March Break Family Fun Guide 2010

YORK REGION & DURHAM REGION

Markville Mad Science on MondayMad Science® is the world's leading science enrichment provider, delivering unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. Mad Science is proud to introduce millions of children to a world of discovery while sparking their imagination. This show will be a combination of theatre and hands-on, interactive learning. (Seating and Fun Stations on a first come first serve basis.)

• Monday, March 15th
• Show Time: 11:00am to 11:45am
  
• Slime Fun Station: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
  
• Centre Court, Markville Mall, Markham (Hw7 & McCowan Rd)
• website

March Break Art Fun at the Latcham GalleryKick off spring with our creative workshop series for kids. Make your own hockey masks, self-portraits, artist trading cards, dragon sculptures and more! Morning workshops: ages 5-9. Afternoon workshops: ages 7-11. Instructor: Christine Stewart Registration is first-come first serve and spaces are limited - register soon!

• March 15 and 19, 2010
• The Latcham Gallery, 6240 Main Street, Stouffville
• website or 905-640-8954

March Madness @ PromenadeThe Promenade- celebrating March Madness with activities for the whole family. Also, a special appearance on Thursday, March 25 with chef Rose Reisman, demonstrating fun twists on traditional spring meals!
Monday- Movie Madness-Rainbow Cinemas - 2 for 1 movie! Code word: Sparkle
Tuesday- Kids Yoga @ 3PM in Centre Court
Wednesday- Arts + Crafts in Centre Court from 11AM-1PM
Thursday- Family Manicures at Curio from 1PM-3PM, 7PM-9PM
Friday- TGIF! Kids Dance Class from 1PM-2PM in Centre Court

• March 15-March 19 and March 25, 2010
• Promenade Mall, Thornhill
• website

March Break Magic ShowMagic Show featuring Larry Potter the magician, also making balloon animals for the kids. Colouring contest to win a Jumping Castle for a day. BONUS 20% off all gently used items.

• Tuesday March 16
  
• 10:00 am
  
• Once Upon A Child, 75 Bayly St West, AJAX (map)
• Free!
• website

Ballet Jörgen Canada presents… CinderellaThis ballet by Bengt Jörgen is an innovative take on the classic fairy tale. Jörgen’s choreography takes us through the misfortunes and fortunes of Cinderella and her overbearing stepsisters. Cinderella is tormented by her sisters until her life is changed by the appearance of an old woman, a seed and magical fairies. When Cinderella wins the hand of her prince, her stepsisters find their world turned upside down. Recommended for ages 4+.

• Wednesday March 17, 2010
• 7:00 pm
• Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre Blvd.
• website

ROM comes to MarkvilleDiscover the Wonders of the Universe in the Royal Ontario Museum's Starlab. Participants will crawl inside a giant, inflatable planetarium to experience the night sky in a unique learning environment. Suitable for children ages 7 - 12. No pre-registration required. First come, first serve. Attendees may fill out a ballot to win 1 of 2 Family Passes to the ROM.

• Wednesday, March 17th
• All sessions are half an hour long
  
• 11:00am, 11:45am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm, and 4:15pm
  
• Centre Court, Markville Mall, Markham (Hw7 & McCowan Rd)
• website

Art Day at Creative PlayFor ages 5 years to 10 years. Morning Project: Character Portrait Painting. Afternoon Project: Ceramic Art. Lunch and snacks served (lunch served with full day registration only). Choose from a full or half day – full day $79 or half day $36 (am or pm). Payment due at registration. Register online or call 905-231-1900 to register by phone. Come play with us!

• March 17, 2010
• 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• 539 Westney Road. South., Suite #3
• $36 for half day, $79 for full day
• website

Improv @ the Newmarket TheatreThe Canadian Improv Showcase is offering a great family show at 2 pm on Wednesday March 17th at the Newmarket Theatre. This interactive comedy show is unlike anything else and is never the same show twice as it is made up on the spot and guided by audience participation. Tickets are $8 for kids, $10 for adults. Family pass $30 (2 adults & 2 kids). Also, groups are welcome and receive a discounted rate! For more information please contact the Newmarket Theatre at 905-953-5155 or ilatam@newmarket.ca.

