24th Annual
Peterborough Children's Water Festival
May 27-28, 2026
Inspiring grades 2-5 students to become water champions!
Held alongside the Odenabe (Otonabee) River at Riverview Park & Zoo, students experience over 35 curriculum-connected learning centres, and enjoy a day of fun hands-on learning on water-related topics: conservation, attitudes toward water, technology, protection, and science!
Notes from Last Year's PWCF: A Splashing Success!
2025 marked the 23rd Peterborough Children’s Water Festival (PCWF) at the Riverview Park and Zoo on May 27th and 28th. During the festival:
- ~1,400 youth in grades 2-5 attended from 31 local schools;
- Over 35 hands-on activity centres connected youth to water conservation and protection;
- Cross-curricular activities tapped into Science, Social Studies, Math, and transferable Language skills;
- ~150 high school students ran the dynamic activity centres in French and English, gaining valuable leadership skills;
- Over 50 community volunteers made this free/low-barrier community event happen for students!
This was our first year (hopefully of many!) attending the PCWF. What a fabulous day of gaining understanding and respect for our water in such a fun and engaging way!
~Alicia Morrallee - KPRDSB, Grade 2/3
It was such a wonderful experience for my students. Each activity was meaningful and engaging enough that it captivated the attention of grade 5s! Such a wonderful experience! Thank you.
~Kristin Manol PVNCCDSB, Grade 5
The PCWF is a great tradition for our school. Students love learning about water conservation & sanitation. The centres were engaging and the students had a blast! Thank you!
~Andrea Raine PVNCCDSB, Grade 3
Want to start your own #WaterWednesday?
Check out resources from our virtual Water Wednesdays here!
Locally-focused and fun water education for your classroom.
About Us
The Peterborough Children's Water Festival (PCWF) is a community event for children in Grade 2 to 5. The PCWF provides students with the opportunity to discover the importance and diversity of water.
The PCWF works in partnership with educators, water quality and quantity specialists, community volunteers, conservation groups, industry and government to create a festival full of activities that are educational and fun for children in grades 2 to 5.
Check out the Highlights from our many years of Water Education!