Five Fun Things to Do in August
Are you looking for things to do with these end of summer days?
If you have older children, school will be in session soon, and you might decide to spend a few afternoons exploring the woods or splashing at the park. With younger children and infants, opportunities to safely socialize are increasingly regular as more community programs open and events are scheduled.
Here are a few ideas to help your family plan a fun afternoon and have an adventure!*
*We encourage you to follow current COVID-19 protocols while enjoying your time outdoors, and mask when you are unable to physically distance.
Visit London’s Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
You may have joined us already for an adventure at one of our programs at Westminster Ponds - one of London’s 21 Environmentally Sensitive Areas - but have you seen the blue herons fishing for dinner in The Coves or spotted the Pileated Woodpecker at Meadowlily Woods?
There is a lot of local plant and animal life to see in our ESAs while you hike and play in the woods, and you may learn some strange and interesting facts about what used to make up all these wooded areas around town. Maybe you’ll spot an old orchard, or wonder what an old concrete platform used to be.
An adult watches and supports a child as they cross a stream on a log.
Take a Public Art Tour
From carved tree trunks to large murals, there is art all around London. Take some time to see what public art installations are nearest you, or take a tour around the city and see what you can find.
For information about some of London’s public art pieces, see the London Art Council’s Public Art Program page.
Do you have an older child? Enjoy a nighttime movie in the park!
Cool August nights are made for blankets and boots, a thermos of hot chocolate, and classic family movies – new and old. The City of London has launched a five-week Outdoor Movies in the Park with a Through the Decades theme. Each week will feature a different movie at a different park in London, with start times between 7:45pm-8:30pm. Registration is required to attend. Click here for more details.
A movie projector is beaming light outward.
Visit a New Park or Playground
I know, I know, this one doesn’t seem exactly earth shattering. But there are SO many city parks and playgrounds in London, and each one offers something a little different than the others. Perhaps you’ll check out a playground that has a new type of swing you haven’t tried yet, or visit a park where there are Adult Exercise Stations. Maybe checking out a new neighbourhood park will introduce you to neighbours you haven’t met yet.
London’s parks have spray pads and wading pools, play structures, community gardens, paths to walk, and open space to run. Your child could play some basketball, take a few turns on their bike, or try a new climber feature they haven’t mastered yet.
To see London’s full list of parks and some of the features they offer, click here.
Expert tip: I always like to map a new park the aerial view feature before I go. It gives you a good idea of how much shade/tree coverage there is, how big the park is, and where you might want to try parking to be close to the spot you’re most interested in checking out. This screenshot is an aerial view of Gibbons Park, for example.
Aerial image of Gibbons Park, London, Ontario (Bing Maps)
Take the whole family on a scavenger hunt!
Do you and your family like searching and finding cool things in the woods? Would you like to know more about the history of the London area? Are your children interested in telling everyone about the interesting activities they are doing?
The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is challenging Londoners to get out and explore the outdoors and our cultural heritage in a week-long, multi-site Scavenger Hunt competition. This event begins August 27 and ends September 6, and is for teams of 1-5 people. Participants collect photos and information during their activities to document the experience – there is no digging or collecting of items involved. For more information or to register, see the event page here.
We hope you have some exciting adventures this August!
Written by Lara Vlach, RECE, Parent Support Coach & Community Connector