The Top 25 Indoor Activities and Things to Do in Kingston, Ontario
Updated: Mar 25
Kingston, Ontario, a city steeped in history and culture, doesn't let the weather dictate the pace of its vibrant lifestyle. With an array of indoor activities that cater to all ages and interests, Kingston is a playground for those seeking entertainment without the influence of the elements - rain or shine or snow. In this detail guide, we'll dive into 25 of the top indoor activities and things to do you can enjoy in this dynamic city during a rainy or snowy, or even on a shiny day.
Updated in 2024 with 40+ attractions!
1. Step Back in Time at the Kingston Penitentiary Tours
Location: 560 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7
Website: Kingston Pen Tours - Eastern Ontario, Morrisburg, Historical Attractions, Outdoor Recreation
The infamous Kingston Penitentiary is more than just a historic site; it's an immersive experience. The guided tours offer a gripping look at prison life, and the "Inmate Stories" exhibit will leave you pondering long after your visit.
2. Discover Wonders at the PumpHouse
Location: 23 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2
The PumpHouse isn't just a museum; it's a gateway to the past. With its interactive displays and educational programs, you'll learn about Kingston's industrial history in a building that once pumped the city's first water.
3. Art Appreciation at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Location: 36 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a cultural gem. Housing over 17,000 works, the centre offers a diverse collection that spans centuries and geographical boundaries, ensuring an artistic feast for the eyes.
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4. Literary Escapes at Novel Idea
Location: 156 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1B1
Escape into the world of books at Novel Idea, Kingston's cherished independent bookstore. With its cozy nooks and diverse selection, it's the ideal spot for bibliophiles to find their next great read.
5. Live Performances at the Grand Theatre
Location: 218 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1B2
The Grand Theatre is the heartbeat of Kingston's performing arts scene. With a lineup that includes everything from ballet to rock concerts, it's a premier destination for top-notch entertainment.
6. Kingston Brewing Company Tour
Location: 34 Clarence St, Kingston, ON K7L 1W9
Website: HOME | Kingston Brewing Com
Beer connoisseurs will revel in a visit to the Kingston Brewing Company. Delve into the world of craft beer with a guided tour, or simply savor a flight of brews in a setting that's as unique as the drinks it serves.
7. Challenge Your Mind at Improbable Escapes
Location: LaSalle Mews, 303 Bagot St Suite 16B, Kingston, ON K7K 5W7
Improbable Escapes offers a thrilling adventure with its creatively themed escape rooms. It’s an exhilarating challenge that tests your problem-solving skills and teamwork.
8. Shopping Spree at Cataraqui Centre
Location: 945 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON K7M 7H4
With an impressive array of shops, Cataraqui Centre is Kingston's shopping haven. Whether you're looking for fashion, electronics, or a quick bite, you'll find it under this expansive roof.
9. Wine Tasting Adventures
Sample the local viticulture with an indoor wine tasting. Establishments like Tango Nuevo and Martello Alley not only offer exquisite wines but also an intimate atmosphere for an elegant evening.
10. Explore Canada's Military History at the Royal Military College Museum
Location: 4 Passchendale Dr, Kingston, ON K7K 2X5
Website: The RMC Museum (rmc-cmr.ca)
The Royal Military College Museum presents a deep dive into Canada's military heritage. It's a place where history buffs can spend hours absorbed in the extensive collections and exhibitions.
11. Take a Spin on the Ice at INVISTA Centre
Location: 1350 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON K7P 2Y2
Lace-up your skates and glide across the ice at the INVISTA Centre, a facility that offers year-round indoor skating. It's a fun way to stay active, regardless of the season.
12. Creative Workshops at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
Location: 370 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X4
The Tett Centre is a hub for cultural expression, offering workshops in pottery, dance, visual arts, and more. It's a space where creativity is nurtured and community thrives.
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13. Screenings at The Screening Room
Location: 120 Princess Street, Kingston, ON
This boutique movie theater showcases independent films, documentaries, and international cinema. It’s an intimate alternative to the large multiplex, providing a cozy atmosphere for film enthusiasts.
14. Bowling at Splitsville, Kingston
Location: 10 Bath Rd, Kingston, ON K7L 1H4
Strike up some fun at Splitsville Kingston, where traditional bowling meets modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for family outings or a night out with friends.
15. Indoor Rock Climbing at The Boiler Room Climbing Gym
Location: 993 Princess St Unit 12, Kingston, ON K7L 1H3
Website: The Boiler Room Climbing Gym - Home
Challenge yourself with a vertical workout at The Boiler Room Climbing Gym. With walls for all skill levels, it's a place to build strength, endurance, and confidence, all while having a blast.
