Free Comic Book Day on the First Saturday in May - Participating Locations in the Kitchener Waterloo Area #FCBD22

 

I have always been a fan of Free Comic Book Day! It is a great day to see what is buzzing in your community.  When I first heard of Free Comic Book Day I thought it was a day that comic book stores got rid of old comic books that didn't sell. BOY WAS I WRONG!

What Is Free Comic Book Day?

Free Comic Book Day is when comic companies such as Marvel and DC Comics giveaway limited edition Comics made especially for this yearly event. It takes place on the first Saturday in May annually.

Check out this year's list in the video below or head to https://www.freecomicbookday.com

There is something for every age group and every store seems to have a different selection. It is almost like a treasure hunt!

Free Comic Book Day takes place at most comic book stores and some retail book stores. Check your local listings for comic book stores to see if they take part in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  Here are the Kitchener Waterloo Area Comic Book retailers that are participating this year

LOOKIN FOR HEROES

93 Ontario St S

Kitchener, ON, N2G1X5

(519) 570-0873

CARRY-ON COMICS and BOOKS

32 King Street North

Waterloo, ON, N2J2W8

(519) 886-4267

J and J Cards And Collectables

230 Weber Street North

Waterloo, ON, N2J3H4

(519) 725-0443

RETRO ROCKET COMICS AND TOYS

124 Bishop Street North

Unit 14

Cambridge, ON, N3H2K1

(519) 653-4460

THE DRAGON

55 Wyndham St N

Unit T-19B

Guelph, ON, N1H7T8

(519) 763-5544

THE DRAGON

987 Gordon St.

UNIT 5B

Guelph, ON, N1G4W3

(519) 265-4552

If none of those locations are near you then make sure to visit the Free Comic Book Day Store Locator Page https://www.freecomicbookday.com/StoreLocator

If you know of a local retailer participating in Free Comic Book Day that is not on this list, make sure to leave it in the comment section of the post!

Make sure to come back after you did your Free Comic Book Day run and let us know which comics you received!

Celebrate Earth Week with Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go

There are lots of ways to celebrate Earth Week. You can help with a local community clean-up (see April 23rd on our local list), upcycle items into a craft project or find ways to reduce waste. Those are just some of the eco-friendly ways families can mark Earth Week.  We think that teaching children about stewardship and protecting the environment at an early age is the best way to go. Another great way is for them to learn from their favourite characters, and this week Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go provides some great episodes to do just that.

Knowledge Kids has curated a new Earth Week focused episode to air each day this week of their new animated original series Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go. The episodes are available free and commercial free on the Knowledge Kids app and website knowledgekids.ca. The episodes centre around time in nature and teach lessons on being good stewards to the environment. 

 

THIS WEEK'S EPISODES: 

THE GREAT SEA LION SAVE - 🌎 Earth Week 🌎

Broadcast Premiere: Monday, April 18th, 2022

Knowledge Kids App & website premiere: Monday, April 18th, 2022

A bark for help leads the Adventure Rangers to a sea lion trapped on a rock. Can Luna,

Chip and Inkie work together as a team, or is this sea lion going to stay stuck?

WAY TOO EAGER BEAVER - 🌎 Earth Week 🌎

Broadcast Premiere: Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

Knowledge Kids App & website premiere: Monday, April 18th, 2022

When the Rangers take the Mini-Moosers on a camping hike, Chip is eager to get to

their destination so they can start having fun. But will he miss all the amazing sights and

sounds along the way?

MARKED CRABSENT - 🌎 Earth Week 🌎

Broadcast Premiere: Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

Knowledge Kids App & website premiere: Monday, April 18th, 2022

Mr. Crumple’s pet crab, Herman, has gone missing and Luna, Chip and Inkie are on the

case! It seems like the Adventure Rangers are asking the right questions but are they

listening to the answers?

OCTO GAL - 🌎 Earth Week 🌎

Broadcast Premiere: Thursday, April 21st, 2022

Knowledge Kids App & website premiere: Monday, April 18th, 2022

Inkie figures the best way to solve a sticky situation is to do whatever her hero, Octogal,

would do. But when the Rangers need to help a lost baby whale, she discovers that she

has superpowers of her very own.

