Free and Low Cost Ideas for Fall Family Outings
October is the month of Thanksgiving when we traditionally gather together and celebrate family. It is a great month to explore many of the vast opportunities our community offers families. Here are several free or low cost outings that families can explore this fall in our Region’s backyard!
University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum
Main Exhibit (Dino Pit): M-F from 8:30am – 4:30pm
Main Atrium including Mining Tunnel, Great Lakes Fountain and Mineral Exhibits: Open 7 Days/Week 9am-4pm
Check out the Kids Scavenger Hunts
Free admission – Donations appreciated
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Family Forest Walk, Huron Natural Area
Saturday, October 8, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Bring your family out to discover new ways to enjoy nature together. This program will be led by a certified nature therapy guide who will show you ways of experiencing the health and other benefits of nature. This program is funded and delivered by the City of Kitchener. Registration is required; Email knap@kitchener.ca to register.
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Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
101 Queen St. (at Margaret Ave), Kitchener – Located in the Centre in the Square Building
Admission is always free! Donations Welcome.
Free Family Sundays – October 2, November 6, December 4 – Drop-In from 1:00 -4:00 pm
Ages 4-12 with adult accompaniment
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Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest – Various locations in Kitchener & Waterloo
Check Out the Family Events, like “Cook Like Oma” or “Gymtoberfest”
35th Annual Oktoberfest Family Breakfast
October 8, 2016 07:30 am
Bingemans Kool Haus Tent
425 Bingeman Centre Drive
Kitchener, ON
Come join an Oktoberfest tradition with the 35th Annual Oktoberfest Family Breakfast! Tasty Aunt Jemima Pancakes and Pillers Sausages cooked up by the students of the Conestoga College Culinary Program. Great food, great entertainment and a chance to have breakfast served to you by Personalities of CHYM 96.7, COUNTRY 106.7 and 570 NEWS. While supplies last. FREE EVENT, non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region encouraged.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Starting at King & Cedar Streets in Uptown Waterloo and ending at Weber & Bridgeport Streets in Kitchener
Monday, October 10 – Starting at 8:30am
Join over 150,000 Fest-goers as they line King Street on Thanksgiving morning, eagerly awaiting the colourful floats, clowns and award winning marching bands.
Check out the route and parking information.
Play With Clay – Clay & Glass Gallery
25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo
$10.00 / participant; glazing included at subsequent session
Sundays – October 9 & 23, November 6 & 20, December 11 (glazing only session) 1st Session: 1:00-2:15pm 2nd Session: 2:30-4:00pm
‘Play with Clay’ is an open clay studio experience designed for families, friends and couples!
Open to all ages. Drop in program. Space is limited to 30 seats – first come, first served. No group reservations.
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Family & Community Skating – Various arenas & ice surfaces in Kitchener
Free Weekday Community Skating presented by Josslin Insurance
Check out rinks and times.
Please note that there is a small fee for public skating at arenas on weekends.
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Children’s Programs at the Waterloo Public Library – Main Branch, 35 Albert Street, McCormick Branch, 500 Parkside Drive, & John M. Harper Branch, 500 Fischer-Hallman Road.
Waterloo Public Library offers a selection of fun, educational programs for children and families. Check out their Fall Calendar of Programs.
Children’s Programs at the Kitchener Public Library offers a diverse array of fun & educational programs at locations across Kitchener. Check them out.
The Museum – Grandparent Thursdays or check out their calendar of events online.
