Wednesday, December 28, 2022

January 2023 Levees, Kidspark Winter Festival, Community Skate Times and lots more Stuff to do in the Kitchener Waterloo Area


 

Please check all the links listed as info tends to change without our knowledge.  We also suggest you go through the full list as some activities require you to pre-register and many have limited spaces. Dates/Times and Prices Vary.
The top part of our list is for ONGOING EVENTS (daily/weekly events) and further down you can see the MONTH SPECIFIC EVENTS

ONGOING Events

Attractions ONTARIO coupons for https://attractionsontario.ca/coupons

Max's Sportsworld https://maxssportsworld.ca/










Cambridge Libraries Calendar https://ideaexchange.org/programs-events


Region of Waterloo Museum (DOON) events https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx#

Joseph Schneider Haus events https://www.schneiderhaus.ca/en/index.aspx

Woodside National Historic Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557


LAUNCH Waterloo offers free STEAM programs for kids! 6-week team-based, super fun programs introducing, exploring and engaging in all things coding, science, technology, climate and so much more. Learn more and sign up today https://www.launchwaterloo.ca/cmsa



Wellbeing Waterloo Region Calendar https://www.wellbeingwr.ca/calendar/

Kitchener Market Events Calendar https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Month

 

Indoor Skateboard Park @ Queensmount Arena - various dates and times https://www.facebook.com/events/1189515881691170/1212608496048575?active_tab=about


Our BEST PLACES TO TOBOGGAN LIST can be found at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2012/12/best-places-to-toboggan-in-kitchener.html there are even great recommendations in the comments of that post too!


When it is Outdoor Skating Weather, find rinks below


Outdoor Rink at The Hemlock Barn St. Jacobs https://www.instagram.com/p/CYhjAZUF07t/


Outdoor Skating Rinks in Guelph https://www.get.on.ca/living-here/outdoor_rink

FREE COMMUNITY SKATING AT VARIOUS ARENAS IN KITCHENER https://www.theaud.ca/en/events-tickets/public-skating.aspx then select Free Community Skating for schedule


Other Ongoing Activities
Laurel Creek Conservation Area (Waterloo) and Shade’s Mills Conservation Area (Cambridge) Snow Shoeing and Cross-Country Skiing info https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Skiing-and-snowshoeing.aspx  NOTE *Admission fee when an attendant is on duty.

BILINGUAL BEBES

Would you like to introduce your young child to French?  Would you like to have fun while you learn together?    French-English Sing-A-Longs are engaging, interactive, and geared towards children!
 Kids love the actions and movement!  Parents love the familiar lyrics and rhythms that encourage easy memorization!  Everyone loves the music!
This in-person program is ideal for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who are little sponges at absorbing new languages, yet cannot yet sit still for a traditional school or class setting.  Parents participate in the class, so learning can continue outside of class for those who want to keep on singing!  Have a little one who will not sit still?  Welcome!  Have a little one who is attached at the hip?  Welcome!  
Classes are available in Kitchener, Waterloo and Wilmot, Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday mornings.  Classes start the week of January 16th.   Discount for siblings.  12 children/students enrolled per class, plus a parent/adult.
Come and join us!  Make new friends who are fellow language learners!  Let's adventure together!
 Website for more info: https://bilingualbebes.wixsite.com/home
Questions?  Feel free to ask!!!

JANUARY 2023 EVENTS

Youth Council at the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery begins in January and runs every second Tuesday until June for ages 14-21. Info at https://kwag.ca/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D538%26reset%3D1

Jingle Bell Rock continues at Bingemans until January 7th (Gift of Lights is not available in January) Info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/11/bingemans-gift-of-lights-and-jingle.html

illumi Mississauga runs until January 29 for those who don't mind a little road trip this time of year https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/11/see-all-things-merry-and-bright-at.html

January 3
Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery at Centre in the Square Stroller Tour
Visit the Gallery with your little ones and enjoy some adult conversation and coffee! This casual guided tour will introduce parents and caregivers to our current exhibitions.

Drop-in from 10am-12pm
Guided tour from 10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission

January 3-7
Kidspark Winter Festival - various KPL Locations and times. Info at https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/kidspark.aspx

January 5
Movie Day @ Baden Library - The Bad Guys. Registration required. Info at https://rwlibrary.libnet.info/event/7665740

Teen Movie Night in Elmira - Movie Shorts 4 (Climate) Change.Inspired by the work of Environmental Activitist Greta Thunberg 

January 6
Printmaking for ages 13-18 at Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery at Centre in the Square

January 8
Family Sunday at Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery at Centre in the Square https://kwag.ca/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D533%26reset%3D1

WOODSTOCK TOY AND COLLECTIBLES EXPO
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Oxford Auditorium and the Mutual/Market Buildings, on the Woodstock Fairgrounds, at 875 Nellis Street in Woodstock, Ontario. Various admission prices listed at https://www.facebook.com/collectorshows.ca


2023 Waterloo Council Kickoff party! Noon-2pm
This family-friendly event will include free skating, a special Storytime with Councillors, hot beverages and more! All are welcome. No registration required.
Location: RIM Park, 2001 University Ave E, Waterloo, ON, N2K 4K4 https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2023-01-08-1200-2023-Waterloo-Council-Kickoff


