Tuesday 5 March 2013

Ontario Kids Top 10 March Break Activites

Parents should not be worried one single bit about entertaining and keeping their children busy this March Break. A long list of activities are but a start to planning a fun day or many! As much as people are looking forward to spring, now is the time to embrace winter in one last big hug before she's gone!

If overnight getaways are what you are looking for, you can find them here
MARCH BREAK FAMILY GETAWAYS


The following activities are our suggestions to keep your kids busy while benefitting from fresh outdoor air as well as cool and fun indoor activities as well.


1. Skating: There are many ice-rinks throughout the province plus lakes for pond hockey. Many of our members also have outdoor rinks or have partnered with local recreation centres for passes. Check with recreation centre for special March Break skating programs and prices.

On the ice or just someplace flat!
2. Outdoor ice-hockey: Grab a hockey stick for a game of shinny or broom ball at a rink north of Toronto at resorts or in  many towns and cities recreation centres. You don't need an ice surface either. A big driveway, a quiet cul-de-sac, find your spot and drop the puck!
*411-tip: it's not just about the players. Get the whole family involved, for those who don't want to play hockey, they can be referees, fans , commentators! Get into it with team colours, face paint for the fans or bring music if you can! Use your imagination and get creative.
 
3. Snow tubing: Get your own snow tube or indulge with a snowtubing getaway at a hill nearby or in resort destinations north of Toronto.
*411-tip: Be prepared to laugh. Adults will feel like children again. No skill required.

4. Dog Sledding: Experience a dog sledding adventure at a winter carnival or at one of the many resort destinations north with a dog sledding getaway.

5. Take a Hike!: There nothing more wondrous and beautiful than the Winter/Spring transition. If you've got kids who love mud, now's a chance to take to a forrest and let them play in that muck!
*411-tip: bring a change of footwear for getting back in the car! 

6. Birdwatching: Nature Viewing-bird watching-migration of waterfowl as birds look for open water. Kids love to feed the birds. See outdoor nature attractions and adventures or Ontario trails.
*411tip: Do not forget your camera, the look on your child's face as a bird lands in their hand is magical! Be patient and you'll capture that shot!

Exercise the brain, not just the body!
7. Ice fishing: -- tons of fun and lots to learn when you consider a family ice fishing getaway or an afternoon is quiet baiting. Be safe and if not experience, be sure to be with someone who is.
*411-tip: Bring extra activities for the kids to keep them interested and busy when the fish don't bite right away.

8. Winter Bonfire: Enjoying an outdoor bonfire--kids love to roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate after an outdoor winter activity or adventure.
*411-tip: if permitted, you can even do this one at home!

9. Skiing | Snowboarding: Downhill Skiing or Cross Country Skiing either at organized ski area destinations or in the case of x-country one can always head out on natural trails or make your own trails. Check Ski, Snow, and Snowboard reports
*411-tip: don't forget face sunscreen! March Break is usually sunny! It's a change from the long grey winter. Even though the temps are chilly, the sun is still capable of doing harm.

Check out our ONTARIO SKI & SNOWBOARD list with direct links to each resort and their updated conditions, webcams, rates, ski schools and more.

10. Snowshoeing: This can be an exhilarating activity depending on the pace. A slower pace is recommended for families with younger children. A variety of light-weight snow shoes make the snowshoeing a lot easier today. Many snow destinations have snowshoe rentals or in some cases include snowshoes are included in snowshoe getaway packages.
*411-tip: this activity is getting very popular. Tons of family fun exploring and well, it tires everyone out real good!


See the ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE for more details and places to go.

More Winter Activities (who can stop at 10?!)

YUMYUM!
11. Maple Syrup festivals: Early Spring or late winter in March towards the end of the winter season and offer up a great family experience with sleigh rides, maple syrup tasting, snow maple fudge where hot syrup is poured on fresh snow--a truly Canadian event. Get out and enjoy one of the many Maple Syrup Festivals north of Toronto. Many resort destinations will be producing Maple Sap during the Spring March Break Getaway season.
12. Day Camps: If parents are working this might be a great option for your children. They have fun while learning and meeting new friends and often are outdoors. Some day camps can be more active and athletic. Our events calendar for March Break is bursting with 'game day' decision activities. If you're away on a getaway, consider a day camps activity for your child. Many local libraries aslo have free events for families.
13. Crafts, games and art workshops: It's not just about exercising the body, but the brain too. Find some cool crafts or games online and spend some time at the kitchen table. Take your kids to the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, check out and talk about the exhibites

No comments:

Post a Comment