yellow foliage
• Ornamental grasses and late-season flowers
• Cooler temperatures for walking
• Incredible photography opportunities

The reflections in the ponds during fall make this one of the prettiest places in the region.

Winter

Even after the flowers disappear, the Rock Garden remains beautiful.

Winter visitors can enjoy:

• Snow-covered stone pathways
• Peaceful gardens
• Frozen waterfalls (weather permitting)
• Beautiful architecture and landscaping
• Seasonal events hosted by Royal Botanical Gardens throughout the colder months

Why Families Love Visiting The RBG Rock Garden

The Rock Garden is much more than a place to admire flowers.

Kids love:

• Crossing bridges
• Watching fish and turtles in the ponds (seasonally)
• Looking for birds and butterflies
• Exploring winding pathways
• Discovering waterfalls
• Playing “I Spy” with different flowers and plants

Parents love that:

• The gardens are compact enough for younger children.
• Paths are stroller-friendly in most areas.
• It’s easy to spend one to two hours exploring.
• Parking is free.
• There are washrooms on-site.
• The scenery is beautiful without requiring a long hike.

RBG Rock Garden Admission

Admission to the Rock Garden can be purchased on its own, or you can purchase general RBG admission, which includes access to multiple cultivated gardens on the same day.

General admission also includes:

• Hendrie Park
• RBG Centre
• Other cultivated gardens that are open that day

Single Rock Garden admission is available if you’re only planning a shorter visit, and that is $10 per person. Children under 3 are free. Admission prices vary slightly depending on weekdays, weekends and seasonal promotions, so check the latest pricing here before your visit.

Tips for Visiting The Rock Garden at RBG with Kids

• Visit early in the morning for quieter pathways.
• Bring a stroller for younger children.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Most families spend between 1 and 2 hours exploring the gardens.
• Bring your camera, the Rock Garden is very photogenic!
• Stop for lunch or a treat at the Rock Garden Bistro.
• Pair your visit with nearby Cherry Hill for a full day at Royal Botanical Gardens.
• Check the “What’s in Bloom” information on the RBG website before visiting if you’re hoping to catch specific flowers.

Keep Exploring

After visiting the RBG Rock Garden, check out these other family adventures on our website:

• Royal Botanical Gardens Visitor Guide
• Things to Do in Burlington with Kids
• Best Family Walks & Hiking Trails in Halton
• Free Summer Fun For Kids
• Spring Activities For Kids
• Free Things to Do in Burlington
• Best Playgrounds in Burlington

The post Visit the RBG Rock Garden: One of Burlington’s Most Beautiful Family Outings appeared first on Active Parents.

Held once a month at participating Home Depot stores across Canada, these popular workshops let children build their own wooden project to take home—completely free. Whether your child dreams of building things, loves crafting or simply enjoys trying something new, these workshops are a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning together.

What Are Home Depot Kids Workshops?

Home Depot Kids Workshops are free monthly DIY building workshops designed especially for children. Each month features a brand-new project, which might include things like:

• Toy vehicles
• Birdhouses
• Pencil holders
• Holiday decorations
• Games
• Tool boxes
• Seasonal crafts

Every child receives a wooden kit and all of the supplies needed to complete their project. Home Depot associates are available to help, but parents stay with their children throughout the activity. The workshops are designed as a family experience rather than a drop-off program.

Who Are the Workshops For?

Home Depot recommends the workshops for children ages 5–12, although younger children can often participate with plenty of adult assistance. Older siblings often enjoy them too—especially if they like building, painting or woodworking. No previous experience is needed.

Why Families Love Them

There are plenty of reasons these workshops have become a favourite with families.

They’re Completely Free

You don’t have to spend a cent to join a workshop, and you come away with a great little project. We’ve had ours in our toy bins for over 10 years now!

Kids Build Confidence

Using simple tools, following instructions and seeing a project come together gives kids a real sense of accomplishment. Many children proudly display their finished creations at home.

It’s Screen-Free Family Time

The workshops encourage parents and kids to work together while creating something with their hands. It’s a great jumping off point for getting kids more involved with home projects.

Every Month Is Different

Because the projects change monthly, families often make these workshops part of their regular routine.

What Happens During the Workshop?

When you arrive, you’ll receive your child’s project kit along with any supplies needed to complete it. Families work at shared tables where children assemble, glue and decorate their projects.

Depending on the store and the month’s project, many children also receive:

• A collectible workshop apron
• A monthly achievement pin
• A certificate of completion

Most families spend 30–60 minutes completing their project, although you’re welcome to work at your own pace.

