March Madness Unleashed: The Migration Movie - Brace Yourself for an Epic Flight - Review and Giveaway

I'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

Every year tons of Canadians head south for March Break, but we have found a way to avoid the madness, and enjoy the flight experience right in your own home.  The Migration movie has been released on BluRay and we think this film will take your family movie night to new heights!

Now nothing would make an adventure about ducks flying south for the winter more exciting than a little turbulence along the way.  Join the family of mallards as they clash personalities with other bird species and each other. See how they learn about bravery and optimism in this visually stunning movie and get set for an epic adventure!

The Mallard family is in a bit of rut. While dad Mack is content to keep his family safe paddling around their New England pond forever, mom Pam is eager to shake things up and show their kids—teen son Dax and duckling daughter Gwen—the whole wide world. After a migrating duck family alights on their pond with thrilling tales of far-flung places, Pam persuades Mack to embark on a family trip, via New York City, to tropical Jamaica. As the Mallards make their way South for the winter, their well-laid plans quickly go awry. The experience inspires them to expand their horizons, open themselves up to new friends and accomplish more than they ever thought possible, while teaching them more about each other—and themselves—than they ever imagined. 

For more information, visit these links

Website: https://www.migration.movie

Facebook: @migrationmovie @Universal Pictures All-Access

Instagram: @migrationmovie @uniallaccess 

TikTok: @migrationmovie @universalallacces

X: @migrationmovie @UniAllAccess

#MigrationMovie

We think your whole family will enjoy this film and we are thrilled to announce we have a copy to giveaway to a lucky reader!

Enter to Win

Enter for a chance to win the MIGRATION movie on BluRay!

Enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win (it works best if you are already logged into your google account).

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Valentine's Day, Family Day Long Weekend, Bring on the Sunshine Festival Community Festival, Black History Month, KW Titans and more Stuff to do in the Kitchener Waterloo Area in February

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

Bingemans https://bingemans.com/entertainment_home.php

Playgrounds Movement and Training Centre https://kwplaygrounds.ca/

Play a Latte Cafe https://playalattecafe.com/

Skyzone Kitchener https://www.skyzone.com/ca-kitchener

Funvilla https://funvilla.ca

THEMUSEUM https://themuseum.ca/families-kids/

Early Years  https://earlyyearsinfo.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

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

Breastfeeding Buddies Events Calendar https://www.breastfeedingbuddies.com/neve-home/about-services/news-events/

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

Grand River Conservation Areas https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Things-to-do.aspx

Infant and Child Studies group is a group of researchers interested in better understanding child cognition: so how kids learn! All our studies are designed as games for children to play while we observe how they respond to various toys, videos or sounds. The activities are fun for the kids, and help us to understand concepts like how children learn new words, when children can begin to understand math, or what learning strategies kids use to understand new concepts. We deliver studies in person, as well as online and in take home formats.

Lab Website: http://uwaterloo.ca/infant-and-child-studies-group/ 

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/infantstudiesgroup/

Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/infantstudiesgroup/ 

Have a new child? Sign them up too: https://uwaterloo.ca/infant-and-child-studies-group/sign

Dog Friendly Events https://www.dogfriendlykw.com/events

University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum info https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/ 

University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Walking Tours - Various locations https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/walking-tours

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 Skating Rinks in Kitchener https://www.kitchener.ca/en/recreation-and-sports/outdoor-skating-rinks.aspx

Outdoor Skating Rinks in Waterloo https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/arenas-and-outdoor-rinks.aspx

Outdoor Skating Rinks in Cambridge https://facilities.cambridge.ca/?CategoryIds=82&FacilityTypeIds=&Keywords=&ScrollTo=google-map-trigger&CloseMap=true&HasAdvancedSearch=false

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

or

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activekitchener/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=31&activity_keyword=Free%20Skating%20Sponsored%20by%20Josslin%20Insurance&viewMode=list

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.

Wednesdays in January and February

Skate Night Date Night at Waterloo Public Square 6-8pm All city events

February 2024

Black Heritage Month Info

https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/black-heritage-month.aspx

Black History Month Info https://www.rhythmbluescambridge.com/black-history-month

Ongoing to Feb 14th at Conestoga Mall Love-ffirmation Station https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10161284333295750/

Feb 14

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Retro Skate Party @ Kitchener City Hall

Carl Zehr Square:

4:30 pm - 10:30 pm

4:30 - 6:30 PM: Family Skate

Enjoy a delightful, family-friendly skating session with exciting contests!

