March Break in Ontario: Family activities, fun things to do
Digest of things to do for families, in Ontario from Mar. 10-14

Thestar.com
March 6, 2014
By Henry Stancu 

It’s probably too late to book a trip anywhere for March Break at this point, but there are lots of fun activities for the family going on all over Ontario. From the nation’s capital to Niagara Falls and points across Southern Ontario, here are some (from Ontario Tourism, ontariotravel.net) to look into:

Ancaster — Geocaching 101: From Clues to Coordinates
Explore the great outdoors and learn to geocache with your own GPS device. No GPS device? No problem! Paper clues are provided. There’s also the museum’s Bicentennial Exhibit and drawing and story writing contests for the kids. Mar. 11-15, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $3.50; youth and seniors $3; children $2.50 and Family passes $10.
Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, 64 Sulpher Springs Rd. Tel: (905) 648-8144.www.hamilton.ca/mueseums

Barrie — March Break Activities: Sport vs. Science
See the exhibit on loan from Quebec’s Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science and roam various indoor galleries. Mar. 8-16, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m.-4.30 p.m. Adults $6; students and seniors $5; children $4.
Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Highway 26 West. Tel: (705) 728-3721.www.museum.simcoe.ca

Blue Mountain — March Break at Blue
There’s more family fun than space to mention with a magic show, fireworks, special kid’s meals, movies, bird shows, interactive drumming and four live performances capped off with Fefe Dobson and Eleven Past One featured Fri., Mar. 14 at 4 p.m. Mar. 8-16, Various times (see website). Free admission.
The Village at Blue Mountain, 108 Jozo Weider Blvd.www.bluemountainvillage.ca/marchbreak

Cambridge — BugFeast: Save the Planet, Eat a Bug!
Be brave! Eat a bug! Tingle your taste buds with free samples of crispy, crunchy ants, mealworms and crickets! There’s also 2000 free-flying tropical butterflies and moths on exhibit at any given time in a tropical environment. Mar. 7-16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $13; youth and seniors $11.58; children $6.78 and kids under 2 get in free.
Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Rd. Tel: (519) 653-1234.www.cambridgebutterfly.com

Fergus — ScotsFest
It’s a week of all things Scottish with tartans and tales, music, kitchen ceilidh, dancing and doggies, games, sports and trivia. Learn about everything Scots-worthy, from clans to customs. Check the website for each day’s events. Mar. 10-14, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Admission by donation.
Wellington County Museum and Archives, 536 Wellington Rd. 18. Tel: (519) 846-0916. www.wcm.on.ca

Glenburnie — Maple Madness
Take a wagon ride into the sugar bush to see maple syrup made both the old and new ways, enjoy pancakes with the real deal and catch special activities such as First nation displays, puppet shows, a bake sale and more. Mar. 8-16, and the following two weekends. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults $5.50; kids 12 and under $3; $14 per vehicle.
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, 1641 Perth Rd. Tel: (513) 546-428, ext. 221. www.cataraquiregion.on.ca

Hamilton — Disney On Ice: Princesses and Heroes
Ariel yearns to explore the world above the waves, Prince Eric breaks Ursula’s spell to reclaim his true love, Prince Philip defeats fire-breathing Maleficent to rescue Sleeping Beauty right before your eyes. Watch in wonder as Jasmine and Aladdin, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tania skate their way into your heart. Mar. 13-16. Check website for show times. Tickets range from $20.75-$72.25 through TicketMaster 1-855-985-5000 or www.ticketmaster.ca
FirstOntario Place, 101 York Blvd. Tel: (905) 546-3100. www.hecfi.ca/FirstOntario-Centre/Disney-on-Ice-2014.html

Hamilton — Dundurn National Historic Site
Check out how the upper class lived a loft and the servants below as your amble through Steeltown’s famous Dundurn Castle and sample tasty treats made in the kitchen and explore the kid-friendly crafts in the Coach House. Also see the Hamilton Military Museum’s “Blood Ties to a Gentle Landsacape” and the “Heart of War” historic exhibits with dress-up and hands-on activities. Mar. 8-16, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Adults $11.50; youth and seniors $9.50; children $6 and infants free. Family pass $30.
Dundurn National Historic Site, 610 York Blvd. Tel: (905) 546-2872.www.hamilton.ca/museums

Hamilton — Museum of Steam and Technology
Kids can construct amazing musical instruments from recycled materials. Children from the age of six and older accompanied by an adult can get involved with a variety of crafts and activities. Mar. 10-15 (closed on Monday), 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Adults $7, youth and seniors $6; children $5 and a family pass is $20.
Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, 900 Woodward Ave. Tel: (905) 546-4797. www.hamilton.ca/museums

Hamilton — Whitehern Historic House and Garden: Work and Play
Play the old fashioned way by putting on an apron and scrubbing a washboard, rolling dough, mending or shopping. If the weather allows, try outdoor games such as badminton or egg and spoon races. Mar. 8-16 (closed Monday). 12 p.m.-4 p.m. adults $7; youth and seniors $6; children $5 and infants are free. Family pass $20.
Whitehern historic House and Graden, 41 Jackson Ave. Tel: (905) 5462018.www.hamilton.ca/museums

