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- July 3-9 (Durham)
July 3-9 (Durham)
Kids are officially done school and you may be looking for free summer fun for all ages! Durham Region's outdoor adventures are calling with community festivals and animal shelter fundraisers, kite flying at historical centres and science experiments under the stars. This week offers everything from lakeside splash pad fun to theatrical workshops, with beaches, parks, and library programs scattered across Pickering to Port Perry - plenty of options to keep everyone entertained.
In today's newsletter:
🎪 Clarington Community Fest and Paws for a Cause fundraiser
🪁 Kite Day and Saturday S'mores science adventures
🎭 Kids in the Square performances and library workshops
💙 Bluey Playtime Party at Indigo locations
🏖️ Lakeside splash pads and beach destinations
Have feedback, suggestions, or know of an event we missed? Simply reply directly to this newsletter - we read every message and love hearing from our community!
COMMUNITY FESTIVALS & FUNDRAISERS
🎪 Clarington Community Fest
Saturday, July 5 | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Durham Ultimate Fitness Club, Bowmanville | FREE
First Annual Clarington Community Festival featuring a day of fun, music, food, and community spirit in support of Special Olympics Ontario! Enjoy 20+ local vendors, food trucks, beer area, family zone with activities for all ages, live band, plus silent auction & raffle with all proceeds going to Special Olympics Ontario.
🐕 Paws for a Cause: Pickering Animal Shelter Fundraiser
Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | RONA Pickering parking lot | FREE
Join your Pickering community for a fun-filled day supporting the Pickering Animal Shelter! This family-friendly event helps raise funds for animals in need—because every dollar helps save a paw! Meet fellow animal lovers, enjoy free hotdogs & drinks for humans, participate in RONA Kids Workshop and Games, plus community spirit, raffles, and more!
SPLASH PADS & BEACHES
🏖️ Kiwanis Heydenshore Park, Playground & Splash Pad
Summer months Daily | Kiwanis Heydenshore Park, Whitby | FREE
Lakeside green space with beach, playground, splash pad, plus outdoor exercise equipment! Perfect for summer birthday parties.
🔥 Hot Tip: Picnic shelters and gazebos available to rent May 1 - October 5. Call 905-668-7765 for booking.
🏖️ Lakeview Park Beach
Summer months Daily | Lakeview Park Beach, Oshawa | FREE
Sandy beach with picnic tables, playgrounds, splash pads, water park, and zip line for kids! Lifeguards on duty at East beach from 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM (third Monday in June until Labour Day).
🔥 Hot Tip: For safety, only swim in supervised areas. West beach is not supervised by lifeguards.
🏖️ Victoria Beach (Cobourg)
Summer months Daily | 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Victoria Beach, Cobourg | FREE
Perfect roadtrip destination! Features picnic areas, food trucks, washrooms, two playgrounds, splash pad, and foot bath area.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & ACTIVITIES
🪁 Kite Day at the Uxbridge Historical Centre
Saturday, July 5 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Uxbridge Historical Centre | FREE
Free kite flying fun with donations appreciated! Perfect outdoor family activity in scenic Uxbridge.
🔬 Saturday S'mores: Super Science
Saturday, July 5 (first Saturdays in the summer) | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Pickering Museum Village | $31.50
Includes admission for two adults and up to three children. Children 3 and under are free. Evening science fun with s'mores!
🔥 Hot Tip: Entrance and parking at Gate 3 - 3550 Greenwood Road, Pickering.
CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT
🎪 Kids in the Square: Up, Up and Away! Mad Science Experiment
Tuesday, July 8 | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Pat Bayly Square, Ajax | FREE
Mad Science experiments for the whole family! Upcoming shows include Magic Show (July 22), Foam Party (August 5), and Taylor Swift tribute (August 19).
🔥 Hot Tip: Bring your own lawn chair for outdoor comfort!
💙 Bluey Playtime Party
Saturday, July 5 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Indigo Oshawa Centre & Indigo Ajax | $5 plus fees
Join the fun as Bluey's world comes to life with toy demos, temporary tattoos, and storytime! Ages 3+. Each child receives a $5 gift card for Indigo/Chapters/Coles. Almost sold out - get tickets now!
