Browse Oakville Museum programs
Winter programs
Crafting Valentine Traditions (Parented)
February 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
For ages 4 to 12 plus adults
From cards and candy to Cupid and his bow, explore popular Valentine's Day traditions from the past. Create a card and a gift for your special Valentine.
Family Day
Monday, February 16 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Join us for a free, fun, family-friendly afternoon at the Oakville Museum! Registration for timed activities opens February 14.
Timed activities:
- Take a guided tour of Erchless Estate. Learn about Oakville's founding family and gain insight into the town’s past, including a fascinating glimpse into Oakville's Black History. Available every half hour from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Maple Leaf Yarn Weaving Craft: Learn a traditional weaving technique to create a woven textile with a guest artist. This is a parented workshop for ages 5 to 12. Available at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Drop-in activities include self-guided exhibits plus:
- Meet the Neighbours Architecture Scavenger Hunt: Walk through Old Oakville using the clues provided. Complete the scavenger hunt for a prize!
- Family Character Scrapbook Craft: Create fun scrapbook characters to share the unique story of your family.
March Break Craft Workshops
March 17 to 20 from 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Location: Coach House
For ages 6 to 10
Create fun and unique craft projects inspired by our collection. Visit the museum and tour historic Erchless Estate.
Register for the Tuesday, March 17 Workshop
Register for the Wednesday, March 18 Workshop
March Break Craft and Tour
March 17 to 20 at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
For ages 4 to 12 plus adults
Staying local this March Break? Join us to create a special craft with your child. Then enjoy a guided tour of the Museum.
Yoga - Introduction
Tuesdays starting March 31 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Tuesdays starting May 5 from 10 to 11 a.m.
For ages 18 and older
Are you new to yoga or looking to unwind? Discover the power of deep relaxation and learn various poses and forms.
Movement, Mindfulness and Meditation
Tuesdays starting March 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Tuesdays starting May 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
For ages 18 and older
Learn gentle yoga poses and calming breathing exercises. Guided meditation will make up most of the class.
Summer camp at the Museum
Our week-long camps run July and August from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A half day mini camp for Tots ages 4 to 5 runs from September 1 to 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Program descriptions are provided after the weekly schedules.
Registration starts on Tuesday, February 24 at 7 a.m.
Weekly themes
Week 1 – June 29-July 3
- Incredible Insects, Ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 (no camp July 1)
Week 2 – July 6-10
- Museum Mystery, Ages 6 to 7
- Curtain Call, Ages 7 to 9
Week 3 – July 13-17
- Where Science Meets Art, Ages 8 to 9
- Curtain Call, Ages 10 to 12
Week 4 – July 20-24
- Curtain Call, Ages 7 to 9
- Design and Architecture Camp, Ages 10 to 12
Week 5 – July 27-31
- Take Part Art, Ages 4 to 5
- Curtain Call, Ages 10 to 12
Week 6 – August 4-7
- Buildings in Your Town, Ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 (No camp August 3)
Week 7 – August 10-14
- Fashion and Design, Ages 8 to 9
- Curtain Call, Ages 10 to 12
Week 8 – August 17-21
- Curtain Call, Ages 7 to 9
- What's in a Museum, Ages 8 to 9
Week 9 – August 24-28
- Inventor's Workshop, Ages 6 to 7 and 8 to 9
Camp descriptions
Buildings in your Town
Ages 4 to 5, 6 to 7 and 8 to 9
Discover amazing buildings and places that make up your town! Meet our neighbours in the Old Oakville heritage district. As a kid architect, build structures and create your own city inspired by the amazing places we’ll visit.
Curtain Call
Ages 7 to 9 and 10 to 12
Step on stage to discover the power of your creative voice by learning the basic elements of drama through games, mime, improvisation, and storytelling. A specialized instructor will introduce campers to fundamental theatre skills while exploring their imagination and developing self-confidence. Create a unique piece of theatre that will be performed on the last day for family to enjoy! Camp days will be balanced with fun recreational activities. Campers must be able to participate on the final day.
Design and Architecture Camp
Ages 10 to 12
Learn how architecture shapes our world and influences our lives. See unique designs from the past in the Old Oakville heritage district. Meet guest speakers who are experts in the field. Express your own vision through futuristic designs of our town!
Fashion and Design Camp
Ages 8 to 9
Explore design and fashion through the ages! Get up close and personal with our costume and textile collection. Try various craft techniques such as weaving, dyeing and stitching to design and create unique projects. Meet guest speakers who are experts in the field.
Incredible Insects
Ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7
Search for insects as you explore our natural site. Learn about native pollinators who help our gardens grow! Play fun games, make crafty critters, and create beautiful art inspired by our buggy friends. Make your own cabinet of curiosity to showcase your insect findings.
Inventor’s Workshop
Ages 6 to 7 and 8 to 9
Join us for a week of curiosity, experiments and imagination! Be inspired by the inventions of the Chisholm family to tinker and create your own. Participate in fun invention challenges and team up to create inventive solutions!
Museum Mystery
Ages 6 to 7 and 8 to 9
Calling all detectives! Hone your investigative skills and unravel the mysteries of Oakville’s past. Crack the code, track the evidence, and solve intriguing puzzles during this awesome week of sleuthing.
Outdoor Adventures at Erchless Estate
Ages 4 to 5
Explore natural diversity at Erchless Estate. Learn about our water systems and discover wildlife and native plants to gain an appreciation for our natural world. There will be lots of nature exploration and arts and crafts inspired by your daily investigations!
Take Part Art
Ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7
Explore the world of art at your local museum! Dive into exciting activities like drawing, painting, and sculpture. This interactive program combines history with creativity, offering an engaging journey through art and discovery.
Mini Take Part Art, a 3-day half day camp, is offered September 1 to 3 from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 4 to 5.
What’s in a Museum?
Ages 6 to 7 and 8 to 9
Let our fascinating artifacts spark your curiosity and creativity! Themes from science, natural history, local heritage and more will uncover stories from near and far. Join us for hands-on exploration, crafts and classic camp games!
Where Science meets Art
Ages 8 to 9
Illustrate nature while learning basic scientific principles. Our stunning lakeside gardens are the perfect background to explore. Try out various art mediums to create your masterpiece.
Museum tours
Oakville Museum guided tours
Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
General admission by donation
Join our expert staff for a fun and fast-paced guided tour of the beautiful Erchless Estate. Learn about the Chisholms, Oakville's founding family who called the museum home for six generations. Gain insight into the history of the town and Oakville's Black History.
Walk-in visits and guided tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For groups of 10 or more, please contact us to confirm group rate and availability. Group tours must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance.