March Break in Burlington

With March Break just around the corner, there is lots to do in Burlington.  This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy activities and events together.  It seems as if many families will be enjoying some “fun in the sun,” however if you are planning on staying in the area its time to start planning your “stay-cation.”  This is the perfect time to become a tourist in your hometown.  

While I was growing up on my family farm, every winter my father would bring my siblings and I out to the bush, tap the maple trees, and collect the sap.  This experience was very exciting as I was able to be outside “working” along side my dad, even though sometimes I would get stuck in the mud.  This was definitely an unforgettable educational experience from start to finish.  With maple sugar just flowing from the trees, many delicious treats are waiting for you!  Start off your morning with maple syrup on pancakes for breakfast, and continue the experience to one of the many festivals in Burlington/Halton. 

If you missed breakfast, or want seconds, Bronte Creek Provincial Park allows you to take a wagon ride to a heated pancake house.  Here you can enjoy delicious hotcakes, as well as sausages and pure maple syrup, served throughout the festival hours. YUM!  Take a stroll down Maple Lane where people dressed in 1890s costumes will demonstrate how trees are tapped.  The maple syrup festivities are open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every weekend in March and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily through March Break.  From start to finish the Maple Syrup Festival allows everyone to view artifacts and purchase some delicious goodies.  Visit the parks website for more information and admission rates.

At Conservation Halton during weekends, holidays and March Break both Mountsberg and Crawford Lake are both featuring Maple Syrup Festivals.  At Mountsberg, explore the sugar bush through modern and historic eyes.  Maple Towne allows you to see the tapping, collection and boiling of the sap.  Maple candy making sessions and horse-drawn wagon rides ($) through the bush are also offered. Stop at the Pancake Pavilion for a plate of flap jacks covered in pure maple syrup!  While in this Sweet Water Season, Crawford Lake Conservation Area is offering complimentary samples of cornbread, dipped with pure maple syrup.  Taste taffy on snow with maple syrup, for a new experience.  Just make sure you aren’t grabbing any yellow snow!  The 15^th century Iroquoian Village and reconstructed Longhouses are open for exploring with FREE craft making and a discovery hunt with prizes.  The 19km of hiking trails with boardwalks around Crawford Lake make this location perfect for a whole day outing.

Aside from having 14 runs and lessons over the March Break, Glen Eden has some of the best skiing and riding hills in Burlington! If you are someone who wants to learn the basics, Discover Lessons are the best way to get the bang for your buck, check out the rates for this years March Madness.  All you have to do is come dressed in warm outdoor winter clothing, and prepare yourself for some fun! Check their website for more information as well as current conditions before you head out to the slopes. 

The Royal Botanical Gardens has just the right thing to get you eager to explore some history.  Bring the family out to see the Battle of the Titans with Tyrannosaurus Rex/Triceratops life size dioramas as you learn about paleontology.  The kids can play dress up, see dino prints, or even try the digital dig pit.  On Sunday March 17^th enjoy a Prehistoric Brunch at The Gardens Café.  If you are a carnivore or herbivore the Gardens Café is sure to cook up something delicious for brunch.  Children aged 4-10 are $12, adults are $20, while children under 4 eat FREE.

There is always something to do at the Museums of Burlington and embrace some local history.  Ireland House at Oakridge Farm interprets the lives of the Ireland family and offers Pinoneer Pastimes throughout the week.  Here your kids will be able to learn about life during the Pioneer era.  Each day has a different theme with single day participation or multi-day ($).  February was Heritage month, and I visited Joseph Brant Museum with Shelby, a co-op student from MMR High School.  Both Shelby and I had a wonderful experience viewing the different displays.  During the March break at Joseph Brant, Kreative Kids allows young ones to learn about all the different arts and crafts with creativity as their guide and with different daily themes ($).  You will also be able to explore the museums exhibits and displays during your visit.

The Burlington Art Centre always has something interesting going on!  I personally love going into the centre once a new exhibit is on, just to get a little inspiration.  Lini Grol: The history and art of Paper Cutting is starting on March 8^th and running until May 12^th.  Who knew that paper cutting is an intricate and ancient art form?  Lini Grol has been creating and exhibiting her paper cutting artwork for over 50 years, and now the Burlington Art Centre will be showcasing her work.  Although I didn’t find my artistic side until I started high school, I did always have a soft spot for the arts.   The best part is admission is always FREE!

Whether it is reading classic books together or signing out DVD’s, there always seems to be a reason to stop at one of Burlington’s Public Libraries.  Try something new or just spend a wonderful afternoon together over a good book!  For a complete list of events and times, check out the BPL website. 

If you are one of the many parents that have to work over the March Break, there are so many day camps available around the city.  From sports to art, there is something for every child as young as 3 years old.  

The City of Burlington offers day camps, drop-in programs, and full week experiences.  There's nothing like dropping by the gym and enjoying some family recreation time together.  Preschoolers can play on the equipment as well as with the toys, while others can play some soccer or even shoot some hoops.  Just don’t forget those indoor running shoes!  There is always an opportunity to keep active by participating in one of the many programmes, such as Drop in Family Gym, Babysitting, and March Break Blasts.  Check out the RecExpress for more detailed information.

The Performing Arts Centre has a line up of exciting shows over the March Break.  On March 14^th the Circus Incognitus featuring Jamie Adkins is a man who has something to say, but can’t seem to get it quite out.  He might be juggling, jumping into a cardboard box, or balancing on a rope.  Jamie’s skills and humor will be enough entertainment for the entire family. Admission for youth will be $16 while adults are $25.  Enjoy the show! 

Burlington Arts Centre – offering a wide array of Art & Craft Classes for adults and children.  Registration is now open!  Call 905.632.7796 ext. 307 to register or for more information.

Burlington Gymnastics Club – offers full and half day programs with gymnastics training and additional care.

Cedar Spring Health & Racquet Club – ideal for juniors and tiny tots looking for fun and fitness.

Prestige Circus and Gymnastics School – a perfect way for new or interested children to try circus and gymnastics. 

Aside from the various day camps or drop in programs, there is always something to do!  Whatever you choose to do over the week we hope you have fun.  Remember that the Tourism Burlington Visitor Centre is open all week from 9am-4pm, or contact us on twitter and facebook.

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