March Break Ideas  2018

Apologies in advance for the heart attack this post may cause you, but it has to be said.

March break starts in a week.

Yup, deep breaths people.

Luckily, that whole early bird catches the worm thing doesn’t apply to March Break. There are still plenty of great options for families looking to visit Toronto or enjoy a stay-cation here at home.

March Break 2018 |  Where to Go

Where: The Art Gallery of Ontario

When: March 10-18, 2018, 10:30 am – 4 pm daily

Info: http://ago.ca/events/march-break-2018

How Much: March break activities are free with general admission, and visitors can save $10 off the cost of a family pass when they purchase tickets online in advance. AGO members always receive free admission!

Why: Now’s a great time to visit. The Yayoi Kusama exhibit is getting rave reivews for it’s playful use of light and colour (bound to keep your Instagrammer happy) and there are plenty of hands-on opportunities as well.

What: TIFF Kids International Film Festival

Where: TIFF Lightbox

When: March 9-18, 2018

Info: https://www.tiff.net/kids/

How much: Film tickets start at $10

Why: Budding movie makers will love the films and presentations made with kids in mind. And the digiPlay space gives kids a chance to try their hand at the science and fun behind cinematic creations.

What: Second City Launches New Show, The Misfit League

Where: Second City

http://www.secondcity.com/misfits

A young heroine must find her way in a small town where it seems that everyone has mastered their ultra-cool, super hero strengths – except for her that is. Labelled a misfit by everyone, she’s in for a brand new adventure as she fights to save the day using the most unconventional super powers the townspeople have ever seen! We invite you along for the ride as this wonderfully playful tale explores why you should never judge a hero by their powers.

How much: Adults $15, Children $12. Run time: 60 min. Get your tickets by phone at 416.343.0011

What: Sherlock Holmes and the Maple Mystery

Where: Black Creek Pioneer Village

When: March 12 to 18

https://blackcreek.ca/event/march-break-fun-2/

Once again crime has struck Black Creek Pioneer Village. Put on your detective hat and travel back in time to solve the case of Sherlock Holmes and the Maple Mystery. Work with Sherlock Holmes and Watson to crack codes, solve perplexing puzzles and hunt for clues around the historic village.

How much: Kids 14 years and younger are free with adult admission.

March Break 2018 | Where to Stay

courtesy of Chelsea Hotel

What:Family Fun Zone

Where: Chelsea Hotel Toronto

Why: If you’ve never experienced a  family vacation at Chelsea Hotel over March Break, you don’t know what you’re missing!  Your stay  includes complimentary access to the Family Fun Zone, featuring a pool and downtown Toronto’s only indoor 130-ft “Corkscrew” waterslide, Kid Centre and Club 33 Teen Lounge.

How much: Families can also take advantage of exclusive complimentary March Break activities throughout the week, such as the Pirate and Princess Breakfast, Segway Obstacle Course and interactive events for the whole family featuring exotic animals, magic shows and more. Kids can also enjoy a special dinner menu available all week for only $5.

http://www.chelseatoronto.com/en/explore/family-vacation

What: MARCH BREAK MAGIC FOR FAMILIES

Where: MUSKOKA’S DEERHURST RESORT

Why: Illusionist and Magician Ron Gudel, Giant Playzone and Family Cooking Demos. From March 9 – 18, the resort will host seemingly endless activities including family shows and top-secret magic workshops with illusionist and magician Ron Gudel, a giant indoor playzone, new Treehouse playspace, ‘Kids Cooking with Chef’ sessions, maple sugar shack visits and organized games and crafts, making Deerhurst an easy and fail-safe March Break escape.

How much: Room rates start from $189 per night with extended stay rates (for 3 nights or more) starting from just $161 per night.  A nightly resort fee and tax are extra. www.deerhurstresort.com

March Break 2018 | A few more Ideas

Toronto Comicon – March 16 – 18  http://comicontoronto.com/

Ontario Place –  Winter Light Exhibit (nightly until March 18) – http://ontarioplace.com/en/winter/

Bugfeast in Cambridge – Cambridge Butterfly Museum’s oddly popular bug-eating event https://www.cambridgebutterfly.com/events/bugfeast-march-break

Looking for more ideas? More March Break activities can be found at https://www.ontariotravel.net/en/play/kid-fun/school-break-ideas and if you’re looking to venture further, peek at this story I contributed to in The Globe and Mail.

Have a great March Break!

With thanks to Ontario Parks, Destination Ontario and Tourism Toronto.