PRICELESS
THE KINGSTON FAMILY FUN GUIDE
With the Kids
F A L L 2018-2019
ATTRACTIONS
EXPLORE OUTDOORS
STAY WARM INSIDE
SEE WHAT KINGSTON HAS TO OFFER
TAKE TO THE TRAILS AT THESE LOCAL PARKS
FROM BOWLING, TO POOLS, THERE’S PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES TO AVOID THE COLD
WINTER
TRAVELWITHKIDS101.COM 1
Travelwithkids101.com
2
Travelwithkids101.com
With the Kids For the past 20 years, we at 101 Things To Do With The Kids Media have had the privilege of offering parents and caregivers ideas on places to discover and things to do with their families in Ontario. It is with great excitement that we now bring to you a Kingston Edition of this resourceful guide. Please visit our website and subscribe to our free monthly newsletter, where you will receive family event updates, coupons, savings tips and the chance to win prizes! We are now working on our March Break 2019 issue, drop us a line and let us know about your favourite family things to do, we would love to hear from you! Visit our website for even more ideas at
www.travelwithkids101.com email: editor.kids101@gmail.com
101ThingsToDoWithTheKids We look forward to serving you!!
Springer Market Square - Tourism Kingston
Editor:
J. Walsh
Email: editor.kids101@gmail.com For business Inquires; sales.kids101@gmail.com
Design: hexxe.ca Cover Photo Credit: Tourism Kingston, Tim Forbes Pump House Steam Museum *please note information is subject to change, call ahead to confirm timings! Copyright Travel With Kids 101 Š2018 3 All Rights Reserved
index Attractions Family Eats Bowling Indoor Pools Great Outdoors Ski Hills
4 9 10 11 11 14
Become a tourist in your own city and take advantage of the family programming available at most of the city’s attractions. In addition, you can also visit and save! Here are a few ideas, please visit our website for more detailed information. www.travelwithkids101.com/kingston
Museum & Park Passes to Borrow
The Kingston library lends passes to provincial parks and local conservation areas, as well as popular museums in Kingston, Brockville and Ottawa. These passes may be borrowed for one week and can be reserved in the library catalogue. For library locations go to: www.kfpl.ca
K-Pass Winter
One Pass, One Price, Kingston Attractions K-Pass Winter is your all-inclusive ticket in 20182019 for things to do in Kingston: Lumina Borealis, Improbable Escapes, The VR Hut, Kingston Trolley Tours, and More. 844-449-4513 www.kpass.ca
Go Green Baby
Kingston’s favourite source for organic, local, natural, and ethically made products for you and your family to use and reuse for years to come. We offer cloth diaper & baby carrier rentals, maternity and nursing apparel, cloth diapers, baby carriers, nursery decor/furniture, car seats, imaginative play toys, zerowaste food containers and more! Expert staff, friendly environment, workshops, and community events. 293 Division St. Kingston, ON 613-344-0390 www.go-greenbaby.ca
Kingston Libraries
Check out the Early Years Program guide. Events include: Baby and Me • Bedtime Stories • Rhythm & Rhyme • Play to Learn • STEM Start Family Storytime • Stories in the Park For locations go to : www.kfpl.ca Info Subject to change, please call ahead!
credit: Tourism Kingston - city hall
Explore Kingston Attractions
Lumina Borealis
credit: St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Nov 30th to Jan 5th 2019 At Fort Henry National Historic Site Journey into another world, from ice to fire, from darkness to light, find your way over a mysterious land of enchantment. Lumina Borealis is back for what is sure to be an awe-inspiring third year. Located at Hwy 2 at the junction of Hwy 15 in Kingston 613-542-7388 or 1-800-437-2233 www.forthenry.com
MacLachlan Woodworking Museum
Closed until spring 2019 but open for a number of special events and workshops. Located at 2993 Hwy 2 East of Kingston, Exit 632 from Hwy 401. 613-542- 0543 www.woodworkingmuseum.ca
Event
7th annual Winterlight 1 Dec, 2018 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Visit activity stations and create holiday themed crafts, taste homemade kettlecorn while singing around our campfire, and learn about different birds with an outdoor nature walk. Admission is $5 per person or one unwrapped toy per family in lieu of admission.
