Ten budget-friendly things to do in Waterloo Region this summer
Posted Jun 27, 2019 05:00:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
School’s out for summer, but when the novelty of sleeping-in wears off, it won’t be long before kids start reciting summer's anthems; “I’m bored” and “there’s nothing to do.”
Summer camps that suit a variety of passions are abundant in the region, including everything from adventure and exploration to personal growth.
Staying sane this summer means keeping kids (and parents) happy – it doesn’t have to come at a high cost.
Thankfully, free entertainment is easy to come-by in the summer months.
Here are ten, free or low-cost, must try local activities – rated everyone.
Food
1. Mid-Week Market Kitchener Market is holding a ‘Mid-Week Market’ which will run from 4-8 p.m. on July 3, July 10 and July 17. The Food Hall will be open, allowing people to either sit and enjoy a meal, or pick-up dinner on their way home. A large licensed area will also feature local beer and cider.
Kim Feere, manager of the Kitchener Market says, “this is something we’re very excited about. When we asked people what they wanted to see here, a second day market was definitely high on the list.”
2. Ribfest and Craft Beer Show July 19-21. Located at Victoria Park. Free admission. Indulge in mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, an incredible selection of Ontario craft-brewed beer, plus live entertainment, and a Kids Fun Zone – all in the open atmosphere of Victoria Park.
3. Campfire Bring a blanket or your favourite hoodie and head uptown Waterloo. Gather around the campfire with friends and neighbours for music, food, fire and more. July 17, August 21 and September 18; 8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Festivals
4. Cruising on King Street July 12. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with performances by The Wholigans (a tribute to The Who), Wild T & The Spirit (a tribute to Jimi Hendrix).
5. The Making Waves Festival July 7 at a Mill Race Park. Presented by Surf Cambridge. Cost to participate in land activities is free. Boat rentals are $20
6. Kultrun World Music Festival July 11- 14 A free family-friendly celebration of diversity with global music, performance art, art market and beer garden cantina.
7. Kitchener Blues Festival August 8 – 11, featuring four outdoor stages – two of which are protected by large tents – bringing great live Blues until 11:00 p.m. This is followed up by the 12 Bar Blues program, presenting the best entertainers in a variety of clubs throughout the downtown core.
Adventure
8. rare's Annual Butterfly Count July 13, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Identify and count all of the butterfly species throughout all habitats on the reserve. Nets and identification resources/guides will be provided. We will split into smaller groups for surveying in the morning, reconvene for lunch and discussion of highlights, and then head out again in the afternoon for a final survey. Cost $3.00 per participant
9. Chicopee Tube Park All access pass to Eurobungy, spiderweb, ropes course, tubing and zipline for $28 (adults) $25 (kids)
10. Movies in the Park with Princess Cinemas. On four nights this summer the Waterloo Park bandshell will be turned into a giant movie theatre. Starting at dusk, Canada's largest outdoor movie projector screen will be showing movies in the park.
July 11 – The Lego Movie 2
July 25 – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
August 8 – Ralph Breaks the Internet
August 22 – Avengers: End Game
More information on City of Kitchener events can be found here
More information on City of Waterloo events can be found here
More information on City of Cambridge event can be found here
