Conservation Areas (81)
Orienteering
Give your students the chance to lose themselves in the ways of map and compass work! Students will learn the basics of how to properly use a map and compass and will practice these skills while navigating through orienteering courses of varying difficulties.
Additional Info
- Grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Knee High Navigation
It is never too early to learn the basics of navigation! Students try their hands at using map and compass to work their way through a mini-orienteering course.
Additional Info
- Grade K, 1, 2
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we will not be offering any family programs at Baxter in the summer of 2020. Please check back in the spring of 2021 for more information.
Foley Mountain Forest School (Westport, ON)
Foley Mountain Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Location: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport, ON — Google map
Programs that we offer:
- Family Forest School
- Kindergarten for children aged 4-5
- School age for children aged 6-12
- Family drop-in programs for all ages
PLEASE NOTE — We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
NEW PROGRAM – Family Forest School
Is your child a bit too young to join in our independent programs or are you just looking to be a part of their forest school experience? Well, this new program may be the perfect fit for you!
- The same play based, child centred learning environment as our other forest school programs. Enjoy play, stories, snack time, forest adventures, and more!
- A new forest school program for children aged 2-5 (younger or slightly older siblings are welcome to tag along) where a parent or guardian stays with the child during the program.
- Tuesdays from 9:30am – 11:30am offered in the same fall, winter, and spring sessions as our other programs. Registration is for the whole session.
- Supported by one of our skilled and experienced forest school educators.
- Cost per child is $18/morning plus HST.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Sept 10 – Nov 26, 2024/9:30am – 11:30am | $244.08 |
| Winter 2025 – Tuesdays | Jan 14 – March, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $162.72 |
| Spring 2025 – Tuesdays | March 25-June 10, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $244.08 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Kindergarten Program
- Children ages 4-5 years
- Program runs from 9am – 12pm
- Cost per child is $30/morning plus HST. All prices below include HST.
- Participants must be able to use the toilet independently
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 11 – Nov 27, 2024/9am – 12pm | $406.80 |
| Winter 2025 - Wednesdays | Jan 15 – March 5/9am – 12pm | $271.20 |
| Spring 2025 - Wednesdays | March 26 – June 11/9am-12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
School Age Program
- For children aged 6–12
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST. All prices below include HST.
|
Program Session |
Date/Time |
Cost |
| Fall 2024 - Mondays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 9 - Nov. 25, 2024/9am - 3pm, no class Oct 14 | $683.65 |
| Fall 2024 - Mondays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 9 - Nov. 25, 2024/9am - 12pm, no class Oct 14 | $372.90 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 3pm | $497.20 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 12pm | $271.20 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Forest School FREE Family Drop In Programs
Pack up the family and head down to Foley Mountain Conservation Area to explore, adventure, play, and learn in the forest! Thanks to the Township of Rideau Lakes, we are offering FREE family drop-in program.
2024 Drop In Programs
- April 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- May 18, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- June 15, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- July 20, from 10-11:30 am
- August 17, from 10-11:30 am
- September 21, from 10-11:30 am
- October 19, from 10-11:30 am
- November 16, from 10-11:30 am
- December 21, from 10-11:30 am
General Information:
- All ages of children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and group size will be limited - please complete the registration request form to pre-register or be added to the waitlist.
- FREE of cost
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Book Mill Pond CA
Book Online
Phone : 613-692-3571
Toll Free : 800-267-3504
Whether you are planning a corporate picnic or family gathering, Mill Pond offers a unique option for your event. Please note that we recommend making reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Facilities available for reservation:
Picnic shelters – Our shelters feature a roof for protection from bad weather as well as space for approximately 10 picnic tables making them a perfect setting for a family reunion or corporate picnic.
Facilities
Group Camping
Take your youth group for an overnight camping adventure at Mill Pond Conservation Area. Enjoy access to 6km of wilderness trails and a quiet and private location.
- Outhouses
- Picnic tables
- Fire pit
Picnic Shelter
This covered shelter is located in Mill Pond Conservation with access to 6km of hiking trails through the quiet and peaceful forest.
- Outhouses
- Picnic tables
Foley Mountain Forest School (Westport, ON) draft)
Foley Mountain Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Location: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport, ON — Google map
Programs that we offer:
- Family Forest School
- Kindergarten for children aged 4-5
- School age for children aged 6-12
- Family drop-in programs for all ages
PLEASE NOTE — We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
NEW PROGRAM – Family Forest School
Is your child a bit too young to join in our independent programs or are you just looking to be a part of their forest school experience? Well, this new program may be the perfect fit for you!
