Affordable family fun this winter break in downtown Brampton

Families looking for something to do during winter break are invited to check out the fun events and activities hosted by the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) serving Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.

This winter break, the museum is hosting a variety of exhibitions and daily drop-in activities which will take visitors into magical worlds of art and creativity. Themes include astronomy, fossils, fantasy creatures and much more.

PAMA’s winter break activities are affordable – a $10 admission pass admits two adults and up to five kids to PAMA’s exhibitions and events. If the price is still a barrier, residents can sign out a free PAMA admission pass at any Brampton, Caledon or Mississauga library!

Not only does the PAMA pass grant admission to these events, it will also net you a discount at participating restaurants in downtown Brampton, perfect for satisfying an appetite after a day of fun at PAMA.

Popular restaurants Orobite, Pizzaninni, Segovia Coffee, Sharmz, Street Bites and The Works will each offer a discount to customers who show a PAMA admission pass.

Here’s when each workshop is happening:

Dec. 27, 10 am to 3 pm: Shoot for the Stars

Shoot for the stars as you learn about Caroline Herschel, a British astronomer who discovered several comets and made big contributions to the world of astronomy.

Dec. 28, 10 am to 3 pm: Miniature Museums

Create your own miniature museum that showcases an extraordinary world beyond imagination. Step into the shoes of a curator and let your creativity shine. Will it be a land of mythical creatures, a futuristic city or perhaps an enchanted forest? The choice is yours!

Dec. 29, 10 am to 3 pm: Sculptural Worlds

Design a sculptural world inspired by local artist Jannick Deslauriers’ mixed media installation, a gripping exhibit that shows an abandoned amusement park, a nuclear disaster zone, and more.

Jan. 2, 10 am to 3 pm: Fossils Come to Life

Imagine a world where fossils come to life as you explore the life of Alice Wilson, a notable geologist and paleontologist who was the first female geologist in Canada.

Jan. 3, 10 am to 3 pm: Whimsical Worlds

Step into the world of local artist Amanda McCavour’s beautiful Floating Garden and design your own whimsical place full of imagination and beauty.

Jan. 4, 10 am to 3 pm: Collage New Worlds

Learn about the artist featured on the Art Gallery’s exterior banners and use lines, shapes and colours to collage a new world into being.

Jan. 5, 10 am to 3 pm: Magical Landscapes

Unicorns and dragons and mermaids, oh my! Transform the ordinary into a magical landscape.

These workshops are all recommended for children ages 5 to 12, and parents or guardians must accompany children.

While visiting PAMA, be sure to check out some of the major exhibitions that aren’t limited to winter break:

• Yours to Discover: Sites/Sights of Peel Region
• Iron Willed: Women in STEM
• Nadya Kwadibens: The Red Chair Sessions
• Beyond the Bars: The History of the Peel County Jail
• This is How We Do It: Creating Museum Exhibitions
• Our Voices, Our Journeys
• Between the Clouds and the Stars: Innovations in Aerospace
• In Her Garden: Amanda McCavour and Jannick Deslauriers
• Sedna: Inuit Goddess of the Sea
• Paradise Lost: Dillon Douglas and Chris Louis

PAMA is located at 9 Wellington St East in downtown Brampton, the city’s hub for some of the best shops, food, and entertainment. While downtown, residents are encouraged to check out the Winter Wonderland lights and enjoy some skating at the Gage Park rink.

Free parking is available in all downtown City of Brampton and Region of Peel parking garages located at City Hall, Rose Theatre and John Street.

Learn more about all upcoming exhibitions and programs at PAMA’s website, and follow PAMA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.