How to Register

Although the workshops are free, registration is strongly recommended. Registration opens several weeks before each workshop and popular locations often fill up very quickly. Home Depot announces the next registration opening date alongside each upcoming workshop. We’ve noted the key dates below. You’ll want to note these in your calendar.

Booking Tips

• Set a reminder for registration day.
• Be ready a few minutes before registration opens.
• Register as soon as spots become available.
• If your preferred store is full, check nearby locations.

What Should Kids Bring?

The nice thing is, you don’t need much. We recommend bringing:

• Clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy
• A water bottle
• Your child’s excitement!

All of the building materials and tools are provided by Home Depot.

Where Are the Workshops Held?

Kids Workshops take place at participating Home Depot Canada stores across the country. When registering, you’ll be able to choose your preferred location. Tip: have the phone number for your area store(s) handy to make registering fast and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Home Depot Kids Workshops really free?

Yes! The workshops are completely free to attend.

How often are they held?

Workshops are typically held once a month, usually on a Saturday morning.

Can siblings attend?

Absolutely! Just be sure to register each child separately if required.

Can we take the project home?

Yes. Every child takes home the completed project.

Do they fill up?

Yes! And surprisingly fast.

In many Ontario communities, registration can fill within minutes, so we always recommend registering as soon as booking opens. Community discussions regularly mention that spots disappear quickly, especially in larger cities.

Why We Love Home Depot Kids Workshops

I’ve always prided myself on finding our readers free things to do with kids, and these workshops rank high on my list! They’re free, they’re educational and they’re creative. And best of all, kids leave feeling proud of something they built themselves. If you’ve never attended before, it’s definitely worth adding to your family’s monthly calendar.

Ready to Register?

Here is the calendar for future Home Depot Kids Workshops, complete with workshop date and the ever important registration date. The workshops are almost always held on Saturdays. Registration opens a few weeks before, on a Monday at 10:30 am sharp!

More Kid-Friendly Activities

• Free Kids Activities
• Indoor Activities
• Family Events Calendar
• Things to Do on a Rainy Day

The post Home Depot Canada Kids Workshops: Free DIY Fun for Kids Every Month appeared first on Active Parents.

Want to add to our list of things to do in Hamilton this weekend? Or share something to do with kids in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton or Niagara? Use our super simple form here to share your events for free!

Looking For More Summer Fun? Check These Out:

• Cool dinosaur attractions to check out this summer
• These water parks are essential summer destinations
• These area beaches are top-rated by families like yours!

Featured Events This Weekend

The Great Muppet Caper at the Westdale – Sensory-Friendly Screening

The second Muppet adventure finds Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and The Great Gonzo heading to London and working as newspaper reporters on an assignment to interview the wealthy fashion designer Lady Holiday, who is the unwilling victim of a gang of greedy thieves bent on stealing her jewelry. All tickets are just $9.25 per person. Sensory-friendly screening on Friday. Standard screenings on Saturday and Sunday.

Nelson Pool Summer Community Event Nights

Join us every Friday from 4:30-6:30pm for our weekly Community Event Nights — a summer series packed with creativity, laughter, and poolside fun! August 7th is Aquafit Adventure Night Curious about Aquafit? Dive in and give it a try! Enjoy a night full of exciting, themed Aquafit classes. Fun, fitness, and something new to try! 

Things To Do This Weekend With Your Kids

Friday, August 7

Forge FC Star Wars Night – A fan favourite returns as Star Wars Night arrives for a themed matchday experience. Fans are encouraged to arrive in costume and join cosplayers from across the galaxy for a night filled with fun for supporters of all ages.

Hamilton Cardinals Home Game – Come along and support the home team vs Chatham-Kent Barnstormers, Aug 7, 7:30pm, Country Night

Movies in the Park Grimsby – Ratatouille starts at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Get Ready for Kindergarten with HPL – Stories, activities, songs and crafts geared to children starting Kindergarten in September. Ancaster, Waterdown and Valley Park branches.

The Button People Family Show with Mystic Drumz at MPL – Come join this fun, fabulous interactive musical adventure to find the Button People. Embark upon a musical voyage full of rhythm and sound, featuring 30 unique instruments from around the world.

Dinner and Stroll with Alpacas! Outdoor pasta dinner and dessert followed by an after dinner stroll with an alpaca at Joshua Farm Gallery.

The Great Muppet Caper at the Westdale – Sensory-Friendly Screening – The second Muppet adventure finds Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and The Great Gonzo heading to London and working as newspaper reporters on an assignment to interview the wealthy fashion designer Lady Holiday, who is the unwilling victim of a gang of greedy thieves bent on stealing her jewelry.

