This month brings some gotta-get-out-of-the-house moments! Here's your round-up of fun things for families to do in Thunder Bay in November 2019, including the Santa Claus parade, live theatre, cool rocks, alpacas and more.
November 2
Halloween 2.0, Mary J. L. Black library
If you just can’t get enough (or your kiddo wasn’t up for a nighttime outing) then MJLB library has you covered with an afternoon event with costumes, spooky stories, activities and treats. Free, 2:30-3:30pm.
More info Thunder Bay Public Library on Facebook
Movie and craft, Waverley library
Watch The Iron Giant, munch popcorn and do a craft. Free, 2:30-4:45pm.
More info www.tbpl.ca and search Events
November 7-10
Thunder Bay Rock N’ Gem Show, CLE, Coliseum Room
Take your little rock hounds to see some amazing examples of rocks, minerals and gems from around the world (you can go just to look but they are also for sale). You can also pre-register for a free Junior Geologist on-site tour on Friday November 8, 5:30-6:30pm. Free admission, Thursday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. Note the new location this year.
More info Thunder Bay Rock N’ Gem Show on Facebook
November 13
Pancake Breakfast with Santa, St. Joseph’s Heritage
Enjoy pancakes, bacon and refreshments with Santa at the Georgian Room. 8-11am, admission by donation of money or a wish list item (adult pj set, long nightgown, hat and mitt set, blanket or puzzle book), that becomes a gift for an adult St. Joseph’s Care Group client in our community.
More info www.sjftb.net
Pokemon Party, County Park library
Kids in grades 4-8 are invited to come do Pokemon crafts, activities and trivia at the County Park branch. 6:30pm, free, registration required.
More info Thunder Bay Public Library on Facebook
November 14-16 and 21-23
Matilda the Musical, Paramount Theatre
Local kid performers put on a high-energy show with lots of songs and dance numbers featuring the intrepid and imaginative Matilda and other characters from Roald Dahl’s book. 7pm, tickets required.
More info Paramount Live on Facebook
November 15
Pizza & Movie Night, North End Rec Centre
Kick back and watch Spider-Man: Far From Home on the 120-inch screen. $2, doors open at 6pm and movie starts at 6:45. Concessions available.
More info North End Rec Centre on Facebook
November 16
29th Annual Santa Claus Parade
Hosted by local Rotary clubs, this parade is a must-do for many families. It moves along Memorial Avenue, starting at 13th Avenue (Superstore) and ending at Beverley Street (the Auditorium). Watch music, floats and of course Santa himself. 10-11am, free.
More info Fort William Rotary on Facebook
November 16-17
Clifford the Big Red Dog Party, Toy Sense
Your littles can wear a Clifford costume or lots of red and stop by to visit the big red dog. Frosty and Rudolph may drop by the May street location on Saturday after the parade too. Free, 11am-3pm, at May Street location on Saturday and Bay Street location on Sunday.
More info Toy Sense on Facebook
November 16, 23, 30
Alpaca Valley Farm visits, 922 Hwy 130
Every Saturday from now until December 21, you can visit the alpacas at Alpaca Valley Farm! 10am-4pm, free. Their store will be open too.
More info Alpaca Valley Farm on Facebook
November 21
Aladdin Jr, Baggage Building Arts Centre
All the DAZE presents a kid version of Aladdin, with young actors, singers and dancers participating. 7:30pm, tickets required.
More info All the DAZE on Facebook
November 22-23
Heart of the Holidays, various locations
New family event! Starting at 5:30 on Friday November 22, there's an open house at the Finlandia with a free hot dog, chips, juice and candy cane for kids. That's followed by a tree-lighting ceremony (with Santa and Mrs Claus doing the honours) at 6:30 at Bay & Algoma. There will also be carollers and lighted window displays in the neighbourhood. Then on the afternoon of Saturday November 23, participating businesses in the north core will be transforming into Whoville. Events include a picture with the Grinch at the Chanterelle (holiday movies will be playing while you wait), a holiday photo booth at the Chanterelle and horse-drawn carriage rides (by donation, by Prime Gelato/Tomlin).
More info Waterfront District BIA on Facebook and www.heartoftheholidays.ca
November 28-30
Little Red Riding Hood, and The Lion King Kids, Paramount Live
Your kids will love to see the beloved story and songs live, performed by local youth actors. 7pm, tickets required.
More info Paramount Live on Facebook
Follow tbaywithkids.ca on Facebook for regular updates of family-friendly activities in Thunder Bay!