Winter doesn’t have to be the season of staying indoors and feeling bored. In fact, London, Ontario has so much going on in the winter that your schedule can be jam packed every weekend. From outdoor activities to family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to do this winter no matter what you enjoy. Here’s a list of Events, Outdoor, Indoor, and Family-friendly activities we’ve compiled for this winter season.
Events
Adult Monthly Cooking Class
Each month, Growing Chefs! Ontario puts on a cooking class! On January 8th, they’re hosting a class about Soups & Stocks, and tickets are available for $75. Escape the winter cold to learn how to make cozy and delicious soups with Chef Ryan!
Grey Matters: Conversations about Brain and Memory
An educational event, Grey Matters: Conversations about Brain and Memory, is presented by One Book One, an initiative in London to encourage residents to become avid readers. This event is free for all ages and is held on January 27th, 2020.
Kidz Bop World Tour
The Kidz Bop World Tour is coming to London on February 21st, 2020. The #1 brand of music for kids, this event is fun for the whole family. Held at London’s Centennial Hall, tickets start at $35 and are available now.
Joy’s of Brunch
On February 25th, join Chef Paul Harding for the ultimate brunch experience. For $85, you’ll learn how to make Blood Orange Mimosa, Cream Cheese Banana Bread, Fried Pancakes, Sausage Patties with Fresh Fruit, and Corn Beef Hash. This class is a must for a surprise anniversary breakfast in bed or a wonderful Mother’s Day brunch.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour makes its stop in London March 16th to 18th 2020 at the Wolf Performance Hall. Tickets are $20 per night, and each evening features a different set of films.
20th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast and Auction
On March 6th, escape the cold outside and support a great cause. The 20th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast and Auction is a breakfast and auction where all the proceeds go to providing services to victims of abuse and the London Abused Women’s Centre. Single tickets are $55, or a group of 10 costs $500.
Outdoor Activities
Skiing at Boler Mountain
Boler Mountain is one of London’s popular outdoor attractions. Guests here can ski, snowboard, or go tubing, and there are options for beginners through experts. They also offer lessons for those who are brand new and want to learn from the best.
McLachlan Syrup Farm
Beginning in March, the McLachlan Syrup Farm offers horse-drawn carriage rides around their farm. They provide an educational experience about the tapping of trees and the production of syrup for six generations and counting. You can also opt for a self-guided tour, a fantastic pancake breakfast with the finest syrup, or let the kids play at the playground.
Ice Skating
The beautiful outdoor rink at Victoria Park is the perfect way to spend a winter’s day in London, Ontario. Open daily from 10 am-10 pm, it’s free for everyone to come down for a little fun. The rink is open from December 7th to March, weather permitting. They also offer skate rentals for those who don’t have skates of their own for $7 and sharpening services for $6.
Indoor Activities
Rock Climbing
Junction Climbing Centre is the home of 11 different climbing lines and a whole lot of fun! For those who want to escape the cold outside, you can get some exercise and activity while having a great time.
The Covent Garden Market
The Covent Garden Market is one of London’s oldest traditions. This fantastic indoor market is full of local merchants, artists, restaurants, and more. There are now over 50 vendors that call the Covent Garden Market home seven days a week. They also host events for all ages around the holiday season. Bonus – they have an outdoor skating rink! Who doesn’t love a good local market?
Palasad Social Bowl
A great social venue for adults, Palasad Limited has two London locations. They offer bowling, ping pong, billiards, escape rooms, an arcade accompanied by live music, local craft beer and cocktails, and great eats. An excellent time for anyone, including group events, or just taking a break from winter in London, Ontario.
Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club
We all love a good laugh! Yuk Yuk’s is a Canadian staple, and they always put on a fantastic show. On the last Saturday of every month, they feature a new and hilarious comedian. It’s the perfect evening for a Bachelor/Bachelorette party, office party, birthday party, or just something fun to do in the winter. Be sure to book ahead to get your tickets!
The Grand Theater
For over 100 years, the Grand Theater has been a London favourite. Upcoming shows include “Fully Committed,” “Every Brilliant Thing,” “Honour Beat,” and many more. The theater is one of the last of it’s kind in Canada, so take advantage of its nearby location and experience the Grand Theater this winter.
Escape Rooms and BATL
London has become a bit of a hot spot for escape rooms like the Trapdoor London Escape Rooms, Exodus London Escape Rooms, and the Mystery Escape Rooms. London is also home to the Backyard Axe Throwing League. Get rid of all that holiday stress by throwing axes at targets with your friends! There are leagues, group events, and drop-in times that you can join in for some throwing fun.
Family-Friendly Fun
Storybook Gardens
Storybook Gardens is a London favorite! It’s a family fun park owned by the city, and in the wintertime, they feature a 250-metre skating trail around the park! It’s perfect for the whole family to partake in, and you can finish your skate with a hot chocolate and Beavertail!
The Factory
The Factory is London’s 20,000 square foot entertainment park inside the old Kellogg’s factory. It’s full of trampolines, courses, arcades, kids areas, VR courses, and escape rooms. An all-day all-access pass will run you $59.99, but you’ll have access to everything The Factory has to offer – and that’s a lot!
Circle R Ranch
Located about half an hour from London, in Delaware, Ontario, the Circle R Ranch offers a range of outdoor activities, including trails, skiing, snowshoeing, and more!
As you can see, winter in London, Ontario, is anything but boring. From the many outdoor activities like skiing and skating to fun indoor activities like escape rooms and bowling, there is always something to do. Keeping the whole family entertained is an easy task in this great city!
