Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Newsletter

Welcome to the November & December Edition of the Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Newsletter!

As the year winds down and the holiday season approaches, there are plenty of ways to stay active, get creative, connect with your community, and make the most of the season in Peterborough. Whether you’re looking to try something new, enjoy a favourite activity, or find a little extra fun during the colder months, there’s something for everyone.

Keep moving with fitness classes, swimming, sports, drop-in programs, and recreation opportunities at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre and facilities across the city. Looking for a little inspiration? Explore exhibitions, programs, and activities at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, step into local history and hands-on experiences at the Peterborough Museum & Archives, or enjoy family-friendly programming and seasonal experiences at Riverview Park & Zoo.

The holidays are a great time to slow down, get together, and make memories—whether that means staying active, discovering a new program, enjoying some time outdoors, or simply finding a fun way to spend time with family and friends. Think of it as your invitation to add a little more play to the season!

Inside this newsletter, you’ll find information on registration, memberships, facility hours, community events, camps, cultural programs, sports, aquatics, recreation opportunities, seasonal programming, and much more. Bundle up, get out there, and make the most of November and December in our community!

In this Newsletter:

• Facility Holiday Hours
• Facility Maintenance & Closures 
• Membership and Discount Opportunities
• Registration Dates
• Aquatics
• Group Fitness
• Fitness
• Facility Booking
• Community Events
• Peterborough Memorial Centre
• Art Gallery of Peterborough
• Riverview Park & Zoo
• Adult Leisure
• Child and Family
• Peterborough Museum and Archives

PSWC Memberships and Discount Opportunities

Get active, stay connected, and enjoy everything PSWC has to offer!

Registration Dates

Ready, Set, Register!

Mark these important registration dates on your calendar all programs will be viewable on November 17!

Aquatics

Peterborough Recreation offers courses for those who are interested in enhancing their water safety knowledge and First Aid skills, as well as those looking to become a qualified lifeguard or swim instructor. Learn teamwork and leadership skills and boost your self-confidence and communication skills for future careers. For more information and/or to register for swimming lessons, visit peterborough.ca/swim

Aquatic Leadership Subsidy Funding

Aquatic Leadership Subsidy Funding: The City of Peterborough has received a grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to assist low-income families and individuals cover the cost of registration and equipment needed for Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard programs.

Those interested in applying for the grant can contact Summer Ley at sley@peterborough.ca.

Drop-In Swimming

Drop-In swimming is included in your Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre membership or purchase a drop–in pass to participate in a variety of swims for all abilities and ages. Bring the family to a Wellness Centre Fun Swim equipped with water features and a water slide.

Additional Holiday Fun Swims:

• Monday, December 21: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM & 5 PM to 6 PM
• Tuesday, December 22: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
• Wednesday, December 23: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM & 5 PM to 6 PM
• Thursday, December 24: 12 PM to 1:30 PM (See Holiday Schedule)
• Monday, December 28: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM & 5 PM to 6 PM
• Tuesday, December 29: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
• Wednesday, December 30: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM & 5 PM to 6 PM
• Thursday, December 31: 12 PM to 1:30 PM (See Holiday Schedule)

Aqua Fitness

Aqua Fitness is a multi-level class that takes place in the shallow and/or deep water and is great for everyone. A safe and effective fitness program led by qualified fitness instructors. Exercises are low impact, and participants do not need to know how to swim, just need to be comfortable in chest-deep water.

Group Fitness

Also included in your Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre membership, browse our schedules for group fitness programs, land fitness and aquatic fitness programs.

• You can drop-in to try a class, register for a session, or become a member and access them all.
• A variety of class options for all fitness levels.
• Grab a group fitness schedule the next time you visit! 

Members of the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre are reminded to sign-up for the free email communication available for each session of drop-in group fitness classes. To sign up, simply:

To sign up, simply:

1. Grab a Group Fitness schedule;
2. Circle that classes you attend and would like to receive email notifications about;
3. Write your contact information on the back (bottom right-hand corner, there is a convenient spot to write this); and
4. Hand in to a Customer Service Representative

We'll connect your digital profile to the selected classes. Members can expect to receive email notifications whenever there is a cancellation, disruption, or room relocation (when time permits).

Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre Memberships

Benefits of membership at the Sport & Wellness Centre:

• Unlimited fitness centre access* during operating hours
• Fitness and aqua fitness classes for all abilities
• Drop-in swimming to lane swims, wellness swims, fun swims and more
• Drop-in sports such as pickleball, badminton, basketball and more
• Early program registration
• Member rates

Specialized Fitness Classes 

The Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre also offers a variety of registered group fitness classes designed to help you meet your health and fitness goals. With options for all ages and abilities across a range of disciplines, there's something for everyone. These include:

• Baby & Me – Aquafit and Bootcamp classes 
• Line Dancing 
• Strollercize 
• Taekwondo (Adult and Youth) and Hapkido
• Together In Movement and Exercise (TIME™) 
• Qigong 
• Zumba 

Pickleball Programs 

We host a variety of registered pickleball programs for recreational and competitive level players looking to meet new people and play the game they love. Sessions are available at Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre and Healthy Planet Arena.

Drop–In Sports 

Join us at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre for weekly drop-in sports programs including basketball, badminton, volleyball, and pickleball. Bring a friend or meet a new one. Don't have equipment? No problem! We have basic equipment available to borrow so you can show up and play.

Fitness

Personal Training

If you're looking to build strength, prevent injury, or reach a specific fitness goal faster, connect with one of our certified Personal Trainers about our many flexible training packages or specialized programs built for your needs.