Contest Categories: Best Outfit and Best Dance Moves.

7:00 - 10:30 PM: Retro Skating Party (All Ages)

Get ready to groove with our Retro Skating Party featuring a blast from the past!

Contest Categories: Best Costume, Best Dance Moves, and Best Couple Dance for the adults.

Hosted by Eardrum Productions

Mirror Photo Booth

Interactive Lighting

Patio Heaters with Adirondack Seating

Complimentary Hot Chocolate, Coffee, and Baked Goods.

https://www.downtownkitchener.ca/en/festivals-events-experiences.aspx

Feb 14 to 25

Footloose (Highschool Project) https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/st.-jacobs-country-playhouse/footloose

Feb 15

KW Titans 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule

Feb 16-18

KWMP Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-collaboration-of-choir-chorus-concert.html

Feb 17

Winterloo - various locations in Uptown Waterloo https://www.winterloofestival.ca/

Mayor's Winter Levee @ Cambridge City Hall https://calendar.cambridge.ca/default/Detail/2024-02-17-1100-2024-Mayors-Winter-Levee

Feb 17-18

The Goonies @ Apollo Cinema https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/02/apollo-cinemas-february-freaky-fantasy.html 

Feb 18

Bring on the Sunshine Festival @ Kitchener City Hall Rotunda 11am 

Featuring delicious culinary offerings, artisanal crafts, live performances, engaging workshops, kid’s activities, and much more! Don’t miss this immersive celebration designed to unite communities and honor the richness of African Cultures and contributions.https://bringonthesunshine.ca/what-we-do/festival

Feb 19

FAMILY DAY 

Labyrinth Quote Along/Sing Along @ Apollo Cinema https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/02/apollo-cinemas-february-freaky-fantasy.html

Family Day @ Bridgeport Community Centre

Monday, February 19, for some family fun!

Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

magic show starting at 11:15 a.m.

balloon artist

face painting

games and crafts

Tickets are $7 each and available on ActiveNet.

https://calendar.kitchener.ca/events/Detail/2024-02-19-1100-Family-Day-at-Bridgeport-Community-Centre

LAUNCH Family STEAM Day @ Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/family-steam-day-tickets-790383386987

Family Day @ KWAG

1:30 p.m. - Sensory Tour Begins 
2:30 p.m. - Self-Portrait Session 1 begins 
3:15 p.m. - Self-Portrait Session 2 begins 

Drop-In creation time: 1 pm - 4 pm

All ages welcome accompanied by an adult. https://kwag.ca/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D728%26reset%3D1

Family Day Activities in Waterloo - various locations https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2024-02-19-0700-Family-Day-activities

Family Fun Day @ North Dumfries Community Complex

https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2024-02-19-0700-Family-Day-activities Activity list at https://calendar.northdumfries.ca/default/Detail/2024-02-19-0900-Family-Day-Fun-at-the-NDCC/9d4e5231-7bd7-42c1-be57-b0ff00ea8291

Family Day in Cambridge - various locations https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/family-day.aspx

Feb 21

5 Great Reasons for Pursuing a Career in the Skilled Trades - online event

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L7aJxtwsR3m1gVgq5gqI2A#/registration

Feb 23

Labyrinth Quote Along/Sing Along @ Apollo Cinema https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/02/apollo-cinemas-february-freaky-fantasy.html

Feb 24

Princess Party @ Creekside Church Waterloo https://www.creeksidechurch.ca/princess/

SWAY's Ramadan Market @ Bingemans 

Shop at your favorite booth while relishing instrumental music.

Savor mouthwatering snacks and capture memorable photos at the elegant photo booth.

Stand a chance to be the winner of surprises unveiled during the event.

