KW Titans, New Year's Levees, Chinese New Year, Free Skating and more Events, Activities and Stuff To Do in KW

As always please check all links provided as times, dates, venues and registration information often changes without our knowledge.

WE ALSO SUGGEST GOING THROUGH THE FULL LIST BECAUSE SOME EVENTS MAY REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION.

First is list of ongoing events followed by our Monthly Blast

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LIST OF ONTARIO ATTRACTIONS FREE AND DISCOUNT COUPONS! http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.ca/2017/06/save-on-ontario-attractions-with.html

Make sure you are following us!

https://twitter.com/Those2Girls

https://instagram.com/Those2girls

https://www.facebook.com/Those2Girls6DegreesOfUs

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749

Ongoing Events

Infant Studies Group

If you’re looking for something new and fun to do with your child, we would love to have you participate in one of our studies! Help us discover how children learn about language and the world around them. Typical studies involve a one time, half hour visit. You stay with your child the entire time and receive a small gift for participating as well! Please contact us or visit our website for more information. We hope to see you soon!

WEB: http://uwaterloo.ca/infant-studies-group

EMAIL: babylab@uwaterloo.ca

Social Development Lab

Our lab is currently looking for children to help with our research! Our lab looks at personality and the social world for young children. Our study involves parents and their children coming into our lab and answering a few questions. Kids get to play some fun computer games as well! The typical sessions take around 2 hours and parents are always able to observe their child during the social interaction tasks. In appreciation of your time, children get a small gift. To learn more about our lab and what we do, check out our website! Follow us on Facebook and twitter to keep up to date with our fun!

Twitter: SDLab_UW
Facebook: Social Development Lab Waterloo
Website: uwaterloo.ca/social-development-lab
TEL: 519-888-4567 ext.38775
Email: sdl@uwaterloo.ca

Youth Drum and Bugle Corps

Great program for youths in the KWC area. Our participants come not only from Cambridge, but Waterloo, Kitchener, Brantford, and surrounding areas as well. We are not the Scouts. We are not the Army, Navy or Sea Cadets. We are the only Youth Drum and Bugle Corps in the area!

No experience required and we have a modest membership fee ($20 per year). We provide a unique musical education program that not only teaches kids to play music or perform colour guard, we instruct them how to march, perform and basically just have fun! Check us out on our website: www.scouthouseband.com/cadets

FULL MONTH EVENT CALENDARS

These places have so many events each month, it is better to just look at them individually

KPL Calendar http://kplca.evanced.info/signup/calendar

WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp

Region of Waterloo Libraries Calendar http://calendar.rwlibrary.ca/?_mid_=17409

Cambridge Libraries – Idea Exchange Calendar http://ideaexchange.org

Michaels Craft Store Workshops  http://canada.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MichaelsCanada-Site/en_CA/Page-Show?cid=store-events

Have an Infant and/or Toddler? Check out OUR PLACE EARLY YEARS CENTRE calendar http://www.ourplacekw.ca/

Grand River Conservation Authority https://calendar.grandriver.ca/default

Waterloo Region Museum http://calendar.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/Default/Month

Schneider Haus Museum http://calendar.schneiderhaus.ca/Default/Month

McDougall Cottage http://calendar.mcdougallcottage.ca/Default/Month

Play-A-Latte Events https://playalattecafe.com/collections/events

If you are willing to drive a little out of town, then this is the list for BRANTFORD’s HARMONY SQUARE http://www.brantford.ca/residents/leisurerecreation/communityfacilities/HarmonySquare/Pages/EventsandPrograms.aspx

Daily

The Creekside Playground is open on Sundays and is available to the general public Monday through Thursday 9:30am-11:30am at various seasons throughout the year.  You do not need to be a Creekside attender to enjoy the use of the playground.

Admission is free!  Aside from regular play, special events/classes are offered throughout the week.  This is a great place for your children to play and for you to meet new friends.

Choose from 2 locations. Begins Mid September see link for info
660 Conservation Drive, Waterloo.
1356 Weber St East, Kitchener.

https://www.creeksidechurch.ca/playground

Calvary Church Cambridge Indoor Playground

What: We are an indoor playground located directly in the church building which opens its doors to our community to allow a safe and friendly environment.
 Ages: Suited to infant/crawlers, toddlers and pre-school children.

 Cost: $1.00 minimum per head. This helps reduce the cost of regular cleaning and new toys.

Hours: Monday – Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 am.

