There are lots of activities for families to see and do between presentations. Spend some time exploring Hendrie Gardens and look for these fun things to see and do!

  • Engage in inclusive multi-sensory activities at Telling Tales Programming Tents across the Festival (now with bigger and more spacious tents for our Early Readers and Preteens). These “yes spaces” are designed to be engaging and welcoming for the needs of Neurodivergent children and their families.
  • Each Programming Tent will also have a designated Regulation Station for children that prefer to be slightly removed from amplified sounds and would like to use Telling Tales’ collection of fidget toys and colouring sheets. Check out your own Sensory Kit as you enter the Festival at our Information Booth.
  • ASL interpreters will be on-site at all Telling Tales Programming Tents on Saturday, and interpreters will be available to support guests arriving at Registration.
  • Need some quiet time? Head to one of our Quieter Spaces identified on the Festival Map. 
  • Need to get your wiggles out? Head to one of our Bouncy Castles at the east side of the park near many of our Food Vendors.
  • Enjoy live theatre around the park with the Arts For All presentation of Kinderfest theatre for young minds with Carousel Players’ Drama Garden (daily times to be announced shortly) and Burlington Student Theatre wandering Literary Characters.
  • Join all of our authors directly following their presentations at one of our Autograph Tents.
  • Join our Scavenger Hunt–pick up a card at the info booth and receive one book per family from Scholastic Canada on completion.
  • Come check out the great selection of lightly used English and French books to swap with or buy at the Book Swap & Shop | Échange et achat de livres presented in partnership with Centre francophone Hamilton.
  • Visit the Exhibitor Grove for activities and information from community groups, authors, book lovers, and more.
  • Head to one of our Creativity Zones to enjoy multi-arts activities presented by local arts organizations.
  • Join one of our walking tours supported by Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Garden and Lawrie Insurance including our RBG Sculpture Tour at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm.
  • Visit the major partners of the 17th annual Telling Tales Festival for fun activities and giveaways from TD Bank Group, Cogeco, and Access Storage.
  • Fill out our online survey to win great prizes!
  • Participate in PRESTO Perks! PRESTO cardholders receive 50% off Telling Tales merchandise on site when a physical or digital PRESTO card is presented by the customer.