- The same play based, child centred learning environment as our other forest school programs. Enjoy play, stories, snack time, forest adventures, and more!
- A new forest school program for children aged 2-5 (younger or slightly older siblings are welcome to tag along) where a parent or guardian stays with the child during the program.
- Tuesdays from 9:30am – 11:30am offered in the same fall, winter, and spring sessions as our other programs. Registration is for the whole session.
- Supported by one of our skilled and experienced forest school educators.
- Cost per child is $18/morning plus HST.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Sept 10 – Nov 26, 2024/9:30am – 11:30am | $244.08 |
| Winter 2025 – Tuesdays | Jan 14 – March, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $162.72 |
| Spring 2025 – Tuesdays | March 25-June 10, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $244.08 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Kindergarten Program
- Children ages 4-5 years
- Program runs from 9am – 12pm
- Cost per child is $30/morning plus HST. All prices below include HST.
- Participants must be able to use the toilet independently
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 11 – Nov 27, 2024/9am – 12pm | $406.80 |
| Winter 2025 - Wednesdays | Jan 15 – March 5/9am – 12pm | $271.20 |
| Spring 2025 - Wednesdays | March 26 – June 11/9am-12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
School Age Program
- For children aged 6–12
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST. All prices below include HST.
|
Program Session |
Date/Time |
Cost |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 3pm | $497.20 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 12pm | $271.20 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 3pm | $745.80 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 12pm | $406.80 |
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Forest School FREE Family Drop In Programs
Pack up the family and head down to Foley Mountain Conservation Area to explore, adventure, play, and learn in the forest! Thanks to the Township of Rideau Lakes, we are offering FREE family drop-in program.
2024 Drop In Programs
- April 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- May 18, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- June 15, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- July 20, from 10-11:30 am
- August 17, from 10-11:30 am
- September 21, from 10-11:30 am
- October 19, from 10-11:30 am
- November 16, from 10-11:30 am
- December 21, from 10-11:30 am
General Information:
- All ages of children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and group size will be limited - please complete the registration request form to pre-register or be added to the waitlist.
- FREE of cost
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GPS and Geocaching
Weave together technology, the outdoors, and physical activity! Get an introduction to GPS technology and how it can be used along with map and compass in navigation. Students will complete a mini geocaching treasure hunt.
Additional Info
- Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
The RVCA is pleased to offer resources to teachers interested in promoting spring water awareness.
As the warmer spring weather approaches, snow and ice begin to melt and waterways begin to fill up with cold, fast moving water. Children are often interested in exploring rushing streams and thawing ponds during the warm days of spring. However, these areas can be unsafe and it is important to teach students the dangers of these areas.
Resources include:
- Background information about spring flooding
- “Safety Says” video with teacher notes
- Activity ideas, resources, and sheets for use by classroom teachers
- General curriculum information
- Announcement information for use during the spring season
- Information for students to take home during flood season
- Posters
- Dam safety resource materials from Ontario Power Generation
Please feel free to copy and distribute any of the information in this package. To order a print version of this package or if you have any questions about the information, please contact Rebecca Whitman, at 613-273-3255 or Andrea Wood at 613-489-3592.
SWAP Resources for Teachers
- SWAP Background Information
- SWAP 8.5 x 11-inch colour poster
- SWAP 8.5 x 5.5-inch colour flyer (two per page)
- SWAP 8.5 x 5.5-inch black and white flyer (two per page)
- SWAP PowerPoint Presentation
- SWAP Safety Announcements
- SWAP Safety Extension Activities
- SWAP Curriculum Connections
Experiments
Games
- SWAP Word Search Game
- SWAP Word Search Answers
- SWAP Safe or Not Safe (colouring page)
- SWAP Home Safely Game
- SWAP Tic Tac Toe (PowerPoint)
Video
- Safety Says Video — Thanks to Quinte Conservation and Loyalist College for the use of their “Safety Says video
Baxter Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Location: 7498 Carter Road, Kars, ON, South of Ottawa — Google map
Fall Forest School Registration NOW OPEN:
Complete this Registration Request Form to be added to our registration list. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment.
Program Details
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Program sessions offered for ages 4-6, 6-8, 6-10 and 8-13. Children must be the minimum age for the group by December 31, 2024.
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Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST.
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Payment is due upon registration. All prices below include HST.
