By Momstown Editor – Alison Martin
Looking to keep the family entertained this March Break? We’ve compiled a list of family-friendly activities and events happening in and around the Greater Toronto Area.
Art Gallery of Ontario
There’s no extra charge for March Break Drop-In Family Fun programming, which runs March 14 to 22. Activities include printmaking and painting in the family studio, and interactive performances by Zero Gravity Circus. Plus, kids receive a complimentary Kids’ Activity Bag upon arrival.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
From March 14 to 20, 2016, children 14-years and younger get in free with a paying adult at this open-air heritage museum. The kids can participate in the March Break mystery, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Stolen Sheep, by hunting for clues and interviewing period-costumed characters. There’s also a sugar shack, a petting zoo, horse-drawn wagon rides, and sweet treats to enjoy.
March Break at Blue
Presented by Family Channel, activities in and around this ski village include a lip sync contest, live shows, movies DJ parties, fireworks and more. Discounted weekday/night lift tickets for all elementary and high school students are also available. Visit the website for a complete list of activities.
Casa Loma
Visit Casa Loma Imaginary Dream Castle this March break and enjoy the fun and interactive live shows. Explore the castle, travel to the underground tunnel and meet some friendly. Children can learn to make dream catchers, have their face painted or decorate fresh-baked cookies.
Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dream
Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss. And fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. All your favorite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime!
Evergreen Brick Works
Take advantage of the free March Break programming in Toronto’s Don Valley. Visit the Welcome Desk to pick up one of two scavenger hunts in which you and your little ones can track down various nature-inspired items. Learn about traditional woodworking and create traditional tools like spoons, bowls and other household items. Activities are free to do, but a suggested donation of $2-$5 is recommended.
Fort York
Bring the family down to Fort York National Historic Site for a day of adventure. At this authentic War of 1812 fort, children partake in soldiers’ drill classes, officers’ sword drills, and costume dress-up. Sample treats from the 1826 historic kitchen and visit the fully restored Officers’ Mess. Learn about the Fort’s exciting history through colorful exhibits. Pick up a Kids’ Guide to Fort York and have fun finding the clues to complete its games and puzzles throughout their tour
Tours of Ontario’s Legislative Building
The historic building opens its doors to families with children aged 6 to 10 for two-hours of fun including a scavenger huntand craft-making. (Advance registration is required.)
Miss Lou’s Room Family Activities, Harbourfront Centre
Enjoy free, hands-on seminars celebrating Jamaican folklore.
Colborne Lodge
Join us for a tour of the historic house which includes a special children’s activity. Make it a day in High Park for you and your family! The Lodge is located close to both the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground and the High Park Zoo.
Sugar Beach Sugar Shack
This March Break, Toronto’s Sugar Beach is transformed into a Quebec-style cabane a sucre. Enjoy maple taffy on snow, live music, ice carving and cooking demonstrations and Quebecois fare. Presented by Waterfront Toronto and Quebec Original.
Toronto Public Library
From March 13 to 19, the city’s 100 branches host free activities for children and teens. Activities range from Lego build-a-thons and reptile show-and-tells to drum circles and meme-making. Advance registration is required for some activities and events.
Toronto Zoo
This March Break, visit with some of the newest members of the zoo family including four playful white lion cubs, a polar bear cub and Canada’s first giant panda cubs. Take in one of the free Keeper Talks or visit one of the Volunteer Interpretive Stations, and connect with wildlife.
Wizard World
Toronto’s March Break destination returns to the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place with indoor fun and entertainment. Attractions include more than 25 mechanical and inflatable rides, a tots area, arts and crafts, an exotic petting zoo and pony rides.