• March 17, 2010
• 2 pm for the kids show | 8 pm for the teen/adult show
• The Newmarket Theatre
• $8 for kids, $10 for adults
• website

Safari Treasure Hunt at MarkvilleWe're pleased to partner with Toronto Zoo for a March Break Safari Treasure Hunt at the centre. Animals are lurking,...This March Break go on a safari treasure hunt for your chance to win one of five (5) Family Day Passes to the Toronto Zoo. Clue sheets can be picked up at Guest Services, located on the lower level, behind Roots, next to door #10. Decipher the "treasure" and you will be entered in a daily draw to win. One Toronto Zoo Family Day Pass will be awarded each day and each day, there's a different puzzle to solve. All children will receive a gift for playing our hunt. At the end of the week all entries will be included in a grand prize draw for a $100.00 Cadillac Fairview shop!™ card. Happy Hunting!

• Monday, March 15, 2010 to Friday, March 19, 2010
  Markville Mall, Markham (Hw7 & McCowan Rd)
• website

March Break Mystery at the Markham MuseumA crime has been committed at Markham Museum! We need young sleuths 12 and under to come and help us find the culprit! Follow the clues around our historic site and help us solve the mystery.

• Monday to Friday, March 15 to March 19, 2010
• 12 noon to 4:00 pm
• Markham Museum, 9350 Highway 48 (Markham Rd & 16th Ave)
• Regular Admission
• website

March Break Free Skate at Angus GlenPlease join Paul Calandra, MP for Oak Ridges-Markham for his 2nd Annual Free Community Skate.

• Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
• 5pm to 7pm
• Angus Glen Arena 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive, Markham
• website

Community Safety Village March Break MadnessDuring March Break, we welcome the public through our doors to participate in tours of the Village and various other activities, including a Scavenger Hunt. No reservation for the Community Safety Village is required. This event is held in conjunction with the Maple Sugar Festival at Bruce’s Mill.

• March 15 - 19, 2010
• 5pm to 7pm
• Community Safety Village, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area 3291 Stouffville Rd
• website

Fred Penner“More than just fun”, this multi-talented artist has the ability to connect with children through his music and songs. His latest CD “Where in the World” features The New Cat Came Back! This two-time Juno winner for Best Children’s Album Sing with Fred and eight-time nominee’s body of work is about energy and emotional connection. Fred Penner’s work is infused with a steadfast commitment to communication with children and families in a clear, non-condescending way. Recommended for ages 4+.

• March 21, 2010
• 7:00 pm
• Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre Blvd.
• website

March Break at the Oshawa MuseumDigging up the Past: Archaeology and Ancient History for Kids in the 21st Century The Oshawa Community Museum will be wrapping, writing, discovering and digging up the past this March Break! On March 15, 17 and 19, the Museum is hosting its children’s archaeology camp, “Digging up the Past”. Children must register for all three days and will get to participate in the Introduction to Archaeology, on day one and the Native and Greek and Egyptian History classes on days two and three. Suitable for children ages 7 – 12. Space is limited, so book now!

• March 15, 2010 - March 19, 2010.
• 9 am to 3 pm Daily
• Registration $60 per child for all three days
• Oshawa Community Museum & Archives, 1450 Simcoe Street South
• website

Sugarbush Maple Syrup FestivalIt’s a sure sign of spring. Come out and ‘tap into nature.’ Demonstrations, wagon rides, activities and, of course, pancakes and maple syrup! Check our special March Break and Easter activities.

• March 6 to April 11, 2010
• Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge website
• Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, Stouffville website

Horton Tree Farms Maple Syrup FestivalEnjoy the simple pleasure of being in the fragrant maple woods on a crisp March or April day. Smell the sweet aroma from the sugar shack as the maple sap is boiled down to syrup. Savour the hot pancakes fresh off the griddle smothered with our homemade maple syrup in the old log cabin. We have been welcoming people to our traditional, family-run operation since 1963.

• Saturdays and Sundays: mid-March to mid-April
• 9am to 4pm
• Horton's Home Farm, 5924 Slater Road (Warden Ave & Aurora Rd)
• website

St. Patrick's Day Family EventJoin us for a morning of live entertainment, games, crafts, face paiting and more. Prizes for children and have a chance to win a door prize. Don't forget to wear green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

• Wednesday, March 17, 2010
• 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
• Magna Centre, 800 Mullock Dr.
• $3/child (parents/guardian free but must stay with children)
• website

March Break Celebrations at the McMichael GalleryGet a jump on spring and March Break celebrations! Take a family tour of the Woodland School exhibition. Touch artifacts and listen to Anishnabe (Woodland) legends in the Discovery Space storytelling room. Learn about contemporary art of the First Nations, and participate in a special artist-led workshop featuring visiting students from the Ontario College of Art and Design, Aboriginal Visual Culture Program. Featuring Eddy Robinson and Morningside River Performance and Storytelling Performances 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday, March 14, 2010
• 11 am to 4pm
• McMichael Canadian Art Collection 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg
• website

TORONTO

The Monster Under the BedBen has BIG problems. His Mom is acting grumpy, his former best friend Vince has stolen his precious binoculars and his Dad is far, far away... oh, and there’s a monster under his bed. But this monster isn’t scary; he’s a boy just like Ben and he’s aching to see the outside world. When he swaps places with the under-bed monster, Ben’s life – and his school – is turned inside out and upside down.

