The end of the school year is a perfect opportunity to surprise your “class” with an awesome field trip! Weeks of planning aren’t required. Just pick a subject that they love (or maybe one that you’d like them to enjoy a little more) and build an activity around it. After all, hasn’t everyone earned a chance to blow off a little steam? Bonus points if they happen to learn a little something at the same time!


The Subject: HISTORY
The Field Trip: Take a Picnic Back in Time

Hamilton Halton Brant’s heritage sites offer the perfect backdrop for an outdoor midday meal enjoyed on the storied grounds where important moments in Canadian history took place. While the buildings on the grounds may still be closed to visitors, exploring the outdoor spaces is a fun way to spend a June or July afternoon.


The Subject: BIOLOGY
The Field Trip: Birding For Beginners

Set out for an afternoon of birdwatching. If you’re worried your kids won’t do well being quiet and still, do things a little differently. Make the activity more active by sending kids searching at a local park or conservation area with a birdwatching bucket list. Include things on the list like finding interesting feathers and pieces of eggshell on the ground and spotting nests, potential predators and specific bird types. If splash pads have reopened in your community, score bonus points with your budding bird watchers and let them enjoy a “bird bath” of their own on the way home!


The Subject: FRENCH
The Field Trip: Set the Scene For A Parisian Brunch and a Movie

Treat your favourite students to a little taste of the French life at home with this fun activity.  Stock up on flakey croissants from your favourite local bakery, fresh strawberries from a local farm, a selection of cheeses and sparkling grape juice. When your “class” wakes up in the morning, have a vase of fresh flowers on the table and French music playing. Tell them instead of their regular school routine you’re taking them to Paris for the morning. Treat them to a feast in front of the television and watch the Disney classic, Ratatouille. Bonus points if you watch the movie in French!


The Subject: PHYSICS
The Field Trip: A Supersized Sink or Float Experiment

While sink or float is often one of the first science experiments that students tackle at the kindergarten water table, it’s fun for older kids too. Have kids fill a container with objects of varying sizes, shapes, weights and materials. Instead of having them carry out the experiment in the kitchen sink, take them to a local park or conservation area with a lake, stream or pond where they’ll be able to safely place and retrieve the objects. For the ultimate surprise, after the experiment treat them to their very own floating experience. For younger kids, opt for an afternoon ride in a canoe or rowboat at a conservation area. For older kids, consider a stand-up paddleboard rental on Lake Ontario or a kayak or raft trip down the Grand River.

What other ideas do you have for unexpected field trips? Don’t forget to share the fun you find with us by tagging your pictures on social media with #stayandplayinhhb.

 

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Now thru December 31

Sketching Thursdays

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6

Now thru December 31

Artist for a Day

studio k2

270 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 6N4

Our experiences are offered in studio at The Cotton Factory in Hamilton, ON

December 28

Paint Nite: Crisp Winter Lake

Myra's Bar & Grill (Best Western Brantford Hotel), 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford, ON

Date & Time: Dec 28th, 6:30pm Price: $45.00 + Taxes Supplies Provided

Now thru January 6

Leisure – Having Ideas by Handling Materials by Meredith Carruthers and Susannah Wesley

Oakville Galleries

1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON, L6J 1L6

Exhibition Period: June 3rd, 2023 till Jan 6th, 2024

Now thru January 6

Light Up the Night

Towne Square, 94 George Street, Oakville

Date & Time: Nov 17th, 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Now thru December 31

360 VR Experience

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

3 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 6 flyer(s) 2 flights + 1 addtional...

Now thru December 31

Paintball

Cameron Speedway & Amusements

2633 Upper James Street, Mount Hope, ON, L0R 1W0

Prices vary, pre-booking online is suggested, online waiver must be filled out

Now thru December 31

Self-Guided Group Tours

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6

Groups of 10 or more, please contact Nicole Knibb in advance: knibbn@mcmaster.ca

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Art Retreats

studio k2

156 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 5X2

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Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

Now thru December 31

Portfolio, Teen and Adult Classes at the Tenaglia School of Art and Portfolio Building

The Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios

515 Main Street, Glen Williams (Halton Hills), ON, L7G 3S9

Contact to book. E: sheri@sheritenaglia.com T: 905-873-3220 W: www.sheritenaglia.com

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