Miller Museum of Geology & Mineralogy
Featured: local fossil and geology exhibits and a dinosaur skull from western Canada. Weekdays, 8:30am-4:30pm. Free admission-self guided tour. Located at Miller Hall, 36 Union St., Queen’s University, Kingston 613-533-6767 www.geol.queensu.ca/museum 5
5
Museum of Health Care
The Skin You’re In – Children’s Gallery Try some hands-on activities and discover the wonders of your skin. Family Activity Packs These are free to borrow during your museum visit. Doctors on the Go for ages 8 to 12 and Healthy Happy Children for ages 3 to 8. Located at 32 George Street, Ann Baillie Building National Historic Site Kingston 613-548-2419 www.museumofhealthcare.ca
Pump House Steam Museum
Explore the building blocks of science and technology in demonstrations such as air pressure, pulleys, gears, levers and their historical uses in the 19th and 20th centuries and home to a stunning collection of model railway trains. 23 Ontario St, Kingston 613-546-4291 www.steammuseum.ca
For more Family Fun Ideas! Visit us at:
travelwithkids101.com
Boiler Room Climbing Gym
State-of-the-art indoor wall climbing facility. With 35 routes, 2 caves and 100 ft. tall chimney - Canada’s highest indoor climb. Children under 14 must be accompanied. Birthday parties too. Located at The Woolen Mill Bldg. 4 Cataraqui St., Kingston 613-549-0520 www.climbinggym.ca
Military Communications & Electronics Museum
Depicting the history of Canadian military communication, this museum offers family friendly activities include learning through play and dress-up! Open to all ages! Located at 95 Craftsman Blvd, KingstonCFB Kingston (613) 541-4675 www.candemuseum.org www.facebook.com/pg/candemuseum credit: Mililtary Communications & Electronics Museum
Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre presents hundreds of live performances every year, including family programming. Coming up is the classic Christmas favourite, The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa presents The Nutcracker Dec 5th – 6th 2018 218 Princess St., Kingston 613-530-050 www.kingstongrand.ca
credit: National Ballet Theatre of Odessa
Improbable Escapes
There are a variety of escape rooms that rotate throughout the year. A few are family friendly You have 60 minutes and the only way out is to work with one’s team to find clues and solve puzzles. (typically 4 – 6 people). 303 Bagot Street, Suite 16B, Kingston 800-570-0436 www.improbableescapes.com
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
A, beautiful theatre hosting orchestras, classical & jazz musicians & other performances. Children Series is offered starting in Fall 2018. 390 King St W, Kingston. 613-533-2424 www.theisabel.ca
Kingston Frontenacs
Playtrium
Enjoy swinging, sliding and climbing at Playtrium, Kingston’s largest indoor play place! Open daily. Playtrium offers Day Camp and Birthday Parties. Located in the Atrium at 541 Days Rd., Kingston. 613-389-5553 www.playtrium.ca
Putt n Blast
A family entertainment centre, featuring: Laser Tag, 18 -hole Glow-Putt course, the Vault (laser maze challenge), Arcade Games, Snack Bar and Birthday Parties. Located at the Frontenac Mall, 1300 Bath Rd, Kingston, 613-544-3342 www.puttnblast.com
Info Subject to change, please call ahead!