THE GREAT FROG UNCLOG - 🌎 Earth Week 🌎

Broadcast Premiere: Friday, April 22nd, 2022

Knowledge Kids App & website premiere: Monday, April 18th, 2022

The Adventure Rangers and their neighbors are overwhelmed by a leaping, hopping

and croaking frog-vasion! Can Luna, Chip and Inkie find out why the croakers are here

or will Eagle Creek end up turning into Frogtown?

Get the Girls for the 2022 National Women’s Show - COUPON CODE, plus a Chance to Win a Pair of Passes to the Event

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, we did receive complimentary passes to this year's event, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to win a pair of ADMISSION PASSES TOO! Enter the contest at the end of this post! 

Are You Ready for The Ultimate Girl's Day Out? 

As Official Bloggers For The National Women's Show we are thrilled to announce the return of the National Women's Show to Toronto, Ontario, Canada!

To make the news even more special we have a COUPON CODE FOR OUR READERS.

Regular Admission is $15 (before fees) but with our code T2G22 you save $3 per ticket! 

Here is how to purchase tickets  

• Head to http://www.nationalwomenshow.com/toronto-visitor and click TICKETS 
• Select the number of tickets you are purchasing and click NEXT
• A new window will open with a box for the DISCOUNT CODE. Type in T2G22 and click RECALCULATE
• Then click scroll down to fill out the form and finish the payment process 

NOTE in order to use our coupon code you must purchase your tickets online. 

Now that you are registered, here are some of the fun ways you can spend your time at the event. 

What You Can Expect at The National Women's Show 

Each National Women’s Show Event is filled with a variety of experiences. 

In the past, we have experienced makeovers, food and drink sampling, product demos, information seminars, celebrity stage talks and even got to meet Blue Jays Legend Joe Carter! 

That’s not all. There are great exhibitors and lots of shopping to experience throughout the show. 

Get The Girls

Just like this Pitch Perfect scene, we think you should get your girls to bring the experience to a whole new level. 

It would make a great MOTHER'S DAY GIFT TOO!

NATIONAL WOMEN'S SHOW INFO

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Friday, May 6, 2022: 10am – 7pm

Saturday, May 7, 2022: 10am – 6pm

Sunday, May 8, 2022: 10am – 5pm

Enter to Win 

Make sure to enter our contest for a chance to win a pair of passes to The National Women's Show 2022 In Toronto! The contest listed below (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 tickets to the National Women’s Show!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Set the Spark of Interest in the Performing Arts with Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Summer Camps

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, I did receive tickets for an upcoming Drayton Performance, but this just means I'm able to tell you about this amazing early bird offer!

Now that spring is in the air, you need to start thinking about your summer plans.  Many families sign up their children for Day Camps across the region and we are thrilled to share a Summer Camp your kids are sure to enjoy. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is hosting Summer Camps. Each age group has its own show theme and every week is different. If more than one week is of interest there is a multi-week offer and for families with more than one child wanting to attend, there is a discount for that too! They even have an Early Bird Offer for those that register before April 15th. You can find that info at the end of this blog post.

It sounds like a summer filled with friendship and fun for all.  We expect these spots to fill fast, so register now to avoid disappointment.

It is a great way to spark your child's interest in the performing arts and perhaps one day you will see them in a video like this

 

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is offering week-long Summer Camps. They give kids, youth, and teens a chance to have fun, meet new friends, and build skills while learning about blockbuster musical theatre shows!

By studying a different, age-appropriate musical each week, participants will gain fundamental training in

singing, movement, scene work, and more. Plus, they are offering an exciting “Introduction to Production” week for teens who want to learn more about making the magic behind the scenes.

Family, Frequency and Early Bird pricing available!

