How’s your summer going? (And where the heck did July go?) Plan some fun days and nights out with the kids at these family-friendly events in Thunder Bay this August. And check out these ideas about free anytime outings too!
August 6
CP Canada 150 Train, Marina Park, Bobby Curtola Drive
It’s train time! A special CP train with a 1958 locomotive and restored heritage cars makes its TBay stop from 3-6pm. The stage car features world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand and country music star Dean Brody. And there will be kid-friendly activities like decorating a conductor’s hat and a mosaic on the side of one of the railcars.
More info CP on Facebook
August 6-7
Festa Italiana, Italian Cultural Centre
Did someone say Italian food, a watermelon-eating contest and fireworks? The Festa Italiana offers lots of good food, music and entertainment, plus children’s activities too.
More info Italian Cultural Centre on Facebook
August 9-13
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE), CLE buildings and grounds
For 127 years, families have been making the CLE part of their summer fun. Take your pick from 39 midway rides, live music on the main stage, fireworks, cooking demos, a creative arts contest, a petting zoo, plenty of kid-friendly activities and stations and of course that deluxe fair food.
More info www.cle.on.ca
August 12
Kids’ Craft Day, Founders’ Museum and Pioneer Village
Take a short trip down the highway and into the past at the Pioneer Village, where kids can make rag dolls, kites, bird feeders, slime and more. Admission by donation.
More info Founders' Museum and Pioneer Village on Facebook
August 12
Family of Dragons Festival, Boulevard Lake
Head to Boulevard for a day of cheering on dragonboat races, trying out other paddlesports, visiting the food vendors and doing kids’ activities.
More info www.paddlesport.org
August 18, 19, 25, 26
Movie Nights on the Waterfront, Marina Park
Movie Nights on the Waterfront is back, with free outdoor showings at Marina Park, starting at sunset. Bring your folding chairs and blankets to see Finding Dory (August 18), Secret Life of Pets (August 19), Batman Lego Movie (August 25) and Over the Hedge (August 26).
More info www.thunderbay.ca
August 18-20
Murillo Fair, Murillo Fairgrounds
Celebrating its 126th year, the Murillo Fair has a little bit of everything: plenty of crazy fair food, horse skill competitions, live music, a children’s centre with face painting, a scavenger hunt and candy jar guesses, a chance to visit prize-winning farm animals and exhibits where residents compete for the blue ribbon for the best baking, handicrafts and produce.
More info www.oliveragriculturalsociety.com
August 19
Westfort Street Fair, Frederica Street
Shop, eat, play and explore at the annual Westfort Street Fair in one of the city’s landmark neighbourhoods.
More info www.visitnorthwesternontario.com
August 19-20
Battle of Fort William, Fort William Historical Park
Get a look at 19th century battlefield life with this dramatic reenactment by park staff and volunteers. Families can fire a musket, make crafts, visit soldiers in the fort, take part in an army drill, hear the cannons and paddle a canoe on the Kam River.
More info www.fwhp.ca
August 19
Silver Harbour Day, Silver Harbour Conservation Area
There’s lots going on at the big lake at this free family-friendly day: drone and falconry demos, talks with officers from the Coast Guard, MNRF and OPP, natural history and education displays, a kids’ boot camp and more.
More info Lakehead Conservation Authority on Facebook
August 20
Open Streets Thunder Bay, Algoma St.
There’s just something appealing about sauntering down a street that’s normally full of traffic. Bring your dog, your bike or your rollerblades and check on the sidewalk art, patios and activities. The Waverley Park Neighbourhood Picnic is part of the action at Red River and Algoma with soccer, bocce, badminton, chess, the Thunder Bay Clown Club and live music.
More info Open Streets Thunder Bay on Facebook
Don’t miss out on the fun! Like us on Facebook to see posts from TBaywithkids.ca throughout the month.