March Break 2013 Things To Do and Places to Go North of Toronto for Kids and Family Fun

Relax, take a break and have fun!

Real suggestions to get your kids active in body, mind and soul this March Break.

Now is not the time to spring clean. Parents need to think back to their childhood and remember those carefree and fun March Breaks that made ever lasting memories of good times with friends and family.  The world won't end if you take a day or two or more and have very few responsibilities but to relax and have fun. Winter and her fun sports continues in pretty much all of the ski areas for now so embrace winter one last time and ski, snowboard and try out some snowshoes!

Refer to our SKI AND SNOWBOARD page for links to your favorite ski place's current conditions, web cams, rates and ski school information. We recommend you always check conditions before you go at this time of the year. 

Best thing you might taste - EVER

MAPLE FESTIVALS taking place this weekend. Celebrate all things maple! See our SPECIAL MAPLE BLOG including a recipe for Maple Creme Caramel.

KIDS AND FAMILY EVENTS FOR THE WEEKEND AHEAD BY AREA:

ALL ONTARIO
TIM HORTON'S MARCH BREAK SKATE: The Tim Hortons March Break Free Skate is currently offered in the province of Ontario.
TIM HORTON'S MARCH BREAK SWIM: The Tim Hortons March Break Free Swim is currently offered in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario. 

Pole, Pedal and Pound!

BARRIE
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.
POLE PEDAL AND POUND: Hardwood has an event for you to cross country ski, snowshoe and mountain biking - come check it out. Lots of age categories and all this fun includes lunch.

Browse BARRIE HOTELS
Book Barrie Hotels Online   

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD 
MARCH BREAK AT BLUE: A great line up of free family activities will be taking place throughout the village during March Break including Live Concert at the Village Events Stage featuring These Kids Wear Crowns, the annual Keep Winter Cool Event (March 14), and the SNOW Media Showcase (March 15-17)!

Endless list of fun activities at Blue

SNOW MEDIA SHOWCASE: The SNOW Media Showcase at Blue Mountain is a collaboration of mixed media from all who are inspired by the winter sports lifestyle.

Browse COLLINGWOOD HOTELS
Book Collingwood Hotels Online

HALIBURTON | HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS
MARCH BREAK SKI FUN: Sir Sam's Ski and Bike - Bring your sun screen! Deck BBQ's Ice Cream Sale. Great Spring Skiing & Riding.
LAKE TROUT FISHING DERBY: Derby is on Halls Lake and is hosted by Sandy Lane Resort.

MIDLAND AND AREA
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.

Live Birds - Great Show!

WET 'N SCALY SHOW: Wye Marsh - This program includes a one hour live reptile show in conjunction with an hour of interactive games and activities. Participants will meet and get to know some of the interesting reptilian characters who populate the display hall at the Wye Marsh.
BIRDS OF PREY SHOW: Wye Marsh - The owls, hawks, and falcons that make up the birds of prey are rarely seen up close in nature so the Birds of Prey demonstration provides a unique opportunity to observe these birds in close proximity and discover the unique personalities of the individuals.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre - Enjoy all you can eat organic pancakes and tour the syrup production for pulled taffy and the sweet smell of syrup in the air. Cost is $9 per adult and $3 for kids 12 and under.
*Arrive this Friday March 15 and spend 2 nights and 3 days enjoying the serenity of Sugar Ridge. Your deal includes breakfast Saturday and Sunday, dinner Saturday night, yoga class on Saturday morning and a maple syrup tour on Sunday at Pine House Farms. CLICK HERE for more getaway info.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

See cuties like me at Muskoka Wildlife Centre!

SEVERN BRIDGE 
KIDS GET IN FREE: Muskoka Wildlife Centre- take a walk through the forest and explore the trails which feature the largest collection of native wildlife in the province. Exhibits of live animals include moose, wolves, eagles, bears, beavers, lynx, owls, wolverines, falcons, various reptiles and amphibians and much more. Kids get in free, all week when accompanied an adult. This does not apply to groups.

Browse SEVERN BRIDGE ACCOMMODATIONS

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Not too long after March Break!