June 27 – July 1 Anne of Green Gables (Kids), Matilda (Youth), Bring It On (Teens)

July 4 – 8 The Wizard of Oz (Kids), School of Rock (Youth), Mean Girls (Teens)

July 11 – 15 Beauty and the Beast (Kids), Mary Poppins (Youth), The Prom (Teens)

July 11 – 15 Introduction to Production (Teens)

July 18 – 22 Shrek (Kids), 13: The Musical (Youth), Wicked (Teens)

July 25– 29 The Little Mermaid (Kids), Seussical (Youth), Legally Blonde (Teens)

Aug 1 – 5 Willy Wonka (Kids), Camp Rock (Youth), Mamma Mia! (Teens)

Aug 8 – 12 Annie (Kids), Newsies (Youth), Be More Chill (Teens)

EARLY BIRD OFFER
Register before April 15 to be invited to attend the final dress rehearsal of Drayton Entertainment's production of Mama Mia!

For info, pricing and registration visit https://www.draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com/classes-by-type/summer-camps/

Sing 2 is a Cause for Celebration - Review and Giveaway

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, I did receive a copy for review, but this just means I'm able to give away the film as a prize too! Enter the contest at the end of this post.

Buster Moon and his band of theatrical performers are back and bigger than ever in Sing 2.  In the follow-up to the 2016 film Sing, all the characters you loved are ready to hit the big stage in the Entertainment Capital of the World! What they don't realize is that the road to the big leagues is a lot bumpier than they anticipated. Especially when Miss Crawly is behind the wheel!  

via GIPHY

Buster is up to his old tricks of promising what he may not be able to deliver on.  This time it recruit a former rock star to join his latest stage production.  When plans get complicated for each of these characters learns to lean on one another and find the confidence to believe in themselves.

The new chapter in Illumination's smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon, and his all-star cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet... all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There's just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world's most reclusive rock star--played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut--to join them

We think this is a fantastic family film with lessons that you should always reach for your dreams and not let the negative thoughts of others stop you. It will have your whole gang dancing and singing along to songs from the 70s, 80s. 90s and recent hits. After watching the film you may want to celebrate and put on your own show.  To help with that, be sure to download the Sing 2 Activity Kit

It is filled with planning ideas, colouring pages and activity sheets you can do with your own family of performers.

For more information, follow these links

Website: https://www.singmovie.com

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @singmovie

Hashtag: #Sing2

ENTER TO WIN

We Have Cause For Celebration Too!

This month the Stuff to do With Your Kids in Kitchener Waterloo Facebook Group has hit 10,000 Members and to celebrate this milestone we have a giveaway for a Digital version of Sing 2!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Easter Events, Egg Hunt, KW Titans Games and more Events, Activities and Stuff to do in Kitchener Waterloo

 

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.  The top part of our list is for ONGOING EVENTS and further down you can see the MONTH SPECIFIC EVENTS

Virtual Painting Classes from Artist's Palette Durham https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIvFrRQHTlJF34xw2-LmcZg

Michael's Free Online Crafting Classes https://canada.michaels.com/en/onlineclasses

Artshine YouTube Lessons https://www.youtube.com/c/Artshine/videos

Looking for new things to do with your child? Do you think your child would enjoy participating in science? If your child is between the ages of 3-7, they are eligible to sign-up for an online study with researchers at the University of Waterloo. Participation is free and the studies are quite fun for children! Children get a certificate at the end and a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. A typical session involves a 25-minute Zoom video call with their researchers. If you would like to sign-up, please visit https://www.uwcoral.ca/sign-up. If you have any questions, please email developmentalonline@uwaterloo.ca

Early Years events on Zoom for registration info visit https://earlyyearsinfo.ca

YMCA Virtual Events https://www.thisisy.ca/

KPL Calendar https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/

WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp?lib=all

Region of Waterloo Library Calendar https://www.rwlibrary.ca/en/programs-events/virtual-programs.aspx

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

City of Waterloo Museum Activities https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/city-of-waterloo-museum.?_mid_=1764

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

Wilmot Family Resource Centre https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress.com/events/calendar

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

KW Adventure Walks https://kwescape.ca/games

KW Titans Schedule https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

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

Breastfeeding Buddies @ Kitchener Market - Fridays at Noon https://www.facebook.com/events/1621771831554485/?ti=ls

KW FOOD TRUCKS  https://www.instagram.com/kwfoodtrucks https://www.kwfoodtrucks.ca

Saturdays watch new episodes of Ukulele U with Kitchener's Isy https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-amazing-isy-aboagye-takes-her.html

ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL – MUSIC LESSONS

In this unique Preschool Music Program, we learn all about Rhythm & Melody, PLUS children learn how to read Bars of music, make their own Bars of music and read Notes in a Scale on the Staff!