Skate

Instructional Ice-Skating Programs

Did you know Peterborough Recreation has registered instructional skating programs year-round? We offer programs such as Skating Skills for Hockey, Learn to Skate programs for Adults and Children, as well as Parent and Tot instruction, too.

Drop-In Skating & Hockey Programs

We also offer a variety of weekly drop-in skating programming, including all-ages, public skates, 50+ public skates, as well as pay-as-you-play Adult (18+) and Women's shinny programs.

All-ages public skates are also offered for Holidays and PA Days, too! Check out our Holiday Skate Schedule below to see program dates and times.

Note: All PA Day and Holiday skates take place at Miskin Law Community Complex.

• December 21, from 12 PM to 2 PM on Canadian Hockey Enterprise pad
• December 22, from 3:15 PM to 5:15 PM on Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 23, from 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM on Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 24, from 9 AM to 11 AM on Canadian Hockey Enterprise & Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 27, from 3:15 PM to 5:15 PM on Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 28, from 12 PM to 2 PM on Canadian Hockey Enterprise & Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 29, from 12 PM to 2 PM on Canadian Hockey Enterprise & Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 30, from 12 PM to 2 PM on Canadian Hockey Enterprise & Russelle Toyota Pad
• December 31, from 3 PM to 4 PM on Canadian Hockey Enterprise Pad

Registered Hockey Programs 

Looking to practice your hockey skills and get in a workout with friends or family? We offer weekly registered hockey programs, such as Family Stick & Puck, Youth Shinny, and Adult 65+ Shinny. Advanced registration is required.

Facility Booking

Recreation and Parks Services offer a number of meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms, banquet halls, ice, floor, field and court rentals at its many facilities. For more information, rates and locations please visit our website at Facility Booking and Permitting.

Outdoor Sport:

The City permits the artificial turf fields at Fleming College, Holy Cross and Thomas A Secondary School.

Please visit our online turf availability for dates and times.

To book a diamond, field (including artificial turf) or court, please fill out the sport facility request form.

Please note these important dates:

Washroom facilities will begin closing by Thanksgiving weekend and portable washrooms will be removed as of October 31.

The beach volleyball courts, tennis courts and Pickleball courts will close by October 31 regardless of weather conditions.

Artificial turf fields will close by November 30.

Please note Pavilions & Shelters close after Thanksgiving weekend. Bookings for 2027 open mid January.

Book Your Holiday Party!

Planning a staff, team, or family celebration? The City of Peterborough offers rooms and halls for 25 to 300 guests. 

Book now: Multipurpose Rooms and Halls | City of Peterborough.

Indoor Sport:

Arenas:

Please visit our online ice and floor availability for dates and times. To submit your sport request, please fill out the sport facility request form.

The fall winter season starts September 8th and runs until March 2027. There are two ice pads at Miskin Law Community Complex, Healthy Planet Arena and the Kinsmen Civic Centre. The Peterborough Memorial Centre has one ice pad.

General availability for 2026-2027 Fall to Winter ice season is open until March 12, 2027.

Deadline to apply for Spring 1: December 1 which includes March Playoffs March 13 to March 28

Deadline to apply for Spring 2: December 15 which includes March 29 to May 31, 2027 

Community Events

Tree Lighting Ceremony: November 27, 2026, Quaker Foods City Square 6 PM to 8 PM

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the start of the city’s holiday season and supports downtown activation in partnership with the DBIA. The event will feature the lighting of the official holiday tree, remarks from the mayor, and festive programming coordinated by the DBIA and City partners.

SnoFest 2027: Family Day Long Weekend, February 12 to 15, 2026

Four fun-filled days of winter-themed activities will be held over family day long weekend. Join in celebrating the community of Peterborough through Canadian traditions for the whole family to enjoy. Stay tuned for more information and event schedule. For a full list of events please look at our Community Events Calendar.

For a full list of events please look at our Community Events Calendar.

Peterborough Memorial Centre Upcoming Events

Peterborough Petes 2026-2027: Single Tickets

Rivalry Night: the Battle of Ontario, November 6, 2026

Dean Brody and the Reklaws: Hometown Heroes Tour, November 21, 2026

Harlem Globetrotters: Rivalry Night, February 1, 2027

Education Programs:

Whether you're returning to the studio or joining us for the first time, our thoughtfully designed programs invite you to learn new techniques, develop your practice, and create alongside a welcoming community. From children discovering art for the first time to adults looking to deepen their creative practice, our fall lineup offers inspiring opportunities for artists of all ages and experience levels. Explore a wide variety of media and techniques, from painting and drawing to sculpture and stop-motion animation, and everything in between.

Visit agp.on.ca/learn/ to find out more!

Become an AGP Tier 3 Member and receive a 10% discount on adult and children’s programs.

Current Exhibitions:

See what’s on view at the gallery by visiting the AGP Website at: agp.on.ca/whats-on/

Riverview Park & Zoo

With 55 acres of urban forest, parks and trails, 25 animal habitats, and Peterborough’s largest playground, there’s lots to see, do and learn!

Riverview Park and Zoo is located at 1300 Water Street North in Peterborough, Ontario, along the Otonabee River. The main entrance is at the intersection of Water Street and Carnegie Avenue and is accessible by both car and public transit.

Exhibits, workshops, educational programs, and camps are all offered at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

Zoo hours of Operation:

• 9 AM to 4:30 PM daily
• Guest Services and Gift Shop are now closed and will be open for special events on October 31, November 28 and December 5 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Child & Family

Peterborough Recreation offers a handful of fun, family-friendly activities for varying age groups. It’s never too late to register, as prorated fees are offered. Try out a program anytime!  

Learn more about membership discount options for child and family programming here!