Locations: Indigo Oshawa Centre: 419 King St W Unit #1135, Oshawa & Indigo Ajax: 90 Kingston Rd E, Ajax
CAMPS & OUTDOOR PLAY
⛺ Park and Play: Camp Scugog
Monday, July 7 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Multiple parks across Scugog Township | FREE
First come, first serve with maximum 20 participants per location. Different park each day:
Mondays: Ianson Park, Greenbank
Tuesdays: Palmer Park, Port Perry
Wednesdays: Seagrave Park
Thursdays: Apple Valley Park, Port Perry
Fridays: Pioneer Park, Blackstock
🔥 Hot Tip: This event runs weekly from July 7 to August 22. Parent/guardian must sign children in, complete waiver, and stay within 10 minutes with mobile phone access. Program closed for lunch 12-1 PM with no supervision.
LIBRARY PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS
🐻 Bears of the World
Thursday, July 3 | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Whitby Public Library - Rossland Branch | FREE
Learn about different bear species from around the world through interactive storytelling, facts, and activities. Educational program designed for JK-SK students to explore wildlife and nature. Register online, in person, or by calling any library location.
🎭 Acting for Film, TV and Theatre Workshop
Thursday, July 3 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Pickering Public Library | FREE
Aspiring actors can learn the fundamentals of performing for different mediums including film, television, and live theatre. Workshop covers techniques, tips, and hands-on practice for Grade 10-12 students. Registration closes July 3rd at 7 PM.
🔬 STEAM Workshop: Optical Illusions
Monday, July 7 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Bowmanville Library | $7 plus tax
Explore the fascinating world of optical illusions through hands-on science experiments and art projects. Kids in Grades 3-6 will create their own illusion artwork while learning about how our eyes and brain work together. Part of the TD Summer Reading Club programming.
🎨 Paper Collage Art & Fun!
Tuesday, July 8 | 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM | Courtice Library | $5 plus tax
Creative evening workshop where kids in Grades 2-6 can explore different textures, colors, and materials to create unique paper collage masterpieces. All supplies provided for this hands-on art experience.
🧪 Dystopian Survival School
Wednesday, July 9 | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Oshawa Public Library - McLaughlin Branch | FREE
Teens ages 13-18 can learn essential survival skills in this engaging workshop. Discover how to navigate challenging situations, problem-solve, and think critically about resource management. Perfect for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone interested in practical life skills. Registration required.
🌿 Summer Drop in Day: Magical Nature
Wednesday, July 9 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Ajax Public Library - Audley Branch | FREE
Weekly drop-in program running Wednesdays through August 20th, featuring nature-themed activities, crafts, and exploration. Each week has a different magical nature theme for families to discover together. Perfect for curious kids who love the outdoors! Check website for weekly theme details.
SAFETY & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
🏠 Stay Safe: Alone at Home Course
Tuesday, July 8 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Whitby Public Library - Brooklin Branch | $70
Important safety course for Grades 4-8. Registration required.
🚗 Kids Safety Village - Summer Drop In
Tuesday-Thursday beginning July 8th Starting Tuesday, July 8 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Kids Safety Village Durham, Whitby | FREE
Donations welcome. Interactive safety learning for all families.
COMING UP NEXT WEEK (JULY 10-16)
🚛 Port Perry Touch a Truck - Friday, July 11 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Port Perry Fairgrounds | FREE | Expanded Kids Fun Zone included
📚 Thank Goodness It's Summer Teen Reading Challenge Launch Party - Friday, July 11 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Esplanade Park, Pickering | FREE | Ages 13-19, snacks provided
🍖 Kidfest @ Whitby Ribfest - Saturday, July 12 & Sunday, July 13 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Whitby Victoria Fields | FREE | Spot the Dog visits Sunday afternoon
📖 TD Summer Reading Club Kick-Off Party - Saturday, July 5 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Grades 1-4) & 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Grades 5-7) | Uxbridge Library | FREE | Culture pass collection available
✈️ Fly-In Story Time - Monday, July 15 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Oshawa Library - Delpark Homes Centre Branch | FREE | Aviation-themed family storytime
🎨 Critter Portraits - Monday, July 15 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Brock Library - Sunderland Branch | FREE | Creative art program for SK - Grade 6
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