Studio Bell PlayLab

The National Music Centre (NMC) has opened a FREE, interactive, musical playground! PlayLab, located on the main floor of Studio Bell, is a place for families to explore and make music. Everyone from young to old can create their own sound – together! There are three zones:

• Strings, Percussion, Wind and Electronic Instruments
• Learn to Play
• Sound Stage

PlayLab: Circuit Jam | May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29, 2026
Participants ages 9-12 build simple circuits and create sounds they can hear instantly. Try things out, make changes, and see what happens as you explore how sound is shaped through play and experimentation.

PlayLab: Rhythm Playground | June 6, July 18 & September 26, 2026
Step into PlayLab and explore rhythm through hands-on, high-energy music making. This free drop-in program invites participants ages 4-12 to experiment with beat, patterns, and group music-making with boomwhackers, djembes, and wooden spoons.

PlayLab: Feet to the Beat | July 4, August 1, September 12, October 17, and November 28, 2026
Turn up the music and shake it out! Join the PlayLab and get moving and grooving to a new style of dance each session at 11 AM and 1 PM.

PlayLab: DIY Sound Factory | August 8 & September 5, 2026
Through play and experimentation, kids ages 5-9 explore ideas like vibration, rhythm, and volume while turning ordinary materials into instruments they can use right away.

PlayLab: Kitchen Party | August 15, 2026
Celebrate National Acadian Day in PlayLab with the energy of a kitchen party. This all-ages, hands-on drop-in invites visitors to explore Acadian music traditions through fiddle-inspired sounds, group music-making, and the rhythmic pulse of spoon playing.

PlayLab: Rattle and Strum | August 22, 2026
Join children’s music duo Rattle and Strum for live music in PlayLab. Check it out at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM

The PlayLab programs run from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM unless otherwise noted.

Studio Bell PlayLab: