march break Archives - A Little Bit of Momsense

Rebecca 4 Min Read February 26, 2024 No Reply

March Break Activities in Ottawa

March Break for many families in the Ottawa area is March 11-17.

Not sure what to do? While we are looking forward to some quiet days without the hustle and bustle of a busy high school semester, I also know that many families (ourselves included) will be looking for some new and fun activities to enjoy for kids of all ages.

Please note that some activities are free, and others are ticketed/paid admission events.

March Break with Kids in Ottawa

Go Goat snuggling

Do I need to say anything else? Since our Beach Goat visit when we were in PEI this summer, goats have become a bit of an obsession for this family. Near Ottawa, in Winchester, at Vanderland The Barnyard Zoo, you can book a private goat snuggling session.

Honestly, just check out their Instagram to see that it literally means you’ll get to snuggle goats. You need to privately message to book your time.

Visit Parc Omega

A family favourite of ours, Parc Omega is a nice day trip outing to take with the kids. At this time of year, you’ll just be missing their maple season but there is still a lot to do during your visit. Kids of all ages LOVE seeing the animals and of course feeding them carrots!

wolf at parc omega where you can visit during march break

Plan a Staycation or Mini Getaway

We don’t have to plan a week-long vacation over the March Break (although admittedly, I would also love to do that) but a night or two away at a nearby location is sometimes the perfect break. It also means less stress since the drive is typically shorter and you don’t feel like overpacking the same way!

Not sure where to begin? Check out my staycation post for some ideas.

In Ottawa, many of our local hotels have amazing March Break packages that include visits to Museums and other activities (for example, the Lord Elgin has a family package that looks like a lot of fun and Brookstreet is always a great family hotel! Or, check out Fairmont Chateau Montebello for swimming, indoor activities and outdoor adventuring.) Being a tourist in our own city can be a blast.

Enjoy Maple Syrup Season Activities

I’ve always loved maple syrup season and sugar bush activities. During March Break, plan a trip to a local sugar bush to enjoy pancakes, learn about the making of maple syrup and play outside! Check out Proulx Farm or Stanley Farms.

Have a HOOT at a Museum!

Take your pick of which museum you want to visit in Ottawa because there are so many to choose from (we are fortunate that way!) But of note, the Owls Rendez-Vous at the Canadian Museum of Nature is ending on April 1 and I recommend that one (I need to take my kids too!) You can read about it from my previous visit here.

owls at the nature museum in ottawa. Visit during march break before they are gone

Also, over at the Children’s Museum (a part of the Canadian Museum of History), there are March Break activities in celebration of Anne of Green Gables! Fitting for fellow PEI lovers (or fans of the classic story).

Get hands-on at your local library

I love going to the library even when there are no events happening. If you have kids of any age, it’s a worthwhile outing. Everyone gets to browse for a new book to enjoy (and with the extra time at home during March Break, it’s a good time to get a stack!) A

TIP: if you didn’t already know, you can borrow video games for most systems (including older ones – shout out to the Wii fans) so it’s a nice little perk. There are movies too for family movie night. This is also a free activity!

In additional to creating your own self-guided fun at the library, there are many FREE events happening during March Break. Many require a pre-registration (although there are some drop-in activities) but you can browse all of the activities on the Ottawa Public Library website.

Take a walk outside

I know it seems so simple, but everytime we used to take the kids for a walk on a path or at Gatineau Park, we loved it – and it’s easy to forget how sometimes the simple activities (and the free ones) end up being filled with memories. You can create an outdoor scavenger hunt or just bundle up (in snow pants or rain pants depending on the weather!) and head outside!

HAVE FUN!

Rebecca 3 Min Read March 10, 2023 No Reply

March Break in Ottawa

Around Ottawa

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’ 😉

Rebecca 1 Min Read March 5, 2018 No Reply

3 Unique March Break Camp Options in Ottawa

Around Ottawa

If you are looking for a March Break camp for your kids (March 12-16), I’ve seen a few come across my Facebook feed that look completely unique and fun. If there is still availability for these, you may want to secure your child’s spot soon. I love how original and different each of them are!

