At this time every year, thousands of students in the city eagerly await some well-deserved time off with March Break.
While it is a welcome escape from school for the kids, it can be a stressful time for parents. Younger children require alternative supervision and even older students need something to do. College students will take their break March 9 to 13 and grade school students will have their mid-winter break from March 16 to 20.
If you haven’t planned anything yet, here are a few things to consider trying over the break:
Visit the Zoo:
The Toronto Zoo is holding its annual March Break event from March 13 to 22. Why not let the kids go wild while exploring the various exhibits? They can also learn about camels, tigers, and komodo dragons directly from the animals’ keepers.
Skating:
Malvern Recreation Centre will be hosting free leisure skates every day during the break. From March 16 to 22 the rink will be available to anyone between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
March Break Programs:
For parents having to work during the break, several camps are available at recreation centres in the area. Burrows Hall, Malvern, and L’Amoreaux Community and Recreation Centres will be offering March Break camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children age six to 12 for $85 for the week .
L’Amoreaux also offers a camp for children age four to five for $103. Extended care will be available at all locations.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute offers a Gymnastics Jamboree program for kids six to 13 which is $143 for the five days too.
Chinese Community Centre:
The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto near Markham Rd. and Sheppard Ave. will be hosting a March Break camp for children aged five to 12. The camp teaches Chinese culture through calligraphy, Kung-Fu, crafts, and language classes. The day camp costs $120 for the week. If interested visit www.cccgt.org.
Older students may also be interested in visiting the site because during the college break the centre will be offering beginner-level ballroom dance courses as well as yoga classes.
Swimming:
Most schools, along with their pools, will be closed for the break. Centennial Recreation Centre at Markham Rd. and Ellesmere Rd. will be the only swimming facility in east Scarborough that will open during this period. Hours for the week of March 9 are:
Lane Swim: 7 a.m.–9 a.m., 12 p.m.–2 p.m.
Recreational Swim: 2 p.m.–4 p.m., 7 p.m.–9 p.m. (Friday only)