Gradlife

Jump to Comments

It’s March Break around the GTA, which means that kids are free from school, parents in grad school are dealing with juggling home life and school even more than they usually are, and some hardier grad students might be pursuing some extra money by working day camps and more. Whether or not you fall into any of the above categories, or whether life is chugging along as normal for you because your March Break was reading week, we could all use a little break from the grind; with the warm weather slowly starting to grace us with its temperamental, on-off presence, I’m also even more gung ho than usual about trying to find things that will get me out of my house, away from studying, and into the world just a little bit more.

Cheap Transportation Bonus: From March 12 – March 20, individuals or groups can buy a Day Pass for unlimited travel on the TTC for 12 dollars. Even better? Kids 12 and under will be riding for free. So, grab the kiddos or some friends and get exploring.

Kids in Tow (or for the kid inside):

*click on the names of the activities for links to more information*

1. Wizard World Fun Park – I went here as a camp counsellor with 20 out-of-control kids about 6 years ago, and they had a blast! With far fewer kids in tow, I’m sure you would have even more fun exploring rides, bouncy castles, arts & crafts, and more. Open from March 13-March 20.
2. Sugar Maple Syrup Festival – open year-round, the Kortright Centre is hosting some special March Break, family-oriented activities from March 5-April 3. Drop by for wagon rides, pancakes, and campfire treats!
3. Toronto Comic Con – March 18-March 20, this year’s comic con is happening at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
4. Superdude and Dr. Rude – an awesome kid-ruled, wild musical about beating villains, this is a great show to take the kids to. Running from March 14-March 20.
5. Disney on Ice – Running from March 17-20, you and the kids can have an awesome time reliving the Frozen experience on ice.

For the Older Kids:

1. Romeo & Juliet Ballet – ok, so this play is my least favourite of Shakespeare’s (I know, I know), but the ballet is apparently a gorgeous piece of theatre and dance, so even I might get past my love for Much Ado About Nothing and Henry V to attend. Runs from March 16-20

2. Harlem Globetrotters – technically, the Harlem Globetrotters don’t roll into Toronto until April 2^nd, but they’re such an awesome “to-see” that planning ahead of time is never a bad thing.

3. Paddy’s Day – if you missed the parade or Steamwhistle run this past Sunday, there’s still plenty to keep you occupied and having fun this Thursday. But, since making a list of ALL the things that are going to be happening around the city, here are some links for you to browse at your leisure:

https://www.ticketscene.ca/st-patricks-day/

https://nowtoronto.com/food-and-drink/drinks/five-biggest-st-patricks-day-parties-in-toronto-2016/

http://www.toronto.com/articles/ways-to-celebrate-st-patricks-day-in-toronto/

4. Simit & Chai – don’t have time to head out of town or attend a larger event? There are new restaurants opening in Toronto every week it seems, and one of my fave newest is Simit & Chai. Located on King West, Simit & Chai is a Turkish café with European bagels, baked goods, tea, and more yumminess.

Mind buzzing with March Break ideas yet? If you still need more inspiration, head to http://www.todocanada.ca/march-break-activities-toronto/  to check out their 50+ family-oriented activities that younger and older kids alike might enjoy.

Happy reading, happy March Break, and happy almost-beginning-of-Spring! Don’t forget to stop and smell any flowers you might see blooming before heading back to the library, research, and labs.