Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Region of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo

The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is conveniently located on Benjamin Road at the northern edge of Waterloo, in the heart of St. Jacobs' Market District. With the exquisite Best Western Plus St. Jacobs Country Inn next door, and endless shopping within walking distance, a visit to the Playhouse is a memorable outing, whether you're coming from near or far.Operating year-round, the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is a distinctive venue that features turn-of-the-century masonry and heavy timber accents associated with traditional Mennonite architecture. With 385 seats, the theatre auditorium has a raked layout that affords each seat a fantastic view of the stage.

The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre is located in the heart of the old town, adjacent to Canada's original Home Hardware Store and just steps away from the bustling main street. With unique gift shops, excellent restaurants, museums and galleries, as well as quaint country inns and B&Bs, the village of St. Jacobs is the perfect spot to spend a few days.Set in a renovated 1867 village schoolhouse, this professional theatre is high on charm. With only 100 seats and remarkable acoustics, the intimate atmosphere lends itself to cabaret-style performances, where you can enjoy a beverage at your table that's positioned just a few feet from the stage.

The spectacular Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge) is located at 46 Grand Avenue South in Cambridge. Situated in a historic downtown setting along the Grand River, this stunning 500-seat theatre facility is conveniently positioned near great shopping, exquisite dining, beautiful architecture, luxurious accommodation and a wide range of fascinating attractions.Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge is a state-of-the art facility with world class acoustics and excellent sightlines that provide unparalleled intimacy between the audience and the stage.

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is the largest community museum in Ontario. Our campus of historical attractions includes the Waterloo Region Museum which showcases more than 12,000 years of history in Waterloo Region; Doon Heritage Village - a recreation of rural village in 1914, with more than 20 historic buildings, costumed interpreters and farm animals; the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame honouring individuals and groups who have brought recognition to themselves and Waterloo Region; and the Region of Waterloo Curatorial Centre - our world class artifact preservation and storage facility. The Waterloo Region Museum and the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame are open year round. Doon Heritage Village is open seasonally from May 1 through December 23. The public hours for the museum and village are different at some times of the year.

Stroll alongside 1000's of free-flying butterflies in an indoor tropical garden at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Visit our two galleries with mounted displays of insects and butterflies then witness butterflies as they emerge from their chrysalides and embark on their first flight.

A local landmark and one of Kitchener's oldest dwellings. Schneider Haus National Historic Site features hands-on activities, special events, and more for the whole family! History comes to life as costumed staff demonstrate traditional tasks through the seasons. Also features a modern interpretation wing that hosts gallery exhibits, workshops and lectures. The heart of the complex is an 1816 Georgian-frame farmhouse that was built by and was home to the area's earliest non-Aboriginal settlers, Joseph and wife Barbara Schneider, who were Pennsylvania-German Mennonites.

Doon Heritage Village is a 60 acre living history village, exploring life in rural Waterloo Region in the year 1914. The village is open daily throughout the summer season; and open weekdays only during the months of September, October and November. The village is open on selected weekends in December - check the museum's website for specific dates and times. The Waterloo Region Museum is the entrance to Doon Heritage Village. One admission price includes entry to the village and museum exhibit galleries. The village comes to life with knowledgeable interpreters dressed in authentic 1914 clothing and features historic buildings, farm animals and fun activities the whole family will enjoy. Learn what was happening locally, provincially, nationally and internationally in the year 1914, the time period Doon Heritage Village is set in, by watching the museum's Orientation Video, available on-line and in the Waterloo Region Museum's Christie® Theatre.