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Nearby Toronto welcomes family fun this spring break

Feb 25, 2016 | Events

Toronto has attractions your kids won’t want to miss, from exciting sports and cultural attractions to scientific wonders and treats and eats that everyone can enjoy. And throughout spring break, Toronto will be filled with activities and events where residents and visitors can cherish time with the whole family!

See the best of the city with this list of fun and interactive attractions:

Segway of Ontario (March 14-18): Get out this March break and take a guided Segway tour around Toronto’s Distillery District. After a brief training session, one of Segway Ontario’s fun and engaging guides will lead you around the area while telling you some wild historical facts about Toronto through the ages. If you book for March break, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount on any Segway or Walking Tour.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (March 14-18): One of Toronto’s most creative and diverse March break day camps, The ROM offers an exciting array of fun, activity-based programs inspired by their world-class museum. The ROM’s fascinating galleries, authentic objects and outstanding professional staff guarantee a camp experience that will be hard to beat.

Camp Chelsea (March 12-20): With round-the-clock fun stuff to do with your kids, Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is the place to be this March break. Camp Chelsea is located within Chelsea Hotel, Toronto. This all-inclusive day camp for children ages 5 to 12 is fully supervised and includes an extensive lineup of activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Young People’s Theatre (YPT) (March 14-18): Kids can bring out their most creative side at YPT March Break Drama Camp. Modeled after Summer Drama Camp, students spend a week creating their own world in a theatrical piece and have a lot of fun on the journey.

Toronto Zoo (March 12-20): Kids and adults will have the opportunity to connect with wildlife conservation by visiting The Toronto Zoo’s interactive interpretive stations. Learn about Canada’s first giant panda cubs in the Panda Interpretive Centre Stations. The panda cubs will be on exhibit to the public on March 12 for March break.

Toronto Zoo Pyjama Party (Overnight Program): This indoor overnight program includes a full educational program beginning at 7 p.m. until 9:30 a.m. the next morning. Accommodations with cots and a bedtime snack are provided.

Ripley’s Aquarium (March 14-18): Come in early and beat the rush all March break long at Ripley’s Aquarium. Enjoy and discover the underworld as early as 8 a.m.

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (March 12-20): The AGO has something for everyone in the family this March break with family tours, yoga and other fun activities all through the AGO’s spaces and places.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (March 12-20): Enter a magical realm where discovery reigns with The ROM’s Enchanted March Break. Four hundred years ago, explorers on land and sea brought home rare and exotic items and showcased them in wondrous cabinets of curiosities. From natural wonders such as spices and rich silks, to architectural marvels such as the Taj Mahal, to astrology, alchemy and the magic of Shakespeare’s stage — the world was an exciting and mysterious place. Experience it all at the ROM this March break. Extended hours and discounted admission from March 12 -19, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

CN Tower (March 12-20): This March break make the CN Tower your next big adventure. Explore the world’s #1 elevator ride, LookOut Glass Floor and SkyTerrace observation areas, movie, plus enjoy March break week activities. At a height of 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 inches), the CN Tower is Canada’s National Tower, an engineering Wonder and one of Toronto’s must-see destinations. Save with the Family Pass – 4 General Admission tickets (4 tickets with a maximum of 2 people between the ages of 13-64). An added bonus this year, EdgeWalk at the CN Tower will open during March break and then officially for the full season as of April 11. EdgeWalk is the world’s Highest Outdoor Walk on a Building (Guinness World Record).

Bata Shoe Museum (BSM) (March 12-20): The BSM is throwing a beach party for March break. Shake off the winter blues and join BSM for some fun in the sun activities. Decorate your own visor and sandal box, add to their community puzzle and see it grow, dress up in groovy summer footwear and take a selfie in front of their beachscape, play games in the galleries and so much more.

Casa Loma (March 12-20): Visit Casa Loma over March break for fun and interactive theatrical live shows, learn how to make dream catchers in the arts and crafts workshop, have your face painted, decorate delicious fresh baked cookies, and enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate. Kids can travel down the underground tunnel to the classic car exhibit and indoor bouncy castle.

Casa Loma’s first annual Princess Dance Party is taking place on March 17. This magical night includes horse and carriage rides around the castle, a face painting zone, craft stations and hobnobbing with your favorite princesses and action heroes. It’s an evening aimed at the whole family. Enjoy a variety of entertainment, activities and royal fare. This indulgent evening will end with the much buzzed about Court Jester Dance Party where you can dance until you lose your glass slipper. Book your Princess Parlour early to ensure a spot for your very own royal makeover and have quality time with some of your favorite princesses. With the purchase of a ticket, you are helping Children’s Wish Foundation continue to grant the most heartfelt wishes to Ontario children with a life-threatening illness.

