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, for a variety of reasons. The kids have different committments, we are saving up for summer travel, and so on. It changes as they get older (and go to university!)
My youngest will be off and plans to enjoy some time to relax, hang with friends and sleep in. I’ll enjoy sleeping in a bit.
But that doesn’t mean we won’t look around the City for opportunities.
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 usually offer special programming. Visit your local one to determine if there’s anything happening.
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!)
Or, take in the Canadian Museum of Nature or Canadian Museum of History (which includes the Children’s Museum!)
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. Try a new local cafe!
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’ 😉
