8 Things to do in London During Reading Week
Written by: Jikai Feng (Hank), 4th Year Social Sci
Photo credits: Tourism London, Cathy P
As we enter another reading week, if you're like me and are staying in London and looking for things to do this blog is for you! Here's a list of events happening around London or places worth seeing during the break, ensuring you will make the most of this winter break with friends or family!
1. Family Day at Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market • London, Ontario
Join the Family Day event at Covent Garden Market on Monday, February 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., free of charge! Even though the indoor market is closed, the outdoor activities at Covent Garden Market are lively. Join the fun with a DJ on the Rotary Skating Rink (you can even rent ice skates for free!) and enjoy free delicious food.
2. Skiing, Snowshoeing and more
Boler Mountain, Circle R Ranch • London, Ontario
For skiing enthusiasts, there are two wonderful places that offer a perfect skiing experience during reading week. Boler Mountain provides rentals for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. You can enjoy the fun of winter sports all day by purchasing one of their day passes. Additionally, on February 17 and 24, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, there will be free music events in the bars at Boler Mountain. New to skiing? Don’t worry, Circle R Ranch is an ideal place for beginners, it offers cross-country skiing trails designed for various skill levels, allowing everyone to enjoy this unique winter sport.
3. Winter Trails in the Forest City
Springbank Park • London, Ontario
Take a road trip around Westminster Ponds, Springbank Park, or hike trails in Medway Valley Heritage Forest. These natural landscapes are perfect for enjoying winter in London. Not only will it help you temporarily escape from work or study stress, but you'll also have a chance to discover some unique birds and other winter wildlife.
4. Fleetway Fun
Fleetway • London, Ontario
If you're looking to have a fun-filled day with friends during reading week and engage in some indoor activities, then Fleetway is a great choice. It offers a diverse range of activities, including bowling, pool, mini-golf, and arcade games. Additionally, you can enjoy desserts and pizza from Fleetway during your breaks. This massive Family Entertainment Centre has many surprises waiting for you to explore!
5. Brunch at The Bag Lady
The Bag Lady • London, Ontario
If you're looking for a place with delicious food and charming dining decor, The Bag Lady Variety will provide an incredible dining experience. This restaurant has unique decorated walls and even offers apartments upstairs for you to take a rest.
6. Saturday Cooking Demo
Covent Garden Market, Indoor Cooking Demonstrations • London, Ontario
Reading week is also a great time to improve your cooking skills. Visit Covent Garden Market for Indoor Cooking Demonstrations and Culinary Art to learn to cook delicious dishes with experienced chefs. During Reading Week, you can learn Chicken Boudin on February 17 and English Trifle on February 24, doors will open at 10:40 am each day. The tutorial is free of charge, so you can save money to buy ingredients to cook for your family or friends! The sense of achievement when you cook a delicious dinner yourself is sure to be incredibly fulfilling.
7. Visit 100 Kellogg Lane
100 Kellogg LN. • London, Ontario
100 Kellogg Lane offers many fun indoor activities. The Factory houses zip-lines, a trampoline park, an ultimate warrior course, a massive arcade, virtual reality zone, and escape rooms, and The Club House offers an indoor sport (golf & multi-sports simulators) and dining lounge experience! Not to mention Powerhouse Brewery and the recently opened Beer Kitchen serving $4.50 pints if you’re of age and looking for some local craft beer.
For classical pop lovers, don't miss the Tribute Concert Series coming to 100 Kellogg Lane. The visual feast presented by these professional singers will leave a profound impression on you and take you into their music world. The performances schedule for these artists during reading week are as follows: Elton Sean on Feb 24th, Steve Michaels as Elvis (matinee & evening) on Feb 25th.
8. Hank’s pick: King Richie's Pizzeria
King Richie's Pizzeria • Photo Credit: Cathy P on Google map
Sometimes, when you pass by Medway-Sydenham Hall, you may see some students carrying a pure white pizza box – that's the iconic packaging of King Richie's Pizzeria. Located just a short distance from the Richmond Street entrance of Western University, it allows students to grab fresh pizza at an affordable price. Having served for many years, it has undoubtedly brought joyfulness to numerous Western students when they are busy studying or catching up on their latest course readings. As reading week begins, you can visit King Richie's Pizzeria with friends before leaving campus and enjoy delicious food together.
In London, whether you're a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or music lover, there are many wonderful places for everyone to visit during reading week. For more reading week ideas, visit Tourism London’s website.
Looking for some on-campus options?
The Mustangs Men's and Women's Volleyball teams have their final regular season games on Friday, February 16, Women’s match at 6 p.m. and Men’s match at 8 p.m. And their Seniors Game on Saturday, February 17, with the Women's match at 2 p.m. and the Men's at 4 p.m. vs Queens, at Alumni Hall. Western students get in free, you just need to show your valid Western ONECard!
And several Western Mustangs Sports teams will have home playoff games over the break as well. Schedules will be finalized over the coming days. Check out the schedule of events on the Western Mustangs website.
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