We’re starting to see our breath when we step out for a cool morning walk. For any fellow Game of Thrones fans (or not)…winter is coming! And, that means we’re all thinking about how we can stay busy while staying safe and warm inside this year. Read on to check out several indoor activities you can do in the Bay of Quinte region.
Yes, another COVID reminder! Keep washing those hands, physically distancing and wearing your mask while you travel around the region. For the latest updates, please visit the Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health website.
Play Pickleball at Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre
265 Cannifton Rd, Belleville, ON
The Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre is open again and has announced two mini fall programs to comply with local protocols while offering many indoor activities for all ages! If you’re like me and have never heard of pickleball, it’s a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis with two to four players.
They also have plenty of aquatic and health and wellness classes available – just be sure to book at least one week in advance and over the phone or online. If you’re looking for a family fun activity to do indoors at home, check out the Learn and Create programs in their 2020 Fall Activity Guide.
Go Bowling at Club Medd Bowl
31 Dundas St. East, downtown Trenton
Enjoy Open Bowling or Rock N’ Bowl on Fridays and Saturdays to enjoy the lights and classic rock playlists. It’s a classic nostalgic indoor activity that will have you moving and laughing the entire time. Call to book in advance and claim your lane (limited capacity). Also, if you happen to have a neon mask, I suggest you bring it!
View Perspectives – the Belleville Art Association’s Annual Juried Show
254 Pinnacle St, Belleville
Every year the Belleville Art Association hosts a juried show to showcase local artists and their work. This year, Perspectives is being hosted at the John M. Parrott Art Gallery and can be viewed in-person at Gallery 1 and 2, or online through their social media pages, a great way to appreciate the art and support local artists from the comfort of home. The show is running until November 19th, 2020.
Indoor Rock Climbing at the Belleville Boiler Room
40 Hannah Court, Belleville
I personally LOVE rock climbing. It’s such a fun and great way to work out, meet people and create and hit personal goals. Located on Hannah Court in Belleville, the Boiler Room offers bouldering sessions as well as circuit courses and workout areas for climbers. There is also a shop where you can purchase the best rock climbing shoes and accessories. Book in advance to reserve your spot now!
Visit the National Air Force Museum of Canada
220 RCAF Rd, Astra, Quinte West
Explore stories from the past, exhibits showcasing artwork created during the war, uniforms and aircraft at the museum. They have created an entire ‘Museum From Home’ section on their website which includes colouring pages, activities, diaries, hockey math problems, and even fitness guides to help everyone get some exercise! Note: interior aircraft tours are not available at this time due to physical distancing measures.
Create Art or Dance at Belleville’s New Arts Center and Dance Studio
257 N Front Street, Belleville
Chris Bennett — a Belleville native, member of the Quinte Arts Council, artist and dance instructor — is now the proud owner of Artworks: Art Centre and Dance Studio. This studio focuses on dance and art programs for kids, but there are date night paint events and other activities for all ages as well. Follow along on their Facebook page to register for distanced indoor events like Hip Hop Dance, Halloween Child and Parent Paint Day, and Couples Paint Nights.
Explore an Escape Room at Breakout Belleville
268 Front St, Belleville
Escape the cold and test your problem-solving skills with one of the escape rooms at Breakout Belleville! Challenge yourself trying to figure out how to escape these mysterious scenarios with your friends. Bring a mask and book ahead online.
257 Bridge Street East, Belleville
The beautiful Glanmore National Historic Site Museum is open for distanced tours! Step back in time and let your imagination wander. Learn about the stories, servants, original owners, architecture and more at this historic museum in Belleville. Walking inside this 1882 home, you will automatically feel warm and cozy and have an appreciation for the history that the City of Belleville offers. If you want to tour the space at home in your PJs, that is also an option! They now have a full 3-D tour of the museum.
Axes & Allies Throwing Club
2223 Hamilton Road, Trenton
Looking to let out some steam? Try something new? Challenge your targeting skills and shoulder strength? Sign up for indoor axe throwing at Axes and Allies in Quinte West! Don’t forget to bring a mask, wear close-toed shoes and book a reservation today.
Shop ’Til You Drop!
Quinte Mall, Belleville Downtown District, Downtown Trenton, Downtown Brighton
Grab a mask and a warm drink before or after and walk around and shop at the Quinte Mall. Enjoy a clean and welcoming atmosphere and a variety of stores and restaurants.
Shop in person or check out the Belleville Downtown District’s new website, Shop Downtown Belleville, which includes gift cards and products from many downtown businesses that can either be delivered to your address or picked up at the store.
If you’re in Quinte West or Brighton, check out their downtown areas for some small boutique shopping and food or drink. Many businesses are open and offer unique products and services to shoppers visiting them.
Also, if you’re like me and always looking to support independent artisans and side-hustlers (not a real word, but I just made it happen), follow the Side Hustle Market on Facebook and Instagram if you have an account and watch out for their in-person or virtual markets!
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