Community Play Night – Bring the family and enjoy time together during Community Play Night! Join us at River Oaks Community Centre on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 5 to 7:50 p.m. for activities including basketball, creative arts, video games, table tennis, yoga and a police obstacle course with HRPS!

Saturday, August 8

Doors Open Burlington – Discover the stories behind Burlington’s most unique spaces during Doors Open! Visitors can go behind the scenes of local businesses and heritage sites, taking a look at the people and places that help shape our community. All of the participating sites offer FREE admission and onsite activities. 

Oakville Gymnastics Open House – We’re Having an OPEN HOUSE! OGC is inviting you to an Open House full of FREE GYMNASTICS on Saturday.

Bark for Books at HPL – Read aloud to a furry friend to help build interest, confidence and a love for reading.

Rainbow Loom Bracelet Bash at Staples – Loop, Loom & Create! The easy-to-use, hands-on loom that goes everywhere you go. A hands-on crafting event where every kid makes and takes home their own bracelet.

Market Kids Club – Summer Series – Arts Break with Prologue Performing Arts – African Drums. Returning for another incredible Arts Break is Prologue Performing Arts and joining us this week will be Fana Soro and African drums. This bilingual performance (English and French!) is one not to miss. Join us at the Market for festive family friendly music and more!

Cineplex Family Favourites – Weekend plans for the whole gang just got easier! Our Family Favourites program runs movies Saturdays, for only $3.99 plus applicable taxes (in-theatre price). Select theatres only! This week’s feature film is Space Jam.

Wiener Paw Looza Hamilton – Come join us for a fun-filled day of vendor stalls, delicious barbecue, wiener dog races (all dog breeds welcome), costume contests, games, a silent auction and prizes galore!

Indigo Play Days – Join us for a magical LEGO® Disney Castle Make & Take event. Children will enjoy a Disney-themed storytime and build their own LEGO® creation to take home as a special keepsake.

Ice Cream in the Park – Treat yourself to a free ice cream from the Ice Cream Truck and watch Halaloo create a balloon character tailored to your liking and meet our team. Register at www.courtbaxterteam.ca/ice-cream-social

Mandarin Storytime 中文故事会 at OPL – Join us for storytime in Mandarin! We’ll read stories, sing songs, and practice rhymes. Ages 6M-5Y.

Oakville Aquatic Club Tryouts for 2026/2027 Season – OAC is welcoming new swimmers to attend tryouts and discover the next step in their swimming journey.

Sunday, August 9

Free Family Open Studio at the AGB – Celebrate heritage, imagination and the power of storytelling through art this spring! This season of free family-friendly programming is inspired by artist Roda Medhat’s immersive sculptural environment. Our knowledgeable artist-instructors will be present to offer guidance and support to develop new ideas, or you are welcome to explore independently and create in your own unique way.

Superhero Fun at Duran Place for Kids – Interactive activities with Spidey and a keepsake photo.

Train Days with the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers – Catch a ride on a miniature train, operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers! The Museum of Steam & Technology will also be free offering self guided tours of the Boiler house and Pumphouse. For extra fun our activity center will feature crafts and games for the whole family.

Hot Off The Presses!

Catch up on what we’ve been sharing this week! Here are our latest articles, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.

• 
  Where To Go Horseback Riding Near Hamilton, Halton, Brantford, Niagara
• 
  12+ Beautiful Beaches That Families Love Near Burlington and Hamilton (Updated For 2026)
• 
  Visit FREE This Summer: H.M.C.S. Haida: Canada’s “Fightingest Ship”
• 
  Free Things To Do With Kids This Month!

The post Things To Do With Kids This Weekend: August 7-9, 2026 appeared first on Active Parents.

In this guide, you will find:

• French classes near me
• Spanish classes near me
• Public speaking classes
• Tutors are in this guide

Looking for more lessons and extracurricular programs for kids? Find them all here.

If you teach a children or teen program and would like to be included in our list, add your business here.

French Classes, Language Programs and Public Speaking Classes For Kids

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Title (desc)

Oxford Learning Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek

Visit their website

JK-Grade 6

Oxford Learning Stoney Creek presents camps that are so much fun they won't notice they're learning! Each week of the summer, we will feature a different theme, including Nature Science, Arts and Crafts Around the World, Dinosaurs, Superheroes, and Animal Safari. Camps will run 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Weekly fee is $300, but discounts are available if you enrol multiple children or for multiple weeks. Aftercare until 5pm is available for $50 per week. Camps are already filling up, so call us at 905-664-9449 or email stoneycreek@oxfordlearning today!

