The holidays are over, it’s almost time for the kids to get back to school, and I think we all know what that means.
Cue the doldrums of winter. The dark days, long nights, and so much cold!
But you know what? There are still a ton of things to do in Kingston during the long cold winter months. Take a look at some of the things we do (or think about doing) around town to keep ourselves entertained.
6 Things to do in Kingston in the Winter
Get outside!
Winter might be cold, but when the weather is just right there are a lot of things to do around town to get some fresh air and active time.
- Skate on Market Square
- Explore the Waterfront Trail (and if the weather is right you can head out onto the frozen lake – but USE CAUTION and BE SMART about this!)
- Slide down Fort Henry Hill
- Walk through the historic downtown neighbourhoods
- Hike, ski or snowshoe at a nearby Conservation area (Little Cataraqui Creek or Lemoine Point)
Visit the Library
The girls and I go to the library every 2 or 3 weeks (winter or not!)
Did you know there are tons of events and programs at the library for everyone to enjoy? We rarely take in the programs (I’m not organized enough to plan ahead) but we do love popping by, grabbing some books, then heading home for a quiet afternoon of reading.
Downtown, the Central branch is set to reopen early this year. We can’t wait to stop by and check it out.
Visit the KFPL programs page to see what’s coming up at your local branch!
The City of Kingston Greenhouse
This is a very favourite thing to do for me. Every February, the City of Kingston opens their greenhouse on Norman Rogers Drive for the public to visit. It’s a beautiful oasis of colour during the long drab winter.
I take my camera every year and snap a few lot of photos. I have a post about it, with more information and links to the website: A Day In Photos – City of Kingston Greenhouse. The greenhouse is usually open for the last 2 weekends of February and the first 2 weekends of March.
Feb Fest
February is a busy month here in Kingston. Not only is it my birthday month, the city also puts on a fun event downtown – Feb Fest!
Events held every year include figure skating shows, hockey games, ice sculptures, snow/ice slides in Confederation Park or Boucher Park, Beavertails, wagon rides and much more!
Visit a Sugar Bush
This one works just as the trees are starting to wake from their long winter slumber. Maple Syrup season will begin in mid February if the weather is typical this year. You’ll have to venture a bit out of town to take advantage of this seasonal fun, but this was a yearly tradition for me when I was a kid!
Related: Maple Syrup Fun in Eastern Ontario
Take in some Art and Culture
There are always galleries and exhibits showing off the amazing talent around Kingston. The Tett Centre is home to many artists, most of whom hold workshops and other events for the public to enjoy.
I am heading to the Grand Theater in January for a concert – I Mother Earth with Finger Eleven. (Yes, I am still stuck in my young adult years with my music taste!) There are shows and concerts almost every week at the venues around town – the Isabel Bader Centre, and the Leons Centre (lots of hockey here), to name a few.
This is just a small list of the many things you can find to do as a family in Kingston in the winter.
The cold weather doesn’t keep us inside all the time – we like going downtown to see what’s on in Market Square or along the waterfront. My girls also visit the park across the street from our house to build snowmen or pull each other on sleds.
What do you enjoy doing in the cold winter months? Are there events I missed mentioning that you enjoy as well? Let me know in the comments. Then get out and enjoy some fun this winter!
~Jess
If you’re looking for other seasonal things to do in Kingston, visit my other posts:
I am available to write about your event, activity or business. Visit my Work With Me page for ways I enjoy working with local businesses and brands!
6 Comments
Like all of your things to do in the winter but you really got to me with the library and greenhouse. Yeah plants in winter! #MMBC
I’m not that much of an outdoors-in-winter person, so heading to the library is a great option. And the greenhouse – I wish it was open more often!! Thanks for the comment Carol.
~Jess
Thank you for the postings. We are headed into Kingston this afternoon for Family Day weekendand have never been before.
I’m glad you found some helpful ideas here! I’d love to hear what you end up doing this weekend. You can follow me on FB as well (http://www.facebook.com/modernmomslife) I share some local events and fun things we get up to around town. ☺️
Lots of fun things to do where you live Jess. We love going on winter walks in the countryside around us and enjoying a hot drink when we get home to thaw out!
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. Have a good weekend!
Sometimes a winter walk is lovely and calming, isn’t it? And warm drink at home is just a bonus! Thanks for stopping by Jayne.
~Jess