Sing House Studios

This March Break, your child can become a pop star at Sing House Studios! Located in Orleans, the week long adventure can be for a full day or half day and welcomes kids of all ages. The week will be spent taking music lessons then choreographing a music video! How much fun is that?!

Creative Play Kids’ March Break Camp

In Detail is hosting a creative March Break that thinks outside of the pencil box and provides a week of exciting, imaginative projects like lettering, watercolours, story writing, dance and more to spark each child’s creative side. The camp is for kids aged 8-13 and runs all day in Kanata/Stittsville at the artist’s home. I love anything that encourages kids to create!

Spy Camp at the Diefenbunker

The Diefenbunker is always fascinating to me – it truly captures a moment in history that can be chilling (and educational). But how neat would be be to spend the week learning to be a spy at the Diefenbunker? When I was younger, this would have been greatly appealing for me! Let your child learn a little about espionage and code breaking. For kids aged 7-11.

Don’t worry if you’ve left registration to the last minute, hopefully you can still register your child for one of these very fun camps for a truly unique March Break this year!

Rebecca 2 Min Read March 7, 2017 No Reply

March Break in Ottawa 2017

Around Ottawa

Don’t hate me, but as this post goes live I am in the sun somewhere. Maybe in the pool. I don’t know. But it’s warm. Yes, we left Ottawa for March Break, but in years past when we’ve stayed home, the City has always offered plenty to do with the kids. Just, maybe without all the warmth.

If you are looking to keep the kids busy next week, here are a few suggestions. Be sure to head over to SavvyMom and keep an eye out for my round up over there as well!

I have a few blog advertisers offering March Break camps that sound amazing, including single day workshops and week long camps, plus I’ve included some other fun activities that I’ve stumbled on to consider.

March Break Activities in Ottawa

1.March Break Camp at the Diefenbunker – Spy Camp*. I love that there is a day-only option if you prefer to send your child for one day rather than the week!

2. The Nepean Creative Arts Centre* and the Nepean Visual Arts Centre both of camps. There are half day options too.

3. Shenkman Arts Centre* is offering camps. I love the thought of pottery camp!

4. Home Depot has special workshops happening at some locations! How much fun would that be?

5. Chapters and Coles have various activities during March Break. Look at your local area to see what they are offering (the Coles near me had a sign up sheet too)

6. Tag Along Toys is hosting activities (tip: grab some craft kits and board games while you are in there for the remaining part of the week to keep everyone busy!)

7. Michaels stores often have drop in craft programs during the week of March Break (and at the very least they do on weekends). Check out your local one!

8. Parc Omega has a maple syrup lumberjack lodge area! We get to go back at the end of the month to check it out, but I think March Break would be a fun time to go!

What are your plans for March Break.

*blog advertisers. This post was created independently of any ad commitments but I think they all sound fun.

Rebecca 2 Min Read March 6, 2017 No Reply

I, Spy: Spy Camp at The Diefenbunker for March Break

Around Ottawa

Have your children ever wanted to become spies? Now they can thanks to the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum. Have you been to the Diefenbunker in Ottawa’s West end? We went a couple of years ago with my son and his friend and they loved the historic nature of it all. It was fascinating to be in the bunker and get a real sense of what life would have been like when it was built. I couldn’t help but think about classic movies and shows like James Bond and Get Smart.

That might be one reason why I love the thought of Spy Camp! This popular camp is running again this March Break and you can register your child (or children, aged 7-12) for the entire week (March 13-17) or just for one day at a time.

Each day during March Break there is a new theme associated with the camp. Campers will learn all the skills they need to become master spies. There seems to be a problem with an Agent X, so their help will be enlisted over the course of the week to thwart Agent X.

Here’s a breakdown of each of the themes. For the full descriptions, visit the Diefenbunker website!

