BrainWaves: The Neuroscience Graduate Program Newsletter

Things to See and Do in Hamilton (Winter and Spring 2024)

Author: Supriya Bains



This winter has been anything but ordinary with its above-freezing conditions and reduced snowfall. The snow, or absence of snow, makes is impossible to do much skiing or snowboarding locally; however, the opportunities to enjoy your winter and spring and explore Hamilton are plentiful. 





Some budget-friendly options of adventures to see and do include:

City of Hamilton’s Museums


A physical or digital Hamilton Public Library card will provide free access to Hamilton’s eight city-owned museums. These library cards are free to anyone living, working, or studying in Hamilton. Register for a HPL eCard (https://www.hpl.ca/librarycard) using your McMaster email address to unlock these amazing perks!




Dundurn National Historic Site

Hamilton Military Museum

Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum

Griffin House Museum

Whitehern Historic House and Garden

Hamilton Children’s Museum

Battlefield House Museum and Park

Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology



Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum


Adult admission to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is $16. Take a step into a fighter aircraft in a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience at the Fly Zone for $29.99-49.99. For free museum admission, you can purchase your VR experience online.



Art Gallery of Hamilton


Plan your visit at the Art Gallery of Hamilton to walk through the exhibitions and permanent collection galleries or join one of the many day programs or special events. Adult admission is $15 except on Thursdays, where admission on Thursdays is free for ALL.



Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse


Visit the Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse to admire waterfalls, exotic fruit trees, rare plants, and much more. Best of all, admission is free!





BATL Axe Throwing


If you haven't been axe throwing, it's definitely time to try it out! At BATL Axe Throwing, they offer how-to-throw coaching and private lanes; although, be warned you will not weild Stormbreaker or become the God of Thunder (i.e., Thor). Play a variety of games for as low as $29.99 per person. Check it out here!



Play with Clay


Embrace your creativity in learning to paint and create pottery at Play with Clay. Pottery painting costs $15-40 depending on the size of the ceramic. You can start from scratch in learning how to build and sculpt clay. Clay projects are priced individually based on the amount of clay used; however, the average cost ranges between $20-35.



Pier 8 Skating Rink


Skate rentals are available from Monday to Sunday for $10. Consult https://www.hamiltonwaterfront.com for daily updates on rink conditions and closures.


Splitsville Entertainment


Let the games begin at Splitsville Entertainment! Get a strike in bowling or win prizes at the arcade while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Hourly bowling prices are available at https://www.splitsville.ca/hamilton-bowling. Shoe rentals are $5.25. You can load your arcade game card with credits and play in the arcade!



Lazer Mania


Yes, laser tag still exists and YES, it's still as fun as you remember! Lazer Mania offers laser tag as well as an arcade. Laser tag prices are: one game for $9, two games for $17, and three games for $22. Consider visiting on Tuesday for half priced laser tag!




Hamilton Indoor Go Karts


Ready, set, go! Enjoy some competition on the tracks with one race for $30 and two for $50. Check it out here!

Enjoy Hamilton! You will not be disappointed by the collection of things to see and do in the city. 

Check out the Events Calendar for more ways to have fun in Hamilton: https://tourismhamilton.com/events-calendar/.