Home › Guides › Free indoor things to do this winter
Last checked: Oct 2026. Independent guide; not affiliated with the cities, the Region or any venue listed. No paid placements.
When it's too cold, slushy or dark to stay outside, it helps to have a list of warm places that don't cost much. These are our picks for the 2026-27 winter, starting with the ones that are completely free. We checked each price and detail on the venue's or city's own website; tap through to confirm hours before you go, since winter closures and holiday hours change.
Library branches across the region run family programs and have children's collections. The City of Kitchener notes that Kitchener Public Library has programs for every age from babies to teens, and that you can also borrow board games, video games and movies.
Source: official page · More in Library programs
KPL lends museum passes, which can turn a paid outing into a free one. Availability is limited, so check KPL's catalogue ahead of time.
Source: official source · More in Library programs
Free drop-in play-based programs for young children and the adults who care for them, with early childhood staff on hand for questions. The YMCA of Three Rivers leads EarlyON delivery in Waterloo Region.
Source: official page · Our EarlyON Child and Family Centres listing · More in Library programs
Public art gallery inside the Centre In The Square building. Admission is free; the gallery invites donations. Thursday and Friday evenings were open late in the week we checked.
Source: official page · Our Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) listing · More in Free things to do
A gallery of ceramic and glass art in Uptown Waterloo; a calm, short visit that works with kids. Admission is always free. Listed hours: Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., closed Mondays.
Source: official page · Our Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery listing · More in Free things to do
Indoor downtown market that is free to wander. The City of Kitchener highlights its kids' art, music and cooking classes, including the 'Kids in the Kitchen' program (classes may have a fee).
Source: official source · Our Kitchener Market listing · More in Free things to do
The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Walking Track sits above an ice pad at the Activa Sportsplex. The city says it is open daily and free during walking track hours, which makes it a handy place to burn off energy when sidewalks are icy.
Source: official page
The region's history museum, with indoor galleries. Children 4 and under get in free. Regular hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. A family membership ($70 a year) covers all Region of Waterloo museums.
Source: official page · Our Waterloo Region Museum listing · More in Indoor play
A historic house museum in Kitchener run by the Region. Admission is lower than the main museum, and the same museum membership applies.
Source: official page
A small historic cottage in Cambridge. Admission is by donation. Regular hours are Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Source: official page
On milder winter days, the cities also list free outdoor options: see our pages for free things to do (including the official lists of Kitchener tobogganing hills and outdoor rinks in Kitchener and Waterloo) and parks. For seasonal events, see our holiday events guide.
Spotted a change? Tell us about it. Details change, so please confirm with the official page before you go. More by city: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge.
One short email a week with things to do with kids in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.
Weekly email coming soon.