March Break 2026 in Ontario runs Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20. It’s the official school break week for all publicly funded schools in Ontario. Many attractions offer special programming and extended hours during this period.
Not sure what works for a toddler and a grade-schooler at the same time? These picks handle the age gap:
You don’t need to spend a lot to keep kids busy during March Break. These are the best free and low-cost options in Toronto and North York.
All 10 City of Toronto history museums offer free general admission during March Break. Explore Fort York, Spadina Museum, Colborne Lodge, Gibson House (in North York at 5172 Yonge St), and more. Special hands-on activities and costumed interpreters at most locations.
Free drop-in for the extended March Break period (March 14–22). Features musket demonstrations, guided tours, and hands-on 19th-century activities. One of the best free family outings in the city during the break.
TPL runs free March Break programs across all branches, including STEM workshops, crafts, reading programs, and puppet shows. Key North York branches:
Check torontopubliclibrary.ca for the full March Break schedule closer to the date.
A free outdoor light exhibit at Ontario Place, running nightly throughout March Break. Features stunning illuminated installations and interactive light art. Dress warm — it’s an outdoor evening event. Great for families and teens.
Free nature walks, art exhibits, and a cycling obstacle course in the Don Valley. A beautiful urban park with industrial heritage. The Saturday farmers’ market runs year-round. Accessible by TTC from Broadview Station (shuttle bus).
A free maple-themed family event at Harbourfront Centre the weekend before March Break. Maple taffy on snow, live music, pancake breakfasts, and sugar bush activities. A Toronto tradition — arrive early as it gets busy.
Yorkgate Mall in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood runs a full week of free March Break programming for families. Past years have featured a mini Comic-Con with 15+ vendors selling comics, collectibles, and toys, live GCW professional wrestling shows (confirmed March 19 at 1 PM via Eventbrite), character meet-and-greets, a dinosaur and exotic animal interactive show, and a community book drive. All events are free. Check yorkgatemall.com closer to the date for the full 2026 daily schedule.
Step into a 19th-century North York farmhouse for free drop-in activities all week long, including a hands-on weaving studio with cardboard mini looms kids take home and a cozy book nook. No registration required for drop-in days; admission is always free.
Kids aged 6 to 12 can program small Dash and Dot robots to perform tricks, navigate mazes, and complete coding challenges in this free drop-in workshop at the Bendale Branch of the Toronto Public Library. No coding experience is needed — staff guide participants through each activity. Spots fill up quickly with local families, so arriving early is recommended.
Downsview Park’s Nature Connection program runs daily throughout March Break as a free, drop-in nature play session for all ages. Children and families explore the park’s forest using natural and human-made loose parts — logs, sticks, rope, and found materials — to build, create, and imagine at their own pace. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; registration is free through the Downsview Park website.
Sound Break is a free lunchtime concert series presented by TO Live at Meridian Arts Centre. The March 19 performance features Nimkii, performing traditional Pow Wow-influenced music — a distinctive cultural experience right in North York during the last Thursday of March Break. Bring your lunch and enjoy 45 minutes of live music in one of North York’s premier performance venues.
These paid attractions are worth the trip during March Break. Most offer special programming and extended hours for the week.
In North York
Right in North York, the Aga Khan Museum runs March Break camps (Mar 16–20) focused on art and culture. Family-friendly activities and gallery tours are available for drop-in visitors too. Bursaries available for eligible families — check their website for details.
Special March Break programming including science shows and themed events. Zoo Camp runs the full week for kids who need a structured day. The zoo is open daily 9:30 AM–6:00 PM during March Break (extended hours). Last admission 5:00 PM. Buy tickets online to skip the line.
Popular
A massive 34,000 sq ft indoor LEGO attraction with rides, build zones, a 4D cinema, and MINILAND Toronto. Pre-book online — March Break is one of their busiest weeks and walk-ups often sell out. Best for ages 3–10.
In North York
Step back to the 1860s at this living history village right in North York. 40 historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on pioneer activities. During March Break, look for special maple syrup demonstrations and heritage cooking workshops. A uniquely North York experience.
March Break 2026 is your last chance to catch the Sharks exhibition at the ROM, organized by the American Museum of Natural History. The family-friendly show features life-sized models, a towering Megalodon jaw, dozens of hands-on interactives, and daily "Shark Sleuths" myth-busting activities for kids. Combine it with a ROM March Break Camp or make it a standalone family day out — the exhibition closes for good on March 22.
For nine days over March Break, the Art Gallery of Ontario becomes a hands-on creative hub. Drop-in Art Cart stations let kids experiment with light, shape, and colour; the Hands-On Centre offers guided projects for younger children; and live music performances fill Walker Court on select days. Admission is always free for Ontarians aged 25 and under — making this one of the best-value cultural outings in the city during the break.
The Ontario Science Centre at its original Don Mills Rd location is permanently closed. Do not drive there. A small pop-up experience is open at Sherway Gardens, and an interim Harbourfront location is expected to open in summer 2026. Check ontariosciencecentre.ca for the latest updates.
More than 130 large-scale LEGO sculptures by world-renowned artist Nathan Sawaya — including a 20-foot T-Rex skeleton built from over a million bricks — are now on display at the old Downsview Airport site in North York. The exhibition includes hands-on discovery areas and reimagined masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David. A Toronto-exclusive artwork inspired by the city's architecture makes this the only place in the world to see it.
This award-winning 45-minute stage adaptation brings five beloved Robert Munsch stories to life — including The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever — on the Ada Slaight Stage at Young People's Theatre. The show is designed for ages 4–9 (JK to Grade 3) and features a post-show Q&A with the cast. Shows run March 17 (11 AM & 2 PM), March 18 (11 AM), March 19 (11 AM & 2 PM), and March 20 (2 PM).
Watch the complete Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone film on a cinema-scale screen while a live orchestra performs every note of John Williams' iconic score in real time. This is a bucket-list concert experience for any Harry Potter fan, and the March 21 matinee at 2 PM is the most family-friendly timeslot. Tickets sell fast — the March 20 evening show falls on the last day of March Break.
A 360-degree digital projection experience bringing Claude Monet’s Impressionist masterpieces to life, right in North York. Walk through room-sized projections of Water Lilies, Impression Sunrise, and more, with an optional VR experience. Sessions run 60–75 minutes. The venue is at YZD (30 Hanover Rd), the same complex as The Art of the Brick LEGO exhibition — families can visit both in a single trip. Book timed-entry tickets in advance as slots fill quickly during March Break.
About 25 minutes northeast of North York, Markham Museum comes alive with eco-themed discovery and hands-on fun during March Break. Through STEAM-inspired activities, playful challenges, and creative exploration, kids uncover how habitats, landscapes, and communities grow and change over time. These interactive experiences blend science, history, and imagination — great for sparking curiosity across all ages. Just pay regular museum admission and drop in anytime.
Markham Museum also runs full-day and half-day March Break camps for kids ages 4–16. Options include a Science and Ceramics Camp (full day, $480/week), a Half-Day Pottery Camp ($270/week), and a Pre-teen & Teen Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop ($270/week). These are separate from the drop-in Eco Explorer program above and require pre-registration.
Step inside a full-scale replica of the International Space Station and explore freely in this large-scale free-roaming virtual reality experience built from cinematic footage filmed aboard the actual ISS. The 45-minute session lets families float through modules, walk alongside astronauts, and look down at Earth — no previous VR experience required. Open Thursday and Friday 10 AM–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–8 PM, Sunday 10 AM–5 PM; closed Monday–Wednesday.
Scarborough Museum’s March Break theme is “Gather” — bringing community together through historic board games, Women’s History Month story corners, and kitchen demonstrations with warm drinks and snacks. A special scrapbooking event led by photographers from Lens on the Ends invites families to explore their connections to Scarborough through movement, memory, and collage-making. On March 19, movement workshop leader Vanessa Evans leads an interactive session for all ages.
Toronto’s only castle transforms into an immersive medieval fantasy for March Break 2026. Live performances run daily including acrobatics by the Jambo Brothers, an interactive play A Tale of Two Brothers, and aerialist shows. Kids can graduate as official Knights of Casa Loma at the Knight School in the Library. The Dragon’s Den is the centrepiece — families step inside the mythical lair and meet the resident dragon. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; last admission 4 p.m.
If you need structured full-day care during the break, these camps run Monday through Friday (March 16–20). Register early — popular camps fill up weeks in advance.
The City of Toronto’s official March Break day camps run at community centres across North York. Programs include:
Register through efun.toronto.ca. Subsidy available for eligible families.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority runs outdoor hands-on camps at Tommy Thompson Park and other nature sites. Activities include animal tracking, nature hikes, fire-starting, and wetland exploration. A great option for kids who love being outside.
Week-long art and culture camps at the Aga Khan Museum in North York. Activities include studio art, gallery exploration, storytelling, and cultural workshops. Bursaries available for families who need financial assistance.
YMCA runs March Break programs for ages 4–16 across GTA locations, including several in and near North York. Programs combine sports, arts, swimming, and leadership skills. Financial assistance available.
The Royal Ontario Museum runs a week-long March Break camp for children ages 5–14, with courses led by qualified instructors in classes capped at 20 students. Programs include Art Express (age 5), Twist of Fate (ages 6–7), Deep Cuts (ages 8–10), and Dungeons & Dragons or ROM DIY (ages 11–14) — all inspired by the museum’s world-class collections. Extended care available (extra $80/week); ROM members save $30.
Three age groups — Kinder Camp (ages 4–5), Junior Camp (ages 6–8), and Senior Camp (ages 9–12) — spend a full week digging, planting, animal tracking, and exploring High Park’s trails and forest, rain or shine. One of the most distinctive outdoor March Break camps in Toronto, set inside 161 hectares of greenspace. Early drop-off from 8:30 AM and extended care until 5 PM available; bursaries through the Happy Camper Fund.
