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Programs for Teachers & Schools

Field Trip programs are available to book for class trips from April 15, 2026 to December 18, 2026.

Program Length: 90 minutes  

Cost per student: $9.53 (or $15.97 for two programs with a ½ hour lunch break) unless otherwise noted.  

See our 2025-26 Field Trip Program Guide

*NEW: Limited time exhibit-related programs in the new Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, and the H2Whoa! Groundwater Festival. 

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Programs

Grade Levels

Museum2U

New Limited Time Field Trip Programs

Book early to experience these restricted availability programs. Combine with a program in the museum village to make a full day excursion

Note: H2Whoa! is a site-wide groundwater festival available May 29, 2026 only. It is a stand alone program and cannot be booked with another program.

Limited Time Field Trip Programs 

Available 

Grade Level 

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Feather & Flora 

May to June 

 

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H2Whoa! Groundwater Festival

May 29 

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Food Lab 

October to December 

 

 

 

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Field Trip Programs and Recommended Grade Levels 

Field Trip Programs 

Grade Level 

Pre 

K 

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*New* Farm Friends & Plant Pals

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Playful Pursuits 

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*New* Woolly Wonders

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Millie’s Day 

 

 

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School Days 

 

 

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Blacksmith Apprentice Quest 

 

 

 

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Community Connections 

 

 

 

 

 

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Follow the Drinking Gourd: Journey to Freedom 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mapping Freedom: The Journey Continues* 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Roots to Rebellion 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Teddy's Holiday Adventure

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Traitors** 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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*The Mapping Freedom program is available only in conjunction with Following the Drinking Gourd 

**The Traitors program is available only in conjunction with Roots to Rebellion 

On-Site Field Trip Programs

Choose your adventure, and spend part of the day, or the whole day at Pickering Museum Village! 

Program Options

Let your students sprout curiosity on the farm while exploring what living things need to grow and thrive.  Through playful, corn-themed activities in the barn, garden, and heritage house, they’ll discover the life cycle of a corn plant from seed to snack! From grinding corn and cooking up fun in a kid-sized toy kitchen to watching popcorn pop over a real flame and taking back a corn cob to grow and study, this STEAM-powered adventure will inspire future farmers and scientists alike! This program visits the Combination Barn exhibits, Miller-Cole House, and Outdoor Classroom and Gardens

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 1 – Science and Technology (Needs and Characteristics of Living Things; Energy in Our Lives)   

Discover the magic of wool and the animals that grow it in this lively, hands-on program designed especially for young learners! Through storytelling, sensory exploration, movement, and creativity, students will learn where wool comes from, how it’s prepared, and how it connects to their daily lives. This program visits the Log Barn, Brougham Temperance House, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 1 – Science and Technology (Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things) 

Explore life for children 200 years ago through play. Try our toys (batteries are not included!) and learn a combination of quiet and active games. Finish up by making and learning a game to take home (game choices include an Indigenous or an early settler game).  This program takes place in the Church Drive Shed, an unheated program space, and outdoors; in poor weather, indoor games will be substituted. Activities can be adjusted to accommodate learning levels from pre-school to Grade 3. 

Preschool and Kindergarten Learning Goals: 

Social and Emotional Development; Self-Regulation; Physical Development; Gross and Fine Motor Skills; Listening and Following Instructions; Creative Play; Design and Crafting 

Curriculum Connections  

Grade 1 – Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities; Grade 2 – Heritage and Identity; People and Environments; Grade 3 - Communities in Canada: 1780-1850 

Step back in time and experience the life of early settlers through the eyes of young Millie. This immersive program takes students on a journey to understand the challenges and daily activities of Pickering's early Black settlers. Through hands-on activities and interactive storytelling, students will explore the forest, participate in traditional chores, and learn about life in a log cabin.  This program takes place in the new Log Barn and Log House exhibit spaces, and outdoors.  

