Free things to do in Waterloo Region, Guelph, Brantford and beyond over March Break

Local icon Erick Traplin was honoured in a downtown Kitchener celebration dedicated to his 35-years of work in children's entertainment, June 8, 2025 (Sidra Jafri/CTV News).

There are plenty of events happening throughout March Break to keep kids busy.

Here’s a list of some of the free activities for families.

Sunday, March 15

Caribbean Dancing Soca Style with Gwan Move

Where: Cambridge Public Library, Queen’s Square (1 North Square, Cambridge)

When: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Participants will learn about Soca dancing, a high-energy dance style rooted in African and Caribbean cultures.

Starting at 2 p.m., registered participants make a Soca scarf and learn the moves. At 3 p.m., everyone is invited to dance in a parade through Queen’s Square.

Registration is required.

Monday, March 16

Rainbow Honmoon: A KPop Demon Hunter Adventure

Where: Cambridge Public Library, Clemens Mill (50 Saginaw Parkway, Cambridge)

When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Cambridge Public Library is inviting all aspiring KPop Demon Hunters to show them how it’s ‘done, done, done!’

They are hosting a special Rainbow Honmoon event featuring a demon obstacle course.

Registration is not required.

KPOP Demon Hunters Dance Party

Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central Branch (85 Queen Street North, Kitchener)

When: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

TenC DanceCO is teaming up with the Kitchener Public Library for a KPop Demon Hunters Dance Party. Learn some choreography from professionals and feel ‘golden!’

Tickets for this event will be available on Monday, March 16 at 9 a.m.

Free Public Skate

Where: Brant Sports Complex (944 Powerline Road, Brant County)

When: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Grab your skates and hit the ice at this free public skate sponsored by Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

Escape Professor Oak’s Lab: Pokémon escape room

Where: Waterloo Public Library, McCormick branch (500 Parkside Drive, Waterloo)

When: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Guests have to work together to solve eight Pokémon-themed challenges, restart Professor Oak’s lab and escape before the power runs out.

Registration is required, but the library will be hosting several sessions at multiple locations.

Glass Painting: Customize Your Own Cup

Where: Waterloo Public Library, Main branch (35 Albert Street, Waterloo)

When: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Participants can paint their own cup in this hands-on workshop. Everyone will take one painted drinking glass home.

Registration is required, but this event is being offered on multiple dates in different locations.

Teen Social Hour: Dungeons and Dragons

Where: Kitchener Public Library, Grand River Stanley Park Branch (175 Indian Road, Kitchener)

When: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Grab your spellbook or battle-axe (or more accurately, your character sheet and some dice) and prepare to delve into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Teenagers are invited to take part in this introduction to the popular tabletop role-playing game.

Players will create their own Level 3 hero for a Viking-themed adventure.

Registration is required.

Tuesday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Party

Where: Cambridge Public Library, Queen’s Square (1 North Square, Cambridge)

When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wear green and compete in STEM challenges to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Registration is not required.

Snake Special

Where: Kitchener Public Library, Forest Heights branch (251 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener)

When: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Cliff and his reptile friends from the Scale Squad are headed to the library for a “sssspecial” presentation.

Registration is now required, but room capacity is limited. Free tickets will be available one hour prior to the event.

Erick Traplin Concert

Where: Waterloo Public Library, Main branch (35 Albert Street, Waterloo)

When: 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Erick Traplin plays an interactive concert that invites people to singing, clap and dance along.

Registration is required.

St. Patrick’s Day Crafts & Games

Where: Region of Waterloo Library, Wellesley Branch (1137 Henry Street, Wellesley)

When: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Head to the Wellesley branch of the Region of Waterloo Library to make a leprechaun craft, play festive games, and possibly win prizes with St. Patrick’s Day BINGO.

Registration is required by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 519-662-2731.

Puppet Adventures! (presented by Puppets Elora)

Where: Region of Waterloo Library, Bloomingdale Branch (860A Sawmill Road, Bloomingdale)

When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Watch Puppets Elora bring the story of Billy Goats Gruff to life and then try your own hand at a puppet show!

Advanced registration is required.

Zoo to You

Where: Cambridge Public Library, Hespeler (5 Tannery Street East, Cambridge)

When: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Check out animals at this interactive learning experience.

Registration is not required.

Free public skate

Where: Burford Community Centre (14 Potter Drive, Burford)

When: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Grab your skates for this free public event sponsored by Stubbe’s Precast.

Free public skate

Where: Brant Sports Complex (944 Powerline Road, Brant County)

When: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Grab your skates for this free public event sponsored by Stubbe’s Precast

Wednesday, March 18

Wild Ontario

Where: Kitchener Public Library, Pioneer Park branch (150 Pioneer Park Drive, Kitchener)

When: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Wild Ontario is bringing birds to the library! Participants will learn about our feathered friends in this fun, interactive experience.

Registration is not required, but space is limited. Free tickets are available at the service desk one hour before the event begins.

Erick Traplin Live!

