Looking for summer activities? PAMA has a full lineup of programs in Brampton

With summer now in full swing, Brampton’s Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) is rolling out a full slate of programs, workshops and family-friendly activities designed to keep residents of all ages engaged throughout July and August.

From drop-in creative sessions and guided tours to library collaborations and pay-what-you-can family days, PAMA is offering a wide range of ways to experience art, history and culture in the heart of downtown Brampton.

Free admission options and guided tours

Families looking to explore the museum can take advantage of a little-known community perk: admission passes to PAMA can be borrowed directly from local libraries in Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga, Milton, Newmarket and Vaughan, providing free entry for up to two adults and five children.

Visitors can also book personalized tours with PAMA Visitor Services Guides, included with admission year-round. For the summer months, tour availability has been expanded to include Tuesdays and Thursdays, in addition to the regular weekend schedule.

Hands-on summer programs and workshops

PAMA’s summer lineup includes a mix of drop-in activities and structured workshops designed for families, youth and adults.

A highlight is the Creative Explorers program, running from July 7 to August 20, offering rotating hands-on activities every Tuesday and Thursday. Participants can try everything from spin art and mixed-media projects to floral-inspired works and even playful, themed creations such as pickle art.

Other upcoming workshops include:

• Story and Art Making with Brampton Library (July 7, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Four Corners Library) — A storytime session featuring I Hear You, Ocean by Kallie George, followed by ocean-inspired abstract art creation with a PAMA educator.
• Pixel to Print with Brampton Library (July 9, 6–8:45 p.m., PAMA) — Participants design a digital character and transfer it onto a tote bag using makerspace equipment.
• Hand-Built Clay: From Basics to Beyond (Thursdays, July 9–30) — A four-week beginner-friendly clay series focused on hand-building techniques.
• Words in Motion: Downtown Brampton Hike and Write (July 11, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) — A guided walking experience encouraging creativity through observation, reflection and writing.

Family summer fun day returns July 18

One of the season’s signature events takes place Saturday, July 18, with a pay-what-you-can Family Summer Fun Day featuring a range of interactive activities throughout the museum.

Programming includes guided family tours, gallery storytime, button making, abstract art activities and live music exploration sessions for children and teens. Some activities, such as music exploration, require advance registration due to limited space.

Exploring art through colour and creativity

Throughout July, visitors can also explore the exhibition Abstract Art in Canada in the PAMA Art Gallery, including works such as Voice in the Air by artist Milly Ristvedt. Guests are encouraged to reflect on how colour influences emotion before creating their own abstract works inspired by the exhibition.

Registration and participation

Most workshops and programs are open for registration or available on a drop-in basis, depending on the activity. Space for select sessions is limited, and advance registration is recommended for workshops such as music exploration and multi-week courses.

More information and registration details are available through PAMA’s official programming channels.