(5-minute read)

March 2025

By J. Warnock, UTM Outreach and Communications Assistant & K. Karbasy, Family Care Office/ Faculty Relocation Services Education and Communications Coordinator, University of Toronto

With March Break upon us, most camps are already full, but fear not, there are many quality options across the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding areas! You can still make memorable family moments this March Break. Here are a few interesting ideas you can experience with your loved ones:

1. March Break at Montgomery’s Inn

Visit this Toronto historical site built in 1830. Not only does the Montgomery Inn give a glimpse into the past, but it also presents an opportunity for families to come together with food from culinary traditions of both settlers and Indigenous communities. From food scavenger hunts, hearth cooking, to Indigenous Bannock cooking, there are a lot of fun activities for the family foodies out there.

• Date: March 8–16, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: 4709 Dundas St W, Toronto
• Cost: Free with $8.85 add-on for the Bannock Making Workshop

2. SugarBush Maple Syrup Festival

If your kids are looking for a sugar rush, look no further than the Maple Syrup Festival! It is a great way to experience first-hand the production of this Canadian delicacy and to enjoy the outdoors with numerous hiking trails. There are also entertainment shows ranging from Indigenous music to Ontario reptiles. With all the pancakes available lathered in fresh maple syrup, your tastebuds will thank me.

• Date: March 8–April 16, 2025
• Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park: 3291 Stouffville Road, Stouffville | Kortright Centre for Conservation: 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge
• Cost:
  • Adults (Ages 14-64): $12.10
  • Seniors (Ages 65+): $10.00
  • Children (Ages 4-13): $7.80
  • Children 3 years and under: FREE (with adult purchase)
  • Extra cost for food

(Pre-purchased tickets are required at Bruce’s Mill but available on site for Kortright Centre)

3. Ontario Science Centre – Sherway Gardens

If your child wants nothing to do with science during March Break, tell them it is a circus! Your children can be entertained by a circus performance and then learn the science behind the acts with hands-on exhibits.

• Date: Now until March 16, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
• Location: 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
• Cost: $15.00

4. Royal Botanical Gardens – Alice in Bloomland

A family trip to explore this natural sanctuary could be a time of great tranquility and enjoyment. Beyond the regular amenities, the Winter Showcase builds its theme on Alice in Wonderland. Admission to the Imagination Playground for young children is included in the ticket to explore and play with uniquely shaped foam blocks that let imaginations soar.

• Date: Now until March 31, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
• Cost:
  • Adults: $19.50 – $24.50
  • Students/seniors: $16.50-$24.50
  • Children: $11.50-$16.50

5. Toronto Zoo – Ultimate Science Extravaganza

If you are looking for an engaging day trip with your children, the Toronto Zoo has much to offer you. You can encounter and learn thousands of species of animals from around the world. In addition to everything the zoo normally offers, there are March Break science shows designed for fun to engage children.

• Date: March 8–16, 2025
• Time:
  • Special Events Centre: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Science Show Times: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM
• Location: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto
• Cost: Adult: $27.00; Children (3-12 years old): $16.69

6. Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition

The Van Gogh Exhibition brings to life the legacy of the world-renowned artist by showcasing his famous visuals with modern projections. This exhibit allows you and your family to bond over art and can open your children’s minds to creativity.

• Date: Now until March 30, 2025
• Time: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
• Location: 1 Yonge Street, Toronto
• Cost:
  • Adult: $29.99
  • Children: $19.99
  • Free for children 5 and under

7. Royal Ontario Museum – Nature in Brilliant Colour

This feature at the ROM captures both dazzling entertainment and stimulating education about the world around us. Over 300 specimens in vivid colour layered with relevant soundscapes will captivate your kids with the beauty of nature.

• Date: Now until August 17, 2025
• Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto
• Cost: Adults: $36**; Children (4-14 years old): $21.50*

*Free Tuesdays for Post-Secondary Students: present your student ID for admission; valid for full-time students attending a Canadian college or university.

**Toronto Public Library tpl:map Pass: present your tpl:map pass for admission; each pass is valid for a maximum of four (4) visitors.

What will you choose?

These 7 interesting family activities present the opportunity for some memorable moments, but fun is not exclusive to this list. Many alternatives are worth considering. You could go to many free nature trails, drop-in programs at community centers, escape rooms and trampoline parks. Additionally, visit the Toronto Public Library for a list of their March Break Programs if you are looking for more ideas!

The most important thing to remember during the potential stress of your children being off school is that it’s a real opportunity for quality time. As the adage goes “…it’s not what you’re doing, it’s who you’re doing it with,” so enjoy this March Break with the ones you love no matter what you choose.