16. Get Creative at 4Cats Art Studio
Website 2: 4Cats Kingston Downtown Art Studio – 4Cats Kingston Downtown Arts Studio (4catsdowntownkingston.com)
Unleash your inner artist at 4Cats Art Studio. Specializing in classes and workshops for both kids and adults, 4Cats offers a space to create masterpieces in mediums like painting, pottery, and sculpting.
17. Relax at the Spas
Location: Various locations
For a more tranquil indoor experience, visit various spas in Kingston. Indulge in massages, facials, and hydrotherapy, and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the city again.
18. Learn at the Kingston Fire and Rescue Museum
Location: 271 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 1S5
Discover the history and evolution of firefighting at the Kingston Fire and Rescue Museum. The museum showcases antique firefighting equipment and educates visitors on fire safety.
19. Play at The Nexus Gaming Café
Location: 270 Bagot St, Kingston, ON K7L 3G5
The Nexus Gaming Café is a haven for gamers. With a wide selection of board games, video games, and role-playing games, it's a place to meet fellow enthusiasts and dive into hours of play.
20. Enjoy Local Theatre at Domino Theatre
Location: 52 Church St, Kingston, ON K7M 1H3
Website: Domino Theatre Home
Experience the passion of Kingston's local theatre scene at Domino Theatre. With a variety of plays and musicals performed by talented local actors, it's a venue that celebrates the art of live storytelling.
21. Music Exploration at Joe's MILL
Location: 370 King St W # 110, Kingston, ON K7L 2X4
Joe's MILL (Musical Instrument Lending Library) is a unique space where you can borrow instruments and explore music. They also offer music lessons and host performances, making it a true musical community center.
22. Discover the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
Location: 55 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2
The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is an educational journey through Kingston's nautical history. Explore exhibits on shipwrecks, the famous Great Lakes, and the region's maritime heritage.
23. Cathedral of Saint Mary
Location: 279 Johnson St, Kingston, ON K7L 1Y5
The Cathedral of Saint Mary in Kingston, Ontario, is a stunning example of French Gothic Revival architecture. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kingston and stands as a beacon of faith and history.
24. Martello Alley
Martello Alley is an art-themed historic alley in downtown Kingston, Ontario, offering a unique gallery and boutique experience. This vibrant spot showcases the work of local artists, set in a quaint and picturesque European-style alley.
Location: 203 B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6
25. Bellevue House National Historic Site
Bellevue House National Historic Site, located at 35 Centre Street in Kingston, Ontario, was the home of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. This beautifully restored 19th-century house offers a glimpse into the personal and political life of Macdonald. The site features period furnishings, lush gardens, and interpreters in period costumes.
Location: 35 Centre St, Kingston, ON K7L 4E5
26. Kingston City Hall
Kingston City Hall is an impressive Neoclassical building located at 216 Ontario Street, serving as the seat of local government since its completion in 1844. Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, it's renowned for its grand architecture and significant role in the city's heritage. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the hall's history and function.
Location: 216 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Website: About City Hall - City of Kingston
27. Martello on Brock
Martello on Brock is a contemporary mixed-use development in Kingston, Ontario, which blends upscale residential living with retail and commercial spaces. The name pays homage to the city's military heritage, referencing the historic Martello towers. This development represents modern urban living while acknowledging Kingston's storied past.
Location: 66 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 1R9
Website: Martello on Brock – Martello Alley
28. Military Communications and Electronics Museum
The Military Communications and Electronics Museum captures the evolution of Canadian military communication, featuring interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and stories of technological prowess in the context of national defense and global operations.
Location: 95 Craftsman Blvd, Kingston, ON K7K 7B4
29. St. George's Cathedral
St. George's Cathedral is a prominent Anglican church with striking Gothic Revival architecture. It stands as a testament to Kingston's historical religious landscape, offering regular services, concerts, and a rich community heritage since its consecration in 1828.
Location: 270 King St E, Kingston, ON K7L 3B1
30. Museum of Health Care
The Museum of Health Care offers a deep dive into Canada's medical history with an extensive collection of medical instruments, artifacts, and archival materials. It provides educational programs and exhibits that trace the evolution of healthcare practices over the centuries.
Location: 32 George St, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7
31. Antique Alley
Antique Alley is a treasure trove for collectors and history buffs, featuring a diverse array of shops specializing in vintage finds, from furniture to collectibles. It's a charming destination for those seeking unique pieces and a nostalgic shopping experience.
