March Break may be a highlight for kids, who get a week-long break from school, but it can often leave parents scrambling to find activities to keep both children and teenagers occupied. Luckily, there’s no shortage of local fun for you and them. We’ve got a list of some favourites, including always-on activities from local institutions, special March Break-specific programming, STEM and educational opportunities and plenty of interactive exploration. Here’s what to do this March Break.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO is always a kid-friendly destination, and that doesn’t change during March Break. Head to the basement with your kids to participate in arts and crafts at the communal tables and check out the interactive textile installation or head to the play room (a hit with the toddler set). When you explore the usual exhibitions, grab the free AGO Play activity booklet, which includes quizzes, a scavenger hunt and interactive challenges to keep kids engaged with the art as they experience it.
Open daily, from 10:30 a.m. (the gallery is usually closed on Mondays)
Children under 9, free; age 10 to 17, $15; 18+, $30 for the day
Kortright Centre for Conservation
Located just outside of Toronto, the Kortright Centre is part nature exploration part education, and hosts programs, workshops and events throughout the year. This March Break, enjoy the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival, with demonstrations and — of course — tastes of Canada’s liquid gold. Make sure to explore the hiking trails on the grounds, too — there’s often wildlife spottings to take in!
9550 Pine Valley Dr., Vaughan
Children under 3 are free, kids age 4 to 13 are $5.30, 14+ are $8. Parking is extra
Kidspark at Harbourfront Centre and CF Sherway Gardens
While the Science Centre may have been shuttered, Kidspark (the centre’s 10-and-under activity area) lives on in two pop-ups. At the Harbourfront location, find lots of interactive and imaginative play in the form of a play supermarket, vet clinic and fishing pond. At CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, you’ll find themed exhibitions — including Elastic Acrobats (with tightrope walking!), Circus! Under the Big Top (with daily performances) and the Innovation Station. At Sherway you can even register for the drop-off program (for kids over 5) for a little hands-off time for yourself.
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
Free for kids under 2; 3 and older $13.27
CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Free for kids under 2; 3 and older, $15
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra
The TSO regularly has programming that combines fan-favourite films with a live orchestra. The first weekend of March Break, you can enjoy Disney’s ”Encanto” as its soundtrack comes to life with the symphony’s team of impressive musicians. Consider this great live-music introduction to younger kids with three shows to catch.
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.
March 8 at 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., March 9 at 2 p.m.
The Royal Ontario Museum
While the dinosaurs and bat cave will always be a hit at the ROM, this March Break there’s even more to explore with the Hidden Treasures exhibit, an interactive experience where you can connect with the museum’s experts and dig into hands-on activities. Makerspace Workshops are also available with activities like fossil formation, cyanotype printing, 3-D artifact scanning and robotics fun (depending on the day and time). You’ll also be able to catch multiple performances throughout the week including stilt walking and a sheep choir!
The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
General admission is free for kids under 4; ages 4 to 14, $18; ages 15 to 19, $22.25; adults, $29.50
The Toronto Zoo
A trip to the Toronto Zoo during March Break must include a visit to the special events centre, which is hosting the Ultimate Science Extravaganza. There are three shows per day (including a contortionist, plate-spinner and mime), plus interactive science tables where kids can get hands-on experience. The zoo also hosts March Break day camp — a week-long program for kids four to 10 where they can explore what it takes to keep the zoo running, including caring for animals and learning about conservation.
The Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd.
Open daily from 9:30 a.m. (March Break Camp is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
General admission is free for kids under 2; kids 2 to 12, $18.87; adults, $26.95. March Break camp is $420 for the week with optional before and after care for an additional $85.
Toronto Public Libraries
Don’t forget TPL when planning your March Break activities. With 100 branch locations across the city and lots of free, all-ages programming, this may be the most accessible way to enjoy activities during the week. Programs depend on location, but some highlights include Dungeons and Dragons Camp (Highland Creek, registration required), Magic Shows (Alderwood), and giant board games (Mimico).
Toronto Public Library, various locations
Casa Loma
A trip to Casa Loma is always an event, but this March Break you can immerse yourself in the Disney World of Snow White. Explore themed rooms, impressive costumes and interactive photo-worthy moments. The perfect outing for the princess-loving kid in your life. While there, don’t forget to explore the building itself — a historic destination with ornate rooms, hidden tunnels and beautiful grounds.
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace
Open daily from 9:30 a.m.
Snow White Exhibit is free for kids under 4; children four to 13, $40; 14 and up, $55
Springfest TO
At the Markham Fairgrounds you’ll find the indoor fun park Springfest. The event includes rides (including inflatable options for the littles), a dino exhibit and interactive science demonstrations. The activities are mostly indoors, which makes it a great pick no matter the weather. With more than 100 acres of family-friendly fun, there’s lots to experience on site, so make a day of it.
10801 McCowen Rd., Markham
Open from 10 a.m. on weekdays, 11 a.m. on weekends
Prices start at $15 for a single ticket, and up to $92.50 for a family pass (admission includes unlimited rides)
Toronto Comiccon
Comicon is back in Toronto and will bring thousands to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The three-day event has attractions for fans of film, television, sci-fi, anime, gaming, horror and of course comics. The stars of TV’s “The Boys” and “Supernatural” we be on hand to sign autographs and take pics with kids.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.
From March 14 to 16: Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids under 12, $12; 13 to 17, from $19; adults, from $29.
With files from Elissa Mendes
