Retail Giants Offer Cheap March Break Fun

With two kids under five, going away for March Break just isn't an option for me this year. Judging by the number of people in my grocery store this morning, I'm in good company. If you're a fellow "staycationer" looking for ways to keep the kids busy on the cheap, check out some of the fun activities happening at these retail stores.

1. IKEA stores across Ontario are holding "IKEA Camp" all week. From 10 am to 2 pm every day, you and your kids can enjoy storytime, scavenger hunts, puppet shows, magicians, jugglers, and more. You can even get a free kids' meal with the purchase of an adult meal of $3 or more. Half a day's worth of activities, plus lunch, for $3? IKEA is really pulling out all the stops on this one.

2. Michaels craft stores often host free family craft activities in exchange for a small purchase. This week, your kids can make their own T-shirt at any Michaels store. You get free fashion paint and instruction with the purchase of a $3.50 T-shirt. Many Ontario stores are also holding Easter egg clinics this week. Buy a $7.00 egg to decorate in-store (instruction and decorating supplies are free), and take it home with you. It's not free, but I love when my kids learn something new while having fun, so it's worth $7.00 to me.3. Chapters isn't offering any March Break programs in my area, but my kids can easily spend an afternoon at the train table at our local store. Most of the locations in my area hold storytime once a week, too. If your location doesn't have a storytime, take a couple of books of the shelves and start reading together. I bet you'll have a small audience in no time.

4. All Home Depot stores hold free workshops where kids and their parents can make projects from pre-fabricated kits. The projects tend to be things kids can really get excited about, like bird houses, butterfly houses, picture frames, and tool boxes. Call your nearest store to find out what's happening this week.

I'm not kidding myself. I know these retailers are trying to get me into their stores so I'll spend money, but with the exception of Michaels, there's no obligation to buy. And even if I do make a small purchase or two, it's still cheaper than taking my family of four to a movie, sporting event, or even the museum.