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Children and Families

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HomePrograms & EventsChildren and Families

Children and Families

Looking for fun things to do with the kids?  We offer free programs and activities for children of all ages.  All our children and family programs are free unless otherwise specified.

SPRING PROGRAMS 


June Family Art (All Ages)

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy!  Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration each week on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or Mondays from 4:30-7 p.m.


Primary Party: Skip Into Summer (Ages 6-8)

Get ready to hop, skip, and jump your way into summer!  Our Skipping Program is designed for primary-aged children to develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence through jump rope games and activities. Whether you're a pro or just starting out, this program offers a playful environment to develop physical and early literacy skills and make new friend!  Join us on Tuesday, June 24th from 6-7 p.m. in the Library Program Rooms.  Skipping ropes will be provided.

REGISTER NOW. (An up-to-date library card is required to attend.)


SUMMER PROGRAMS


TD Summer Reading Club Registration (Ages 0-13)

TD Summer Reading Club is Canada's biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities.  We are looking forward to another summer of reading adventures, fun library programs, and awesome prizes.  Kick Off Week is July 2-5: Sign-up this week for the TD Summer Reading Club and earn an instant prize!

  1. Register in the Library's Family Department anytime between July 2-31 to participate! Use your official SRC logbook to track your summer of reading.
  2. Read for fun!  We'll work together to find books to spark each participant's imagination and love of reading.
  3. Come back weekly to tell us about your books, collect stickers, and earn ballots to enter exciting prize draws!  

Party in the Park: TD SRC Kick-Off (All Ages)

Join Library staff for our Summer Reading Club Kick-Off Party at Couchiching Beach Park!  Visit our booth to register for the Summer Reading Club and enjoy a fun night with a Storywalk and crafts!  All families welcome to drop by on Thursday, July 3 between 5-7 p.m.!  Meet us near the Rotary Train!


TD Summer Reading Club Weekly Programs (July 7-August 16)

MONDAYS: Family Movie Night (All Ages) 6-7:30 p.m.

Bring your blankets for an “Around the World” INDOOR Family Movie Night!  Join us on a cinematic journey with movies from the continents of the world paired with Makerspace crafts & delicious snacks. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. in our Library Program Rooms.  Registration is not required but space is limited.     

  • July 7: Luca (95 minutes; rated G)

  • July 14: Encanto (99 minutes; rated G)

  • July 21: Madagascar 2 (89 minutes; rated G)

  • July 28: Kung Fu Panda 4 (94 minutes; rated G)

  • August 4: LIBRARY CLOSED

  • August 11: Finding Dory (97 minutes; rated G)

TUESDAYS: Makerspace Habitat Lab (Ages 5+) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Drop-in to the Makerspace (on the second floor) each week, from July 8-August 16. We’ll build a hands-on project to help you learn more about habitats around the world! Build your project during the drop-in sessions, then take it home and test it using the scientific method! A new project will be offered each week. The same project will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday of that week. 

TUESDAYS: In The Park (All Ages) 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join OPL staff "In The Park" for mornings full of books, songs, activities, and crafts with a different weekly theme! All ages are welcome to this drop-in program held every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Please check OPL's social media for weather-related updates.)

  • July 8: Teddy Bear Picnic at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West)
  • July 15: Messy Art (Dress for Mess) at Couchiching Beach Park (140 Canice St. Meet at Rotary Train area)
  • July 22: Splish and Splash! at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West)
  • July 29: Machines and More! at Couchiching Beach Park (140 Canice St. Meet at Rotary Train area)
  • August 5: Around the World! at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West)
  • August 12: Silly Stories at Couchiching Beach Park (140 Canice St. Meet at Rotary Train area)

TUESDAYS: Six-Week Reading Circle* (Grades 1-4) 2-3 p.m.

Boost your confidence in reading at this fun, social program for children entering Grades 1-4 in the Fall of 2025.  Explore new stories, make new friends, and enjoy literacy-based activities. Please note, this program does not provide 1-on-1 literacy support or tutoring.

 

This 6-week program session runs every Tuesday from July 8-August 12 in the Family Program Room. Please register; a current library card is required. 

*Registration open on Tuesday, July 2nd at 10 a.m. 

WEDNESDAYS: Makerspace Habitat Lab (Ages 5+) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Drop-in to the Makerspace (on the second floor) each week, from July 8-August 16. We’ll build a hands-on project to help you learn more about habitats around the world! Build your project during the drop-in sessions, then take it home and test it using the scientific method! A new project will be offered each week. The same project will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday of that week. 

WEDNESDAYS: Beach Babies (0-2 years) 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Oh, baby, it’s time for some fun in the sun! Join us each week for stories, songs, and sensory fun at Couchiching Beach Park near the Rotary Train area! No registration required! 