Location: 207B Wellington St, Kingston, ON K7K 2Y6
Website: Antique Alley & Kate's Vintage Kloset - 207B Wellington Street, Kingston, ON - 613-545-1120
32. Frontenac County Schools Museum
The Frontenac County Schools Museum celebrates educational history, showcasing vintage classrooms and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. It offers a hands-on experience of the past schooling environment, engaging visitors with interactive displays and historical insights
Location: 414 Regent St, Kingston, ON K7K 5R1
33. Riverhead Brewing Company Ltd.
Riverhead Brewing Company Ltd. crafts a diverse range of innovative beers, from traditional ales to experimental brews. This microbrewery emphasizes quality and community, offering a tasting room where patrons can savor their locally produced beverages and engage in brewery tours.
Location: 631 Fortune Crescent, Kingston, ON K7P 0L5
34. Miller Museum of Geology
The Miller Museum of Geology showcases geological specimens, including fossils, minerals, and rocks, illustrating Earth's dynamic history. It serves as an educational facility with interactive displays for students and enthusiasts to learn about geosciences and the planet's natural processes.
Location: Queen's University, Miller Hall, 36 Union St, Kingston, ON K7L 2N8
35. Sherlock's Escapes
Sherlock's Escapes in Kingston, Ontario, provides a captivating escape room experience, immersing participants in the world of detective work. Teams solve puzzles and decode clues, inspired by the legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes, to unravel mysteries within a set time limit.
Location: 298 Bagot St, Kingston, ON K7K 3B4
36. Kingston Glass Studio
Kingston Glass Studio is an artistic hub where skilled artisans create and exhibit stunning glassworks. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, participate in workshops, and purchase unique handcrafted pieces ranging from decorative art to functional glassware.
Location: 3071 Burbrook Rd, Kingston, ON K7P 2Y7
37. The Original Hockey Hall of Fame
The Original Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates hockey's rich heritage, featuring rare memorabilia, photographs, and interactive exhibits. It honors legendary players and pivotal moments, capturing the spirit and history of the game from its early days to the present.
Location: 1350 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, ON K7P 0E5
38. Immerse Wellness Ecosystem
Immerse Wellness Ecosystem offers a holistic approach to health, providing services like float therapy, massage, and infrared saunas. It's a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, promoting well-being through a blend of modern and traditional wellness practices.
Location: 851-855 Norwest Rd, Kingston, ON K7P 2N2
39. Kingston Olive Oil Company
Kingston Olive Oil Company specializes in high-quality extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Offering a range of flavors, this boutique invites patrons to taste and explore a selection of gourmet oils and vinegars, perfect for culinary enthusiasts and home chefs alike.
Location: 62 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 1R9
Website: KINGSTON OLIVE OIL COMPANY
40. Kingston Food Tours
Kingston Food Tours is a culinary adventure that guides participants through a tasting experience of the city's best local cuisine. It combines history and culture, offering insights into the area's food scene while sampling delicious dishes from esteemed eateries.
Location: 136 Ontario St, Kingston, ON K7L 2Y4
41. General Brock's Commissary
General Brock's Commissary is a specialty food store celebrating local fare, featuring artisanal cheeses, preserves, and gourmet snacks. It's a tribute to culinary craftsmanship, offering a selection that highlights the region's rich agricultural and historical traditions.
Location: 55 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L 1R8
Website: Gourmet Gift Boxes & Local Delicacies in Kingston | General Brock's Commissary (genbrocks.com)
42. Cooke's Fine Foods
Cooke's Fine Foods has been a purveyor of high-quality chocolates, cheeses, and gourmet groceries since 1865. This historic establishment is renowned for its exceptional products and personalized service, catering to those with discerning tastes and a love for culinary excellence.
Location: 61 Brock Street,Kingston, ON K7L 1R8
Kingston's indoor scene is as rich and varied as its outdoor landscapes. From the creativity sparked at the Tett Centre to the historical discoveries at the Marine Museum, each venue offers a unique slice of Kingston's cultural pie. These indoor activities showcase the city's ability to captivate visitors with its historical depth, artistic vibrancy, and community warmth, regardless of the season or weather.
Whether you're a local rekindling your love for the city's indoor offerings or a traveler seeking shelter from the elements, Kingston's indoor attractions are sure to impress. So when the weather outside is less than inviting, remember that Kingston's doors are open, inviting you to explore, learn, and enjoy.
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Photos:
By Boardhead - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29513637
By John Vetterli - originally posted to Flickr as St. Mary's Cathedral, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10017142
By Laslovarga - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37583325
By SoftwareSimian - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28091781
By Nyuso Za Nairobi - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=100466420
Does Invista Centre really have year round skating! Interesting! Here in Pickering, rinks are closed to public in Summer...
Quite a nice list of to do things in Kingston on a rainy day indoors.