New Year's Levee KITCHENER: Free carnival-themed celebration under the big top at KitchenerCity Hall 1:30-4pm 
vintage carnival games and prizes
photo booth and tickle trunk
face painting with Busy Bees Parties
Zentastic Balloon Creations
Big Smiles Company’s magic and balloon creations
live performances by Juneyt Yetkiner and others
skating on Carl Zehr Square
Kitchener Public Library craft table

Mayor's Levee NORTH DUMFRIES (Ayr):
Celebrate the New Year with a free skate from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and a reception in MacNeil Hall from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with members of Council, local community organizations and your neighbours. Refreshments provided. Musical entertainment provided by the Hot Ayr Band from 1:00-2:00 p.m. https://calendar.northdumfries.ca/default/Detail/2023-01-08-1200-Mayors-Levee
 
January 10-11
KW Glee performs with the KW Symphony at Centre in the Square. Tickets are $37.50+fees https://kwsymphony.ca/concerts/kw-glee/

January 14
Kitchener Youth Dance Fundraiser – Country Hills Community Centre 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST 
For ages 7-13

January 15
Free Skate at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium at 2pm. Registration required. Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZRuqlF7HO04Bra8t_m1mRQf-O7CPr-YRMF1CP2TeL06OjrA/viewform

January 20
Family Literacy Skate at RIM Park 10:30am-Noon 

January 27
Family Literacy Day
Community Heroes Storytime at the Guelph Public Library at 10:30am followed by Activities and Art at 11am
Drop into our Westminster Square Branch for a family storytime full of fun songs and stories about our community heroes with special visits from some of our local Guelph community heroes. Preschool to Grade 6. No registration required. 
100-31 Farley Drive
Guelph, Ontario N1L 0B7

January 28
Winterloo in Uptown Waterloo https://www.winterloofestival.ca/


January 28
CloutsnChara Sports Card Traders Day 1-5pm https://www.facebook.com/events/688080356371413


Looking Ahead
The KW Titans Tickets will be going on sale soon! Learn more about our Community Engagement Roles at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/12/those2girls-lisa-mcdonald-and-diane.html

KW Symphony Kinderconcerts Return in February https://kwsymphony.ca/concerts/peer-gynt/

February 3 and 4
Playful Fox Presents Dial M for Murder in Paris Ontario https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dial-m-for-murder-tickets-491300602327

Get Ready for February with this Family Craft idea





Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Those2Girls, Lisa McDonald and Diane Morgan, are Celebrating the KW Titans Community Engagement Roles - #WeAreTitans

Click to Enlarge


Many of our readers know that we are passionate about the KW Titans.  Every year we provide Social Media Coverage of the games and assist with fan activations. We really enjoy the sense of community at the KW Titans games and are thrilled to announce that we will be officially stepping into Community Engagement roles. We really think volunteering with the team is something to celebrate!

Diane Morgan (left) and Lisa McDonald (right) along with a Service Dog that came for a game visit



We look forward to seeing all the smiling faces at the 2023 games. Whether assisting with on-court activities with new Team Owner David Schooley,

Team Owner David Schooley and Titus the Titan pose with the Fan of the Game



finding fans in the crowd,

A lucky fan and her Father receiving a KW Titans Prize Pack from @Those2Girls



or mingling at the Meet and Greets, we will be at the Titans' games to ensure you have a great basketball experience.

Diane Morgan and Lisa McDonald at the Players' Meet and Greet with local entertainer JP Sunga



Off the court, we will be connecting our readers with the team through updates, activities, and perhaps some fun contests.
Much more information is to come, but be sure to stay tuned to this blog to stay in the loop! 

Have you been to a KW Titans game? We would love to hear what you enjoyed most about it. Leave a comment below or tag @Those2Girls and use the hashtag #WeAreTitans in your social media posts!

Friday, December 23, 2022

Six Easy Last-Minute Gifts that Kitchener-Waterloo Families will Enjoy

 


Looking for last-minute family-friendly gifts? We're here to help! Tickets for experiences are always a hit. 

Here are our picks for Kitchener-Waterloo and area families. You won't even have to leave home to make your purchases













See the message that Coach Cliff has for the KW Titans Fans at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/12/kw-titans-announce-cliff-clinkscales-as.html


Tuesday, December 13, 2022

KW Titans Announce Cliff Clinkscales as the Season's Head Coach and Assistant GM


This afternoon, the KW Titans announced that Cliff Clinkscales will lead the team as Head Coach and Assistant GM for the 2023 National Basketball League of Canada season. 


KW Titans fans are already familiar with Coach Cliff's passion for the team.  He was a pivotal part of last year's coaching staff, holding the position of Assistant Coach during the return of Titans Basketball after Covid restrictions were lifted.  During that time he was also named to the National Basketball League of Canada's Top 10 Anniversary team for his contributions in prior seasons as a player in the league.

For those new to the following Kitchener-Waterloo's Professional Basketball team, Cliff Clinkscales will captivate you immediately with his enthusiasm for the team and its fans.