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We will do our best to accommodate your requests but reserve the right to alter the schedule based on demand.
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2025 Winter and Spring Forest School dates are listed below, and registration will take place during fall and winter.
Fall Forest School Sessions (Registration NOW OPEN!)
| Program Session | Date/Time | Cost |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
September 9 – December 9, 2024 |
$406.80 |
|
Full Day (with half day option) — Tuesdays |
September 10 – December 11, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 pm or 3 p.m. |
$870.10 (full day) $474.60 (half day) |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
September 10 – December 11, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
$870.10 (full day) |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
September 12 – December 12, 2024 |
$870.10 |
|
Half Day — Fridays |
September 13 – December 13, 2024 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
$474.60 (half day) |
Winter Forest School (Registration Coming in September 2024)
| Program Session | Date/Time |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
January 6 – March 3, 2025 |
|
Full Day |
January 7– March 4, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
January 8– March 5, 2025 |
|
Full Day — Thursdays |
January 9– March 6, 2025 (9 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Spring Forest School (Registration Coming in Winter 2024-25)
| Program Session | Date/Time |
|
Half Day — Mondays |
March 17 – June 16, 2025 |
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Full Day (with half day option) — Tuesdays |
March 18 – June 17, 2025 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. |
|
Full Day — Wednesdays |
March 19 – June 18, 2025 |
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Full Day — Thursdays |
March 20 – June 19, 2025 (14 sessions) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
|
Half Day — Fridays |
March 21 – June 20, 2025 (13 sessions- no program on Friday, April 18, 2025) 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
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Pay Machines
Pay machines are located at Foley Mountain, Baxter and Rideau Ferry conservation areas. You can purchase a day pass at all three sites or an annual pass at Foley Mountain using COIN or CREDIT CARD. Our machines DO NOT accept bills.
NOTE — credit card purchases are processed via cell networks. Some of our locations are remote and connections are sometimes slow. Please be patient!
A New Way to Pay at Conservation Areas
The new paybyphone service is going to make visits to conservation areas as easy as one, two, three!
No cash required, as long as you have your phone, you’re covered. There are three easy ways to use paybyphone. You chose what works best for you.
You can buy a day pass or you can opt to get an annual pass. (The advantage our annual passes is that it gives you access to all five conservation areas all year round.)
With paybyphone, you won’t need to keep track of a day pass ticket or an annual pass card.
Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
| Location Type | Location/Lot Number | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Baxter Day Pass |
5200 | $8 |
| Foley Mountain Day Pass |
5204 | $8 |
| Perth Wildlife Reserve Day Pass |
5205 | $8 |
| Rideau Ferry Day Pass |
5203 | $8 |
| WA Taylor Day Pass |
5201 | $8 |
| Annual Pass | 5222 | $55 |
Three ways to pay!
1. Call
Call
1-866-234-7275
Respond to the prompts. Existing users will be prompted to enter the 4 digit location/lot number, and parking time required (1 DAY). New users will be guided through a registration process. Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Wait for your parking to be confirmed Wait until you have heard the confirmation then your visit begins. You can extend your visit by calling the same number, your account will be recognized and you’ll have the option to extend your visit or start a new one.
2. Online
Visit the PayByPhone website First time users will have to register to create a PayByPhone account and use it to pay for parking. Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Enter your parking requirements.Enter the LOCATION/LOT number (see on-street signage) and the DURATION (1 DAY).
Enter your security code Finalise your transaction by entering the 3 digit security code on the back of your payment card.
3. Use the App
Download the app now from the Blackberry, Google Play or iOS App Store.
Enter your location/lot number. (Location/lot numbers are listed on signs at each conservation area or at www.rvca.ca/paybyphone). Note: Have your licence plate number handy!
Enter your parking duration (enter 1 DAY)
Parking details will be sent to the handheld units the Parking Enforcement Officers patrol with.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers outdoor education programming year round for nursery schools, day cares, home schooling groups, public and private schools, and community groups at Baxter Conservation Area and Foley Mountain Conservation Area.
Programs can be a half day or a full day and can take place weekdays or weekends all year long. Outdoor education programs at Baxter Conservation Area and Foley Mountain Conservation Area provide students with a strong understanding of our natural world, how it functions and how we, as humans, fit into it. All our programs are interactive and experiential to provide students with a “hands-on” approach to learning about natural science in our “Ecology Lab.”
If you don’t see a program that meets your group’s objectives, please give us a call — and our Interpreters will create one for you!