Ontario Science Centre (March 14-18): The Ontario Science Centre has a fantastic lineup of entertaining and educational activities and exhibits the whole family will love. Discover amazing animals from around the world at Living Wild with Safari Jeff, see flowers dipped in liquid nitrogen and smashed into a thousand pieces in the Cool Science demonstration, make new friends, take part in exciting science experiments and enjoy exclusive access to the exhibit halls. While there, experience the new Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age exhibition. Through exciting

hands-on displays, including fossils and life-sized replicas, learn how researchers use cutting-edge science and technology to excavate and analyze tusks, teeth, skin, hair and stomach contents to learn more about mammoths and mastodons, the mighty creatures who roamed the northern hemisphere during the last Ice Age. Put yourself in a scientist’s shoes to uncover and connect the scientific factors that contributed to the evolution and extinction of these amazing creatures. Explore this Family Day weekend with special programming including DNA and genetics activities, planetarium shows, electricity demonstrations and papermaking workshops.

Hockey Hall of Fame (March 12-20): The Hockey Hall of Fame is offering extended hours during March break: Monday-Saturday (9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.). Take the shooting challenge, put your goalkeeping skills to the test and strike a pose with the Stanley Cup.

TIFF Kids Presents: digiPlaySpace (March 5-April 24): TIFF will bring families on an interactive adventure this spring with the fifth edition of the award-winning digiPlaySpace exhibition. This engaging and educational digital playground invites kids and families to learn through play with a diverse range of the latest interactive installations, including multi-player videogames, virtual reality, Olympic-sized stop-motion sports, green screen escapades, robotic and circuit building activities in a DIY maker space, and more from acclaimed Canadian and international artists. Opening just ahead of March break due to popular demand, digiPlaySpace runs for an extended seven weeks at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

March Break Raptors 905 Game at Air Canada Centre (March 14): March Break Madness will be in effect at Air Canada Centre with the Toronto Raptors NBA affiliate, Raptors 905. Raptors 905 will face-off against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the home of their major league counterpart for this family-friendly event sponsored by BMO. With Toronto Raptors games sold out for the season, the Raptors 905 game is a great chance for sports fans and visitors to Toronto to watch professional basketball at Air Canada Centre. Fans at the game can expect performances from Raptors 905 mascot, Stripes and the Sauga City Dancers, T-shirt tosses, dance cams, and family-themed promotions and contests.

Aga Khan Museum (March 14-18): Spend your March break exploring the world at the Aga Khan Museum. Enjoy a different theme each day with fun activities, hands-on crafts, and up-close encounters with the treasures of the museum. Topics include Mythical Creatures, Tales of Wonder, Silk Route Explorers, and more. Pick up your Family Exploration Kit and launch your own expedition of the galleries. Go on a creature hunt, complete a pattern, or write your own adventure story (designed for children 5-12).

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre (March 12-20): LEGOLAND is the ultimate experience for LEGO fans over March break. Over three million LEGO bricks under one roof: Kingdom Quest, 4D cinema, Master Model Builder, Miniland and a huge LEGO shop. Pre-purchase your tickets online in order to guarantee entry.

Harbourfront Centre (March 12-20): Enjoy an array of events from the visual arts winter/spring exhibition to Miss Lou’s family room activities to glass blowing at the Harbourfront Centre during March break.

Medieval Times (March 11-20): Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Toronto is offering the popular Jr. Knight Training during select shows over March break. Kids 5-12 years train alongside the knights in the sand watching a weapons demonstration and learning about what it takes to be a knight. Space is limited to the first 100 children. Free with paid admission.

Wizard World at the Better Living Centre (March 13-20): This indoor fun park has entertainment to thrill the whole family with over 20 mechanical and inflatable rides, a little tots area for the under-five, arts and crafts, animals, elephant rides and more.

Black Creek Pioneer Village (March 14-20): Black Creek will open its doors specifically for March break. Kids will enjoy investigating the latest mystery in the Village, exploring in and out of the buildings and solving the mystery of the stolen sheep. Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides around the Village, join Watson’s Detective School, and search for clues and solve puzzles around the Village, question the villagers, meet your favorite characters and more.

Ontario Legislative Building (March 14-18): Families with children ages 6-10 are invited to explore the historic building through a scavenger hunt, dress-up in the traditional black robes worn by parliament and enjoy craft time. This event is free, and registration is required.

City of Toronto Museums (March 12-20): Check out one (or a few) of Toronto’s museums for various activities for the whole family during March break.

PAMA: Peel Art Gallery Museum & Archives (March 12-20): Each day during March break, PAMA is offering guided tours and instructor led drop-in activities. Families can make and take home creative projects inspired by PAMA’s collections.

CityPass: Save up to 46 percent and skip lines at Toronto’s five best attractions! Toronto CityPASS includes admission to Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, and Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre. The pass is valid for nine days.

Toronto Fashion Week (March 14-18): Established and emerging designers take the stage in front of an audience made up of international media and industry professionals to debut their newest collections at Toronto Fashion Week. Shows are taking place at David Pecaut Square.

Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower and Garden Festival (March 11-20): Visit Canada’s largest Flower Show at the Direct Energy Centre this March break. Experience spectacular feature gardens, meet Canada’s top gardening personalities and shop for the latest gardening products in the Blooms Marketplace.

