MARKHAM – For many parents, the prospect of March Break can be a little overwhelming. The kids are off from school, and if you don’t have any plans to travel, it can be tough to keep them entertained for the whole week.
Luckily, Greater Toronto is one of the greatest places in Ontario to spend March Break – with local attractions, venues, and recreational facilities offering a spectrum of winter fun that promises enjoyment for the whole family. Below, we’ve compiled a few of our best suggestions for getting the kids off of the couch and ensuring a vacation break that is both fun and safe.
1. Hit the outdoor ice for a family free-skate.
Skating is a fantastic family activity – not only is it fun for the kids, but it’s also a great workout, and an awesome way to make a positive out of the colder temperatures we’ve been having this winter.
March Break will be a great time to get some ice time, in too, as 11 City of Toronto outdoor rinks will be staying open even longer than originally anticipated this year (until March 16th, the very last day of the break). The list includes some true Toronto favourites such as Nathan Phillips Square, Mel Lastman Square, and the Scarborough Civic Centre, so this is your last chance to check them out if you haven’t done so already.
2. Take a walk on the “wild” side at the ROM.
If your kids are 14 or under, they can enjoy free admission to the North American premiere of Wildlife Photographer of the Year – currently showing at the Royal Ontario Museum until March 23rd. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and if you’re a ROM member, they’re free for you, too!
Never been to the museum before? You’ll find it on the south side of Bloor Street just north of Queen’s Park. Parking in the neighbourhood can be tough to find – especially during March Break – but luckily the museum is just a short walk from the TTC’s St. George subway station.
3. Take in a show!
Taking in some live entertainment – whether it’s an evening show or a matinee – can be another great way to get the kids out of the house during vacation time. This year, one of the hottest tickets for March Break will be Disney on Ice’s presentation of Let’s Party at the Rogers Centre. The world-famous ballpark is located right next to the CN Tower, so why not head down to the waterfront and hit both attractions for a full day of family fun?
If you’re located in the west end of the GTA, Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre will also be featuring a handful of family-focused productions this March Break – including Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train: Buddy’s Big Adventure, a stage adaptation of the hugely popular children’s TV show.
4. Bad weather leaving you stuck indoors? Break out some board games.
Looking back at the frigid cold spells of January and February, it’s probably safe to plan for a day or two of indoor activities this March Break.
One of the best solutions for the blizzard blahs is one that you’ve been indulging in since you were a kid yourself: board games. Over the last year, their popularity has experienced a major resurgence, with board-game-focused cafes and bars starting to prove hugely successful in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Many of the past year’s hottest games are entirely suitable for families to enjoy together. Why not try one of these with your kids over the break?
- Hoot Owl Hoot (ages 4 and up)
- Rory’s Story Cubes (all ages)
- Lazer Maze (ages 8 and up)
- Shelby’s Snack Shack (ages 4 and up)
Have any family-friendly March Break ideas we might have missed? Leave us your best ones in the comments below!
