Once upon a time, we travelled for March Break. We went somewhere warm and sunny. A joy, and privelege, that we truly loved.
For the past few years, that hasn’t been the case. And in 2023, it remains the same. For a variety of reasons, our March Break in Ottawa will be spent at home. The kids are older so it’s not like I have to create a camp experience for them like I would have when they were younger to keep them busy.
We’ve all been really busy and tired.
They’ll enjoy some time to relax, hang with friends and sleep in. I’ll enjoy sleeping in a bit.
We are considering an overnight at some point, and will likely focus on tasty food.
Andy and I are both also working.
If you find yourself wondering what to do with the kids for March Break, or want some ideas to make special plans, I’ve gathered up some options.
Remember – this is meant to be a break. If it feels like a lot of work for everyone, or manufacturing ‘special’ time, try whatever works for you and your family!
March Break Activities in Ottawa
Visit the Mall
I used to love taking the kids to the mall when they were younger (I still do!). The Food Court had something for everyone, we could wonder around indoors and stay warm and dry, and it was a good way to pass the time.
Because of March Break, many of the malls are offering special programming. Visit your local one to determine if there’s anything happening.
Place d’Orleans has a week of activities like Little Ray’s Reptiles and cookie decorating.
Carlingwood’s March Break Fun Zone has a play area, music throughout the week, and a bird calling/bird house painting – just to name a few activities.
Visit a Museum
Ottawa’s Museums are amazing. I’ve talked about this a lot and they were always a go-to when my kids were younger. The truth? We still love going to museums (the eldest teen especially)!
Ingenium Museums (Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and Canada Science and Technology Museum) all have March Break programming.
Not sure where to go? Start with The Farm (Canada Agriculture and Food Museum) – it’s an awesome place for little ones to be in and outside and the animals are always a hit. If my kids were little that’s where I would start. (Although all the museums have been faves of ours!)
Visit the Library
I still love going to the library after years and years of library visits with the kids. It’s the perfect place to spend time time – borrowing books, video games or movies. But also the Ottawa Public Library has programming for kids and teens all week long.
The library programming is also free!
Play with your Food
Activities that you can do at home can be fun, unique and memory making without having to bundle everyone up to head to a destination.
Order decorate-your-own cupcakes or cookies from The Cupcake Lounge or make a fancy hot chocolate bar with hot chocolate bombs from Aux Delices Bakery and Pastry Shop.
March break is the perfect time to try some new recipes as a family too! Pull out a recipe from your childhood and recreate it together or for a meal. Bonus if you have teens: They never get tired of hearing you start stories with ‘when I was younger’ 😉