Come try it out! One Month Free!

After the free trial, if you are interested in signing up, classes start from $350 depending on Program purchased, Program Time purchased and age of your child. Do you have questions? Book a free Zoom Call to ask all about it! https://calendly.com/anatworld/music-lessons-2021 

Are you ready to jump on in for the Month's Trial, Click here: https://anatworld.convertri.com/free-month-trial

 The Giggle Mat is a brand new children's show!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat 

Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!"Like" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat/​​​

Website: https://www.nuvoentertainment.com/the-giggle-mat

APRIL 2022 EVENTS

Lutherwood Steps For Kids event merch is only available to order until April 19^th The event takes place in May https://raceroster.com/events/2022/57487/steps-for-kids-2022

April 3, 2022

Womb to Walking Baby Show at Bingemans https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/womb-to-walking-baby-show-resource-for-all-things-pregnancy-baby-todder-tickets-220146493087#

Spring Shop and Egg Hunt at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club 11am-4pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/1097571021095062

April 4

Knowledge Kids Lauches Luna, Chip and Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go INFO at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/03/luna-chip-and-inkie-adventure-rangers_30.html

April 5

KW Titans Game 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

April 9

Mickey's Marvelous Game Night 7pm $25 per family Online Event https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mickeys-marvelous-game-night-tickets-294317931857

April 7

Kitchener Musical Society Band: Amped Up at the Registry Theatre at 7pm. Info at https://themuseum.ca/events/kitchener-musical-society-band-amped-up/

April 8

Pro Wrestling in Guelph https://www.canadianprowrestling.com/?p=11047

April 9, 2022

Kids in the Kitchener at Kitchener Market cost $17.50 April 9 - Knife Skills 101 and Let's Cook Tacos Together! info at https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2022-04-09-1130-Kids-in-the-Kitchen

Schneider Haus Egg-stravaganza

Event runs rain or shine. This event takes place entirely outdoors, please dress accordingly. The Historic Haus and galleries will be closed.

Time Tickets available between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are for a 60 minute visit. Info https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/schneider-haus-egg-stravaganza-tickets-294593807007

Easter Chicks DIY Photos and Egg Hunt at Parkwood Gardens Church Guelph 9am-5:30pm Free to register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/easter-chicks-diy-photos-and-egg-hunt-at-parkwood-gardens-church-tickets-291468308557

April 10

KITCHENER COLLECTIBLES EXPO

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Children under 12 Free when accompanied by a paying adult. Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/3081128252145117

April 14

Time to register for the Early Bird Bonus for the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Summer Camps https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/04/set-spark-of-interest-in-performing.html

EASTER LONG WEEKEND

From Uptown Waterloo

To help you get ready for Easter we've created a handy map of places Uptown where you can find all things Easter (and even a couple of businesses who will be giving away complimentary Easter treats)!
You can find the map >> HERE <<

April 15-18 Easter Egg Hunt for a Donut at en route for children 12 and under https://www.onroute.ca/news/easter-weekend

Good Friday

April 15, 2022

National Service Dogs Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs and Their Families. Info at https://nsd.on.ca/easter-egg-hunt-for-dogs/ then scroll down and pick Kitchener or Guelph for the local information

Easter at Addie's in Saint George  (near Brantford)

10am-2pm 

Take part in the festivities with crafts, games, vendors, a petting zoo, and egg hunts! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/8th-annual-easter-at-addies-tickets-275027323127

CC Alexander's Easter Egg Hunt For The Kids in Brantford Good Friday, April 15th Noon-3pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cc-alexanders-easter-egg-hunt-for-the-kids-tickets-290602829887