• March 3 to April 1, 2010
• Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People 165 Front St East, Toronto
• Tickets $10 to $20 each
• website

Tea Time for Teddy BearsCan you imagine anything more enchanting than bringing your Teddy Bear to Casa Loma for tea time and story telling? Following a reading of Little Red Riding Hood, everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy a freshly baked scone, jam and tea or hot chocolate while the children decorate their own teapot-themed cookies. All children will be able to take home their decorated cookies in a basket, just like Little Red Riding Hood. Cookies and scones provided by Marnie Lippa, Parties Made Simple. Pre-registration is necessary for this event. To register, please phone 416-923-1171 ext 205 or ext 215. .

• March 13 & 16, 2010
• 1:00 pm each day
• Children: $14.50 + GST Adults: $19.00 + GST Teddy Bears: Free Age: 2 years + General admission to Casa Loma and a ticket to Robin Hood are included in the above prices.
• website

High School Musical 2: On StageHIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2: ON STAGE features all the songs from the movie, including "What Time Is It", "You Are The Music In Me", "Gotta Go My Own Way" and "Bet On It", as well as the un-aired "Humuhumunukunukuapua'a".

• Wednesday, March 17 to Sunday, March 21
• Toronto Centre for the Arts, Studio Theatre
• Tickets $18 (Ticketmaster)
• website

Brick Bros. CircusGuaranteed to stimulate imagination and spark creative thinking, the Brick Bros. Circus is a complete tongue-in-cheek, minature one-ring circus, performed by highly-trained building bricks in itty bitty sequined costumes. See bricks do tricks in one of the silliest shows on earth! See the acrobatic Bildovitch Family, the breathtaking Madame Brikaskova, Brikko the Clown and much more. This show takes the definition of puppetry to its logical extreme, with the most inanimate of objects performing in the most active form of theatre.

• March 15 to 20, 2010
• 2:00 pm daily
• Puppetmongers Studio, 401 Logan Ave. unit 219, Toronto
• $12 ($10 before Mar. 12)
• website

Yo Gabba Gabba! LiveFeaturing DJ Lance Rock and everyone’s favorite cast of characters– Brobee (the little green one), Foofa (the pink flower bubble), Muno (the red Cyclops), Plex (the magic robot), and Toodee (the blue cat-dragon), YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY is packed with music, animation, games, singing, and dancing. Master your beat boxing skills with the legendary Biz Markie. See musical guests rock out during the “Super Music Friends” show. Plus you never know who will show up for a “Dancey Dance.”

• March 16 and 17, 2010
• 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
• The Elgin Theatre 189 Yonge Street, Toronto
• website

March Through Time at Fort YorkDROP-IN during March Break. Ages 3 to 12. March Through Time. March 15 to 19 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children between the ages of 3 to 12 will love to dress up, march like a soldier, cook in the historic kitchen, play music, and much more! Enjoy all kinds of fun activities related to Fort York and Toronto's history.

• March 15 and 19, 2010
• 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
  Adults $7.62, Seniors & Youths $3.81, Children $2.86 (plus tax). Children under 3 are free.
• Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Road, Toronto
• website

March Break at the Hockey Hall of FameDROP-IN during March Break. Ages 3 to 12. March Through Time. March 15 to 19 - Join us for an action packed lineup of games, contests, prizes, mascot appearances, autograph signings and more! DO IT ALL @ THE HALL this March Break! Our action-packed lineup includes: * Medal Monday * Family Fun Hour - Games & Giveaways * Tales of the Cup - Fan Forum * Toronto Marlies Autograph Session * Mascot Friday * Activity Stations * March Break Trivia Contest!

• March 15 to 21, 2010
• Brookfield Place 30 Yonge Street, Toronto
• website

March Break Adventures Awaits at the Ontario Science CentreThe Ontario Science Centre offers a wide variety of adventures and experiences for visitors of all ages. In addition to hundreds of amazing exhibits and IMAX® films, special programming is set to take place throughout the Science Centre during March Break.