Enjoy a fast -paced game and you can also celebrate a unique Kingston Frontenacs Birthday Party here. Leon’s Centre – 1 Tragically Hip Way 613-542-4042 x 6040 www.kingstonfrontenacs.com
Minotaur Games and Crafts- Games Night
A unique spot to buy games, crafts, cards and art On Games Night, pick from the store’s massive selection and then sit down to challenge your friends (Thur and Sun, 5 pm – 9 pm). Minotaur also has free games tournaments and free craft workshops. 78 Princess St., Kingston 613-545-2308 www.facebook.com/minotaurgamesandgifts
For more Family Fun Ideas! Visit us at:
travelwithkids101.com
Queen’s University Observatory
Did you know that Queen’s University has its own astronomical observatory? Did you know you can peer through its 14-inch telescope to some of the farthest reaches of space during monthly open houses? They happen on the second Saturday of every month and include a half-hour presentation on a specific topic related to space, followed by an hour-long tour of the observatory dome and telescope. Free 58 University Avenue, Ellis Hall, Room 432 613-533-2711 www.observatory.phy.queensu.ca/
Sherlock’s Escapes
Kingston’s newest escape room experience challenges you and your team to find clues that will lead to the missing Sherlock Holmes. Be quick, though. You only have 60 minutes. Private appointments only. 298 Bagot Street, Kingston 613-344-0668 www.sherlocksescapes.com
Tett Centre
Kids Creativity Club is a Saturday morning drop-in art program at the Tett Centre for Creativity & Learning. It is an opportunity for children and their families to experience the arts together. Enjoy a variety of hands-on, creative arts activities with local artists and volunteers. Located next to the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts 370 King St West, Kingston, 343-266-0009 www.tettcentre.org
More to Explore Nearby! The Aquatarium
at Tall Ships Landing A state of the art 27,000 square foot Discovery Centre built on the waterfront in beautiful downtown Brockville. Come in and see otters play, climb on replicas of mighty ships that once sailed these waters, or watch a film about this amazing region in the interactive theatre. Ask about Birthday Parties that are out of the ordinary! Event: Winter Break Camp January 2- 4, 2019 for kids ages 6 to 12. Email: education@aquatarium.ca 6 Broad St. Brockville, ON 613-342-6789 ext 7004 www.aquatarium.ca
UNI Car Racing Simulator
Real Simulation Car Racing Game in Kingston. You can play with your friends and family. 360 VR Real Motion Simulation Racing Game and Roller Coaster. Birthday Parties too. 27 Princess St #104, Kingston 613-541-0212 www.facebook.com/uniracingkingston
The VR Hut
Escape reality for a while at Kingston’s first and only public virtual reality facility. Pick from a library of about 20 scenarios, then enter the pod, put on the VR headset and take off. Scenarios range in the theme from sports to fantasy to action to mechanics and beyond. 331 King Street East, Suite 201 613-767-1389 www.thevrhut.com
Alight At Night - Upper Canada Village
Eastern Ontario’s Biggest Outdoor Light Festival Bundle up for an evening stroll where close to one million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-akind magical Festival. NEW - families will discover a colourful vintage 1965 merry-go-round of prancing horses that will be offering rides for young visitors a true winter wonderland! 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON www.uppercanadavillage.com/events/alight-at-night
Family Eats!