Dates and Times

9 am – 3 pm

Pricing

Weekly fee is $300, but discounts are available if you enrol multiple children or for multiple weeks. Aftercare until 5pm is available for $50 per week.

Brain Power

Hamilton

Brain Power Enrichment Programs offers after-school academic enrichment classes for high-potential students in Grades 1-12. Classes to choose from include Language Arts, Math & Problem Solving, and Public Speaking. Brain Power's small-group classes are often led by PhD instructors, who are experts in their fields. 

BrightSparkz Tutors Canada

Hamilton

BrightSparkz is a proudly female-led and female-run learning company! An extremely dedicated group of individuals striving to provide Canadian families with exceptional learning support services and attracting and training tutors of exceptional quality.

Les Petites Pommes

Hamilton

Award-winning Les Petites Pommes specializes in creating programming and a curriculum that helps students learn and practice French.

Maleta Books

Oakville

Offers a variety of programs in Spanish. Check out their Spanish book club, music and violin lessons, plus language programs for preschool-aged kids. 

OAKLearning Centres Camps

483 Dundas St W #215, Oakville, L6M 4M2

Our mission is to enable young learners to become competent and confident students, hence, to unleash their full potential in learning. We strive to help students form good learning habits and strengthen their core academic skills. We also take pride in inspiring students to explore further STEM areas through our world-renowned robotic courses and camps. 

Summit Ridge Academy

Burlington

Teacher founded and run tutoring agency, providing group or one-to-one individualized, strategic and engaging programming for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.

The post Where To Learn French, Spanish, Public Speaking And More appeared first on Active Parents.

As soon as your little ones can crawl they can take a gymnastics class! It’s true! Once kids are mobile they can start tumbling and gymnastics classes in Milton. Parent and tot classes are the first step, then they can move on and progress through gymnastics classes and more.

Looking for more lessons, classes and programs for kids? Find them all here.

If you teach a kid’s program and would like to be included in our list, add your business here.

Kids Tumbling, Ninja Warrior and Gymnastics Classes in Milton

The post Milton’s Gymnastics, Tumbling, Ninja Classes For Kids appeared first on Active Parents.

Ninja warrior classes and tumbling classes are high energy activities perfect for kids who bounce off the walls at home. Children will learn how to safely move their bodies over and through obstacles, and they’ll love every second of it!

Looking for a class that combines energetic tumbling and the music of dance? Try a cheer program! Find them all here.

If you teach a swim program and would like to be included in our list, add your business here.

Oakville Gymnastics Classes, Tumbling and Ninja Warrior Programs

The post Gymnastics and Tumbling Classes in Oakville For Kids appeared first on Active Parents.

In addition to the physicality, these martial arts classes off a free trial classes or a free trial week. Instructors at these Oakville martial arts classes want to make sure your child love the classes before you have to commit.

Looking for more lessons and extracurricular programs for kids? Find them all here.

If you teach a kids martial arts program and would like to be included in our list, add your business here.

Oakville Martial Arts Classes For Kids

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Not sure if your child will like kids martial arts classes? Almost every dojo offers a free trial class or week so you can get a feel for the program and make a decision.

Looking for more classes and extracurricular programs for kids? Find them all here.

If you teach a martial arts program and would like to be included in our list, add your business here.

Martial Arts Classes For Kids in Milton

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We include all of the culinary programs for kids that we find to give you the widest array of providers to choose from. These cooking schools offer learn-to-cook lessons for kids and adults alike, so please share with anyone you know that is looking for a culinary class for their child.

Our list includes online cooking classes and in-person programs. The guide has cooking classes in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and Milton.

Try everything! This is our massive list of programs for kids – what will your kids try today?

Looking for Summer, PA Day, March Break or Winter Break camps? We have them all in one spot.

If you teach a cooking class for kids and would like to be included in our list, add your business here because it’s free to be included in our guides!

Kid’s Cooking Classes: Hamilton, Halton and Niagara

The post Cooking Classes For Kids appeared first on Active Parents.

This list of kids martial arts classes highlights dojos and studios offering beginner classes, belt progression programs, after-school sessions, and summer camps. Instructors focus on respect, personal growth, and safety while helping kids stay active and motivated.

If you’re searching for “Martial Arts For Kids in Burlington” this guide makes it easy to find local programs that are fun, supportive, and skill-building.

Looking for more lessons and extracurricular programs for kids? Find them all here.

If you teach a martial arts classes for kids and would like to be included in our list, add your business here.

Martial Arts For Kids in Burlington

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