• March 15, 2010 to March 19, 2010
• Extended hours for the week from 10am to 6pm
• Ontario Science Center, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
• website

March Break Film Festival at Ontario PlaceParents won’t have to go far to keep the kids entertained this March Break. Come to Ontario Place and enjoy two hit films, The Princess Frog (11:00 am) and New Moon (2:00 pm) on Cinesphere’s GIANT screen. Purchase your 2010 Canadian Family Play All Summer Pass at the gate for as low as $37.14 before tax, and see a March Break Film Festival Movie FREE (value of $8)!

• Daily March 15 to March 21, 2010
• $8 per person
• Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd. West, Toronto
• website

The Natrel® RinkThe Natrel® Rink reclaims its place as Toronto’s favourite outdoor rink when the 2009/2010 winter season launches on Nov. 21. The rink is open daily until March Break (weather permitting) and is one of the first outdoor rinks to open in downtown Toronto this season. Skate and helmet rentals, sharpening service, change rooms and lockers are available.

• November 21 through March Break (weather permitting)
• Hours of operation are from Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 11 pm
• Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
• website

Toronto Spring Fest at Downsview ParkHuge indoor amusement park. Kids shows, indoor rides, games, clowns and more.

• March 15 to March 21, 2010
• 40 Carl Hall Road, Studio 3, Toronto
• $20 per child, Day Pass Unlimited Rides (Adults 21+ accompanying child free)
• website

Spring Fling 2010Canada's largest indoor carnival returns to Rogers Centre for a 6 day run through March Break 2010. Spring Fling is your solution to the question "What should we do this March Break?" Enjoy midway fun with rides, and games of chance. New this year: a children's stage, Reptilia, Inflatable Sports Zone and Activity Area.

• Tuesday, March 16 - Sunday, March 21
• $20.00 - All day ride ticket (2 years and up) or $10.00 - No ride ticket (+ services fees).
• Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
• website

March Break Goes Wild at the Zoo!Open every day! Get out of the cold and into one of our tropical pavilions, where you can get up close to all kinds of exotic animals, including our new baby gorilla, Nassir! Or, grab a hot chocolate and take a walk along one of our trails to see lions, tigers, camels and more or take in a Keeper Talk. Don't forget to visit our new award-winning Tundra Trek Exhibit and experience the excitement of getting face to face with our three returning polar bears, as well as Arctic wolves, reindeer and more.

• Saturday, March 13th to Sunday, March 21st, 2010
• Toronto Zoo, Meadowvale Road, Toronto
• website

March Break: Robin Hood: Welcome to Sherwood Forest Casa Loma presents nine days of March Break fun, all set in an enchanting castle complete with gargoyles, secret passages, twisting towers and a mysterious underground tunnel. Will Robin steal the show or will the evil Sheriff be hoodwinked again? Find out at Robin Hood, featuring those masters of merriment Men In Tights. This comedic troupe depends on audience participation to tell a swashbuckling rendition of this tale. Every show is different! And don't miss the hilarious hijinks of Tim Holland: Puppet Tamer. Through Cheap Trickery and Genuine Magic, master ventriloquist, Tim Holland convinces the audience of the dangers inherent in the taming of ferocious and uncooperative puppets. All this and more awaits your pleasure. Advance tickets available on our website.

• Saturday, March 13th to Sunday, March 21st, 2010
• Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
• website

Family Fun at Casa Loma continues into Ghostly March Break Evenings! Renowned Ghost Trackers Michelle Desrochers and Patrick Cross host three special evenings of ghost findings at Casa Loma. The fun begins with a 45-minute general information session of ghost tracking at Casa Loma that includes Spirit sightings and a special peek at the research equipment used by the hosts. Next, all participants will take part in a one of a kind investigative tour of Casa Loma. Participants are asked to bring their digital or disposable cameras. We strongly suggest a small compass for children. Price: Children (up to age 14) $15 + GST, Adults (15 +) $25 + GST. Although this program is geared to families, some parents may not find the content suitable for young children. Pre registration is necessary. To register, please phone 416-923-1171 ext 205 or ext 215.

• Monday, March 15, Tuesday, March 16 and Wednesday March 17
• Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
• website

ROM’s March Break 2010 is Bigger, Better, Battier! Families are invited to a week-long, whirlwind adventure, from the Bat Cave to a Medieval Fair—the ROM is where it’s at this March Break. Test your wits while exploring an eerie re-vamped bat cave, or meet a Samurai and suit up for war in Mediaeval armour at the Royal Ontario Museum. Young explorers will have plenty of adventures to choose from, with activities taking place throughout the Museum from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily, included with general ROM admission. Families, throw on your explorer’s cap, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime! This March Break, the ROM extends its hours to 8:30 pm for the entire week (Saturday, March 13, to Saturday, March 20, 2010), and visitors will enjoy half-priced admission after 4:30 pm. On the last day of March Break Sunday, March 21, the Museum is extending its hours to 6:30 pm.