PIZZA PIZZA
COOKING CLASSES You have a few options in Kingston if you want to fine-tune your kitchen skills. Cécile’s Untamed Kitchen offers multiple new classes every month, each in a different location, all about vegan and vegetarian with an emphasis on French-style cooking. www.untamedkitchen.ca The PC Cooking School has classes for kids regularly at both the Princess Street and Midland Avenue Loblaws stores. A favourite coming up: Gingerbread House Decorating for Kids. Prices vary www.pccookingschool.ca Kingston
MUCHO BURRITO FRESH MEXICAN GRILL
Serving authentic Mexican food, free of artificial preservatives, and no artificial fat substitutes. The Mayans never used MSG so why should we? It’s real food, made by hand, right in front of you, including all-natural guacamole and salsas made with 100% fresh ingredients and traditional fireroasted cooking techniques. 00% grain-fed chicken, Canadian triple-A beef and shrimp that is sourced from responsible aquaculture. Our real meat with authentic Mexican seasoning! 770 Gardiners Rd. A006, Kingston, in the RIO CAN Centre PHONE: 613-389-6666 E-mail: mb92@muchoburrito.com www.muchoburrito.com/menu
Hwy 15- Kingston Pizza Pizza is Canada’s number one destination for Hot and Fresh pizza. We offer Old-School, Gourmet and International Pizza recipes as well as wings, pasta, salads, sandwiches pasta and chicken made to order using only freshest, highest quality ingredients. Available for pick up or delivery. School lunch catering programs offered We are happy to support our Family and Military community. Please see website or call about our Specials. http://www.pizzapizza.ca/view-our-menu 760 Highway 15, Kingston, 613-542-1111
Silver Wok Chinese Food Eat In or Take Out One of Kingston’s favourite dine-in or take-out for years. 373 King St. East, Downtown, Kingston 613-544-6634 OR 613- 544-6635 www.silverwok.ca
ASK ME HOW TO SAVE ON MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE Jesse Boyd Kingston Agency 656 Gardiners Road
613-900-3102 jboyd@allstate.ca v
*Terms and conditions apply. ®Trademark used under license by Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. 182134 703E 04/18
182299 08/18
PROTECT MORE. SAVE MORE.
Boys and Girls Club of Kingston
credit: Boys & Girls Club Kingston
Programs at the Boys and Girls Club adopt the keystone Club Themes of Leadership, Teamwork, Learning For Life, Healthy Choices, and Service to Club and Community into all of their activities. Please do check out the website for their amazing array of programs offered and at various locations in Greater Kingston. 1300 Bath Road Frontenac Mall 613-507-3306 www.bgckingston.ca
KTown Party Characters
Party Entertainment Service in Kingston Have wonderful costumed characters come out for your child’s next birthday party. Call 613-876-6468 www.facebook.com/pg/ktownpartycharacters
Beat the Winter Blahs! BOWLING
For the Budding Artist
Cloverleaf Lanes 10 Bath Rd, Kingston www.cloverleaflanes.com/
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Garrison 5 Pin Bowling Lanes 6 Princess Mary Ave, Canadian Forces Base, Kingston 613-549-5638 www.cafconnection.ca/Kingston/Facilities/BowlingAlley Prost Bowling Centre 830 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, 613-389-8117 www.facebook.com/Prost-Bowling-Centre
10
Family programming, and PA Day workshops for kids. Queen’s University, 36 University Ave, Kingston 613- 533.2190 www.agnes.queensu.ca
Event
Creation Station is a free, drop-in art studio program designed for children ages 2 and up, so parents or caregivers can enjoy quiet time to view exhibitions.
Crock A Doodle Kingston Create unique hand-painted pottery pieces. Enjoy Baby & Toddler Pottery Painting Activities. 1690 Bath Rd #2, Kingston 613-389-1116 www.crockadoodle.com/Kingston
Travelwithkids101.com
4 Cats Art Studio
A great selection of art workshops for kids of all ages!