Monday, March 13: The Art of Espionage

Tuesday, March 14: Making and Breaking Codes

Wednesday, March 15: Master of Disguise

Thursday, March 16: Investigation: Hunt for the Mole

Friday, March 17: The Science Behind Spying

Things to Know:

The Diefenbunker is located in Carp.
The camp days run from 9:30 until 3:30 but before and after care is available from 8:30-9:30 am and 3:30-4:30 pm.
Kids bring their own lunch and two snacks (nut free)
Each session is limited to only 15 kids. The ratio is 1 councilor for every 5 kids.
The camp is delivered in English but all counselors can answer questions in French.
The cost for the entire week is $235 per child. For each day (if only registering for a day at a time) is $55 per child. (10% off for Diefenbunker members)

Ready to sign up for Spy Camp? Click here.

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*Diefenbunker is a blog advertiser

Rebecca 1 Min Read February 28, 2017 No Reply

March Break Camps at NCAC – 2017

Around Ottawa

March break is only a couple weeks away and many parents in Ottawa are wondering how the kids will be spending their time. If you’ve booked time off, and need plans, there are plenty of day activities to do as a family together. But if the kids are looking to spend time at a camp while you are working or if you need child care, then look no further than the Nepean Creative Arts Centre and the Nepean Visual Arts Centre.

One of the things I love about the offerings that NCAC and NVAC has is that there are not only full day camps available to kids and teens, but there are half days as well like the Young Masters of Watercolour camp. This week long camp is from 1 pm until 4 pm the week of March Break for ages 9-13 years. This step-by-step education of watercolours will brighten up their week!

Other camps that sounds amazing (that I think my kids would be drawn to) would be the theatre camp or the animation camp, just to name a few. I love the thought of camps that are creative and will provide some new inspiration to kids across the city. Fashion design, musical theatre, drawing, becoming a zombie 101 and more camp offerings are a unique way to spend the week.

You can register for March Break camp online if there is availability. Camps are available for kids aged 6-17 so there’s something for almost all of your school aged children. Full day camps are from 9 am until 4 pm but offer an early drop off (8 am) and a late pick up (5 pm).

Disclosure: NCAC is a blog advertiser. All opinions are my own.

Rebecca 2 Min Read March 9, 2016 No Reply

March Break in Ottawa: 2016

Around Ottawa

March Break in Ottawa: Activities for the entire family

First of all, if this weather sticks for March Break in Ottawa next week, we are going to have a melty, warm and sunny week. Won’t that be nice?

If you are wondering what to do with the kids for March Break in Ottawa, here are a few suggestions!

1- Tag Along Toys

Once again, Tag Along Toys (one of my fabulous blog advertisers!) is hosting craft activities for two hours each day in their Kanata store all week long. I have done this during March Break with the kids before and it’s a fun way for the kids to create (and for me to get some ideas for Easter shopping!)

Visit the Facebook page to find out the times for each day and what craft will be created! Every day is something new.

2- Visit the Farm

We love the Agriculture and Food Museum this time of year. Maybe it’s because spring on the Farm is something special, but with the mild temperatures, I think it would be the perfect time to go and walk around. It may be muddy in areas, but it’s still a great way to spend time outside. Be sure to take in some of their seminars like the maple syrup demo!

3-Visit the Sugar Bush

Yes, this is one of my favourite things to do. I love going to the Sugar Bush. You can visit a nearby location in Ottawa (Proulx Farm has a lot of activities for the family) or drive a bit out of the city. Here’s the one we like to go to. No matter what the case, it will be a sweet day!

4- Aviation Museum Workshops

Last year, my son spent time at a workshop about Minecraft at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. It was a hit! This year, they are hosting tinkering workshops each day. Registration is required, but even if you don’t get into the workshop, I always love visiting the Museum just for fun!

For more ideas, I shared some in this SavvyMom article!