"I am thankful and grateful for this opportunity and am very excited to get to work. To all supporters of KW Titans, come out to cheer us on! See y’all soon" is what Coach Cliff had to say when we connected to congratulate him today.

The new NBLC season is right around the corner, and this will be one of many exciting announcements you will hear from the team. For more information about the KW Titans, visit https://www.kwtitans.com

Sunday, December 11, 2022

I Have Confidence that you will enjoy Drayton Entertainment's The Sound of Music


Many Christmas traditions include gathering the family together to watch The Sound of Music on TV.  This year Drayton Entertainment wants to bring the tradition to you live on stage in Cambridge.  Bring your whole family to see The Sound of Music performed live before their very eyes this Holiday Season. Together you will enjoy the Rogers and Hammerstein favourites such as Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Maria's very own affirmation song I Have Confidence.


Each character portrayed is highlighted by their individuality and spunk.  Whether it is teenager Lisel sneaking in through the window, pre-teen Louisa playing pranks, young Kurt learning to dance, or new Governess Maria returning Captain von Trapp's whistle, these quirky moments add to the musical's charm and connect you with the family dynamics of the von Trapp family.  With memorable songs and a multi-layered storyline, I have confidence that you and your family will be delighted by Drayton Entertainment's The Sound of Music.

About The Show

Join us for a timeless classic as our stage becomes alive with the "sound of music. “In this epic love story, aspiring nun Maria leaves the convent to govern the seven mischievous children of Captain von Trapp. Through her youthful vitality and purity of heart, she brings a fleeting moment of happiness to their lives as the shadows of tyranny spread over Europe

Get Your Tickets Now
The Sound of Music is now playing at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario.  Various dates and times are available for tickets with the final performance at 2pm on December 24 (Christmas Eve) 2022. 
Regular performance tickets are $53 for adults, $32 for youth under 20 years of age, and $43 for groups of 20 or more

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855 DRAYTON (372-9866), or online at  draytonentertainment.com

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

When the Weather Gets Chilly, Let the Snow Ball Warm Your Heart - Enter to Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, we did receive complimentary passes to this show, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to win tickets too! Enter the contest at the end of this post! 



Sunday, December 18th will be the day that Kitchener's Victoria Park Pavillion will be transformed into a Chilly Christmas Celebration.  Storybook Events will be celebrating their first birthday with the Snow Ball and they want to invite your family to the party!

This family-friendly festive event will warm hearts with a performance by the Royal Ice Family, themed activities and Photo Opps Galore!




This whimsical festival is a delightful way to celebrate the season and make sure to get your gift from the Jolly Old Elf Himself. Yes, Santa Claus will be there too!



What to Expect at the Snow Ball

A 30 Minute Interactive Icy Performance by the Frosty Family
Meet & Greet After The Show
Photo Ops
Balloon Animals
Craft Station & Colouring
Gift From Santa
Professional Photos With Santa (a link to digital downloads will be provided after the event) 
There are 2 show times, followed by activities: 

Time Slot #1: 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. (Show starts at 12:00, doors open at 11:45) 

Time Slot #2: 2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. (Show starts at 2:30, doors open at 2:15) 


Grab Your Tickets Before they are Gone!
There are a limited amount of tickets for each performance that day.  Everyone in attendance requires a ticket. Tickets are $37 +fees.  
Head to https://www.storybookevents.ca/event-details/snow-ball and purchase your tickets for the Storybook Events' Snow Ball!

We want to ensure you enjoy the most wonderful time of the year and attending the Snow Ball will be a magical time for all!


For more information be sure to visit these links


Enter to Win

We are thrilled to tell you that we also have a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Snow Ball to giveaway!
The contest listed below (it might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form) is for tickets only.  You must provide your own transportation.  Be sure to leave a comment with why you want to win. It works best if you are logged into your Google Account




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

See all things Merry and Bright at Illumi in Mississauga Ontario



We were invited to Illumi in Mississauga Ontario last week, and as you see it really lights things up! 
Diane found some new friends


and spent the evening walking through the beautiful light displays.  Below are just a few examples of how Merry and Bright the Illumi light installations are.






This fun video gives you a quick glimpse of all the glimmering lights at Illumi


Plus, there is a Carousel to ride during your visit.



Can you believe how phenomenal this is?  Wait until you see it in person
It is definitely a must-see attraction this holiday season!

Get Going to Illumi
You can find Illumi at 7174 Derrycrest Drive, Mississauga, ON, L5W 1N4  
 .but for
your GPS input 7150 Derrycrest Drive, Mississauga. 

Once you arrive, plan for about an hour of walking through all the various displays. Please note this is an outdoor event, so make sure to dress for the weather. Also, keep your phone charged as you are going to want to take a lot of pictures!


Get Your Tickets
Pricing varies by age, and the day of the week you choose.  
Make sure to get your tickets before they are gone!

For more information about Illumi, visit the website: https://mississauga.illumi.com or follow them at these social handles

FB: @illumiMississauga  

IG: @illumiMississauga  

Twitter: @illumiinsauga  

TikTok: @illumiinsaug