  • July 9: Mini Musicians
  • July 16: Birthday Party
  • July 23: Messy Babies (Dress for Mess)
  • July 30: Outdoor Explorers
  • August 6: Parachute Party
  • August 13: Around the World

WEDNESDAYS: Primary Party* (Ages 5-8) 2-3 p.m.

Primary students, pack your passports for a world of wonder—science in space, candy kingdoms, secret spy missions, and sporty challenges await!  Join us for art, games, and global summer fun.  

  • July 9: Wonders of the World
  • July 16: Candy Compass
  • July 23: Globe Trotting Games
  • July 30: Science Across the Sphere
  • August 6: Carnival Madness - World Tour
  • August 13: Spy Kids - Around The World

*Online registration opens two weeks before each event date. A current library card is required.

WEDNESDAYS: Tween Quest* (Ages 9-13) 2-3:30 p.m.

Tween adventurers, get ready to travel the globe – no passport required!  Each session explores the wonders of our world through art, science, games and epic activities. So, pack your imagination, and prepare for a journey of discovery! 

  • July 9: Travel Totes
  • July 16: Tropical STEAM
  • July 23: Keiki Wai Wave @ Victoria Park
  • July 30: Madagascar Mania
  • August 6: Secret Surprise
  • August 13: Amazing Race

*Online registration opens two weeks before each event date. A current library card is required.

THURSDAYS: Explorer Academy (All Ages) 10-11:30 a.m.

It might be summer break, but there’s no other school in the world like Explorer Academy! Adventure, danger, and far-off lands await while we train to become the next generation of great explorers.  Visit the Family Dept. every Thursday between 10-11:30 a.m. to explore a new adventure AND leave the mess here!  No registration required. 

  • July 10: Lost at Sea - Shipwrecks Around the World
  • July 17: Buried in Sand - Discover the Secrets of the Desert
  • July 24: Polar Explorers - An Icy Expedition at the Library
  • July 31: In the Jungle - A Wild Library Safari
  • August 7: Fire and Flowers - Volcanoes & Rainforests of Hawaii
  • August 14: Down Under - The Outback & the Great Barrier Reef     

THURSDAYS: Family Fun (Ages 4+) 2-3 p.m.

Gear up for a family adventure full of exciting games, creative crafts, and thrilling challenges! Join us in the Library Program Rooms for a new quest each week. No sign-up is required, but space is limited.  

  • July 10: BINGO
  • July 17: Amazing Race
  • July 24: Green Screen & Ice Cream
  • July 31: Craft Battle
  • August 7: Jigsaw Puzzle Race
  • August 14: Minute to Win It

FRIDAYS: Family Art (All Ages) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Visit the Family Dept. each week for self-guided crafts and activities! Try new crafts each week and leave the mess behind! Let your creativity run wild! Fridays and Saturdays of each week will include the same craft project.

  • July 11: Sensational String
  • July 18: Insect Invasion
  • July 25: Dots and Bubbles
  • August 1: Beautiful Birds
  • August 8: Fun in the Sun
  • August 15: Fish Frenzy

SATURDAYS: Makerspace Habitat Lab (Ages 5+) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Drop-in to the Makerspace (on the second floor) each week, from July 8-August 16. We’ll build a hands-on project to help you learn more about habitats around the world! Build your project during the drop-in sessions, then take it home and test it using the scientific method! A new project will be offered each week. The same project will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday of that week. 

SATURDAYS: Family Art (All Ages) 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Visit the Family Dept. each week for self-guided crafts and activities! Try new crafts each week and leave the mess behind! Let your creativity run wild! Fridays and Saturdays of each week will include the same craft project.   

  • July 12: Sensational String
  • July 19: Insect Invasion
  • July 26: Dots and Bubbles
  • August 2: Beautiful Birds
  • August 9: Fun in the Sun
  • August 16: Fish Frenzy

TD Summer Reading Club: Super Reader Week (Ages 0-13)

During the week of August 18-23, come celebrate your hard work with your final summer report and earn an instant SUPER READER prize!  

Last day to report is August 23.


Dan the Music Man: TD SRC Wrap Party (All Ages)

Calling all kids and kids at heart!  Celebrate the end of the TD Summer Reading Club with a musical extravaganza!  Join Dan the Music Man, one of Canada's favourite family performers, songwriters and recording artists, for a musical adventure that will warm your heart, stretch your imagination and find your funny bone!  This free TD SRC Wrap Party will be held on Tuesday, August 19th from 2-3 p.m. in the Library Courtyard. No registration required, everyone welcome!


UPCOMING EARLY LITERACY PROGRAMS & STORYTIMES

Find out more information on our upcoming Early Literacy Programs and Storytimes.

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