• Saturday, March 13th to Sunday, March 21st, 2010
• ROM - Royal Ontario Museum
• website

Take March Break to a Higher Level at the CN Tower Special Admission, Nickelodeon Characters, Battle Strikers & More! This March Break make the CN Tower your next big adventure. Explore the world’s #1 elevator ride, three observation levels including the famous Glass Floor, the ride, movie, plus, enjoy special March Break week activities (all activities included with admission): Special Admission During March Break purchase the CN Tower’s do-it-all Total Tower Ticket for only $25 (including taxes) – save up to 30%. * Admission Offer: $25 Total Tower ticket includes Look Out, Glass Floor, Sky Pod, The Height of Excellence Movie, Himalamazon Motion Theatre Ride; ticket applies to child (4 years of age or older), adult or senior admission; valid March 13-21, 2010; may not be combined with any other offers; subject to change and availability. Tickets must be purchased on site.

• Saturday, March 13th to Sunday, March 21st, 2010
• CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, Toronto
• website

Wizard World Wizard World is Toronto's Indoor Family Fun Park coming to Exhibition Place during March Break. Bring the family to Wizard World this March Break and be entertained by: Stage shows, Entertainers, Petting Zoo, Wild Jungle Cats, A Magic Show, Arcades and games, Rides, Interactive Kids area. March 14 - 21, 2010.

• March 14, 2010 to March 21, 2010
• Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto
• website

Extreme Footwear!
March Break Madness at the Bata Shoe MuseumTall and teeny, strange and pointy, we?re pulling out all the extremes for March Break 2010! Kids can take part in all our extreme-themed arts and crafts including decorating an extremely tall cookie, painting an extremely teeny clog and creating an extremely cool shoe fridge magnet! Go on a treasure hunt for extreme footwear in the Museum galleries. Also, pitch in and help us decorate an extremely giant moccasin and take part in our extremely huge shoe project which will be part of a collective collage!

• March 15 to 19, 2010
• Drop-in, 11am-4pm
• Bata Shoe Museum
• Special March Break Pricing - $8.00 per child and $8.00 per adult accompanying a child participating in the March Break Program. Family rates do not apply, but book ahead to get a special rate for groups of 10 or more. To pre-register call 416-979-7700 x 242 or email programs@batashoemuseum.ca
• website

2010 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross SeriesThe only international race stop on the 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross race schedule comes to Rogers Centre. As the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world this is your chance to see all the great champions in action.

• Saturday, March 13, 2010
• Rogers Centre
• website

March Break Fun at Pioneer VillageBlack Creek Pioneer Village is offering a special week of activities for children. March Break Fun! provides a day of fun in a wholesome family-friendly environment. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides free with admission, warm up indoors playing pioneer games, or enjoy fresh maple syrup the way the pioneers did with a delicious pancake breakfast. March Break Fun! is offered at specially reduced admission, thus providing a wonderful family outing right here in the GTA.

• Saturday, March 13, 2010 - Sunday, March 21 2010
• Daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
• Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway Toronto
• Adults, Seniors, and Adults $10; Children (5-15): $7; 4 years & under: free
• website

Max & Ruby "My Favourite Things"The wildly popular Treehouse TV show returns to The Music Hall with Max & Ruby in 'My Favourite Things'. This engaging show thrilled a capacity crowd of children and adults alike the last time it was here. Live performers from award-winning Sphere Entertainement, leaders in quality family shows since 1977, will lead the audience through an interactive multimedia production of songs ans toires that are sure to capture every young heart in attendance.

• Saturday, March 13, 2010
• 11:00 am & 3:30 pm
• The Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue, Toronto (map)
• $25
• website

Purina National Dog ShowJoin the dog parade as hundreds of purebred dogs strut their stuff at The Purina National dog show ? an affordable, family-friendly March Break event. Experience the thrill of four-legged competition as dogs from around the world vie for the grand title of Best in Show. Revel at the Rally-Obedience trails; witness serious primping as dogs transform into competitors in the grooming area; meet your best breed match in the Breeders? Village; and explore Vendors? Alley for the latest doggie gear and info.

• March 12-14, 2010
• 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Mississauga International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga (map)
• Adults- $10, children under 8- $6, Family Pass $25
• website