20 family-friendly March Break events to check out in Toronto

It’s March Break in Toronto next week.

If you’re looking for activities to do with the family, look no further. From March 11 to 17, check out what’s happening in the city throughout the kids’ week off.

For those travelling into the city, don’t forget, kids 12 and under can ride GO Transit for free starting March 9.

See also

• The St. Patrick's Day parade returns to Toronto this Sunday (MAP)
• AGO reveals opening date for permanent Infinity Mirrors room
• Toronto's One of a Kind Spring Show returns this month

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

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

March Break at the Hockey Hall of Fame

What: Over the break, you check out the Stanley Cup and cherished artifacts paying tribute to Lord Stanley’s gift to the game. Try your hand at goaltending, shooting, play-by-play calling, and even hosting your own sports broadcast.

When: March 9 to 17
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, 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm
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 9 to 17, regular zoo hours
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd.

March Break at the ROM

Royal Ontario Museum/Shutterstock

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 9 to 17, March Break programming from 10:30 am to 4 pm unless otherwise indicated
Where: ROM, 100 Queens Park

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 9 to 17, 10:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West

Spring Fest TO

What: Come and escape the city at Spring Fest TO over the break. Offering 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 tota area for kids under five, arts and crafts and three daily children’s shows.

When: March 10 to 15, Monday to Friday, doors open at 10 am
Where: Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place

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 11 to 15, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: CN Tower, 301 Front Street West

Museum of Illusions

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 10 am to 8 pm
Where: 132 Front Street East, close to St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District

March Break Fun with the Toronto Marlies

What: On Monday, March 11, the Toronto Marlies, 2018 Calder Cup Champions, take on the Belleville Senators, in a special March Break afternoon game at Scotiabank Arena.

When: Monday, March 11, puck drop is set for 1:30 pm
Where: 40 Bay Street, Scotiabank Arena

March Break Fun with the Raptors 905

What: On Thursday, March 14, 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 14, 12 pm
Where: 40 Bay Street, Scotiabank Arena

The City of Toronto is offering low cost and free activities as well that include:

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.