Huron County Museum Offers New Ways to Stay Active and Creative this Winter

Michael Roy, Education and programming coordinator at the Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol.

During colder temperatures and difficult roads to navigate to the excess of snow this region has experienced, the Huron County Museum in Goderich is an option for families and individuals to safely engage with others and stay warm and safe during these winter months.

Families can drop by the museum for Make a Mess, a free play program where kids explore new toys and activities, with no cleanup required. 

The Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol runs a Make a Mess, a drop-in unstructured play session for kids, every Saturday until March, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children can enjoy a variety of toys that are rotated every week.

Education and programming coordinator, Michael Roy, said that the program is a great opportunity for a child to build confidence, make decisions, and learn to empathize. 

On Feb. 16, the museum will host its Family Day Open House. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature a screening of “The Goonies,” drop-in karaoke, a family gameshow and apple cider. 

Families can also enjoy the sound effect station, take pictures in the photobooth, and make TV and radio-themed crafts. 

“Family Day is all about giving people a reason to come together, have fun, and make memories,” said Roy.

“We wanted to create something that feels nostalgic but also connects families through shared experiences.”

The museum recently launched its newest exhibit called Stories from Storage. A recurring exhibition that highlights historic morning schedules of people from the past. The exhibit will feature unique toilets, sowing machines, tools and garments. 

“These stories show different pockets of our collection and showcase what people would do for a morning routine,” said Roy. 

The museum is also running a daily Walking Scrabble, giving residents an opportunity to exercise indoors who are feeling isolated in the winter. Walkers can enjoy a stroll through the gallery and could win prizes by picking up a Scrabble letter from the front desk and placing it on the game board.

“It’s about more than just the game,” Roy said.

“Walking Scrabble helps people stay connected, active, and mentally engaged when it’s easy to stay home and hibernate.

“The museum isn’t just about history, it’s about community. A place where people of all ages can come together, learn something new, and connect through shared experiences.”