The theme for the Family Day festivities was “Canada at 150”, said Lisette Weber, Program & Events Assistant at the museum.
The second floor Programming Room was packed with parents and children enjoying a variety of crafts and games set up for the day. Weber estimated over 200 adults and children visited the Museum, noting that there were both first-time visitors and members.
“It’s been busy, despite having to compete with the weather,” she said, referring to the unusually sunny days Guelph has experienced this Family Day weekend.
Children cut and pasted paper Lego figures, designing their own family members on paper. Others enjoyed adding their names to the Canadian family tree that was on display. Games were set up throughout the room, with parents teaching their children the rules to Crokinole, which was invented in Perth County.
Makin’ Faces Face Painting offered their artistic services, with children waiting patiently for their turn.
The rest of the building was also busy. Families enjoyed the Canadians & Fresh Water exhibit, which continues until Sept. 10, and other current exhibitions and galleries.
The Children’s Gallery was bustling with children who were playing with the many interactive activities offered.
Staff at the Guelph Civic Museum noted that Family Day is often a busy day for the museum, however, March Break seems to be one of their most popular weeks of the year.
This year the museum is organizing a daily special guest from Monday to Friday during the week of March Break, with each guest presenting at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The theme for this year is H2GO to the Museum, said Weber. Each daily presentation will include a tie-in to the theme of water, with their own unique spin and speciality.
The lineup includes: Brad Woods, a local storyteller and musician; Scoop McCoy, a magician that offers interactive magic shows for children; Let’s Talk Science, the University of Guelph’s educational and interactive children’s science experts; The Children’s Art Factory, Guelph's popular destination for messy and fun artistic exploration; and Sciensational Sssnakes, hands-on educators of all things reptile and amphibian.
Check the Guelph Civic Museum website for more details about the various March Break events, as well the daily March Break camp offered this year.