Where: Guelph Public Library, Main branch (100 Norfolk Street, Guelph)

When: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Erick Traplin is bringing his show to the Guelph Public Library. Sing, dance and join along for some of your favourite songs.

Comics & Anime

Where: Region of Waterloo Library, New Dundee branch (1176 Queen Street, New Dundee)

When: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

A professional artist will teach participants how to draw comics and anime. Ideal for beginners and aspiring artists.

Registration is required by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 519-662-2731.

Kitchener Rangers’ Downtown Showdown

Where: Carl Zehr Square (200 King Street West, Kitchener)

When: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. (rain or shine)

The Kitchener Rangers get to meet their fans at the second annual Downtown Showdown. The Blueshirts will stage a 3-on-3 hocky tournament and sign autographs. A live DJ, The Trevor Show, will keep the party going while families sip on free hot chocolate and indulge in maple taffy. There will also be inflatables and family-friendly games.

Kitchener firefighters and Waterloo Regional Police officers are also expected to stop by, giving kids a chance to see fire trucks and police cars up close.

Free family skate

Where: Bill Gies Recreation Centre (1401 Queens Bush Road, Wellesley)

When: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The Region of Waterloo Library is hosting a free family skate at the Bill Gies Recreation Centre. Bring your own skates and helmets. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Free public skate

Where: Gaukel Memorial Community Centre (7 Gaukel Drive, St. George)

When: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Grab your skates and head to this public event sponsored by Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

Thursday, March 19

K-Pop Fun

Where: Kitchener Public Library, Grand River Stanley Park branch (175 Indian Road, Kitchener)

When: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Meet your fellow K-Pop fans, learn some choreography, sing along to your favourite songs and make your own photocard holder.

Registration is not required, but craft supplies are limited.

Pet-Palooza

Where: Cambridge Public Library, Preston (435 King Street East, Cambridge)

When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Make pet toys, race through a human-sized agility course and adopt a pet rock! Although your real furry friends have to stay home, bring a picture for a chance to win a prize at the Pet Photo Contest.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides will be bringing some of their service dogs-in-training from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Registration is not required.

Glow Dance Party

Where: Waterloo Public Library, John M. Harper branch (500 Fischer-Hallman Road North, Waterloo)

When: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

The library is hosting a dance party with kid-friendly music, glowsticks and streamers. Shake out that March Break energy under a blacklight and wear white to shine your brightest.

Free public skate

Where: Brant Sports Complex (944 Powerline Road, Brant County)

When: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Grab your skates for this event sponsored by Nathan Ackland – Desjardins Insurance Agent.

Free public skate

Where: Burford Community Centre (14 Potter Drive, Burford)

When: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Grab your skates for this event sponsored by Nathan Ackland – Desjardins Insurance Agent.

Free family skate

Where: Albert McCormick Community Centre (500 Parkside Drive, Waterloo)

When: 4 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Kuppers + Green Orthodontics invites the community to the Albert McCormick Community Centre for a free skate.

Register up to 72 hours in advance.

Friday, March 20

Meet the Zamboni!

Where: Wilmot Recreation Complex (1291 Nafziger Road, Baden)

When: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Township of Wilmot and the Region of Waterloo Library invite kids between ages of 4 and 12 to stop by the Wilmot Recreation Complex to learn about Zambonis. The 90-minute session starts with stories and books before participants travel outside to see a real Zamboni. Afterwards, STEM activities and crafts await.

Caregivers must accompany all participants. Registration is required.

Art with an Artist: Bigfoot and Wizards with Sara McTavish

Where: Region of Waterloo Library, St. Clements branch (3605 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements)

When: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Children will learn to draw Bigfoots and wizards in this magical-themed art class.

Registration is required.

Dino Show with Busy Bees Parties

Where: Region of Waterloo Library, Ayr Branch (137 Stanley Street, Ayr)

When: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn about dinosaurs, rare minerals and fossils during an interactive show where children can touch real meteorites, diamonds and T-rex teeth.

Registration is required.

Saturday, March 21

Irish Céilí Dance

Where: Waterloo Public Library, John M. Harper branch (500 Fischer-Hallman Road North, Waterloo)

When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Children and families are invited to take part in a journey into Irish farm life through Brendan Tonra’s tale, Three Ducks and Goose. The event includes dancing, singing and some céilí (group) dancing.

Registration opens on March 12.

Retro Video Games Day

Where: Kitchener Public Library, Central branch (85 Queen Street North)

When: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Drop by the Kitchener Public Library to play some games from the past. Good Times Games are bringing some gems from Vectrex, Neo Geo, Nintendo, Sega, Playstation and more. A short VR experience will also be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Relative Minors and author Alison McGauley

Where: Cambridge Public Library, Hespeler (5 Tannery Street East, Cambridge)

When: 2p.m. – 4 p.m.

Author Alison McGauley will be reading aloud her book Kenzie’s Little Tree at 2 p.m., followed by a performance by The Relative Minors. The day wraps up with a craft to take home.

Registration is not required.