It’s officially March Break in Toronto! If you're in search of ideas for fun, family-friendly activities & events to keep your kids busy every day this long week, we've got you covered.
(And remember - if you're travelling into the city, kids 12 and under can ride GO Transit for free!)
Here's our guide to March Break 2019 events happening around the city this week!
March Break Activities at Evergreen Brick Works
What: There's tons to see and do at the Evergreen Brick Works this week! Go on a family scavenger hunt, bike through the Don Valley, discover unexpected art installations, explore nature trails, learn how to start your urban garden and more!
When: March 11th to 17th
Where: 550 Bayview Avenue
March Break at the Hockey Hall of Fame
What: Over the break, you can check out the Stanley Cup and cherished artifacts paying tribute to Lord Stanley’s gift to the game. Try your hand at goal tending, shooting, play-by-play calling, and even hosting your own sports broadcast.
When: March 9th to 17th
Where: Hockey Hall of Fame, 30 Yonge Street
Ontario Science Centre
What: The Ontario Science Centre has a March Break program that explores how skateboarders rely on physics to carve, kickflip and ollie, as well as exploring connections between art, science and technology. Visitors can also help the centre celebrate 50 years of scientific discovery.
When: Sunday to Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am to 7pm
Where: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road
March Break at the Zoo
What: Kids can join Tomas the Tank Engine and learn about new friends, cultures and animals at the zoo. Visitors can enjoy scavenger hunts, live animal visitors, a play zone, daily zookeeper talks, animal babies, and more.
When: March 9th to 17th, regular Zoo hours
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road
March Break at the ROM
What: Adventures await this March Break at the ROM. Visitors can explore art, culture and nature from around the globe with our permanent galleries, amazing activities, and special exhibitions.
When: March 9th to 17th, March Break programming from 10:30am to 4pm unless otherwise indicated
Where: The Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queens Park
March Break at the CN Tower
What: Make the CN Tower your next big adventure this March Break. Explore the world’s #1 elevator ride, check out the lookout and glass floor observation levels, plus enjoy special March Break activities.
When: March 11th to 15th, 10am to 4pm
Where: CN Tower, 301 Front Street West
March Break Family Fun at the AGO
What: The AGO has tons of family-friendly activities planned over the break. Join artists Natalie Ferguson and Toby Gillies for an immersive art installation and family art-making experience. There are also a number of new exhibits to check out, as well as family tours available.
When: March 9th to 17th, 10:30am to 4pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West
March Break Fun with the Raptors 905
What: On Thursday, March 14th, Raptors 905, take on the Canton Charge, in a special Welcome Toronto-themed game at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors 905 players will wear special black and gold jerseys for the noon game and the first 5,000 fans on entry will receive a giveaway item upon entrance.
When: Thursday, March 14th at 12pm
Where: 40 Bay Street, Scotiabank Arena
Museum of Illusions
What: Museum of Illusions is a place where kids and adults alike can let their imaginations soar without even realizing the 80+ exhibits are truly educational. They will tease your senses, trick your brain, raise curiosity, and encourage exploration in the science of the unknown.
When: Open seven days a week, from 10am to 8pm
Where: 132 Front Street East, close to St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District
Spring Fest TO
What: Come and escape the city at Spring Fest TO over the break! This unique festival offers families an indoor fun park featuring children’s entertainment, games, and activities. There will be over 25 mechanical and inflatable rides, food vendors, a little tot area for kids under five, arts & crafts, and three daily children’s shows.
When: March 11th to 15th, doors open at 10am
Where: Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
What: Take an underwater adventure at the Ripley’s Aquarium! Choose one of their programs or just go for a stroll with the kids.
When: Monday to Sunday, doors close at 11 pm
Where: 288 Bremner Boulevard
Maple Syrup Festivals across the GTA
What: Come out and tap into spring at one of the many maple syrup festivals happening across the GTA! Learn how maple syrup is made, try different types & grades of maple syrup, go on horse wagon rides, have taffy on snow, and of course, enjoy fresh hot pancakes with maple syrup!
When: March 11th to 15th, 10am to 4pm
Where: CN Tower, 301 Front Street West
March Break Mystery at Black Creek Pioneer Village
What: Do some maple syrup tasting, take wagon rides around the village, and play an exciting Sherlock Holmes-themed mystery game! Admission for kids 14 and under is free all week.
When: March 11th to 15th, 10am to 4pm; March 16th & 17th, 11am to 4pm
Where: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
Toronto Comicon
What: A pop culture convention for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming! The three-day extravaganza is packed with exciting family-friendly activities and celebrity guests. This year will feature an expanded 10,000 sq ft Family Zone with fun & educational activities.
When: March 15th, 4pm to 9pm; March 16th, 10am to 7pm; March 17th, 10am to 5pm
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building - 222 Bremner Blvd
Toronto Storytelling Festival
What: This festival is one of the world’s largest and oldest urban storytelling celebrations, and has been a major force in the international renaissance of storytelling! It celebrates live storytelling, traditional and contemporary, and promotes the sharing of the values and cultures that bring us together, honouring the many cultural traditions that convene in Toronto. This year's theme "Wisdom of Elders" brings ideas from elders of all ages into the future and features tellers from across Canada and the world.
When: Until March 24th
Where: Various venues - see events schedule here
The City of Toronto is also offering many low-cost or free activities! Here's a look:
Drop-in Programs
City community centres offer free or low-cost programs for all ages.
Skating
Thirty-seven outdoor artificial ice rinks will be open over the break, weather permitting.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Earl Bales and Centennial Ski and Snowboard Centres will offer downhill leisure skiing and snowboarding during March Break. More information about drop-in rates and equipment rentals is available online.
Swimming
City pools will offer free leisure swimming during March Break.
Riverdale Farm
Visitors can tour Riverdale Farm’s scenic grounds to see domestic farm animals such as pigs, horses and sheep. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Admission is free.
High Park Zoo
Established 120 years ago, the High Park Zoo is home to domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle, and yaks. Admission is free.
Toronto Island Park
Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, Toronto Island Park offers March break fun for everyone. It’s a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy the city skyline.
Conservatories
Spring flowers are in bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory, 151 Elmcrest Rd. and at Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave. Both conservatories feature various flowering plants, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The conservatories are open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and admission is free.
Toronto History Museums
Many of the City’s 10 History Museums are open during March Break. The museums are offering drop-in family activities including crafts, games and tasty treats from historic kitchens. Regular admission fees apply. Times and activity details vary by location.