Baxter Conservation Area
Baxter Conservation Area is located on the shores of the Rideau River, five minutes south of Kars and North Gower. It is owned and operated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
Baxter is 180 acres of mixed forest, open meadow, wetlands, beach, group camping areas and nut tree plantation. There are five kilometers of trails and boardwalks that provide wonderful, safe access for forest, meadow and wetland exploration.
The Patrick McManus Interpretive Centre is Baxter’s program headquarters which can accommodate two to three classes as a starting point for an exciting day of outdoor learning.
Foley Mountain Conservation Area
Foley Mountain Conservation Area is located high atop a granite ridge overlooking the Upper Rideau lake and picturesque village of Westport, 50 km south of Perth. It is owned and operated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.
The Conservation Area consists of 800 acres of mixed forests, ponds, and fields. The eight hiking trails, group camp area, scenic Spy Rock lookout, and picnic areas set the stage for a quality outdoor education experience.
The outdoor environmental education program at Foley Mountain provides students with interactive, experiential, curriculum-based experiences that will help them to understand our natural world and their relationship with it. The Program can accommodate up to 60 students per day and all equipment is provided. All programs are approximately 1.5 hours in duration.
Outdoor recreation in a natural setting has proven physical, mental and spiritual health benefits. It’s important to ensure these special areas are being properly to protect the significant species found in our Conservation Areas, while allowing everyone to enjoy and benefit from them.
Conservation Area Rules include:
- No dogs on beach or in the water
- All dogs must be on leash
- Please clean up after your pet
- Closed dusk to dawn
- All garbage in cans and recycle containers
- All visitors must pay fee before using site facilities
- All group activities are by permit only
- Camping by permit only
- No motorized vehicles allowed on trails
- Authorized use of trail only (hiking/walking)
- Do not damage property
- Do not remove or destroy the wildlife/vegetation
- No Hunting
- Access to water in designated areas only
- Fires allowed by permit only
- Open year round but subject to winter conditions
- No overnight parking
Explore with confidence using Avenza Maps
Visitors to RVCA’s conservation areas can now navigate even our most remote trails with confidence thanks to a new partnership with Avenza Maps. The Toronto-based mobile app offers GPS-enabled maps that can be used offline and without cell service to help you keep your bearings even in the deepest woods.
The app is supported by Android and iOS. Instructions on how to get started and use the mobile app can be found at https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/how-it-works.html. QR codes for the RVCA’s Avenza maps can be found at the trailheads of eight conservation areas, and can also be found on their property-specific webpages. Scanning these QR codes will download RVCA’s maps to your phone to take out onto the trail. If you don't have Avenza Maps, you will be guided through the installation process. To avoid installation issues, the RVCA encourages visitors to download the free app before leaving home.
Traditional trailhead maps and printed brochures will continue to be available, as well as downloadable PDF maps.
NEW Summer Forest School Drop In Days at Baxter!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Baxter will be offering Summer Forest School Drop In Days in August 2024 with a summer camp twist! For any families wondering what Forest School is all about, this is your chance to try it out for a day without signing up for an entire session. Since it’s the summer, we’re going to include some summer camp activities throughout the day as well. Come join us for a day in the Forest!
Please submit your request for Forest School Drop-In Days using our Registration Request Form. We are looking forward to welcoming your child(ren) to Baxter Forest School for summer days of exploration, outdoor learning, fun and play.
PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process. We will send registration packages out on a first-come, first-served basis, including the program handbook and other necessary documents, to complete registration and payment.
Drop In Program Details:
- We are excited to offer programming for the following age groups: 4-6 and 6-10.
- Children are eligible for a session if they meet the minimum age requirement by December 31, 2024. The minimum age requirement is 4 years old for the half day program and 6 years old for the full day program.
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day plus HST.
- You can register for any number of sessions for your age group.
- Our summer drop-in days will be run out of Baxter’s River Cabin at our group campsite – where Forest School is normally run throughout the school year.
- There will not be swimming at our Summer Forest School Drop-In Days, although water games and alternative ways to cool off will be included in the program, especially during hot weather.
- There are no before or after care options for Summer Forest School Drop-In Days.
- We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
Drop-In Days:
Salamanders (4-6 years old)
Half Day: 9 AM – Noon
$30 plus HST
- August 7
- August 23
- August 28
Frogs (6-10 years old)
Full Day: 9 AM – 3 PM
$55 plus HST
- August 8
- August 9
- August 14
- August 26
- August 27
