11 Stranger Things To Do In Durham Region

The final season of Stranger Things drops November 26 to December 31, and we can’t wait another day in Charlie’s garden for the answer to this never-ending story. While Hawkins, Indiana is far from Durham Region, you can still find ways to step into the Upside Down, channel your inner Eleven, and make believe Vecna’s everywhere. Early in the series, Mr. Clarke teaches the Party (a.k.a. Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas) about opening portals to other dimensions and how they would need an unearthly amount of energy to do that. Well, you’re in luck: Durham Region just-so-happens to be the [Clean] Energy Capital of Canada.

So, grab the Joyce to your Hopper or the Dustin to your Steve, and celebrate the final season with this list of 11 Stranger Things to do in Durham Region.

Campaign At Critical Gaming Lounge

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) plays a huge role in the lore of Stranger Things—from The Mind Flayer and Demogorgons to Vecna, right down to the roles the Party play and embody throughout the series. If you are looking to form your own D&D group, Critical Gaming Lounge in Courtice is the place to be. In fact, groups meet every day to play this awesome game. Gamers can check out the beginner-friendly event nights where you’ll learn everything from character creation, to game mechanics and dice basics, to group play tips. Channel your own 'Will the Wise’ character, build your own campaign, and immerse yourself in the ultimate evening of Stranger Things.

Beat MadMax’s High Score At 8-Bit Beans

Spend the entire day at the arcade and beat MadMax’s high score at 8-Bit Beans in Whitby. In season two of Stranger Things, the Party spends their days gaming away at the Palace Arcade in Hawkins. Dustin loses the game, but he’s still number one at Centipede and Dig Dug—that is until, MadMax enters the chat. The wide collection of games at 8-Bit Beans features pinball machines, fighter games, puzzles, racers, consoles, and more. You can find classics like Millipede, Space Invaders, Tetris and Pacman, or even play your hand at Dungeons & Dragons pinball. All of the games are token or money based, and you can enjoy snacks, drinks and sweets while you play.

See Monsters IRL At Coffin Creek Coffee

Known for its eerie immersive experience, people drive near and far to sip on handcrafted coffees and shop the unique handmade products at Coffin Creek Coffee in Courtice. You won’t have to face a real-life Demogorgon, but there are plenty of monsters lurking that will transport you to a dark dimension. While it’s not the video store that Steve and Robin work at in season four, the café has movies on display all day long for your enjoyment. Sit and watch while you enjoy a carefully crafted latte by the ‘booristas’, take in the sights and sounds of this terrifyingly creepy café, and shop all of the wickedly wonderful items—like your very-own ‘Hellfire Club’ t-shirt, or take inspiration from Max and pick up a mask for next Halloween.

Plan Your Escape At Durham Escape Rooms

Channel your inner Murray Bauman and use your private investigation skills to solve the mystery at Durham Escape Rooms in Whitby. While the escape rooms aren’t tailored after Stranger Things, you will have to put your problem-solving skills to the test, just as the kids do on the show. You won’t get stuck in another dimension, but you will enjoy a really cool escape room experience with your family and friends. Just like Joyce is always putting the puzzle pieces together, you’ll need to work with your team to find clues, solve puzzles, open locks, and escape. Most experiences are 45 to 60 minutes long, with a variety of themes that vary in difficulty.

Discover El’s Love For Waffles At Heaffles

Friends don’t lie, and it’s no lie that Eleven loves waffles. It’s also no lie that this list of Stranger Things would not be complete without one of the most waffle-y delicious places in town to crush your waffle cravings. Heaffles in Pickering specializes in fresh, Scandinavian waffles that are so insatiable that—just like El—you’ll be coming back for more, and more, and more. Heaffles is well-known for waffles that are brimming with colour and taste, coffee that is rich and flavourful, and an ambiance that is both comfortable and unforgettable.

Channel Your Inner Will The Wise

Have Lots Of Roller Rink Parties At SUSO Skate Co.

In season four, El/Eleven/Jane takes Mike to Rink-o-Mania and boasts about all the roller rink parties she goes to. So, consider this an invite to our roller rink party at SUSO Skate Co. in Oshawa. Located in the lower level of the Oshawa Centre, SUSO is open Wednesdays to Sundays until January 25, 2026. The rink is decked out in retro décor and is a great destination for families and friends of all skill levels to skate the day away. Just, don’t be an Angela—no mouth breathers allowed. All skate rentals include admission and wrist guards, and protective gear is free for anyone under 16. Kids are also welcome during the dedicated all ages skate times, and kids under 13 must wear protective gear and be accompanied by an adult.

Grab A Tasty Pie At Mystery Wheel Pizza

Season four has Surfer Boy Pizza, but there's nothing like Mystery Wheel Pizza in Durham Region. Head to downtown Bowmanville for one of their tasty pies—the type of pizza that helps save the world from super bad dudes. Mystery Wheel specializes in a rotating menu of slices. With so much flavour awesome-ness, you’ll have to try before you deny. The pizzeria is a slice of retro with disco balls, art and colourful décor to enjoy while you eat. Plus, if you’re ever helping Eleven hone her powers and need to create a make-shift floatation pool—they probably have enough salt for that? Just how Argyle is putting people onto pineapple pizza, we’re putting you onto Mystery Wheel. Trust us on this one, my dudes.

Find Your Favourite Song Before Vecna Finds You

Music plays a massive role in escaping the Upside Down, so you’ll want to be equipped with all your favourite songs and concert tickets—just in case. Before Max had her walkman, Hopper had his record player—and Durham Region has endless music venues and stores to shop. Find all the classics like Kate Bush, The Clash, maybe even DJO, at Another Spin Records. With locations across Durham Region, there’s no shortage of opportunities to shop the classics and bring home a new record (to play on a continuous 45-minute loop so Vecna/Henry/001 can’t control your mind). Plus, don't miss out on tickets to an upcoming event at BOND|ST, Biltmore Theatre or Tribute Communities Centre, and enjoy live performances like Eddie’s epic guitar solo in the Upside Down.

Prepare Yourself For Season 5

Last but not least. In the rare [impossible] chance you need to ward off a Demogorgan, a Demodog or a flock of Demobats—BATL Axe Throwing in Pickering is the destination to get you ready. Prepare for whatever season five of Stranger Things brings with a round of digital archery or axe throwing. You can also try your hand at axe throwing at Volt Raceway in Bowmanville, after a round or two of go-karting—or head to Archer's Battlefield in Pickering to really battle it out. Just like Papa has the children test their skills in the rainbow room, you can put your problem-solving skills to the test at Activate in Pickering, or test your knowledge at a local trivia night. The Party uses their bikes to get around, and Durham is home to some great cycling trails to help prepare you in case one day The Mind Flayer is chasing after you. If you’re like Eleven (and need to use a floatation pool to focus and build your strength), you can float the day away at Thermea Spa Village's salt pools, or even float upside down at iFly in Whitby.

While we think this is the ultimate itinerary for a Stranger Things inspired adventure in Durham Region, we do want to acknowledge that Barb was at no time mentioned throughout this blog. Justice for Barb.

Don’t forget to tag @DurhamTourism on social media in all your Stranger Things adventures!