Fun things to do in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region

Looking for fun things to do in Kitchener-Waterloo? We’ve rounded up a few great activities in the region for both families and singles alike. Plus, we’ve added a bonus spot in surrounding St. Jacobs. When you’re lucky enough to live in this part of Southern Ontario, you don’t have to go far for entertainment, you just have to know where to look

At Volvo Cars Waterloo we love where we live, so to celebrate our community, we’re sharing four fun things to do in Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding St. Jacobs.

Skip the grocery store for the St. Jacobs’ Farmer’s Market

St. Jacobs is one of Canada’s most quaint communities and we’re not just saying that because we get to live nearby. This historic village is dotted with picturesque buildings and businesses and its long-standing Old Order Mennonite community adds to the charm. Despite the plethora of specialty food shops along the main drag, one of the more popular things to do in St. Jacobs is to hit up the farmer’s market. It’s worth the hype. The Market first opened in 1952 and has gone through several iterations over the decades, only getting bigger and better with time. Today it’s home to hundreds of vendors, including more than 15 produce vendors (which are seasonal), 20+ bakery vendors, a dozen meat and seafood vendors, and so many more. Even if you don’t have anything on your grocery list a visit to the Market is worth it for the sensor experience alone. Stop by the neighbouring Antique Market around the corner after to browse for treasures.

Location: 25 Benjamin Rd. E, St. Jacobs, ON
 

Get your culture fix at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum

This cultural hub is home to two indoor galley spaces as well as a 60-acre living history exhibit that’s set outdoors with actors in costume (the latter is seasonal). It’s the largest community museum in Ontario. There are rotating exhibits indoors, so there’s always something new to explore and the museum hosts varying events, like over March Break and summer vacation, too. Admission is reasonable at $11 per adult, $5 per children five to 12 and free for kids under four, though for just $60 per family (which is considered two adults and all dependent children) you can score an annual pass and visit any time throughout the year.

Location: 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener, ON
 

Get your heartrate up at RIM Park

Folks of all ages and skill levels can break a sweat at RIM park, a robust recreation complex that we’re lucky to have in Waterloo. It’s conveniently located in the east end of the city and offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor amenities, including six Olympic-sized ice pads, two NBA-sized gymnasiums and an indoor field house with grass-like turf. Inside you’ll also find the Benchwarmer Sports Bar, a licensed restaurant, as well as other smaller concessions. Outside there are four natural grass playing fields, two international size turf fields, six baseball diamonds and even a beach volleyball court. You’ll also find access to the 11 kilometre Walter Bean River Trail, which is ideal for a leisurely stroll or brisk walk in the summertime, and cross-country skiing in winter. There are often organized activities as well as occasional sports to watch, if spectating is more of your thing.

Location: 2001 University Avenue East, Waterloo, ON
 

Blow off some steam at Go Bananas Climbing Centre

Whether you’ve got little monkeys with endless energy or just want to get yourself out of the house, Go Bananas Climbing Centre is a solid way to spend an afternoon. This facility houses multiple climbing walls and structures and welcomes guests of all ages (though the set ups are definitely made with children in mind). The facility is limited to a certain number of guests per day, so you’ll never be overwhelmed by a crowd. This also means book in advance to avoid disappointment. Guests pay per an hour and all climbing gear is provided by the instructors. Younger children are always welcome, though there’s also a specific program, Toddler Time, which is for kids under four. It takes place every Tuesday and Friday morning from 9:00 am to noon and is $15 per kid for three hours. Parents who don’t want to participate in the actual climbing are welcome to watch and won’t be charged a fee. It’s a fun indoor activity that can get everyone in the group moving.

Location: 50 Borden Ave S, Unit 3, Kitchener, ON