Welcome back to our social series! The winter chill has finally faded, and the warm sunshine is drawing us outdoors. Whether you’re craving a scenic hike, a relaxing picnic, or some friendly competition, we’re here to highlight a few fantastic spots to make the most of this beautiful season. So, grab your sunglasses, pack your picnic basket, and get ready to soak up some sun!
Waterloo Park
Got a frisbee and a few friends? Than Waterloo Park is the perfect place to organize a game of ultimate frisbee. The rules are simple; teams have to throw it from one end of the field to the other without dropping a pass, while the other team tries to stop them. The trick is that you can’t move when you’ve got the frisbee!
Waterloo Park’s wide-open fields, plus a sunny day, is a winning formula for a back-and-forth frisbee game! Afterwards, cool off with an ice cold drink at the Prohibition Warehouse around the corner.
Bechtel Park
Humans aren’t the only ones that get a little stir crazy from the long winter – dogs do, too! Bechtel park is the perfect spot to bring your dog and take advantage of the warmer weather. It features a dedicated off-leash area for dog zoomies and socializing, in addition to miles of scenic trails for leash walking. Perfect for squirrel chasing!
If you still feel like spoiling your pup afterwards, take them by The Healthy Barker off Park Street, Waterloo. They serve healthy, hand-made meals with dog’s nutrition in mind. One whiff of that beef bowl will have em’ hooked!
Schneider Woods Conservation Area
Feeling the need to ditch the city and reconnect with nature? Schneider Woods Conservation Area might be the perfect spot! Hike through beautiful forests teeming with chirping birdlife. Plus, there’s a restored pioneer village that’s like a real-life time machine – a great way to learn how people once lived on thrived on this very land! Breathe in the fresh air, snap some nature pics, and maybe even learn how they churned butter back in the day (spoiler alert: it’s harder than it looks).
If you find yourself going on a cooler morning and need a warm pick-me-up on the way, stop by the Java Garden for a delicious home-brewed coffee.
Sundew Park
Sundew Park, in Activa’s Vista Hills community, is a great place to spend time outdoors. Kids will love the playground, and everyone can enjoy the beautiful pollinator garden. This garden is a community project supported by the Grand River Conversation Authority. If you’re still feeling up for a hike after visiting, the GeoTime Trail, Waterloo’s largest woodland, is within walking distance!
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the Synposium Cafe Restauraunt around the corner for a warm meal in the sun.
RIM Park
RIM Park, located just around the corner from our Trailside Towns community, offers a wide range of outdoor sports opportunities for Waterloo Region residents. Train on the expansive sports fields, hit the walking and biking trails, or let the kids loose on the playgrounds. Indoor facilities, including ice rinks and gymnasiums, are also available for those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
After you’ve exhausted yourself running around the fields, Wildcraft Grill & Long Bar is a five minute drive away and has a great patio to continue enjoying the weather.
Victoria Park
Sunshine? Check. Spacious lawns? Check. Sparkling lake? Check! Victoria Park has everything you need for a perfect picnic. Pack your goodies, grab a blanket, and enjoy the fresh air and spring vibes. Don’t forget to bring a ball to throw around after lunch!
If you’re looking for picnic supplies, Marche Leo’s is around the corner. Stop by and stock up on fresh bread and sandwhich fillings for the ulimate lunch!
The Kitchener Market
Craving fresh produce? Look no further than the Kitchener Market! This historic spot offers seasonal fruits and veggies, local meats and cheeses, plus baked goods and artisan crafts. It’s a great place to grab delicious food all while supporting local farmers and vendors. It runs from 7am – 2pm on Saturdays.
If you’re looking for a nice breakfast spot afterwards, check out the local favorite Yeti Cafe across the street!
St. Jacobs Market
The St. Jacobs Market is open Thursday (8am – 3pm) and Saturday (7am – 3:30pm) every week through the summer! Think fresh spring veggies, beautiful flowers, and one-of-a-kind finds – all perfect for the season. It’s a great way to enjoy the spring weather and support your local community.
Activa Loves Local Market
If the idea of a market that supports local vendors caught your eye, then you’ll love the Activa Loves Local market! Running from 12-3pm on Saturday, April 27th, the market will feature over a twenty local vendors from the Waterloo Region, in addition to live music. PLUS, all attendees will be entered in to a raffle to win a $500 gift card to Langdon Hall! Not a market you want to miss!
KWC Golf Courses
Looking to tee off and soak up the sunshine? Here’s a few of the best local courses in the KWC:
Rockway Golf Course, Kitchener
Riveredge Golf Club, Kitchener
Westmount Golf & Country Club, Kitchener
Grey Silo Golf Course, Waterloo
Brookfield Golf Club, Cambridge
Montgomery Park
Enjoy golf but hoping for something a little cheaper? Give disc golf a go! Whether you’re new or want to hone your skills, Montgomery Park’s Ace Place is the perfect place to play a relaxed round of disc golf. This beginner-friendly 9-hole course is perfect for a spring fling with friends. Wooded setting, open fairways – all you need are discs and some sunshine!
Afterwards, wind down with a cool drink at StrykerZ. There’s even a patio if you don’t want to leave the warm weather!
Not an outdoorsy-type? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Kitchener sports are heating up this April! The OHL playoffs are underway and the Kitchener Rangers have just advanced to the conference semifinals against the London Knights. It’s not too late to grab tickets!
If hockey reminds you of winter too much, and basketball is more your speed, there’s also the KW Titans! They’ve got several big games upcoming in April/May.
For the gamers out there, now’s your chance to roll for initiative! Ragnarok, one of the fastest growing table-top gaming conventions in Ontario, is coming to town on April 20-21st. Ragnarok offers a welcoming space to explore board games, RPGs, card games, and miniature battles. Whether you’re an experienced pro or a total newbie, there’s lots to enjoy at Ragnarok. Plus, its location at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener is a convenient location for people in the area.