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From March 13 to 17, Ontario’s schools give young learners a week off for March Break. Whether you’re visiting Toronto with the kids or live right in the city, here are some memorable experiences that go beyond taking them out for a movie and dessert.
Before you start making plans, keep in mind that the Toronto Alliance for Performing Arts (TAPA) makes theatre accessible for students ages 14 to 29. TAPA’s program, hipTIX, offers $5 students tickets to select Toronto productions in theatre, dance, comedy, and opera. Right now, students can access shows such as: Behind the Moon at Tarragon Theatre until March 19; Fairview at Berkeley Street Theatre until March 26; and the dance performance Convergent Divergency at Winchester Street Theatre (March 23 to April 1).
For even more access, hipTIX plus expands the hipTIX inventory to include larger-scale venues and productions. That means companies like Mirvish Productions, Soulpepper Theatre Company, and others offer $25 student tickets to select shows.
The Darkest Dark: If your little one loves space but hates the dark, this Toronto theatre show might help. Inspired by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield’s bestselling children’s book, The Darkest Dark weaves together a stage show with multimedia and magic. Recommended for ages six to 12, the play is on until April 2 at Young People’s Theatre.
Cinderella: Princesses, pumpkins, and a modern spin on a classic are all on hand with the National Ballet’s Cinderella. Forget the original rags-to-riches story. In this version, Prince Charming and Cinderella are on equal footing and searching for a simpler life. On from March 10 to 19 at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, select shows offer a discount for kids 13 and under.
Sugar Shack TO: What better place to give the kids a sugar rush than at Sugar Beach during Sugar Shack TO. At least they can run off the energy, right? This family fun Toronto event on March 11 and 12 celebrates all things maple. Expect two sugar shacks, ice photo frames, live entertainment, maple-infused food, a lumberjack show, and more.
Disney Animation Immersive Experience: Watch your kids hang out at Pride Rock with Rafiki before they head over to take a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine at the Disney Animation Immersive Experience. On until July 9, this experiential event is housed at Lighthouse Artspace.
Toronto Comicon: At the tail end of March Break, this three-day convention will be packed with family-friendly activities and your kid’s favourite sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming characters. Toronto Comicon comes to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 17 to 19.
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator: When it comes to Toronto attractions for kids, no list is complete without a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum. T. rex: The Ultimate Predator highlights the latest scientific research and important discoveries about tyrannosaurus. Not to spoil it or anything but it turns out T.rex hatchlings were turkey-sized and fluffy. Sounds adorable until you learn these dinosaurs could digest bones. Yikes! If you miss it during the break, it’s on display until Sept. 4.
The Giant Maze Toronto: Get lost (in adult-child pairs, of course) in a 14,000 sq. ft. labyrinth during Canada’s largest winter maze pop-up experience at Evergreen Brick Works. Beyond getting lost and found in the maze, tickets include unlimited rides on the winter train plus access to food vendors, a skating rink, music, marshmallow fire pits, a scavenger hunt with prizes, outdoor games, and more. Experience the Giant Maze until March 19.
Imagine Dragons: Travel to a fairy-tale castle and an era of dragons and adventure at Casa Loma. Imagine Dragons is on from March 11 to 19, and it includes theatrical live shows; a nest-level Knight School; an aerialist, and arts and crafts in the castle’s underground tunnel. If your little knights and princesses are feeling brave, dare to enter the Dragon’s Den. Children three and under are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult family member.
Little Canada March Break Workshops: Good things come in small packages at this workshop from Little Canada. Your little artist will get to create an equally little scene inspired by Canada’s wildlife, their dream room, or an underwater adventure. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s on from March 13 to 17.
Magical March Break: Send off your mini witches, wizards, and warlocks to a Magical March Break camp at Artscape Youngplace. This camp, for ages 9 to 16, includes drama, music, movement, visual art, and relaxation.
Winter Stations: Call in the reinforcements and head to Woodbine Beach for some peace and quiet. Yes, we know, it’s March. But when it comes to things to see in Toronto, Winter Stations is a must. The exhibit invites the international design and art community to reimagine lifeguard stations for the winter. Recharge from March Break as Winter Stations captures your imagination.
Words By: Izabela Shubair