Hamilton — Wizard World
There’s fun for the whole family in this indoor amusement park with more than 20 rides and inflatables, a tiny tot’s area for kids under 5, arts, crafts, a petting zoo, two Wizard World stage shows, Doo Doo the International Clown, the Ontario Falconry Centre, costumed characters and tasty treats. Mar. 10-15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $8.75, All day ride pass $25 and a Family Pack is $60 (two ride bracelets and two walk in tickets).
Careport Centre, 270 Longwood South, Tel: (855) 585-WAND. www.wizardworld.ca

Kingsville — March Break Madness at Colasanti’s
Visit the tropics without leaving the country. Watch zookeepers and animals perform in the Animals Encounter shows three times daily, take in an indoor 18-hole mini-golf game, check out the petting farm, amusement rides, bounce through inflatable attractions and play in the arcade. Mar. 8-16, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. An all-day access pass is $13.99 and adult ride passes are $10.99.
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Rd. #3 East. Tel: (519) 326-3287.www.colasanti.com

Kleinburg — March Break Madness
With three days of family-oriented art, culture and nature to take there’s something here for everyone including a daily drop-in art station, hiking treks through the surrounding Humber Valley, puppet and wildlife shows. Wear clothing you don’t mind getting messed from muddy strolls and arty paint splashes. Mar. 12-14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults $15, students and seniors $12, Children under 5 get in free and family passes are $30.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Ave. Tel: (905) 893-1121.www.mcmichael.com

Lanark Highlands — Wheelers March Break Maple Festival
Maple snow taffy, pancake meals, snowshoeing and tours of maple syrup making and a museum are all in one place. Mar. 8-16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum entry by donation. Taffy $2.
Wheelers Pancake House and Sugar Camp, 100 Highland Line. Tel: (613) 278-2090.www.wheelersmaple.com

London — Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo: Swamp Things
If swamp creatures are your thing, this is the place to get your fill of swamp things such as an anaconda, alligator rats, tarantulas, ring tailed lemurs among the 30 live animals that call this 15,000 square foot exhibit their creepy home. Mar. 12-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $10; family of four $35 and members $8.
Western Fairgrounds Canada Building, 316 Rectory St. Tel: (613) 822-8924.http://raysreptiles.com

London — March Break Drop-in Program
Tour historic Eldon House and participate in educational games, crafts and other activities in the Interpretive Centre. Mar. 10, 12 and 14. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Admission by donation.
Eldon House, 481 Ridout St. North. Tel: (519) 661-5169. www.eldonhouse.ca

Midland — March Break at Wye Marsh
Daily Sugar Shack demos, guided tours with a naturalist, meet the creatures of the marsh shows with birds of prey shows on Sunday and reptiles and amphibians on Saturdays. Mar. 8-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A family day pass is $30.
Wye Marsh, 16160 Highway 12 East. Tel: (705) 526-7809.www.wyemarsh.com/happening/events.php
Niagara Falls – Butterflys and Swamp Creatures
Swamp critters from wetlands around the globe provide hands-on learning and fun for kids of all ages. Open daily until May 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults and children 13 and older $13.50 and kids 6-12 $8.80.
Butterfly Conservatory – Swamp creature Exhibit, 2405 Niagara Parkway. Tel (905) 371-1710. www.niagaraparks.com

Niagara Falls — Fun @ The Museum
Blast off into space in the morning Space show. Watch bubbling potions and chemical reactions in the afternoon’s Fire-and-Ice show and check out the NASA moon rock in the portable planetarium. Take in a scavenger hunt. See a movie, and try your hand at crafts all day long. Mar. 11-14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $5, students $4, kids under 6 get in free and a 5-member family pass is $15.
Niagara Falls History Museum, 5810 Ferry St. Tel (905) 358-5082.www.niagarafallshistorymuseum.ca

Orillia — March Break Activities
Daily changing events include Reptilia, Simcoe County Museum exhibits, teen idol and magic shows, face painting, glitter tattoos and an aero model showcase. Mar. 10-14, at various times of the morning and afternoon. Admission is free.
Orillia Square Mall, 1029 Brodie Dr. Tel (705) 325-2366. www.orillia.ca/en

Ottawa — Fascinating Science
Put your skills to work by making a catapult or make a wind-resistant structure. Hear quirky tales, marvel at a magic show and unleash your inner engineer. Mar. 1-18, Tues.-Sun., Mar. 3 and 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $12; students and seniors $10; children $5; infants free and family pass $20.
Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 Laurent Blvd. Tel: (613) 991-3044.www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca

Stoney Creek — Monumental March Break
See the past come alive by getting involved in hands-on history related activities the whole family will enjoy. Mar. 10-14, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Adults $7; youth and seniors $6; children $5; infants free and a family pass is $20.
Battlefield House Museum and Park, 77 King St. West, (905) 662-8458.www.hamilton.ca/museums