Curriculum Connections  

Grade 2 – Changing Family and Community Traditions; Grade 3 – Communities in Canada, 1780-1850; Grade 4: Early Societies, 3000 BCE-1500 CE

Transport your students back in time to the life of an early 1800s school child! Students will participate in authentic lessons with slates, discover daily chores expected before or after school, and enjoy Indigenous and early settler games in this immersive and engaging program. This program visits our Chapel classroom, Combination Barn, and outdoor spaces (recess play will be indoors in poor weather). 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 1 – Our Changing Roles and Responsibilities; Grade 2 – Changing Family and Community Traditions; Grade 3 – Communities in Canada: 1780-1850; Grade 4: Early Societies, 3000 BCE-1500 CE  

Your students will step back in time and experience the life of a blacksmith's apprentice. Through hands-on activities, students will explore historical trades, engage in practical problem-solving, and learn about the science and mechanics behind blacksmithing. It's a day of discovery, creativity, and teamwork that brings history to life in an engaging and educational way. This program visits the Collins House, General Store, and Greenwood Blacksmith Shop on the quest to become a journeyman. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 2 –Changing Family and Community Traditions; Grade 3 – Communities in Canada: 1780-1850; Grade 4 – Early Societies to 1500 CE   

Running April 27 to June 26, 2026.

Step into a world of birds and botanicals with artist David Salazar's imaginative clay sculptures. In this 90-minute program, students explore the "Forever (Bird-Botanicals)" exhibit, discover the science of bird adaptations and plant relationships, and create their own nature-inspired clay artwork. 

Available for a limited time at the new John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, adjacent to the Pickering Museum Village and can be paired with other programs for a full-day experience. Please note that this program takes place in the upper site only. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 3 - Science and Technology (Understanding Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants); Grade 4 - Science and Technology (Understanding Life Systems: Habitats and Communities); Grade 5 - Understanding Life Systems (Human Organ Systems: extension to animal systems and adaptations).

Click here for more details!
May 29, 2026
Bring your students to H2Woah! Groundwater Festival 2026 at PMV for a limited-time, limited capacity, full-day field trip exploring the science, history, and wonder of water. This hands-on, staff-led program blends environmental learning, local heritage, and creative experimentation across PMV's forest, creek, and historic buildings. 

Students rotate through stations tracing water's journey through nature, underground, and over time. Activities are grade-scaled, curriculum-aligned, and packed with outdoor learning and memorable experiences. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 2 - Science (Air & Water in the Environment); Grade 3 - Science (Soils in the Environment); Grade 4 - Science (Habitats & Communities); Grade 5 - Science (Conservation of Energy & Resources).

Running October 2026 through December 2026.

Bring your students on a deliciously educational journey through the science of food! This 90-minute program includes hands-on experiments, creative challenges, and a guided tour of Ingenium's "A Taste of Science" travelling exhibition. 

At the new John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, adjacent to the Pickering Museum Village. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 - Science (Life Systems: Human Organ Systems); Grade 6 - Science (Biodiversity: Microorganisms).

Dive into the rich history of Pickering and the vibrant present of modern municipal government in this immersive new program. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, students will uncover the stories of Pickering's past and present, explore what it means to be part of a community, and reflect on their own experiences of community life.  This program visits the Brougham Temperance House, Log Barn, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 – The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship; Grade 6 – Communities in Canada, Past and Present

Step back in time and embark on an interactive journey to freedom. Students will explore the inspiring story of George Chapman, an early Black settler who escaped enslavement in Virginia and found freedom in Canada. Through primary source exploration and hands-on activities, students will learn about George, the Underground Railroad, the significance of quilt codes, and the challenges faced by freedom seekers. This program visits the Log Barn and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 - Interactions Prior to 1713, The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship; Grade 6 - Communities in Canada, Past and Present, Canada’s interactions with the Global Community; Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Canada, 1800-1850: Conflict and Challenges; Grade 8 – Creating Canada, Global Settlement Patterns 

Continue the UGRR learning adventure with an immersive add-on program that delves more deeply into the experiences of freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. Students will engage in orienteering activities, map out escape routes using quilt codes, and explore and respond to the powerful art installation "The Way Gone Made Clear" by Georgia Fullerton. This program visits the Brougham Temperance House and outdoor grounds.  Note: this program may be booked only in conjunction with Follow the Drinking Gourd:  

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 5 – Interactions Prior to 1713, The Role of Government and Responsible Citizenship; Grade 6 – Communities in Canada, Past and Present, Canada’s interactions with the Global Community; Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Canada, 1800-1850: Conflict and Challenges; Grade 8 – Creating Canada, Global Settlement Patterns  

Pickering Township was a hotbed of political unrest in the 1830s. Through role-play, students will step into the shoes of real historical figures from the Family Compact, government sympathizers, and radical reformers, exploring the physical, social and political challenges that lead to the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.  They will debate, map, and navigate the era’s complexities, deciding if they align with Reformers or Tories. This program visits the Log Barn, Brougham Temperance House, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections 

Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Physical Patterns in a Changing World; Grade 8 – Canada, 1800–1850: Conflict and Challenges, Civics and Citizenship: Civic Engagement and Action

Enhance your students' historical journey with this add-on program, designed to delve deeper into the political intrigue and social upheaval of the 1830s. This immersive experience builds on the "Roots to Rebellion" foundation, offering a more comprehensive exploration of the Upper Canada Rebellion. Through engaging role-play and interactive lessons, students will uncover the complexities of early elections, the shift from peaceful reform to armed rebellion, and the lasting impact on Canadian democracy. This program visits the Log House, Brougham Temperance House, and outdoor spaces. 

