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, 2:30-3:30

50 fun things for kids to do this summer, TBay-style! Get your picture taken at the graffiti alley on Cooke Street. Take a grown-up out for ice cream. (You pay.) Throw rocks in Lake Superior. Look at the view through binoculars at Hillcrest Park. Visit the turtle at Vickers Park. Go on the rides at Chippewa Park. Fly a kite at Boulevard Lake. Play mini golf. Spot a rainbow at Kakabeka Falls. Hike the Middlebrun Bay trail at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Bike to a corner sto

It’s that in-between time of year again—perfect for some fun, low-key ways for families to explore Thunder Bay, kick back and relax or try something new this month. Plus, there are a couple high-energy outings out there too. Are you ready for movies, crafts, superheroes, puppet shows, face-painting, art, skating and more? Month of April, various library branches In addition to its regular kids’ programs, the Thunder Bay Public Library has some special events this month, like

Too cold, too hot or too stormy to play outside? Check out an indoor play centre in Thunder Bay. These five centres all have drop-in options that are ideal if you want to shake up your usual routine, you’re here visiting family or are in town for a sports tourney or another event. Indoor Active PlaySpace, Northwood Plaza, 425 Edward Street North Climb through tunnels, ride a trike, play basketball, run and have active fun at this big, popular space by EarlyON Child and Famil

Visiting a craft brewery with the kids? Yes, that’s a thing. It’s an option that’s popular in the US and gaining ground in Canada, as more craft breweries welcome families. Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant Brewing Company is opening its doors to families with both special events and a general “come on in” policy, in part because so many of its owners and staffers have young kids of their own. The idea goes back to German beer gardens, which were friendly all-ages community hubs.

Summer fun, on the cheap! Here’s TBaywithkids.ca's list of the best free stuff for families in Thunder Bay, all summer long. 1. Visit a fire station Big red trucks, big rubber boots, big fun: To visit a Thunder Bay fire station, all you have to do is fill out a request form and set a date. The firefighters will take you and the kids on a tour of the station, including seeing the equipment and asking them questions about their job. Kids must be of school age. More info www.thu

Do you have what it takes to do the Countdown Escape Rooms? Escape rooms began in Japan about 10 years ago and are now found all over the world. Countdown Escape Rooms in Thunder Bay are a great place to go with friends and family for a good time. It is a series of rooms with different themes, and everyone has to work together to solve puzzles, challenges and clues. The rooms currently include Thrones and Dragons, Sabotage, The Cabin, The Will, Survive, and Escape from Grade

[photo credit: Monika McNabb] Thunder Bay Centennial Botanical Conservatory A visit to Thunder Bay’s Centennial Botanical Conservatory is the most affordable tropical vacation your family will ever take! Admission is free, although the donations at the box at the door are greatly appreciated. You and your kids will love it for a lot of reasons…here are our top five. 1. It’s perfect for those blah grey days or super-cold weather All your senses are engaged: the feel of warm hu