Toronto — Sneaking Around: Museum Spy Fun
Be the super spy you’ve always wanted to be in this massive place where footwear reigns supreme. There’s spy-themed arts, crafts and activities to get your spy-dee senses tingling. Make your own secret agent ID card and train for your mission, before dressing up in a disguise and searching through various galleries. Mar. 8-16, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $8 per person.
Bata Show Museum, 327 Bloor St. West, (416) 979-7799. www.batashoemuseum.ca

Toronto — Sherlock Holmes’ Golden Egg Mystery
Mystery is afoot as the Harness Maker’s precious golden egg has been snatch. Holmes and Watson need your help to search for clues in the village and your keen detective skills will recover the egg and catch the crook. Mar. 8-16, Mon. to Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Adults $15; students 15+ $14 and children 14 and under $11.
Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway. Tel: (416) 736-1733.www.blackcreek.ca

Toronto — War of 1812
Colourful exhibits, costumed staff, sword drills and musket fire bring history to life and you can get dress up and into the act and tour every nook and cranny of this history site. It’s a blast from the past the whole clan can get into. March 10-14, 10 am-3 pm. Adults $9, Youth and Senior $5.50, Children $4.25 and kids 3 and under get in free.
Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd. Tel: (416) 392-6907.www.toronto.ca/culture/camps.htm

Toronto — March Breakaway
Try your hand at goaltending, shooting, play-by-play calling, trivia and video game hockey at the shrine to our great national sport. See hockey’s first 3D film, get close and personal with the Stanley Cup and score some complimentary free stuff. Mar. 7-17, Mon.-Sat. 9.30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $15; students and seniors $13.50; children 4-14 $12 and kids 3 and under get in free.
Hockey Hall of Fame, 30 Yonge St. Tel; (416)360-7765. www.hhof.com

Toronto — Passport To The World
Head on a global adventure and get your pass stamped as you visit the wonders of the world at the ROM with special hands-on artifacts and specimens brought out just for March Break visitors. You can save on admission after 4.30 pm daily. Mar. 8-16. Family activities, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults $15; students and seniors $13.50; children 4-14 $12 and kids 3 and under free.
Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Tel: (416) 586-8000. www.rom.on.ca

Toronto — Go Wild
The Zoo’s new baby polar bear cub loves visitors, as do all of the creatures from lizards to the panda bear Er Shun and Da Mao, and all the other critters in between. Get one of four Species-at-Risk temporary tattoos at the March Break Activity Centre Mar. 8-16, 9.30 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $23, seniors $18; youth $14 and kids 2 and under are free.
The Toronto Zoo, Tel: (416) 392-5929. www.torontozoo.com

Toronto — Family Drop-In at High Park
Come celebrate Colborne Lodge’s 100th anniversary by making it a day at High Park. Tour the house as the kids get into the activities. It’s a short walk from the park’s Jamie Bell Adventure playground and the High Park Zoo. Mar. 8-16, 12.30 p.m.-4 p.m. Adults $6.19; youth and seniors $3.54; and children $2.65.
Colborne Lodge Drive, Tel (416) 392-6916. www.toronto.ca/culture/

Toronto — March ‘Musements’
Drop by the Mackenzie House for some Victorian-style fun. You can typeset your name on the 1845 printing press, make a craft to take home and have an olde-style cookie in the historic kitchen of the home of William Lyon Mackenzie, the city’s first mayor. Adults $6.19; youth and seniors $3.54; and children $2.65.
Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St. Tel: (416)392-6915. www.toronto.ca/culture/

Toronto — Weekend Drop-In
Of course Scarborough has its own museum and you can sample fresh baked treats, get in on a scavenger hunt and try your hand at crafts. Saturday and Sunday Mar. 8-9 and 15-16, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. pay-what-you-wish.
Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd., Tel: (416) 338-8807.www.toronto.ca/culture/

Toronto — March Mania in the Valley
Explore the historic homes and try the tasty treats prepared on an open hearth just as they did in 19th-Century Toronto. Check out the hand-made crafts and make one of your own after taking a tour of the Wildflower Preserve, which may be snow-covered this time of year. Mar. 7-16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. adults $5.31; youth and seniors $3; and children $2.
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 Pottery Rd. (west of Broadview Ave.) Tel: (416) 396-2819. www.toronto.ca/culture/

Toronto — Wizard World
With two live stage shows — Extreme Wild! And The Magic Family — more than 20 mechanical and inflatable rides, a tiny tot playground area, arts, crafts, animals, elephant rides and other stuff, there’s something here for every member of the family. Mar. 9-16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission with unlimited ride access $25; admission only $10 and check website for other pricing.
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Tel: (416) 585-WAND. www.wizardworld.ca

Toronto — Disney On Ice: Let’s Party
It’s billed as a colossal party on ice with all of your favourite Disney pals, such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse and just about every character, friendly and villainous; from the worlds of Cincerella to Buzz Lightyear, as they all celebrate a medley of holidays and festivities from around the world. Mar. 12-16, at various times. Tickets range from $14 to $102.65 through TicketMaster, 1-855-985-5000 andwww.ticketmaster.ca
Rogers Centre, Tel: (416) 870-8000. www.rogerscentre.com

If You Go
Remember it’s still winter out there!
Some events involve outdoor activities, so check weather forecasts and dress accordingly.