Many kids around the country are gleefully headed into spring break. But for parents, a week away from school often means trying to figure out how to keep kids entertained… and that’s no easy feat! Luckily, you’ll find a myriad of things happening in your city to keep kids content and busy during the break. Whether you’re heading out of town or not, we have plenty of recommendations to keep the kiddies happy! Read on… Staying in the city? The city is thriving and booming with activities specifically geared towards kids and their families. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, check out our March Break Calendar of Events for special exhibits, attractions, indoor carnivals, theatre, concerts, workshops and more! No boredom here – we guarantee it! Not from TO? Check your local attractions or city’s website. Getting away for a few days? For those contemplating a day trip or a short getaway to break up the monotony of the week, you’ll want to consider some Fun Car Games to keep kids (and you) from losing it in during those long drives. Also read our feature ‘On the Road Again’ originally written for summer getaways but totally ‘a propos’ for March Break. Packed with great ideas and tips for an awesome family road trip. Last chance to hit the slopes… March Break is the perfect time to go skiing or snowboarding with friends at your local mountain before the season ends! For more info visit: www.skiontario.ca, your guide to fun and excitement at Ontario’s best ski resorts. Or, go skating at some of these Fun Places to Skate. Visit a Sugar Shack or a Maple Syrup Festival… It’s Maple Syrup Season and Ontario provides many opportunities to visit a Maple Syrup Festival or a Sugar Shack – with oodles of fun activities for kids. See how Maple Syrup is made, take in a wagon ride, enjoy maple treats, as well as pancake breakfasts! Visit our Maple Syrup Festivals Calendar of Events for an extensive listing of Maple Syrup Festivals taking place in Central Ontario and surrounding areas. For Maple Syrup events in the U.S., visit: www.sugarbush.info. March Break on a Budget? Did you know that the GTA offers many outings for Kids that are Free (or very Cheap!) From museums, to art galleries, exhibits, parks, gardens and more! You’re bound to find something fun and educational! Here’s a listing of Free and Cheap Outings. March Break activities don’t need to be expensive. And with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be a boring week. Try these activities… Go Skating! Many indoor arenas offer family or public skating times for a reasonable price. Some may offer rentals for those who don’t have their own equipment handy. Visit your local park or conservation authority Check their websites to find local trails that are ideal for hikes and explore the trails! Enjoy sightseeing and photo opportunities. Visit a museum or gallery Watch for special promotions such as family discount days, and free or reduced admission times. Check out your local library Admission is free and libraries offer hours of perusing your favourite books and magazines. Take out books, videos, CDs, or DVDs home with you at no cost. Most libraries offer affordable or even free children’s activities and educational workshops, as well as story-time for toddlers during March Break. Register early! A Day at the Rec Centre Check out your local Recreation Centre for some inexpensive (maybe even free) activities during March Break. Your city website will post admission rates and activities. Find out which pools are open for free family swims, which arenas have free family-skating days and where to find the indoor walking tracks. Fun around the house… Get outdoors! Have an outside work day to get the yard in shape and help kick start your garden (if the snow is gone!) Devote one day of March Break to spring cleaning. Get your kids involved! Have the kids do a Spring Craft. Our fave site is: familyfun.go.com/spring/spring-crafts. Have a theme or declare a special activity for each day: Hat day, Beach Day, Wear your clothes backwards day, Crazy Hair day, etc. Have a sleepover with special friends you don’t see often during school days. Get the popcorn, start the pillow fights and rent some great flicks. No matter what age you are, sleepovers are always a big hit! Do something you’ve always wanted to – that you aren’t able to do during school. Surviving the break… And lastly, here are some tips to help you survive the week: • Keep your kids on a schedule! Sticking to your family routine can set the tone for the entire week! This keeps kids on track for when school starts again. • Plan for snowy/rainy days or inclement weather. Have games ready or plan activities for inside the house should the weather not cooperate. Have a great week!
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