March is here! A month that is split in half by the arrival of the highly anticipated March Break. As a school aged child, you live for March Break. As a parent, grandparent or caregiver, you are always trying to figure out meaningful ways to fill the March Break. Historically, I have had the extreme pleasure and privilege to be able to have March Break off with my children. It has been wonderful to align our calendars in this way. This year marks the first year in a long time that I have to make childcare arrangements and be creative with options for my own children. I recognize this is a common dilemma for many families in trying to book childcare and do fun outings.
To help us all, here are some low cost, no cost ideas to make March Break more interesting and engaging, for whoever is watching the little ones.
Too Cold? Keep it indoors:
- Mall Visits- You may have to trek a bit south to hit the mall, but usually there are characters that visit daily for meet and greets. This is a fun outing for the younger students in your life or toddlers and is FREE…providing you don’t do shopping while at the mall.
- The Orillia Farmers Market and Library- Check out the Market on the two Saturdays during March Break, get some local sweets and treats, and then head to the Orillia Public Library afterwards.The Library always has fun activities on the go. Make sure to check the schedule online and social media.
- Free Workshops at Home Depot or Michael’s- Check out the Home Depot or Michael’s stores in our area, as they often host free or low-cost kids’ workshops around March Break. These workshops usually involve crafts, building activities, or hands-on projects that are both educational and fun.
- Sleepover- This idea can be done anywhere…even within your own house. Allow children to sleep in a new location. The basement, the couch, a siblings’ room…any novel place makes this activity easy to implement anywhere. If you bust out the sleeping bags, even better. It’s always fun to have a sleepover!
- Thrifting Challenge- Give you children a few dollars and take them to a thrift store. Give them the challenge of finding a new board game, book, or small toy within their budget that they can purchase for themselves or a sibling. Then when you return home, you have something to play with!
Outdoorsy? Here are some options for outside time:
- Snowshoeing or Sledding- If the weather cooperates, grab some snowshoes or sleds and head to one of the local parks or hills in our area.
- Explore Local Trails- So many trails, so many choices. Where are your favourite ones to explore? You can walk, snowshoe or even cross-country ski. It really is fun to walk in a winter wonderland.
- Free Skating- Many of the local rinks will have sponsored free skates or offer drop-in programs at a very low cost. Depending on our weather, the lakes and outdoor rinks may be in good shape by then as well!
- St. Patrick’s Day Fun- Look around town to see what St. Patrick’s Day festivities are happening. The Coldwater Parade is always a highlight for small town fun. Perhaps there will be some things happening over the weekend as kids return to school on the 17th.
This Villager will be employing the help from Grandparents, Aunts and Neighbours this March Break. With some of these ideas in place, I am hopeful it will be a fun and restful occasion for my littlest of Villagers this March Break.