Closed: Fridays all season and Holiday Mondays

Schedule: September to June (closed for the summer months)

Special Activities: Twice a week there will be different activities offered, from Play-doh Play to arts and crafts, the activities are geared toward preschool aged children.

Daycare Workers: We will be opening the playground every Tuesday for any caregiver that operates a daycare. If you are not a daycare worker, you are still MORE than welcome to attend on Tuesday! Every day we have coffee, tea, juice and snacks available for purchase.

https://mycalvary.life/event/indoor-playground/?event_rdate=20180917093000%2C20180917113000

Sleep And Your New Baby Waterloo Region Sessions

(various dates and times)

Session Details:

The purpose of the session is help families understand and respond to their baby’s sleep patterns and language, which will in turn strengthen family relationships and contribute to achieving optimal child health.

The 1.5 hour session will be offered weekly at all three Ontario Early Years Main sites with a mix of daytime, evening and weekend timings

Parents/caregivers can register online at http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-registration.html The session will be most beneficial if parents/caregivers brings their baby with them and we encourage bringing a support person to assist with this http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-regist…

Earth Sciences Museum @ University Of Waterloo

Conestoga Rovers Learning Centre (the “Dino pit”) open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The museum’s main atrium, mining tunnel, Great Lakes fountain and stunning mineral exhibits open evenings Monday to Friday and weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Plus info about the Scavenger Hunt can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/…/earth-sciences-museum-scavenger-hunts

Mondays

Parent and Tot Art for Babies 18 mo and younger 1-2pm at Downtown Community Centre FREE EVENT

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=816047260716&set=p.816047260716&type=3&theater

Tots at Play (Mondays and Fridays)

Unleash the kids with toys galore! Unrestricted floor space allows for tons of creative play and action games.

For newborn - 6Y. Caregivers must supervise children at all times.

  Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Manulife Financial Soccer & Sports Centre in Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge Street, Waterloo

$5.50/visit/family (maximum 4 children) https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2019-04-05-0930-Tots-at-Play-preschool-drop-in

Legacy every Monday at 7pm. $4 entry with a pack per person into the prize pool @ KW PlaySpace (until Sept 24) https://www.facebook.com/events/317175528805117

Tuesdays

Bring your little ones to the Kitchener Market select Tuesdays from 11a.m.-noon for a fabulous, fun-filled morning! Be prepared for a high-energy, hopping good time at these FREE weekly children's events as our performers entertain your tots!

Jan 7

Jan 21

http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Kids_Hop.asp

Parent & tot drop in at the Carmel New Church and School gym will be running Tuesday mornings. There will be ride-on toys, balls, slides and lots of space to run around.
Our gym opens into our nursery room where babies and little ones can play with toys or do a craft.

Tuesdays from 10-11:45 @ 40 Chapel Hill Dr. Kitchener
Ages 0-5
Free to attend
Join us and bring a friend!
We request that parents bring their own children to in order to maintain a balanced program https://www.facebook.com/events/2969967333020159

Colour Our Community @ KPL Central (Downtown) every 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of the month from 2pm-4pm

Art can be a tool for increasing social connections and fostering community inclusion and integration. Colour Our Community aims to make connections between those who are often marginalized and members of the community at large in a comfortable, accessible venue where all are welcome to explore their creativity and experience connection through art. Colour Our Community is a partnership with Kitchener Public Library and Circle of Friends.

 https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/eventdetails?eventid=27070&lib=5

Nature Play @ Kingsdale Park 3pm-6pm

https://www.evergreen.ca/our-projects/neighbourhood-nature-play

Wednesdays

Tails and Trails Jan 8- Feb 26 @ Huron Natural Area

10am https://www.facebook.com/events/2448653315395238/

Nature Play @ Gzowski Park 3pm-6pm

https://www.evergreen.ca/our-projects/neighbourhood-nature-play

Thursdays

A FREE art program every Thursday! Beginning January 16

Thursday from 11 a.m. - noon, every 2^nd week ARTSHINE will be hosting a parent and tot program at the Kitchener Market - a program for children and their parents. Participate in a fun, unique, hands-on creative art experience!

Jan 16

Jan 30

AFTER the program, be sure to stop by one of our market vendors for a healthy, kid-friendly lunch with lots of options for adults too.