Toronto ComicCon (March 18-20): Head to the Metro Convention Centre to meet your favorite celebrities, artist and writers. Enjoy panels and workshops and showcase your costumes.

Toronto Sportsmen’s Show (March 16-20): The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has introduced many generations to Canada’s outdoor heritage during its 69-year history. Many youths and adults alike had their first fishing, archery and outdoor experiences at the show. That tradition continues with parents bringing their children to experience the same and outdoor enthusiasts gather to learn about the latest tips and techniques from the pros, while experiencing the latest in new products.

Sugar Shack (March 12-13, 2016): This March break, Sugar Beach turns into a Sugar Shack. The sugar shack resembles an authentic Quebecois “cabane à sucre” complete with sticky maple taffy on snow, maple syrup cooking and ice carving demonstrations. There will be live performances from local French artists including Stef Paquette, Amélie et les Singes Bleus, Cindy Doire and Mélanie Brulée, and a special performance from Choir! Choir! Choir! on Saturday. Food trucks will be on-site serving up traditional French Canadian cuisine and hot drinks.

Goodnight Moon at Young People’s Theatre (Feb. 29-March 19): The Great Green Room comes to life before your eyes in this delightful family musical that stays true to the beloved book. One of the best ways for children to feel cherished and loved is to cozy up with a children’s classic.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS 100 YEARS OF MAGIC at the Rogers Centre (March 17-20): Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Be charmed by a cast of over 50, with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, sweetheart Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Disney princesses Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana will also be in attendance.

Pixar in Concert at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (March 18): For the first time, the studio is presenting a collection of music and video clips from 14 of Pixar’s feature films performed by a full symphony orchestra, including “You’ve Got a Friend In Me.”

Romeo and Juliet at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (March 16-20): The famous story of two young lovers whose passion is tragically thwarted by the enmity of their respective families has inspired numerous choreographers over the decades, attracted by the enduring power of its themes and narrative and by its potential for dramatic and evocative dancing.

Room on the Broom at Mississauga Living Arts Centre (March 18): Songs, laughs and scary fun for children ages three and up (and their grown-ups), adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of “The Gruffalo.”

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE! At Mississauga Living Arts Centre (March 16): Ages 2-4. The legacy of the beloved “Mister Rogers” lives on with the hit television series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, from the Fred Rogers Company and PBS KIDS.

Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move at Mississauga Living Arts Centre (March 14, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.): Ages 5-10. Alexander has just received some really bad news. His dad has taken a job in a city a thousand miles away, which means that he and his family are going to have to move to a whole new city. He can’t bear to leave the people and places he loves, so he decides that he won’t move.

The Girl with The Golden Locks at Rose Theatre – Lester B. Pearson Theatre (March 17-20): Enter the world of fairy-tale espionage and intrigue, where top-level spies take on the kingdom’s worst criminal masterminds. Agent Gold is the girl with the golden locks and the top agent at the FBI (Fairytale Bureau of Intelligence). She must save the kingdom from The Three Bears.

GIG at Panasonic Theatre (March 15-20): A brand new musical from the producer of Classic Albums Live, GIG features aboriginal music centered around five singers and their quest for the lights, alongside two booking agents and their quest for the money. Come beyond the velvet rope and see what goes on backstage, where talent runs free and egos run wild.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES at Princess of Wales Theatre (March 15-20): A live multi-media spectacular that takes you on a musical journey through the life and times of the world’s most celebrated band.

Super Dude and Doctor Rude at Mainstage Theatre – Second City (March 14-18): In a world where kids make the rules, super-villains won’t know what hit them. Join the Supercrew on a wild musical adventure filled with jet packs, secret lairs, and selfies.

Hotel Deals

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto (March 12-20): Save 25 percent when you book a minimum of three nights at the Four Seasons Toronto over March break.

Chelsea Hotel (March 12-20): Guests of Chelsea Hotel, Toronto enjoy complimentary access to the Family Fun Zone, featuring a pool, 130-foot “Corkscrew,” downtown Toronto’s only indoor waterslide; Kid Center and Teen Lounge. Kids can play in the supervised Kid Centre, become a Camp Chelsea Camper for the day, with the option of a full or half day program (for a nominal fee) or take advantage of a wide variety of day and evening activities that Chelsea Hotel will be offering throughout the week. These include a segway obstacle course, exotic animal show, evening bingo and family scavenger hunts. Best of all, family activities are complimentary for hotel guests. And the fun doesn’t end there — the hotel offers complimentary accommodations for children 17 and under when staying with a parent or guardian. Children age 6 and under eat free and children 7-12 eat half price.

New this year at the Chelsea, they are welcoming Mad Science of Toronto, who will be putting on two special shows for Chelsea guests. The Chelsea will also be welcoming back Pirate Life: Adventure Theatre Cruise and offering Pirate and Princess themed breakfast throughout the week in Market Garden Restaurant.

About Tourism Toronto

Tourism Toronto, Toronto’s Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,000 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates

and business travelers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. For more information please visit www.seetorontonow.com.

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