The May long weekend typically signifies the unofficial start to summer, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities happening throughout the city of St. Catharines. Residents are encouraged to get out and enjoy the warmer weather with a visit to the Lakeside Park Carousel, Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, or a walk on one of the City’s many trails.
Lakeside Park Carousel
Everyone’s favourite historic carousel opens at Lakeside Park on Saturday, May 18 for its 103rd season. On May 18, the Friends of the Carousel - who are celebrating 25 years of volunteering with the City and caring for the carousel – will be hosting the first ride of the season and sponsoring rides all day. They will be on-site to share information about their restoration work. The carousel will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays until July 1, and then daily until Sept. 2. It will also be open on weekends after Sept. 2 until Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It remains 5 cents a ride or admission by donation.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm
Find a variety of farm animals, an accessible playground, access to a waterfront trail and more at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm. The farm, located at 650 Read Rd., is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day beginning May 18. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/HappyRolphs.
Splash pads
The splash pads at Bogart Street Park, Catherine Street Park, Lester B. Pearson Park and West Park open for the season on Friday, May 17, weather permitting. Splash pads will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/SplashPads.
Morningstar Mill
The Morningstar Mill heritage site at Decew Falls will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May 18 through to May 20. After the long weekend, the site will be closed to the public as work begins on a dam replacement project. Access to the site will be very limited or restricted to the public after the long weekend and for the rest of the season. This project will see extensive work to replace the dam, restoration work on the Mill and Miller’s House, and will make the site more accessible to the public. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/MorningstarMill.
St. Catharines Farmers Market
The St. Catharines Farmers Market harvest season opener, featuring over 55 vendors, is set for Saturday, May 18. The Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a special welcome from Mayor Siscoe at 9 a.m. Vox Violins will be on the Market Stage from 9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., plus Community Engagement with St. Catharines Girl Guides and NPAAMB Indigenous Employment and Training. Find more information about the market and its vendors at stcatharines.ca/FarmersMarket.
Garden City Golf Course
Try for par or better at the Garden City Golf Course all weekend, including holiday Monday. Tee times are available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The daily BBQ starts May 17, and the on course beverage cart will be out daily as of May 15. The par-60 executive course is located at 37 Lincoln Ave. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/Golf.
Parks and trails
Get out and explore the approximately 1,000 acres of parks, gardens, trails, and open greenspace St. Catharines has to offer. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/Trails.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
Take a dip into the pool for leisure swims or lengths. Times are available throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre. Advance registration is required at stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC.
Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre
There are public skating times scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to public skating, 18+ Shinny, as well as Child Stick and Puck programs are scheduled throughout the weekend. Visit stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC for more details.
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend, including the holiday Monday. Explore exhibits or watch from the viewing platform as a ship makes its way through the lock system.
Beginning May 21, the museum will be open late, until 8 p.m., Tuesdays until Oct. 1. Admission is by donation. Learn more at stcatharinesmuseum.ca.
Closures
The following City facilities will be closed on Victoria Day - Monday, May 20:
- City Hall
- The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre
- St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
- City arenas
- Russell Avenue Community Centre
- Port Weller Community Centre
- Dunlop Drive, Port Dalhousie and West St. Catharines older adult centres
- Victoria Lawn Cemetery administration office (visitation is always available from dawn to dusk)
Residents planning to celebrate the holiday with fireworks are reminded that they may only light them on the holiday and the day before and after it. Please also be aware that particles from discharged fireworks may land outside of your property. It is a good practice to only set off fireworks in a large open space. For more information on using or buying fireworks and tips for using them safely visit stcatharines.ca/Fireworks.