Wondering about camps? Check out Nepean Creative Arts Centre (a blog advertiser!), Shenkman Arts Centre or Tumblers Gymnastics, just to name a few, to see if there is still space!

Rebecca 1 Min Read March 22, 2015 No Reply

Family Travel: Turks and Caicos

Family Travel, Travel

For the first time ever, we went away for March Break. Even before kids, Andy and I never spent my university reading week away. I always worked. But, thanks to circumstances (primarily being my parents offering up their extra room in the condo they rent in Turks) we decided it would be a great opportunity to go.

We surprised the kids the night before our flight. They expected to go to school the next day, and instead we told them we’d be hopping on a plane to a sunny destination where their grandparents were. This was met with great enthusiasm.

It was a March Break to remember. The weather was incredible and I’m not sure we’ll ever see a beach with the blue water and powder sand beach like this again. The week was spent relaxing, swimming, reading and enjoying not only each other’s company, but also the change in temperatures.

Our return was met with snow and cold, but we have our pictures to remind us of the warmth and gentle breeze.

Rebecca 1 Min Read March 11, 2015 No Reply

March Break Activities in Ottawa 2015

Around Ottawa, Kids

March break is coming up for many kids in the Ottawa area! For the first time ever, we are travelling south for March break. Normally, I plan the break around museum visits and play dates so here are a few events taking place this week!

Events around Ottawa Happening for March Break

1-Dinosaur Train live on Stage*

Do you have your tickets for Dinosaur Train live on stage at Centrepointe Theatres? I love a good stage show, and this looks like a lot of fun! Plus, every time I write or say Dinosaur Train I end up with the song in my head!

2- Minecraft at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

I’m told that a lot of the sessions for the 8-10 year olds are sold out, but if you have older kids, there may still be space! Plus, the Museum is fabulous to visit anyway!

3- Tag Along Toys*

Our favourite toy store is running special promotions and craft take-aways each day during the break. It’s a great time to stock up on crafts or science activities, plus let the kids make and take!

4- City of Ottawa Museums*

The City of Ottawa Museums are packed with daily drop in programs. Become a space ranger at the Cumberland Museum, or journey to the moon at Billing Estate National Historic Site.

5- Ottawa Public Library

Many of the libraries across the city of March Break programs that are free!

6- Visit a Sugar Bush

It’s Maple Syrup time! Rejoice! Capital Parent Newspaper has a great article about where to find sugar bushes in Ottawa. We often take the drive to Sand Road Maple Farm too!

*blog advertisers

Rebecca 2 Min Read March 9, 2015 3 Replies

Around Ottawa: Minecraft Workshop at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Kids

This weekend, I signed my son up for the Mining and Gaming workshop at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Basically, he played Minecraft with other kids his age for 3 hours. And yes, he loved it.

The workshop is divided into two different time slots by age (beginning at age 8) and has been running since the end of February on select days for March Break. It continues next weekend and throughout March Break in the Ottawa area.

While the kids share a special server and play the game as usual by finding minerals and more, there is a twist: each session group is working towards building a spaceship. This means that certain materials will be better than others to use, that they have to work as a team and get creative in their design. It’s chaos at first but really fun to see how the group comes together to complete their task. The Museum will be putting photos of the finished ships on Facebook.

The event takes place in the auditorium which is set up with large screen computers (one for each participant) and a display about space and mining. There is a large screen at the front of the room as well that follows the teacher participants.

The teachers start the day with a short presentation at the beginning about space and mining and what the goal of the morning is. Then they dig right in and the rest of the time is spent playing and gathering materials and then making their group spaceship.

The kids all had an understanding of the game already and everyone seemed to really enjoy it. My son has said ‘thank you’ for signing him up multiple times and has said he would do it again (hint hint mom).

If you are looking for a half-day March break activity for your kids and they are 8 years old or older, this may be the perfect spot.

The workshop costs $25 but that includes entry into the museum as well. Details, dates, ages and registration information can be found on the website.

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March Break Activities in Ottawa