Kids rides to enhance the family-friendly atmosphere.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sways-ramadan-market-2024-tickets-785611153107

Black History Month Celebration by Rhythm and Blues Cambridge @ Idea Exchange Queen's Square

Drop by and see Marvin Colebrooke for your very own Caricature drawing

Our Kids Corner will feature book readings from Messy Marvin & Friends

Visit our History Corner

There will be a Fireside Chat in the Art Gallery focusing on Joy and Wellness with Nicole Brown Faulknor from Wounds 2 Wings, Suzanne Trotman from Winds of Change, and Ajirioghene Evi-Cobbinah from Kind Minds Family Wellness

We will be hosting interactive drumming workshops

Irie Mirie's will be providing delicious Caribbean cuisine

https://calendar.cambridge.ca/default/Detail/2024-02-24-1200-RHYTHM-AND-BLUES-CAMBRIDGE-BLACK-HISTORY-MONTH-CEL

Free Long Drive Clinic @ Indoor Golf Academy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10161287798005750/

Feb 25

0.25k Run for Cancer Registration 

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Catalyst 137 (137 Glasgow Street, Kitchener, ON — the run will be inside Catalyst)

Prices for Children and Adults

https://grhf.ca/products/0-25-run-for-cancer-registration

Feb 29

LEAP DAY

KW Titans 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule

Looking Ahead

FREE careers event organized by Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region for local youth and their parents / guardians. March 5th -- 6- 8:30 pm Kitchener Public Library Central Branch https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10161285276390750/

 

Apollo Cinema's February Freaky Fantasy Adventures Films for the Family Day Long Weekend - The Goonies and Labyrinth

This Family Day Long Weekend, Apollo Cinema is throwing it back to 80s with screenings of The Goonies and Labyrinth.  Both films were known for quirky characters both human and otherwise. Add in singers with big blonde hair to give that extra touch of nostalgia

Each of these  movies mixed the realms of Adventure with Fantasy but these tales were a bit freaky too. To offset some of the spooky scenes, there were lots of funny spots as well. The mash-up of all of these genres made these movies memorable.

This Family Day Long Weekend, Apollo Cinema is playing both films

Klassic Kidz: The Goonies playing on February 17th at 1pm and February 18th at 1:30pm

https://apollocinema.ca/movies/klassic-kidz-the-goonies

Labyrinth: Quote Along/Sing Along playing on Family Day February 19th at 1:15pm

https://apollocinema.ca/movies/labyrinth-quote-along-sing-along (if you are unable to make it, you can also see it on Feb 23rd)

For the full list of February Films at Apollo Cinema, visit https://apollocinema.ca/schedule

Big Wins in Kitchener Tonight at the KW Titans Game - Caribana Ignite Festival Announcement and a Home Game Win

Tonight the KW Titans took on the Windsor Express and the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium was filled with Caribbean flair! To celebrate Black History Month, the KW Titans partnered with The Waterloo Region Police Service and The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region with excitement throughout the Basketball Game.

The KW Titans took the win, but another win for the City of Kitchener took place on the Titans court when Mayor Berry announced the Caribana Ignite Festival will take place this August in Downtown Kitchener.

I was speaking with Geraldine Stafford of WRPS and the Caribana Ignite Organizing Committee after the announcement, she let me know that this will be affiliated with Toronto's Caribana and will take place 2 weeks after the Toronto Celebration. It will include a family party including glow sticks the first night, and the second day will have a mini parade and street festival. I look forward to providing more info about this new Kitchener Festival as the information is released.

It was a night of great basketball, great energy and great news for the community!

Catch the KW Titans at their next home game this Sunday February 4th at 2pm. For info and tickets visit https://www.kwtitans.com

A Collaboration of Choir, Chorus, Concert, Community and Colours will bring KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Life this February - Enter to Win

I have attended Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat several times over the years, including when Donny Osmond took to the stage in Toronto in the 90s.

While the show has evolved on many stages since then, the story of Joseph and his Brothers still teaches us all about honesty, humility and honouring each other's special gifts.

This February the time tested musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed live in Waterloo Region and it is sure to be joyful experience. The show will be a community collaboration between the KWMP and The Grand Philharmonic Children's Choir. Together they will form a chorus that will take you from simple melodies sung by the children, to a rock and roll style concert performed by a Pharoah!

This family-friendly musical production will dazzle you with memorable tunes, delightful energy and inspiring stories of determination.  Your whole family will amazed by the music and lyrics of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice in KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

Grab Your Tickets Before They Are Gone!

Limited tickets are available for KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I think they would be great for a family outing or a VALENTINE'S DAY Gift!

KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed at Knox Waterloo, 50 Erb St. W, Waterloo, ON

from February 16, 2024 - February 18, 2024. Tickets are $29 each and are available at https://kwmp.ca/joseph-in-concert

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I love Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat so much that I am happy to host a giveaway of a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Friday show!

Enter to Win

Enter for a chance to win a four pack of tickets to the Friday performance of KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Waterloo!

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