By Jenn Reid
March Break can get expensive, especially when you’ve got more than one kid that needs a full week of entertainment. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to stretch your dollar during March Break, from major discounts at local attractions to free events and things to do for kids. Check out the best deals and discounts for March Break in Toronto. [Photo credit: Courtesy of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada]
Cineplex Theatres bring recent favourites back for $2.99 a screening during March Break. Monday to Friday starting at 11 a.m., catch films like Trolls, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Storks or The Secret Life of Pets. Participating Toronto theatres: Famous Players Fairview Mall and SilverCity Yorkdale. The $2.99 tickets are good for adult or child admission.
Pick up a Toronto CityPASS for discounts to five different major attractions. With a CityPass, visitors can save on tickets to the CN Tower, ROM, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Ontario Science Centre or Toronto Zoo. The savings are worth it, and you also get to skip the lines for quicker entry. This is a good option on a busy March Break, especially if you want to check out the always busy Ripley’s Aquarium. The CityPASS is $75 for adults and $51 for kids under 12.
Area 51 Laser Tag brings out the special Epic Pass only twice a year, so March Break is one of the only times to snag this deal. The one-day pass gets you unlimited laser tag, in and out privileges (meaning you can go for lunch and come back) and access to the indoor playground. The pass is only $20 per person and is good for any day during March Break (March 10 to 19).
Playdium indoor arcade has more than 200 attractions, from a roller coaster stimulator to video games, a laser maze, a 3D interactive movie experience and old school arcade games. For March Break you can take advantage of a special deal where $40 (not including tax) gets you 285 credits that can be redeemed on games and attractions. This offer is available from March 11 to 19.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is always a hot spot during March Break. This year is the NHL’s centennial anniversary, and the HHoF is celebrating 100 years of hockey with giveaways to the first 100 guests every day during March Break. Each of the first 100 guests who gets a Stanley Cup photo package will receive a free $10 Esso Gas Card. You can also save 10 per cent on official merchandise at the HHoF gift shop after downloading the app.
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Got a 4th or 5th grader who likes the outdoors? Ski Canada has a Ski Pass available for kids in grade 4 and 5 to ski or snowboard at different hills across Canada for only $29.95. The pass allows kids to ski at each hill three times throughout the season. The pass is valid until they finish fifth grade, meaning it can last two years if you buy early. Toronto hills Earl Bales and Centennial are participating, as are plenty of other spots in the GTA. Some hills require a paying adult to accompany the kids, so much sure to check out the details on the official site.
Toronto Comicon brings all aspects of geek culture to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 17 to 19. This year, families can save with the All Access Family Pass, which grants entry for two adults and up to four children ages six to 12. The pass is $39 to $59, depending on which day of the event you’re attending. There are kid-friendly programs on site, including a Family Zone.
Multiple Indigo book store locations across the GTA ware hosting free March Break events for kids in-store. All week long, kids can drop in to stores to play games, build, make crafts and read. On Monday, kids can build using Quixel toys. On Tuesday, Klutz Jr. provides crafts like turning egg cartons into barn animals. Then on Wednesday, kids can play Hasboro games like Jenga, Toilet Trouble and Operation. Thursday is all about Dr. Seuss and the 60th anniversary of Cat in the Hat, with kids making their own hat creations. The fun ends on Friday with Play-Doh creations. There are also discounts on kids’ books and toys during the week
There are free drop-in programs at the Library all throughout March Break. There are crafts to be made, games to be played and more. Multiple locations have free movie screenings of recent releases like The Secret Life of Pets, and special pet-themed activities to go along with it. There’s also Lego workshops, science experiments and live reptiles. Check out the website to see what’s happening at your local branch.
Sugar Beach becomes a Quebec-style Sugar Shack during March Break. Admission is free for all ages, and there are activities like maple syrup tastings, ice carving and more. There is also a free shuttle between Sugar Beach and the Distillery District. The event is March 11 and 12 only.
