Families can journey back to Ancient Rome this summer as the Bata Shoe Museum presents Summer at the BSM: Little Boots, running every Monday to Friday from July 6 – August 28, 2026. Taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the museum’s location at 327 Bloor Street West, the interactive programme combines hands-on activities, educational presentations and exhibition tours inspired by the museum’s newest exhibition, Unearthing Vindolanda: Footwear from the Edge of the Roman Empire.

Included with general admission, the summer programme invites families and camp groups to explore Roman history through creative and self-guided activities designed for children and visitors of all ages. Throughout the day, guests can participate in Roman puppet-making, create 3D shoebox models inspired by the archaeological site of Vindolanda and enjoy themed iSpy games connected to the museum’s exhibitions.

Visitors will also have opportunities to try on reproduction footwear and take home themed activity booklets extending the learning experience beyond the museum visit. The programme encourages children to engage with history through play, storytelling and creativity while exploring the fascinating world of the Roman Empire.

Discovering Vindolanda and Ancient Footwear

At the centre of the programme is Unearthing Vindolanda, a major exhibition featuring more than 100 footwear-related artefacts uncovered at Vindolanda, a Roman auxiliary fort located near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Appearing in North America for the first time, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into everyday life at the edge of the Roman Empire.

Vindolanda is one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites and forms part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ongoing excavations at the site continue to reveal remarkably preserved objects, including leather shoes, tools and personal belongings that provide insight into the daily lives of Roman soldiers, families and local communities.

The exhibition explores how footwear reflected status, occupation and identity within Roman society while highlighting the incredible preservation of artefacts discovered underground for nearly two thousand years.

Daily Tours and Presentations

In addition to self-guided activities, visitors can attend scheduled exhibition tours and presentations throughout the day. Daily exhibition tours begin at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., while Unearthing Vindolanda presentations take place at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Each programme runs approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

For families, Little Boots operates as a drop-in programme, though children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Summer camp groups are also welcome, with advance registration required for groups of 12 or more children. Discounted group admission rates are available for registered camps and organisations.

Blending archaeology, history and imaginative play, Summer at the BSM: Little Boots offers an engaging way for children and families to discover the ancient world while exploring one of Toronto’s most unique museums.