City of Toronto ready to resume full slate of fun, safe March Break activities
While elementary and secondary schools take their annual March Break pause from March 14 to 18, the City of Toronto is encouraging students and families to get out and make the most of the many free and affordable activities Toronto has to offer.
Residents and visitors to the city can take part in community recreation programming, visit City skating rinks, ski hills, pools, conservatories, zoos or history sites, and rediscover all that Toronto has to offer.
CampTO and community recreation
Spots are still available for Virtual CampTO, a live and interactive online camp experience for children ages four to 12. The theme is Mysterious March Break and workshops include arts, crafts, cooking, science and fitness. More information about camps and registration is available at www.toronto.ca/camps.
City community centres also offer free or low-cost programs for all ages. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/rec.
Throughout March Break, in partnership with Nike, three brightly-decorated Play Mobiles will be popping up in neighbourhoods across the city providing free, fun outdoor recreational opportunities to try a variety of sports. To learn more about the Play Mobile program and the pop-up schedule visit www.toronto.ca/PlayMobile.
Skating
Many outdoor artificial ice rinks are open throughout March Break, weather permitting. Residents are encouraged to check the status of the rink before heading out at www.toronto.ca/skate.
Additionally, indoor leisure skating programs, including caregiver and tot, family skate and shinny, are free for all ages. Hockey helmets approved by the Canadian Standards Association are mandatory for children under six years of age. Schedules and locations and live rink status updates are available at www.toronto.ca/skate.
Skiing and snowboarding
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre will offer downhill leisure skiing and snowboarding, as well as lessons during March Break, weather dependent. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/ski.
Swimming
City pools will offer free leisure swimming during March Break. Residents can dive in and find all of the need-to-know information at www.toronto.ca/swim.
Toronto Island Park
Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, Toronto Island Park is a great place to walk, cycle, explore and enjoy the city skyline. The ferry schedule and fees are available at www.toronto.ca/ferry.
Conservatories and greenhouses
Both the Allan Gardens and Centennial Park conservatories will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during March Break. Admission is free and the conservatories are wheelchair-accessible. While Allen Gardens is undergoing renovations, washrooms inside the conservatory are closed. Portable washrooms are available outside by the playground. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/conservatories.
Riverdale Farm
Visit a working farm in the centre of the city. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/zoos-farms.
High Park Zoo
Toronto’s oldest animal attraction, High Park Zoo, has been entertaining people for 120 years and is open every day between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. High Park is closed to vehicle traffic on weekends and public holidays. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/zoos-farms.
Toronto Zoo
What better place to spend March Break than at your Toronto Zoo where you can discover over 4,000 animals while exploring over 10 km of walking trails and four tropical pavilions! Toronto Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – last admission at 5 p.m. For a complete list of March Break programming, visit www.torontozoo.com/events.
Important reminder: Toronto Zoo requires the enhanced vaccine certificate with or without QR code as the approved proof of vaccination. Individuals can download their enhanced certificate at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/. Please also have a piece of ID ready when entering the Zoo.
Toronto Public Library
For a complete list of virtual events for school-age children, visit www.tpl.ca/marchbreak. Visit www.tpl.ca/kids to try out Toronto Public Library's online escape room, digital puzzles and more fun activities to try at home.
Fort York National Historic Site
From March 12 through March 20, people can enjoy March Break at Fort York National Historic Site with outdoor activities, tours and demonstrations for all ages. Visitors to the Fort can see the sights on a walking tour, warm up by the Fort’s outdoor fire pit and learn how to cook over an open fire.
Fort York is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with outdoor tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays with additional tours at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends. Drop-in events are rain or shine. Capacity may be limited to maintain health and safety. This event is wheelchair accessible. More information about the Fort York National Historic Site is available here: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/fort-york-national-historic-site/.