Wow, lots of fun events coming up for TBay families in June 2018! Take your pick of events that celebrate kites, Indigenous culture, walking, the power of play and much more.
June 1
Unplug to Connect, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay
A soccer clinic, tie dying t-shirts and a bbq—there are lots of fun ways to unplug together at this for-kids event. 3:30-6:30pm, free.
More info Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay on Facebook
June 2
Soapbox Races, Waverly Hill and Park
Cheer on the racers at the 15th Annual George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Soapbox Races. There’s also a Family Fun Zone with free activities for kids. Free, 9am-5pm. Rain date June 3.
More info www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com
Bike & Helmet Kids’ Safety Event, Toy Sense
Get an expert from Safe Cycling Thunder Bay to check that your kiddo’s helmet and bike are sized properly (11am-2pm), then the kids can try out their wheels on a slalom course (10am-3pm). Free.
More info Toy Sense on Facebook
June 3
Kite Festival, Chippewa Park
For 38 years, families have been having fun at the Thunder Bay kite festival. See pro kite flyers do their thing, fly your own kites, take a spin on the vintage rides, learn how to make super-cool paper airplanes, bounce on the bouncy castles, get your face painted and more. Free admission, noon-4pm.
More info Thunder Bay Culture & Events on Facebook
June 3 & 17
Family Swim, Volunteer Pool
Suit up for a free family swim at Volunteer Pool, 6-8pm.
More info Healthy Kids Thunder Bay on Facebook
June 8 & 22
Public Swim, Churchill Pool
Splish, splash, cannonball! There’s another free public swim at Churchill, 6-8pm.
More info Healthy Kids Thunder Bay on Facebook
June 9
Community Play Day, Lakehead University (Bora Laskin)
Kids can build cardboard box castles, water play structures, instruments and whatever else their imaginations come up with at this family event. 9-11:30 am and 1:30-4pm, free but online registration recommended.
More info Healthy Kids Community Challenge Thunder Bay on Facebook
Kids Campfire Stories, Chapters
Relax around the “campfire” as author Shannon Robertson reads from her new book, “More Campfire Stories from Northern Ontario,” then head to the kids’ department for some camping-themed crafts. Free, 1-3pm.
More info Chapters on Facebook
June 9 & 10
Anishawbe Keeshigun, Fort William Historical Park
Discover some Indigenous traditions at Fort William Historical Park, with activities like bannock making and fire lighting, a Oji-Cree language scavenger hunt, spear throwing and lacrosse, traditional dance, and hands-on demos for making traditional teas, wood carving, wild rice, pemmican, berry preserves and preserved fish. 10am-5pm, admission required.
More info www.fwhp.ca
June 10
WALKstock, International Friendship Gardens
Be sure to check out Thunder Bay’s first-ever festival of walking—Tbaywithkids.ca is a proud sponsor! This family-friendly festival has a variety of activities from organizations including Little Lions, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay Public Library, Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory and Lakehead Chinese Folk Music and Dance. Free, noon-4pm.
More info EcoSuperior on Facebook
June 14
Gakina Maamawedaa (Everybody Together) 2nd Annual Pow Wow, Fort William First Nation
This youth-centred pow wow features parent and child dances, a feast and a celebration of youth regalia. 1-8pm.
More info www.dilico.com
June 16
Pride in the Park Music Festival, Marina Park
Celebrate Pride 2018 at this family-friendly event that offers a picnic, entertainment, music and children’s activities. Free, noon-6pm.
More info Thunder Pride on Facebook
June 21
National Aboriginal Day, Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay)
There’s a full day of celebrations planned at Fort William First Nation, including a pow wow, open air concert and a community feast. 6am-10pm, shuttles available from the community centre.
More info National Aboriginal Day Thunder Bay on Facebook
June 23
Mining Day, Marina Park
Why not learn how to pan for gold? At Mining Day, you can also see some heavy equipment and a helicopter, talk to geologists, see how a diamond drill or metal detector works and try some great kid activities. 10am-4pm, free.
More info Mining Day Thunder Bay on Facebook
Don’t miss out on the fun! Follow www.tbaywithkids.ca on Facebook to get regular updates on family activities in Thunder Bay.