We are also working on our EASTER INFO - Events and Getaways in areas North of Toronto.

Have a fun and safe weekend and remainder of March Break! 

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news.

Ontario Kids Family Events North of Toronto for March 8-10 including March Break

You've come to the right spot!

Torn between 2 seasons? Perhaps the best part of March Break is not only can your family ski, snowboard or snowshoe in areas North of Toronto, but you can do these activities in full bright sunshine, intense blue skies and warmer temperatures. That's right, the city might be Spring-y but you can head to areas like Collingwood, Southern Georgian Bay, Muskoka, Haliburton, Algonquin Highlands, Ottawa Valley and more and find the best of both seasons.

If this interests you though, we recommend you hurry. There's no denying that things are melting and Spring is at the door. Check for updated conditions before you trek.

MARCH BREAK Family Getaways offer all types of neat and fun activities, indoor and out, with something for everyone in the family. Ontario family resorts and accommodators offer some great March Break specials that include horseback riding, outdoor campfires, crafts, winter sports, dog sledding, maple syrup and sugar shacks, wildlife education and many more unique and neat events.

MARCH BREAK Camps and Events are perfect for day trips and offer many of the same activities.

Now for the weekend ahead:

ALL ONTARIO
TIM HORTON'S MARCH BREAK SKATE: The Tim Hortons March Break Free Skate is currently offered in the province of Ontario.
TIM HORTON'S MARCH BREAK SWIM: The Tim Hortons March Break Free Swim is currently offered in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario.

BARRIE

Happy Anniversary!

HORSESHOE OPEN: This 3 day event will feature some of North America's best skiers, snowboarders, and junior riders. There will also be DJs, concerts, demos, and the coolest pro rider after parties of the year.
BURTON SHRED-A-THON: The Chill Toronto Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, March 9th is your chance to connect with snowboarders and skiers who are riding for the Chill Foundation, a youth development program.
60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Snow Valley Resort. Come out and help celebrate 60Yrs of Great Family Fun, with a little something for everyone!
HARDWOOD FATTY FROST CROSS: A new Winter event where riders will see how many laps they can complete in 2 hours (approx/ 3 kms).
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: (Sunday) Regional artist leads the whole family in creating hands-on collaborative art projects with a wide range of materials at the MacLaren Art Centre.


Browse BARRIE HOTELS

Book Barrie Hotels Online  

BLUE MOUNTAINS | COLLINGWOOD 
MARCH BREAK AT BLUE: A great line up of free family activities will be taking place throughout the village during March Break including Live Concert at the Village Events Stage featuring These Kids Wear Crowns, the annual Keep Winter Cool Event (March 14), and the SNOW Media Showcase (March 15-17)!


GRAND BEND
TUNDRA SWAN MIGRATION: Throughout March, thousands of Tundra Swans return to the Old Thedford Bog just south of Grand Bend on Greenway Road. This area is the swans’ annual rest stop on their migration to Canada’s Arctic. 

HALIBURTON

Nature at Wye Marsh and all around

MARCH BREAK SKI HILL FUN:  Sir Sam's Ski and Bike, Bring your sun screen! Deck BBQ's - Ice Cream Sale hosted by our Ski Patrol. 

Browse HALIBURTON ACCOMODATIONS

MIDLAND
FARMERS' MARKET: Midland's Indoor Farmers' & Artisans' Market is held every Saturday from November 3, 2012 to March 30, 2013 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre.
WET N' SCALY SHOW: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre - This program includes a one hour live reptile show in conjunction with an hour of interactive games and activities.
BIRDS OF PREY SHOW: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre -  Experience for yourself, close-up, the power, beauty, and grace of the Birds of Prey at the Wye Marsh.

Browse MIDLAND HOTELS
Book Midland Hotels Online

mmmMaple!

'Tis the beginning of delicious MAPLE SEASON as well.. Sap is running, trees are tapped and the weeks ahead promise tasty eats and carnival fun at MAPLE FESTIVALS happening in small town and citiies North of Toronto. 

Have a fun and safe March Break! 

Follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER for updates and news.  

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