Ottawa March Break

Outdoor Fun

Spring is just around the corner, so don’t be afraid of the cold and snow. Wrap the kids up and get out into the sunshine! Visit one of Ottawa’s nearby ski resorts and take advantage of the milder spring skiing conditions for a day of ski and snowboard fun. Or grab the toboggan and visit one of the city’s many sledding hills. Skating is another great outdoor option. The Rideau Canal is the world’s longest skating rink, and is often still frozen enough for skating in the middle of March. But even if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, you can still take the kids to one of Ottawa’s many indoor skating rinks. Or, for something really different, treat your kids to horseback riding and a sleigh ride at Pinto Valley Ranch in Fitzroy Harbour. Or head into Gatineau Park for a winter hike. You can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis from many of Ottawa’s outdoor specialty shops. So, bring along some snacks and hot chocolate, and have a winter picnic in the snow!

Indoor Excitement

Even if the weather’s bad, there’s still lots of fun to be had around Ottawa during March Break. Many of the city’s museums have special events scheduled during this week to delight and entertain your kids. Or take advantage of matinee movie prices with a trip to the cinema. For something more athletic, why not break out the bathing suits and swim at one of Ottawa’s many recreational pools? Or visit the bowling lanes for a little friendly family competition? Children with an artistic side may enjoy painting their own ceramics at Gotta Paint in Westboro, or making their own jewelry at the Sassy Bead Company in the Glebe. And a trip to a family fun centre, such as Ottawa’s Fun Junction or Cyber Adventures, is sure to please the whole family. For something a little closer to home, why not check out the stories, crafts and fun happening at the Ottawa Public Library. The main library and its many local branches each plan unique activities for school-aged children this time of year.

Day Camps

If you can’t be at home with the kids, why not enroll them in a day camp program that will keep them safe and entertained all week long. Athletes can enjoy fencing, swimming, floor hockey and lots more at Carleton University’s March Break sports camp. The Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board offers activities featuring everything from French Immersion to basketball to survivor camp. And budding artists are sure to enjoy classes at the Ottawa School of Art, or the Ottawa School of Speech and Drama. Finally, your little gamer will love the FutureKids computer camp held in partnership with the City of Ottawa.