March Break: What to Do, Where to Stay

Kids in Ontario are off school from March 12-20, and this year, we expect some of the warmest weather on record. It’s a great time for a family road trip or a staycation. Here are three city breaks you can plan right now, with savings of up to 50% on activities, shows, museums, hotels and more.

TORONTO

What to Do: Few family friendly outings top Medieval Times; the only place where roast-chicken dinner comes with a side of live jousting. You can save 50% over March Break, when tireless knights and their noble steed bolster the schedule to three shows per day ($40; March 12-19).

We're also excited about the Canadian premiere of the "Goodnight Moon" musical, which is adapted from the famous story of the same name. It's up to 40% off, and if you show up early, the kids can partake in a free scavenger hunt plus arts and crafts ($26-$34; March 14-18).

Toronto's museums are also getting involved. The Art Gallery of Ontario has family friendly activities all week long and is offering $10 off family passes ($39 for two adults and up to five youths; March 12-20). The Royal Ontario Museum has reduced admission on its extended hours ($7-$10, March 12-20 between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.).

You could take advantage of Cineplex / SilverCity's "March Break Movies" lineup, which features family friendly fare such as "Minions" and "Shaun the Sheep" at $2.99 per showing.

If you're prepared to drive a little, consider 45% off Raptors 905 basketball in Mississauga ($9-$23; Monday, March 14). And Mansfield Ski Club, which has 15 slopes catering to all levels, is about an hour north of the city ($29; March 12-20).

Where to Stay: The Sheraton Centre, which has solid 4-star rooms near flashy Yonge-Dundas Square and across from City Hall, is arguably among the city's best-located hotels ($140-$179; March 14-19). You could also try the Courtyard by Marriott ($134-$152; March 13-19).

Both hotels are near subway stations and streetcar lines, which allows you to take advantage of the TTC's Family Day Pass offer ($12; March 12-20).

NIAGARA FALLS

What to Do: There’s no shortage of guilty pleasures to choose from, but to get the best bang for your buck, we recommend buying a bundle for either Niagara Falls Fun Zone or Captain Jack’s ($18-$19 daily). They both come with a pile of arcade tokens, activities like mini golf and mirror mazes, and dining credits.

Old Fort Erie is offering a unique chance to see movies like "Happy Feet" or "Ice Age" inside a national historic site ($5; matinees March 14-18). The Niagara Parks blog has details about the screenings, along with other ideas for that week.

On the entertainment front, you can't go wrong with magicians Edward Stone ($22; weekends only) and Greg Frewin ($25; Monday-Saturday).

Where to Stay: Niagara is a magnet for families, and finding deals over March Break is easier said than done. A good option though is Best Western Fallsview; their family package includes activities like mini golf. Accommodations are basic, but the location just two blocks from the Falls is great for the price ($69-$109; March 12-19).

OTTAWA

What to Do: The Ottawa Senators face the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals over March break; a chance to see all-star defenseman Erik Karlsson and recent Leafs acquisition Dion Phaneuf. Prices at 45% off are surprisingly family-friendly, and each ticket comes with a free toque ($39 and up; March 15 and 22).

The Canadian Museum of History has activities themed around its new "Vikings" exhibit; kids can craft their own helmets and contribute to a Viking ship made of 30,000 building blocks (free with admission; March 14-16). At the Canadian Museum of Nature, there are "build-a-bug" workshops every morning (free with admission; March 12-20).

At SilverCity Gloucester, you can take advantage of $2.99 "March Break Movies" featuring favourites such as "Minions" and "Paddington".

If you're driving to Ottawa from the GTA, consider a pit stop at Jungle World Wildlife Park, which is more than half off ($7 daily).

Where to Stay: Novotel Ottawa ($149 select dates over March Break) is our top pick, and we're not alone -- it's the best-selling Ottawa hotel on Travelzoo. Kids under 16 stay free and can enjoy an buffet breakfast spread including chocolate croissants, bacon, hash browns and other morning favourites.

The hotel is near ByWard market, a lively area that just happens to be home to the nation's first-ever BeaverTails stand -- though whether the kids should know is entirely up to you.

What will you be doing for March Break? Let us know in the comments below.