Summer Fun Awaits in Loyalist Township’s Free Learning Labs

This summer, Loyalist Township is turning childhood curiosity into hands-on fun with Exploration Days, a series of free weekly workshops happening at two spots—Babcock Mill in Odessa and Bath Museum & Visitors Centre. From July to August, every Thursday and Friday, kids and adults can drop in between 10am and noon to try everything from woodworking to spy science, all without signing up first. The twist? Every session ties back to local history or skills, making learning feel like play instead of a classroom lesson. At Babcock Mill, the focus leans toward making things you can hold—literally. One week turns into a mini forest workshop where people craft with natural materials, while another invites you to bend wire into patterns or weave baskets like settlers might have. The final week even lets families test old-time transport by riding model trains and trolleys. It’s not just about past times, though; workers team up with artists to keep projects fresh, so no two Thursdays feel the same.Down the road, Bath Museum swings into action with wet clay and stamp pads, turning messy fingers into tiny masterpieces. One Friday hides secret messages in invisible ink, blending science with pretend espionage—a sneaky way to teach chemistry. Later in the month, the crew digs into history by burying modern day treasures in a capsule meant to be opened by future generations. It’s a quiet nod to how ordinary objects become priceless records of today. What ties it all together is the no-pressure vibe. You won’t find admission fees, waiting lists, or stiff instructions here. The only rule seems to be “show up ready to get your hands dirty. ” Neighbourhood historian Ellen Collins points out these spots don’t just educate—they remind townsfolk that local heritage isn’t locked behind glass cases; it’s alive in everyday craft and play.