Family Programs (all ages)

The following programs are open to all ages. Children ages 15 and under must be with a caregiver.

Wheels on the Pavement - Sunday, May 26 

Join the City of Brantford, the Downtown Central, Holmedale, Eagle Place and the East Ward Echo Place Neighbourhood Associations, for the 4th Annual Wheels on the Pavement event in celebration of National Public Works Week. This free event takes place on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Brantford and District Civic Centre (79 Market Street, South) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Wheels on the Pavement promises to be an engaging experience for everyone, with opportunities to get up close, and explore a wide variety of trucks and emergency vehicles. Public Works vehicles include the water valve, sewer combo and plow trucks, front loader, as well as Brantford Transit and Brantford Lift busses. Attendees can also explore Emergency Medical Service (EMS) vehicles such as police cruisers, fire trucks and ambulance. It’s a chance for residents to see, touch, and learn more about the vehicles that play a crucial role in our community and meet some of the skilled people that operate them. 

Guests will not want to miss seeing the Alpha Power lifters pull a rotator truck which is one of the biggest and heaviest tow trucks out there, weighing in at 72,000 pounds! The day will also feature family-friendly entertainment and interactive activities, and meet and greets with fun inflatable characters.

Community partner booths will be on-site, providing valuable information about their services and offering insights into how they contribute to the community. For those looking to enjoy some tasty treats, a variety of food options will be available for purchase.

Attendees can park for free in the Earl Haig Family Fun Park parking lot (101 Market Street, South), and in the Market Street Parkade (59 Icomm Drive). However, residents are encouraged to bike to the event and take advantage of the free supervised bicycle valet that will be offered throughout the event. Brantford Transit is also available to attendees looking for transportation. Schedules, routes and rates are available online at Brantford.ca/Transit.           

Help fill a truck! Event organizers will be collecting non-perishables and school safe snacks such as granola bars, apple sauce, fruit cups, etc. for the Gifts of the Heart, a not-for-profit organization that feeds over 250 children in local Brantford schools. Donations are greatly appreciated to help support this great cause.

Family Open Gym - March 20 to June 14

Location: Doug Snooks Eagle Place Community Centre, 333 Erie Avenue

This drop-in open gym is a great way for families to practice sports or play as a family. Children and youth must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at least 16 years of age or older to participate. This program does not take place during school holidays and statutory holidays.

  • Wednesdays and Fridays March 20 to June 14 
  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Cost: $3.50 per visit, or $30 for 10-visits
Free drop-in Play in the Park program (weather permitting) - April 27 to June 15

The City of Brantford has partnered with Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities, and local neighbourhood associations to bring the community a free Play in the Park program this spring. The #PlayinthePark team is excited to offer a variety of activities, including non-competitive sports, interactive games and more, all tailored to the interest of those attending and weather conditions. Everyone is welcome, however children ages 6 and under must be with a caregiver. Attendees are asked to dress according to the weather and to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. 

This program is offered on Saturdays from April 27 to June 15, 2024 at the following locations:

  • Princess Anne Park (17 Helen Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Iroquois Park (19 Iroquois Street) from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Central Park (143 George Street) from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

There is no program on May 18, 2024. For more information, call 519-759-4150 ext. 5070 or email neighbourhoodassociations@brantford.ca.

Free Character Meet and Greet (weather permitting) – July 9 to August 27

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street 

Bringing magic to life in Harmony Square! Say hello to a different Glass Slipper Company character weekly, sponsored by GrandBridge Energy. Children will also have the opportunity to colour a colouring page photo of the character, and have it autographed! Photos can be taken. Subscribe to this page to receive updated on each week’s character.

  • Tuesdays July 9 to August 27
  • 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Free
Free Chess in the Square (weather permitting) - July 9 to August 29

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street 

Join the Brantford Chess Club for an afternoon of recreational chess. No previous experience is required. Chess Tournaments to be held on Sunday, July 21 and Sunday, August 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays July 9 to August 29
  • 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Free
Free Play Date in the Square (weather permitting) - July 10 to August 28

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street

Drop by and join the Brantford Public Library at a new time for an outdoor play date in Harmony Square! Every week we’ll be bringing giant games, bubbles and more.

  • Wednesdays July 10 to August 28
  • 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Free
Free Fun in the Sun with Family Gatherings (weather permitting) - July 15 to August 26

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street 

Drop-in for crafts, physical activity, science experiments, sensory, painting and Indigenous Cultural education. No program August 5.

  • Mondays July 15 to August 26
  • 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Free
Free Fitness in the Square (weather permitting) - July 8 to August 30

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street 

Harmony Square is teaming up with the YMCA to offer free drop-in fitness classes in the Square! No program August 5.

  • High Intensity Interval Training: Mondays July 8 to August 26 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
  • Yoga: Tuesdays July 9 to August 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
  • Bodyfit: Wednesdays July 10 to August 28 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
  • Core and Conditioning: Fridays July 12 to August 30 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Free Roller Skate in the Square (weather permitting) - July 8 to August 28

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street

Kickin’ it old school! Let’s get movin’ and groovin’, for a summer roller skate in the Square, with a live D.J. sponsored by Downtown Brantford BIA. On-site registration only. Retro Rollers skate rentals are available on-site ($10.00 per pair to rent. Debit and credit will be accepted). Sizes range from J12 to adult size 15. No program August 5.

  • Mondays and Wednesdays July 8 to August 28
  • 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Free
Free Yoga in the Square (weather permitting) - July 11 to August 29

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street

Harmony Square is teaming up with Kathy Brown Yoga to bring you Yoga in the Square on Thursday mornings throughout the summer.

  • Thursdays July 11 to August 29
  • 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
  • Free
Free Movies in the Square (weather permitting) – July 11 to August 29

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a free movie under the stars in Harmony Square Thursdays from July 11 to August 29 at dusk. Big thanks to all the movie sponsors!

Join us for pre-show activities and a movie on the big screen starting at dusk. Popcorn and sweet treats will be available for purchase.

Follow us on Facebook to answer the weekly trivia poll. The winner will receive VIP treatment, two drinks and two bags of popcorn donated by Downtown Central Neighbourhood Association and front row Muskoka Chairs.

If the movie is cancelled, there is no carry over for the front row seats; you will still receive two drinks and two bags of popcorn.

Go green and receive a free popcorn out of it! We are offering one free popcorn to each person who rides their bike to Movies in the Square this year.

Popcorn, drinks and other goodies can be purchased on site through Downtown Central Neighbourhood Association. Proceeds go towards Gifts of the Heart. Additional donations can be made onsite at the concession booth or through at www.gofundme.com

  • July 11: Nightmare before Christmas
  • July 18: Shrek (2001)
  • July 25: Trolls Band Together
  • August 1: Elemental
  • August 8: DC League of Super Pets
  • August 15: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
  • August 22: Wonka (2023)
  • August 29: Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3
Free Music in the Square (weather permitting) – July 12 to August 30

Location: Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street

Enjoy the smooth sounds of good music performed outdoors presented by TD. Every Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted below, we will offer a show you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget your lawn chair.

  • July 7: Telephone City Musical Society (Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • July 12: Elvis in the Square
  • July 19: “Dancing Under the Stars” with Corner Pocket featuring AIM Dancer (7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • July 26: Avalon Music Academy, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the telephone
  • August 2: Fresh Water Funk
  • August 9: Highbanks Bluegrass Band
  • August 16: True Rodeo
  • August 23: Checkerboard Floors
  • August 24: The Academy of Music and Performance with Last Man Standing (Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • August 30: Caribbean Kyle