Curriculum Connections: 

Grade 7 – New France and British North America, Physical Patterns in a Changing World; Grade 8 – Canada, 1800–1850: Conflict and Challenges, Civics and Citizenship: Civic Engagement and Action 

Extra Information for your class trip:
  • Pickering Museum Village is an open air museum village.  Programs take place outside in nature, and in heritage buildings that are unheated and are not air-conditioned.  Please advise your program participants to dress for the weather, and to wear footwear appropriate for uneven ground.
  • Lunch space is available in our picnic shelter and must be confirmed at the time of booking.
  • A visit to the museum Gift Shop can be included and must be confirmed at the time of booking.
  • We require a minimum of 12 participants for a program booking.
  • Adult chaperones are welcome and are free up to a 1:4 ratio; admission fees will apply for any adults over that ratio (excepting assigned Education Assistants)
  • Homeschool groups are welcome.

FAQs

Yes! Students may eat lunch in any of the outdoor spaces including the picnic shelter which has picnic tables and space for approximately 160 students. Students are encouraged to pack a boomerang lunch to help keep our environment clean. 

Limited drinks and small snacks (chips, chocolate, etc.) are available for purchase in our gift shop or at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre. Students are encouraged to bring a packed lunch. 

Busses should pick up or drop-off at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre where your group will meet Museum staff and walk to the Museum Village. Please advise upon booking if your group has accessibility needs and may need to arrange an alternate drop-off and pickup location. 

Our programs run rain or shine, and this includes the Groundwater Festival! We suggest checking the weather leading up to your visit and dressing appropriately for the conditions. Rain boots and umbrellas are highly encouraged, what better way to learn than to immerse yourself through play and activity in the rain? 

Our staff are ready to adjust program to remain indoors until lightning has stopped. If the storm is present at bus departure time, buses will be allowed onto the museum village site for safe collection of students. 

No, our buildings are not heated or air-conditioned so we guarantee an authentic early settler experience! Students should come dressed in layers for any weather conditions. Teachers booking in December may wish to consider only a half-day trip if student comfort is a concern. 

We encourage adult chaperones and recommend a ratio of 1:4 supervision. Chaperones within this ratio are free! Any chaperones over our recommended number will be charged general admission fees.

Like classroom numbers, size matters. Our heritage buildings are authentic (and small) and we like to offer as much hands-on and interactive learning as possible. For that reason, we like group sizes to be as balanced as possible so that students have to the opportunity to see and do as much as they possibly can during their time with us.  

Share learner needs early (2 weeks prior): Wheelchair users, MLL/ELL students, hearing aids/FM systems, non‑verbal or autistic learners, anxiety, allergies, sensory sensitivities—tell us what works best. 

Plan chaperone roles: Assign a materials helper, timekeeper, and quiet‑space buddy to support stations and transitions. We provide the fun, experiential learning; you and your chaperones oversee student behavior and support their respectful exploration and learning. 

Language support: If possible, bring a translation buddy or share key home languages; we’ll prep visuals and simplified instructions. 

Accessibility map: Tell us which students need step‑free routes/ramps; we’ll adjust station locations and pathways. Let us know of students who require toileting accommodations. 

Sensory plan: Share triggers (noise/crowds/textures) and calming strategies; we’ll set up a clearly marked quiet space and offer noise‑reduction options. 

Hearing accommodations: Let us know about FM systems or lip‑reading needs; interpreters can face the group, reduce background noise, and provide written prompts. 

Prep for hands‑on: Confirm students can touch natural/heritage materials; if not, we’ll prepare gloves/alternatives. 

Class profile snapshot (at booking): Number of classes, grade levels, IEPs/504s, medical needs, MLLs, mobility supports – give us a brief high‑level overview to help us tailor stations and activities. 

Grouping strategy: Create mixed‑ability groups and identify a calm leader for each (our group sizes are approximately 24 students). Teachers are asked to remain with groups including students with severe behavioral issues. 

