Adopt My Friends

The Giftshop

There is a gift shop at Ball’s Falls. It also houses the admissions desk. You can purchase some refreshments and snacks there for your day at Ball’s Falls as well as cool toys. There are authentic Ball’s Falls gifts and wooden games and toys just like the settlers would have played with. Reference books are also available for purchase if you happen to see something on the trails that you want to identify or if you are interested in learning more about your surroundings. But the best part of the gift shop is that you can adopt some of my friends! So be sure to stop by Ball’s Falls and see what the giftshop has to offer!

My Friends who are ready for Adoption!

Northern Owls are a HOOT!

Who doesn’t love owls? I personally know they are great birds, even thought I have to watch out because they might be hungry when they see me! Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation is holding a “Northern Owls” exhibit starting September 18th and running until November 15th. In this exhibit, which is from the Royal Ontario Museum, you can learn all about different types of owls and their habitat. Also accompanying the exhibit is a great children’s activity area where there is plenty to do! There will be a few different special day events during the run of this exhibit so be sure to keep checking back for more information on them. There is also an educational program that is available for schools from kindergarten to grade 8, to book this or for more information please call 905-562-5235 ext. 26. Don’t forget to do the scavenger hunt in the building there are prizes for all! The Centre for Conservation is open 9am to 4pm every day.

Something Strange!?!

Have you ever seen something weird that people once considered normal? Well I found one here at Ball’s Falls! I was exploring by the Ball family home the other day and found something I find very strange…..a three seat toilet!

That is me on the 3 seat toilet!

I found this so unique I had to tweet one of the staff to find out more! She said that this was actually quite normal in those times because the toilet was outside people would just have a little opening on their underclothing to use the facilities. So they actually wouldn’t take off clothing to use the washroom. In this case it did not matter who was right beside you. And I thought I had it bad having to go in the woods with no privacy, but at least I can hide behind a bush! Come see it for yourself and just ask one of the tour guides for more information. If you have any other ideas of once common things that now seem strange let me know!

Just Waterfalls!?!

Just a couple of our Heritage Buildings!

I always overhear visitors at Ball’s Falls say how surprised they are that there is more at the conservation area than just waterfalls. So I just wanted to let you know that YES we have two waterfalls here but so much more than that! There are beautiful maintained hiking trails in the conservation area, including one that links up to the Bruce Trail. On the site is a historic settlement, where many original buildings are preserved and staff give daily tours. At the Centre for Conservation there are also two museum galleries! One is a permanent exhibit based on the geography of the conservation area and the early settlers. The other changes exhibits to offer new and unique ways to explore Ball’s Falls every time you come! There is always a children’s craft and activity area where learning and playing come together. Did you know so much was offered at Ball’s Falls? I did! And now you know so pass it on!

The Centre for Conservation where the museum galleries are!

The Children's Water Festival!

Hello kids, parents and grandparents, September 12th, 2010 is Grandparents Day! I found something VERY exciting to do on this day, whether you can bring your grandparents or enjoy the day just thinking about them. The Children’s Water Festival is happening at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area! It is a perfect opportunity to bond with your family and have a fun, educational day.

The festival will be happening from 12 noon to 4pm, and is FREE! Complimentary hot dogs and drinks will also be served up for this wonderful day. You can learn all about water, how it is used, conserved, protected, used for science, and water technology. There are activity centres throughout the festival where experienced leaders explain the use of water and create a fun atmosphere to learn. There will be plenty of activities to keep the children busy, such as crafts, face painting, balloon art, and a falcon demonstration. Firefighters will be here as well to show off the latest in fire fighting equipment and give fire safety tips! 

Water is one of the most important resources we have. Learning about it and its uses is a great step to being a valuable member of this planet. Why not fly over to http://www.niagarachildrenswaterfestival.com/index/page/name/home and check out some more information, you’ll discover just how much fun it can be.