Space is limited! Reserve a spot now for the ARTSHINE programs on Thursday by calling 226-647-2777, or emailing ARTSHINE.

http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Kids_Art_free_art_program.asp

TOT SPOT @ Downtown Kitchener Community Centre 12:30-2:3pm
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=816047210816&set=p.816047210816&type=3&theater

Ukelele Jam Thursday Nights ages 16+ see registration info at http://www.musicatgreengables.com/ukulele

Free Community Music Jam Session (ages 16+)

Fridays

Free Toddler Time in Cambridge 10-11:30am registration info at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10161026679935467&set=p.10161026679935467&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Tots at Play (Mondays and Fridays)

Unleash the kids with toys galore! Unrestricted floor space allows for tons of creative play and action games.

For newborn - 6Y. Caregivers must supervise children at all times.

  Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Manulife Financial Soccer and Sports Centre in Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge Street, Waterloo

$5.50/visit/family (maximum 4 children) https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2019-04-05-0930-Tots-at-Play-preschool-drop-in

Saturdays

Family Favourites $2.99 Films @ Cineplex

11am http://www.cineplex.com/Events/FamilyFavourites

Home Depot Workshops 2nd Saturday of Each Month

FREE Hands-on Workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at all The Home Depot stores. Each child can bring home a newly constructed project, an achievement pin and certificate https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/ideas-how-to/workshops.html

Nailed It Nite will be hosting children’s DIYs every Saturday morning at the Bridgeport Community Center starting in September. Costs start at $10-$20/child www.facebook.com/naileditnite

Best Places to Toboggan in Kitchener Waterloo

https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-places-to-toboggan-in-kitchener.html

Where To Skate

 https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2013/01/where-to-skate-in-kitchener-waterloo.htm

JANUARY E-BLAST

Always check the provided links for updated info, as events may change without our knowledge

Begins Nov 28 (various dates and times until Jan 4)

Glow Toronto (about an hour from Kitchener Waterloo)

Info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2019/11/get-set-to-see-christmas-glow-in-toronto.html

Jan 2-5

Holiday Special from Flag Raiders

https://flagraiders.com/event-one/

Jan 2

Free Holiday Skate @ Woolwich Community Centre Elmira

1:30pm-3:30pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/609690473108551/

KW TITANS @ THE AUD 7PM

INFO AT https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

Jan 3

Free Skating @ North Dumfries Community Complex

10am-Noon https://www.facebook.com/events/1163283803873792/

and

4-6pm https://www.facebook.com/events/2520159851593439/

Free Family Skate 4:30pm-6:30pm in Cambridge, but you must register.

Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/1187758531414825/

Jan 4

Free Community Skate @ Cambridge Ice Centre

12:30pm-2:30pm https://www.facebook.com/events/2466320466823933/

TriCity Circus Open House

Saturday, January 4, 2020 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

560 Thompson Dr., Unit 1, Cambridge, ON

TriCity Centre for Circus Arts is dedicated to providing high quality training in aerial and ground arts. Tour our new facility, meet our amazing team, and discover what it’s like to leave the ground by joining a FREE aerial silks DEMO! Find more info at www.tricitycircus.com/openhouse

Free Skate @ Albert McCormick Arena Waterloo

3:00pm-4:50pm https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/skating.aspx

Jan 5

New Year’s Levee @ RIM Park

When: Sunday, January 5, 2020
Where: RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex
Entertainment By: Grand River Swing Band, Erick Traplin, Cartoon Bob, STEM Robotics, and Ctrl V

*Free Skating from 9 am-11 am*
*Free cookies & refreshments available while supplies last*

New Year’s Levee @ Kitchener City Hall

1:30pm-4:30pm

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 1:30 - 4 p.m. Kitchener City Hall

Come one, come all! Celebrate the New Year with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, council members and your neighbours at our free carnival-themed celebration under the big top of City Hall!

Schedule:

1:30 p.m. - Singing of O'Canada.

1:35 p.m. - Carnival games, Cheek Squad face painting, Zentastic Balloon Creations, Kitchener Public Library Craft Table and skating on Carl Zehr Square. Food and refreshment sponsored by Bingemans.

1:45 - 2:30 p.m. - Musical performances by local youth band The Bend.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Walking Magician No.5 from Big Smiles Company. Musical performances by Juneyt Yetkiner. 

3:30 p.m. - Mayor's New Year's Greeting. Lineup closed for balloon creations and face painting.

3:40 p.m. - Door prize ticket draw with mayor and council.

4 p.m. - End of Levee.

Warm up with some hot chocolate, popcorn and cotton candy on us! Light refreshments will also be available, generously provided by Bingemans.

