Make It or Break It

Are you armed and ready with a list of outings to keep the brood busy during the break? Don’t fret—we’ve got you covered with these five activities, one for each day of the week.

The local sugar bushes are mostly open now, and many cater to families with young kids during the break, offering daily campfires, horse-drawn sleigh rides, face painting, trails, taffy on snow and more. There are oodles to choose from. We’ve always liked Fulton’s in Pakenham.

Think your kids are too young for ski lessons? Think again. You can sign them up from age four at many local hills. Camp Fortune is offering a flexible March Break package: lessons are two hours a day for three, four or five days (your choice). Send ‘em up with their instructors and take to the slopes yourself.

Tire them out with some snowshoeing. You can rent a pair from the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre for just $4 an hour (for kids under 12, $6 for adults). There are two easy trails beginning at the centre. Good to Know: Make it a scavenger hunt—bring a list of forest and trail items for the kids to spot.

Need a break from all that fresh air? Take in a cheap movie at the Mayfair Theatre in Old Ottawa South. With Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, The Adventures of Tin Tin, and The Muppets all featuring throughout the week, you’ve got an easy and inexpensive crowd-pleaser. Kids’ movies run at 1 and 3 pm each weekday during the break. Afterwards, head down the street to Stella Luna for the city’s best gelato.

Make some art! Take the gang to the National Gallery, which is running Artissimo, hands-on workshops for five hours daily during the March Break. Continue the cultural immersion with a visit to nearby Le Moulin de Provence for some authentic French chocolate croissants.

We could keep going, but we don’t want to tire you out. Enjoy the break! Tested by Patti R., Ottawa