EVENT
A fun night out with family while you splatter, drip and drizzle tempera paint on canvas to create a holiday masterpiece. See website for dates! 759 Gardiners Rd #4, Kingston 613-767-6968 www.4cats.com
Kingston School of Art
KSOA KIDS: Check out the After- School Art program; PA Days; Holiday Art Camps and Children’s Weekend Workshops. 647a Princess St, Kingston, 613: 549-1528 www.ksoa.info/children-teens.html
Michael’s
Crafts Studio for Kids: Choose from two projects designed specifically for your little maker’s age range. Sign up in store or just drop in. Parents must remain on premises during the event. There is a fee. Located in the RioCan Centre, 656 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, 613-634-7688 www.locationsca.michaels.com/on/kingston
INDOOR POOLS
Ambassador Conference Resort Kingston
Indoor pool, waterslide, splash pad, dry sauna, steam room, two hot tubs. Complimentary Parking, and Onsite restaurant. 1550 Princess St., Kingston ON 613-548-3605 www.ambassadorhotel.com
Artillery Park
Family swim and Parent & Tot Swim available. 382 Bagot St. Kingston 613-546-4291, ext. 1700 www.CityofKingston.ca/aquatics
Boys & Girls Club Kingston
credit:4 Cats Art Studio
YMCA Kingston
Programs include lessons for infant through adults, classes for children with physical disabilities, aquafitness classes, as well as aquatics leadership and certification programs. 100 Wright Crescent, Kingston, and West Branch at 745 Progress Avenue www.kingston.ymca.ca/programs/aquatics
The Great Outdoors
Cataraqui Trail
The Cataraqui Trail is a four- season trail for hikers, cyclists, equestrians, cross country skiers and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs – permitted snowmobilers. This recreation trail runs approximately 103 km from Smith Falls in the east to Strathcona in the west. 1-877-956-CRCA (2722) www.cataraquitrail.ca
Frontenac Provincial Park Open year-round explore Frontenac’s 5,355 hectares on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield Offering: Canoe routes through 22 lakes and over 100 km of looped backpacking and hiking trails; Great fishing, wildlife viewing, cross- country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping. Wilderness skills training programs also offered. Located at 6700 Salmon Lake Rd. Sydenham 613-376-3489 www.ontarioparks.com/park/frontenac
Event
Recreational, Family Lanes and Parent & Tot Swimming. Pay as you go or use your City of Kingston Wellness/Fit Pass to access these swims. at the Frontenac Mall 613-507-3306 www.bgckingston.ca
Wilderness Skills Survival Programs https://www.frontenacpark.ca/pages/ WildernessSkills.html
Travelwithkids101.com
11
Gananoque – Snowshoeing at Jones Creek Trails
“Don’t let the chill of winter keep you cooped up indoors.” Try snowshoeing at Jones Creek Trails, as their routes vary in difficulty from easy 20 -minute walks to more moderate hikes that can last up to two hours or more depending on experience. To help determine your path, there is a handy downloadable map available on the Parks Canada Website. www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/1000
K & P Trail
The abandoned rail bed was converted into a 15 km multi-use trail for walkers and non-motorized vehicles that extends from the semi-urban area near the Little Cataraqui Creek to Orser Road, Kingston. Open all-year round. See website for entry points. www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/parkstrails/k-p
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Authority
Cross-country ski lessons are offered at the Little Cataraqui Creek Outdoor Centre on Saturdays from Jan 6th to Feb 24th , weather permitting. These are group lessons and are one-hour in length. Registration is required and closes 4:30 on the Friday before the lesson. 2 km N of Hwy 401 on Division St, Kingston Register at: www.crca.ca/winter-recreational-rental-rate
Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area
Located in Prince Edward County, the conservation area features over 400 acres and trails offering easy hiking in the lowland area, and more advanced trekking on the escarpment portion. When winter arrives, and a good layer of snow blankets Macaulay Mountain – it becomes a favourite place for crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing. It’s also a good place to bring your toboggan or sled to shred some hills. http://prince-edward-county.com/item/macaulaymountain-conservation-area
Springer Market Square Outdoor Skating
In beautiful downtown Kingston, the winter months are brightened up each year by the opening of the outdoor rink at Springer Market Square. It’s free to the public, and there are skate rentals, public restrooms and lockers available in the Market Wing of City Hall. The best part is that Kingston’s fabulous downtown cafes and restaurants are all within easy walking distance to warm up and enjoy some nibbles after a glide around the rink.
www.downtownkingston.ca
Event: Lantern Hike
Dec 1 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Join us under that stars as we explore the trails of Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area. Afterwards warm up with a hot drink by the fireplace back at the Outdoor Centre. Cost is $2 per person plus the regular gate fee. Registration is required- register online at www.crca.ca/online-services
Info Subject to change, please call ahead!