A big thank you to our sponsors: Bingemans, Grand River Inflatables and Cheek Squad Face Painting!

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/things-to-do/new-year_s-levee.aspx

Trees For Goats @ Top Market Meats Guelph

TREES FOR GOATS PARTY SUNDAY JANUARY 5th from 12-4pm

Give your Christmas trees the best up-cycle ever!!! Bring your tree out to the farm and feed it to the hungry goats 🐐 🎄 THEY LOVE IT!!!

Come cuddle some baby goats too! We have some baby goats jumping around but most of our ladies are due in March so extra tree for them to eat is definitely needed this year ❤️🐐🎄

We will have some yummy hot beverages like apple cider, hot chocolate, tea and coffee available that day.

The farm store will be open for all your shopping stock ups needs with event specials 🙌👍

NO VISITING PETS 🛑❌
please leave your pets at home for this farm event. We have working farm dogs who don’t like visiting dogs to the farm because they think they are going to hurt their goats. So for your pets safety please keep them at home.

We have 3 very large, happy, friendly and loveable farm dogs and 15 cuddly, smoochy kitty cats that would love the extra attention as well. https://www.facebook.com/events/538180180096963/

Free Family Skate @ Dickson Arena Cambridge 2-4pm https://www.facebook.com/events/2186707654964403/

Free Skate @ RIM PARK Waterloo

3:30pm-5:20pm https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/skating.aspx

Jan 8

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Thai Cooking Class @ Kitchener Market 6:30pm

Registration info at https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-01-08-1830-Thai-Cooking-Class

Tracking Forest Life @ Huron Natural Area

2pm-3:30pn

Free event! No registration required.

Weather dependent! If there is snow on the ground, we’ll scour the land for clues of creatures who make their way through the park in winter.

Come dressed for the weather and meet in the play area.

NOTE: Bathrooms are not available in the winter months.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2393080124136144/

Jan 10

6-8pm @ Ren’s Pets Victoria St. Kitchener

FINAL Canine Calendar Meet & Greet event. Meet one of the canine stars of the 2020 Canine Calendar at Ren's Pets! Members of the Canine unit will be available to sign calendars, take photographs, and answer questions. The 2020 calendar features the Service’s four canines – Chase, Grim, Ranger, and Tracker - with their handlers, and documents their work as they attempt to solve a case of stolen dog bones. All proceeds raised from the sale of the calendars will go towards the Special Olympics Ontario Spring 2020 Games, which the Waterloo Regional Police Service is proud to be hosting. The calendars can be purchased by cash in person at this event, by cash in person at police headquarters or online at www.wrps.ca/canine https://www.facebook.com/events/2425205894358994/

Jan 11
Christmas Bird Count for Kids

Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

768 Blair Road Cambridge ON N3H 4R8

Christmas Bird Count for Kids https://raresites.org/things-to-do/events/?ee=535 Description: Saturday, January 11, 2020 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. rare ECO Centre The rare Charitable Research Reserve is partnering with Waterloo Region Nature Kids once again to host our Christmas Bird Count for Kids. 

Jan 12

Winter Scavenger Hunt @ Huron Natural Area

Free event! 2pm-3pm

Meet in the play area to pick up your scavenger hunt list. Head out and explore the winter woods to see how many things you can find! Come dressed for the weather.

NOTE: Bathrooms are not available in the winter months.

https://www.facebook.com/events/534045510850107/

The Dog Haus Meditation Walk @ Grey Silo Golf Course

10am-11am

Meditation Walk of 2020! A great way to clear your mind, set an intention for the year and bond with your dog through a peaceful walk.

Meditation walks are a wonderful way to practice calm energy and relaxed on-leash walking in a pack setting. Find peace of mind surrounded by the beauty of nature in the company of like-minded dog lovers in the area.

These walks are a great way to help dogs work on reactivity around others, socialize them to new places, and build your own confidence in managing your pooch.