April 16

Steckle Farm Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt - SOLD OUT https://stecklehomestead.ca/family-farm-programs/upcomingevents/easter-egg-hunt/

Easter Egg Hunt at Victoria Park Kitchener at 10:30am at the Gazebo from 519 Community Collective https://www.facebook.com/groups/519communitycollective/posts/1276557979538921

Egg Decorating at Kitchener Market 9am-11am https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2022-04-16-0900-Egg-cited-for-Spring-Family-Activity (not a hunt, but Easter Egg family activity)

Kids in the Kitchener at Kitchener Market cost $17.50 Focaccia Pizza and Veggie Sticks https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2022-04-16-1130-Kids-in-the-Kitchen

Easter Egg Hunt at Six Nations Chiefswood National Historic Site (Brant County) 10am https://chiefswoodnhs.ca/easter-egg-hunt/

Rockwood Nursery School Easter Egg Hunt at Rockmosa Park (15 mins from Guelph) Times vary by age group https://www.facebook.com/rockwoodnurseryschool/posts/1671385273201078

April 17

HAPPY EASTER

April 18

Easter Egg Hunt at 1pm at the Mill Courtland Community Centre

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcOzvoWOCq2

April 21

KW Titans Game 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

April 22

Happy Earth Day! Clean up your local park

Pro Wrestling at the Registry Theatre https://www.canadianprowrestling.com/?p=11054

April 23

Make Every Day Earth Day at Weber Park 1-3pm https://www.facebook.com/events/2918925444998999

Kids in the Kitchener at Kitchener Market cost $17.50 Creamy Tuscan Chicken Over Pasta https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2022-04-23-1130-Kids-in-the-Kitchen

Greenway-Chaplin Community Clean-Up Event in Cambridge https://www.facebook.com/events/380288977010753

KW Scavenger Hunt in Uptown Waterloo on the 23rd of April in Waterloo.  This event is to help with the funding of Service Dogs and the specialized training involved for people with disabilities.   

Proceeds go to Partners With Paws.

Cost is 20.00 for 2 adults, children welcome with their adult.

Prizes, discounts, food and fun, while spending time in the great Uptown Waterloo. 

www.kwscavengerhunt.net

www.partnerswithpaws.ca

https://facebook.com/events/s/kw-scavenger-hunt-in-uptown-wa/461898055430569/

KW Titans Game 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

Shelter Movers Fundraiser - Trivia Night on Zoom 7:30pm. Tickets at https://www.sheltermovers.com/smw-trivia-night-fundraiser

April 30

KW Titans Game 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/games/

LOOKING AHEAD

Lutherwood's Steps for Kids Free Registration May 1-7, 2022

Take 26,000 steps for 26,000 kids!

one step at a time…

Why 26,000 steps?

There are over 26,000 kids living in Waterloo Region who are struggling with their mental health. That is one in five kids, and those are pre-pandemic numbers. There are more young people facing mental health challenges than ever before, but you can help.

This Children's Mental Health Week, your steps will count more than ever.

Lutherwood's 2022 Steps for Kids takes place May 1-7 2022.

Join us from your local neighbourhoods, parks or trails to show your support and raise funds and awareness for children's mental health. Funds raised through this event will directly support programming at Lutherwood's Children Mental Health Centre and Safe Haven Youth Services.

Register as an individual or create a team to maximize the fun! Teams can participate together or apart and combine their distances to complete the challenge – whatever works best for you! When registering, be sure to visit the STEPS STORE and check out our awesome merch only available for a limited time.

Participate however you prefer! – walk, run, wheel, or row your boat!

Choose your challenge: The 2022 Steps for Kids has three different distance challenges to pick from -choose one or do all three! (Did you know that 26,000 steps are approximately 20 kilometers?) The goal is distance, not speed – take your time, you have a whole week!

 https://raceroster.com/events/2022/57487/steps-for-kids-2022

DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT YOUTH ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP INFO https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/04/set-spark-of-interest-in-performing.html

NATIONAL WOMEN'S SHOW COUPON CODE https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/04/get-girls-for-2022-national-womens-show.html