12
Are you a woman that is starting or owns her own business or works within the corporate or nonprofit field? Women Mean Business is a professional community of women entrepreneurs and business leaders based in Kingston, Ontario. •Resources •Support •Guidance •Inspiration •Personal Growth Learn More at
www.womenmeanbusiness.ca
Travelwithkids101.com
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation
credit: visitkingston.ca
credit: visitkingston.ca -Springer Market Square
credit: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation
Otters at Aquatarium
Ski Hills
Situated roughly 15 minutes north of Trenton, Batawa Ski Hill is a well-known destination for families and anyone looking to enjoy outdoor winter fun. The ski hill offers a range of activities including alpine skiing, hiking, snowboarding and a ski school. There are also camp programs, and special events including, concerts and more! 99 Ski Club Lane, Batawa, Ontario www.batawaskihill.com
Calabogie Ski Hills
Calabogie Peaks, boasts the tallest public ski resort in Ontario, is an all seasons resort located in Ottawa Valley at the base of Dickson Mountain on the shores of Calabogie Lake. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, pond skating, snowshoeing and cross- country skiing. The property includes a 25 room hotel and mountain side condo suites. 30 Barrett Chute Rd, Calabogie, Ontario 1-800-669-4861 www.calabogie.com
Camp Fortune Ski
Located only about a 15-minute car ride from Ottawa, Camp Fortune offers the longest ski season in the region with exceptional ski conditions, featuring 24 runs for expert, intermediate and beginner skiers and snowboarders. Private and group, children & adult lessons are all offered, as well as ski and snow-board rentals are available. Plus, if it’s getting a bit nippy, there are two cozy ski lodges with all the après ski amenities to offer. 300 Chemin Dunlop, Parc de la Gatineau Park, Chelsea, Québec 819-827-1717 www.campfortune.com
credit: Mount Pakenham
Batawa Ski Hill
Mount Pakenham
Mount Pakenham is a ski hill to the south-west of Ottawa, Ontario, near the town of Pakenham. Specializing in ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and abilities. Offering 10 great groomed runs, 9 marked gladed areas, and terrain parks. For the non-skier they offer daytime tubing and 15kms of scenic snowshoe trails to discover. DATE NIGHT: Every Tuesday & Saturday 4pm to 9pm is Date night this year - 2 for1 lifts and rentals for you and your family to enjoy. Lessons available if reserved in advance. Discover Ski/Snowboard program includes a group beginner lesson, a beginner center lift ticket and equipment (including helmet) for price of $55+hst. 577 Ski Hill Rd, Pakenham, ON 613-624-5290 www.mountpakenham.com
Ski Vorlage
Vorlage is a ski hill located in the picturesque village of Wakefield, within the municipality of La Pêche, Quebec, in the Gatineau Hills, 20 minutes north of Ottawa, Ontario. It consists of 18 runs, 13 of which have night skiing. Vorlage’s certified Snow School offers ski and snowboard instruction to beginners and experts alike. 65 Burnside Ch, La Pêche, Québec 819-459-2301 www.skivorlage.com
Sommet Edelweiss
Located in Wakefield, Quebec, just 30 minutes north of Ottawa, in the Gatineau Hills. Night skiing available in 13 out of 20 trails. While the ski trails offer numerous challenges for all types of skiers and snowboarders, the Snoprk also offers snow tubing for the whole family to enjoy. 538 Ch Edelweiss, Wakefield, Québec 819-459-2328 www.sommets.com credit: Camp Fortune
Travelwithkids101.com
SUBSCRIBE to our FREE Monthly Newsletter To receive updates on the latest upcoming events, attractions & deals for family fun!
With the Kids
Travelwithkids101.com
National Gallery of Canada
See renowned works of art by Emily Carr, along with other masterpieces representing the best in visual art.
Louise Bourgeois, Maman (detail), 1999, cast 2003. NGC, Ottawa. © The Easton Foundation. Photo: NGC
Emily Carr, Blunden Harbour, c. 1930. NGC. Ottawa. Photo: NGC
See Canada’s visual arts treasures and celebrate creativity at one of Canada’s most impressive landmarks.
380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa 613.990.1985
gallery.ca