MarchBreak posts

The learning doesn't have to stop during March Break. Museums and resource centres across Canada have plenty on the go for kids during March Break, including many activities that will teach them about art and culture. Here are five museums in Canada that offer great activities for kids during this month's prolonged recess for school:

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1. Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto - With loads of programs, the AGO keeps kids entertained from March 12-16. Activities include a hands-on learning centre, a series of "Tin Tin" episodes to watch, a room where kids can build their own "sculpture garden" using soft plush pieces and family-friendly tours of the galleries.
2. Diefenbunker, Ottawa - If your kid has dreams of being James Bond - or Austin Powers - then the Diefenbunker Spy Camp is for him, or her. Kids will learn the art of espionage, which some parents may not be too keen about, but it's all in good fun. The Diefenbunker, so-named because it was a secret Cold War facility created during John Diefenbaker's administration, features lots of history as well as this unique experience. Kids will create a disguise for going undercover, make and break codes, and configure spy gadgets, among other things. The week-long camp ($225 per child) runs from March 12-16 and is for ages 7-12.
3. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax - Sculpture, mixed-media and traditional painting are among the skills kids can learn from professional artists at this gallery. Classes run from March 10-18 with full-day ($250) and half-day ($125) sessions available.
4. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal - This fantastic museum has a 2-for-1 admission special during March Break to the special exhibit called "Feininger the Great Carnival," in which the work of Lyonel Feininger is explored. But what makes the Montreal Musem of Fine Arts special is its devotion to Canadian art, as best illustrated in the newly opened Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion of Quebec and Canadian Art. For older kids, the museum offers a cultural insight into Canada that they may appreciate if they're keen on art or the nation's history.
5. TheMuseum, Kitchener, Ont. - Hockey, art and skill development are all rolled into one fun package in this museum an hour southwest of Toronto. "Arena" features art work that comments on the national pastime as well as celebrates it. There are fun interactive displays and excellent art, including hockey masks from Wanda Koop that resemble tribal paintings and Graeme Patterson's mesmerizing stop-animation film featuring Darryl Sittler's famed 10-Point Game. The Canada-Russia Summit Series documentary will transfix parents. It runs continuously on the museum's top floor. With this being the 40^th anniversary of the Summit Series, the memories are even more poignant for some. "Arena" runs until May 6 at TheMuseum.

There's something strangely satisfying and less stressful about flying with only carry-on luggage.

The first snicker of satisfaction comes when you arrive at the airport with your boarding pass already printed off the internet and breeze past the line of people waiting to check in their bags. The second is knowing that you've avoided paying check-in baggage fees (this is not so much an issue on Canadian airlines, but you really need to watch out for them in the U.S. or on budget airlines around the world -- they hurt. Ouch!) Third is knowing that the airline won't lose your luggage (it's a slim chance, but it does happen.) And fourth is being able to walk straight off the plane, past those waiting for the baggage conveyor belt to start up, and straight out of the airport.

Before you say that there's no way you could fit everything you need into your carry-on, read on.

Breaking the bank over March Break activities is no way to help your financial stress levels. (I'd wager that most people have financial stress to some degree.)

"The attitude of 'buy me, take me, I need, I want' must be changed if parents are to teach their children the value of a dollar," says Jeffrey Schwartz, executive director of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada. "We are recommending our clients use this time as a teaching opportunity and involve their children in the planning process."

Related articles:

• March Break Daytrips for Ontario
• Teaching Kids About Money
• Adult Children Living in the Basement
• All About Allowances

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.