Here are some guidelines to help keep dogs and humans safe & happy:

- All dogs must be on leash. NO retractable leashes.
- We will not be letting the dogs meet prior to walking as this promotes excitement while we are trying to create calm
- Please keep space from other dogs and/or people especially if your dog has social issues
-Please, NO treats. They can promote excitement while we are trying to create a calm environment
- Nobody is turned away unless they or their dog is a danger to others. Attend at your own risk. The Dog Haus cannot be held liable for any damages during the event
- This is a free event, newcomers are welcome! https://www.facebook.com/events/2682852235094707/

Jan 14

KW TITANS @ THE AUD 11am (School Day Game)

INFO AT https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

Jan 15

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Winter Soups and Stews Cooking Class @ Kitchener Market 6:30pm

Registration info at https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-01-15-1830-Winter-Soups-and-Stews

Jan 16

KW TITANS @ THE AUD 7PM

INFO AT https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

Jan 17

Karaoke event @ Recharge & Play! 5pm
Join DJ Jess spinning great music & your favourite karaoke classics!
$25/family includes dinner & admission to the playground! Come & sing your heart out, in our 3000 square foot indoor playground!

Register your family here: https://rechargeandplaywellnesscafe.janeapp.com/#/discipline/11/treatment/170

Jan 18

UofW Theatre of the Arts
Battle Knights, Medieval Fight Competition #3 is a Sword Fighting Extravaganza. 

The event has 4 different styles of non-choreographed sword fighting in one night of tournaments. The sword fighting styles are: Fencing, Vikings, HEMA & MACE.
     

·         Fencing Demo by the University of Waterloo Fencing Club.  The University of Waterloo students will be demonstrating 3 different styles of Fencing: Foil, Epee, & Sabre.

·         Viking Holmgang (duel). Viking duels by Vinland Toronto using Norse weapons in the first ever Battle Knights Viking Tournament. 8 Norse armoured warriors will be competing for the Championship.

·         HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) Invitational (4 competitors). This style of sword fighting comes from the treatises (historical texts) and is for Historical unarmoured duels.  The competitors use historical techniques while wearing protective gear (fencing mask, padded gambeson or jacket, and gauntlets). The tournament has 4 experienced HEMA practitioners competing to win the first ever Battle Knights HEMA Tournament.  DWARF (Dueling Weapons Academy of Renaissance Fencing) are assisting with the judging.

·         MACE (Medieval Armoured Combat Entertainment). Full contact sword fighting Tournament of 8 Professional Armoured Sword Fighters by Blades of Glory.  Harry X has previously won the first two Battle Knights tournament with Austin coming in second both times, while 6 other competitors are also vying to be Champion.  They will use various weapon styles, such as sword & shield, longsword, sword & buckler, 2 weapons, etc. and you will see each armoured sword fighter in Historical armour representing armour throughout the Medieval Era

$30 per person for Advance Tickets https://secure1.tixhub.com/waterloo/online/b_otix.asp

Jan 19

MPP Fife’s Levee @ Golf’s Steak House 11am-1pm

This event is my way to say thank you to our community as we embark on the year ahead. It is a free brunch and an opportunity to meet with friends both new and old.

This is open invitation, no tickets necessary https://www.facebook.com/events/2586738581593979/

Jan 22

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Homemade Pasta @ Kitchener Market 6:30pm

Registration info at

https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-01-22-1830-Homemade-Pasta

Jan 23

KW TITANS @ THE AUD 7PM

INFO AT https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

Jan 25

Chinese New Year @ Kitchener Market

10am-Noon

Free Event

Discover the traditions and taboos, dishes and drinks that are part of China's most important holiday, the Chinese New Year!  Come and enjoy dancers, cooking and craft fun!  No registration required.

https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-01-25-1000-Chinese-New-Year

Woolwich Memorial Centre Elmira 10:30am-11:30am

Sun and Moon love to visit their friend Water. Do you love to visit your friends too? What would happen if they never came to visit you? When Water finally comes to visit, look out, because he is bringing ALL of him and his wet and wild friends! This folktale has origins from both China and Nigeria, and it answers the burning question — how did Sun and Moon end up way up high?

Doors open 30 minutes before each concert for children and parents can participate in music activities provided by Music for Young Children. Stay after the concert to meet the performers and their instruments!

Tickets: Child - $11, Adult - $13, available at kwsymphony.ca, 519-745-4711 or 1-888-745-4717

Jan 26

Family Literacy Day @ Conestoga Mall

10am-4pm

Interactive activity stations, storytelling, live music and so much more. Everyone welcome. Registration is not required.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3272484866155544/

Jan 29

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Underground Flavour Series @ Kitchener Market 6:30pm

Nicaragua with Chef Arnold Yescas

Registration info at https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-01-29-1830-Underground-Flavour-Series

Jan 30

KW TITANS @ THE AUD 7PM

INFO AT https://www.kwtitans.com/games/