Pre‑teach vocabulary: We can send key terms (science/history) in simple language ahead of time; please review in class for smoother on‑site comprehension. 

Share communication preferences: Picture exchange, AAC devices, gestures—tell us what your learners use; we’ll mirror those supports. 

Quiet‑time scheduling: If your class benefits from short movement breaks, we’ll embed them between stations. We can make the same accommodations for snack times if they are required. 

Alternate tasks: Let us know who needs non‑written responses (drawing, mapping, building). We’ll provide choice‑based outputs. 

#Museum2U

Can't do a field trip? Invite us to your classroom! We'll send a Museum Interpreter to your class for a program of your choice.

Museum outreach education programs offered year-round to schools (classrooms) or special interest groups (meeting places). Note: there is a 2-program minimum to book a Museum2U program.

See below for our #Museum2U program offerings and descriptions.

Explore the life of local Black settler, George Chapman, against the backdrop of changing enslavement laws and the Underground Railroad.  Through hands-on activities, students will analyze primary sources, learn about the UGRR’s secret codes, and apply those codes to plot a route for George from enslavement in Virginia to a free life in Pickering Township.

Program Length: 2 hrs.

Program cost: $318.27 for two 2 hrs. programs

Curriculum Connections:

Social Studies; History; Geography; Language; Mathematics; Art

Adaptable for students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 and adjusting COVID guidelines, our interpreter will lead students in games played by Indigenous and early European settler students 200 years ago.  Students will gain the building blocks of constructive play by learning how to manipulate old toys, and play games using vocabulary, rhythmic patterns, body percussion, movement, and cooperative interaction. 

Program length:  45 minutes 

Program cost: $222.48 for two 45-minute programs

Grade 1 Curriculum Connections:

Physical Education: Social-Emotional Learning Skills A1.5; Active Living B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B2.1, B2.3, B3.1; Movement Competence: Skills, Concepts & Strategies C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C2.1

Language: Listening to Understand A1.1, A1.2; Speaking to Communicate A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, A2.4

Music: Creating and Performing C1.1; Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing C2.2; Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts C3.2

Grade 2 Curriculum Connections:

Physical Education: Social-Emotional Learning Skills A1.5; Active Living B1.1, B1.2, B1.3, B2.1, B2.3, B3.1; Movement Competence: Skills, Concepts & Strategies C1.2, C1.3, C1.4, C2.1

Language: Listening to Understand A1.1, A1.2; Speaking to Communicate A2.1, A2.2, A2.3, A2.4

Music: Creating and Performing C1.1; Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing C2.2; Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts C3.2

We’ll send our Museum interpreter to you along with enough slates and slate pencils for some role-playing fun!  Lessons in spelling, elocution and arithmetic will include school room rules from 200 years ago!   At the end, we’ll wrap it up with a compare and contrast between school then and now. 

Program Length: 45 minutes

Program cost: $222.48 for two 45-minute programs

Grade 3 Curriculum Connections:

Language: Oral Communication 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2,3, 2,4; Writing 3.1, 3.2

Social Studies: Heritage and Identity A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A2.1, A2.5, A2.6, A3.1, A3.2, A3.3, A3.4, A3.5, A3.6, A3.7; People and Environments: Living and Working in Ontario B1.1, B1.2, B2.1, B2.5, B3.1, B3.3, B3.5

Mathematics: Measurement E2.1, E2.5, E2.7

Pickering Township was a hotbed of political unrest in the 1830s.  Through role-play and hands-on activities, we’ll help students use historical inquiry to explore physical, social and political challenges facing all Upper Canadians, and to understand the causes and consequences of the 1837 Rebellion.  They will learn stories of local people and decide for themselves where their sympathies would have rested.  Program reservations will include pre- and post-presentation activities for teachers to do with their students to prepare for and round out the experience.

Program Length: 2 hours

Program cost: $318.27 for 2 2-hr programs

Grade 7 Curriculum Connections:

The Arts: Drama B1.1, B1.2, B1.4, B2.1, B3.1;

Visual Language: Oral Communication 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1,7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7

History: New France and British North America: 1713-1800 A1.1, A1.2, A1.3, A2.1, A2.5, A2.6, A2.7, A3.1, A3.3, A3.4, A3.5, A3.6, A3.7, A3.8

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Contact Us

Pickering Museum Village
3550 Greenwood Road, Pickering
ON L1X 0J3
905.683.8401

Email Pickering Museum Village