8 Activities to Help You Rock March Break in Ottawa
To the delight of many kids in the Ottawa area, March Break is quickly approaching. They’ll enjoy a break from their usual school schedule between March 16th and 20th. However, for parents, it often means signing the kids up for March Break camps, or figuring out how to best spend the days together to keep everyone busy. If you are sticking around Ottawa for March Break, and want to head out as a family to play tourist in your own city, we’ve rounded up a list of exciting things to do in the Ottawa area that week.
Take Ski Lessons
For new skiers or kids who just need a refresher before going down the hills, Camp Fortune has day lessons being offered. The three or four-day programs begin on the Monday and are two hours long. The lift pass is valid for the entire day so after the kids have their lessons, everyone can continue to enjoy the slopes. Register for a morning session or an afternoon session. Lessons begin for children aged 4, and kids 7 and older can even register for a full-day program.
Visit Space
Take the kids to outer space at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. The museum will have special activities and demonstrations during March Break like the rocket demonstration! Tour around the museum on a self-guided tour to examine the airplanes and other space vehicles and stop by the craft stations to get in some hands-on fun.
Feed the wild animals
March is an excellent time to tour Parc Omega and feed the animals. Not only will the kids love the opportunity to be so close to Canadian wildlife, but they’ll also have the chance to feed the deer, elk and boars. The self-guided car tour will lead you to the picnic area where it’s worth parking and walking to the wolf feeding and viewing area. Be sure to time it for the demonstration. Visit the sugar bush while there for some maple taffy on snow or go snowshoeing together.
Meet at the Mall
Carlingwood Shopping Centre is welcoming visitors to their March Break dinosaur activities. Kids can go on a fossil walk, enjoy a dino disco and adventure around the giant dinosaurs set up in the mall! Activities begin at 11 am every day. Meanwhile, at Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre, activities are planned on March 17 until the 19th. Brad the Balloon Guy, The Zoo Crew and Radical Science will be at the mall on separate days that week at 10 am.
Go to an indoor amusement park
If you’re looking for an amusement park experience without leaving the city, Funhaven has just what you need. With laser tag, bowling, bumper cars and an arcade that will excite your kids, Funhaven even has an indoor roller coaster. There is also a toddler play area for younger kids.
Get Crafty
Looking for a hands-on craft or activity to do during March Break? Check the calendar at your local Michael’s store to check availability for their inexpensive Make and Take craft times for kids. Each day during March Break at participating stores, you’ll find a different craft that the kids can make. It’s all the fun of craft time, without the mess in your own home!
Explore the Science Museum
The re-opening of the Canada Science and Technology Museum was greeted enthusiastically by Ottawa families who were glad to be able to take the kids to once again explore the Crazy Kitchen, trains and other marvels of science and technology. With the Zooom Room for younger kids, and new, exciting additions to the museum, this March Break will be the perfect time to visit the new exhibits and old family favourites.
Go for a swim
Take the kids for a swim at the Dovercourt Recreation Centre. All March Break long, they offer family and open swim times to welcome swimmers to splash around, swing on the Tarzan rope, slide into the water and access to the hot tub. Step out of the snow and cold and into a pool that is warm and welcoming, but sure to be a fun hit with the kids.