Scarborough Music Theatre's March Break intensive is a full-week performing arts camp for ages 8–14 that covers singing, dancing, and acting — culminating in a live showcase performance at the end of the week. Classes are led by experienced theatre educators and run inside the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre at Kingston and Markham Roads. Registration is handled directly through the theatre; spaces are limited and typically fill several weeks in advance.
March weather in Toronto is unpredictable — some years it’s mild and sunny, others cold and slushy. These North York trails and parks are good options either way.
A peaceful river walk that runs under the 401. The paved trail follows the Don River and is stroller-friendly — a rare feature for a nature trail. Flat, easy, and scenic. Great for a midweek family walk without driving far.
A large park with trails and a dam area that’s fascinating for kids. The paths are mostly flat and easy. Look for the West Don River crossing and the reservoir. A good destination for a morning adventure without leaving North York.
If there’s still snow, the ski hill may be open for late-season runs. Either way, the park has a large playground, walking trails, and forested areas. The Holocaust memorial garden is a quiet, reflective stop for older kids.
A wide-open green space on the former Downsview military base. Great for running around, kite flying (March is windy!), and nature programs. The paved paths are good for scooters and bikes.
Some outdoor rinks in North York may still be open during March Break, but most close by mid-March depending on the weather. Check the live schedule at northyorkguide.com/recreation/skating-times/ before heading out. Indoor rinks run on a regular schedule — check there for drop-in public skating times too.
When the weather doesn’t cooperate (or you just need to burn off energy indoors), these spots have you covered.
A large trampoline park with freestyle jump areas, a foam pit, dodgeball courts, and a warrior course. Book time slots online in advance — March Break sessions sell out. Grip socks required (available on-site, ~$3).
A 15,000 sq ft trampoline and adventure park with a ninja warrior course, dodgeball, basketball dunk zone, and battle beam. Close to North York via the 400. Book online in advance — March Break sessions fill up fast.
An all-in-one indoor entertainment centre with trampolines, laser tag, VR experiences, and a rock climbing wall. The variety means kids don’t get bored — you can easily spend 3–4 hours here. Group packages available for March Break.
Splitsville near Yorkdale offers boutique bowling with a family-friendly atmosphere. Playdium Vaughan combines bowling with arcade games and other activities. Both get busy during March Break — book lanes in advance if possible.
Created by the Ontario Science Centre, KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre is a hands-on STEM play space designed for children 10 and under. Three themed interactive zones — a kid-sized grocery store, a pretend vet clinic, and a fishing boat adventure — encourage open-ended exploration and discovery. A calmer, contained alternative to busier March Break crowds downtown, open throughout March Break week.
North York’s community centre pools offer drop-in leisure swim and lane swim throughout March Break. Many centres add extra swim times during the week. Check the live schedule at northyorkguide.com/recreation/swimming-times/ for North York pool times.
North York's own indoor electric go-kart track at 75 Carl Hall Road is a great pick for older kids and teens who've run out of patience for museums. Junior drivers must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall; teens 14 and up who meet the 58-inch height minimum can race in the faster adult karts. No outdoor gear or weather worries — just laps.
This 10-room immersive journey through planet Earth combines large-scale art installations with projection mapping, augmented reality, and virtual reality to explore environmental themes in a visually spectacular way. Kids who loved the Ontario Science Centre will find a similar sense of wonder here — older children and teens tend to get the most out of the narrative experience. Free sustainable craft activities run alongside regular admission during March Break.
Scarborough Town Centre teams up with Unity Toronto Gym to offer free guided movement sessions in East Court for kids, focused on fun, confidence-building, and active play. Sessions run 12–1 pm and 3–4 pm daily, with extra 6–7 pm sessions Wednesday through Saturday. Registration is required and spaces are limited — parents or guardians must remain present throughout.
Kids aged 12 and up can design and build their own custom rug using a real tufting gun at this North York art studio — most kids find it so satisfying they don’t want to stop. Younger children (ages 8+) can try Fluid Bears, a pour-painting bear craft, while ages 10+ have the option of a pearl jewelry-making workshop. Sessions run 1.5–3 hours with a maximum of 6 people per group, making it a good option for smaller families wanting something hands-on and different.
When is March Break 2026 in Ontario?
March Break 2026 runs from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, 2026. This is the official school break week for all publicly funded schools in Ontario.
What free activities are there during March Break in North York?
Free options include Toronto History Museums (free admission to all 10 museums), Fort York (free drop-in March 14–22), Toronto Public Library March Break programs at North York Central Library and other branches, the Lumière light exhibit at Ontario Place, and nature walks at Evergreen Brickworks in the Don Valley.
Where can I find March Break camps in North York?
March Break camps include CampTO (City of Toronto day camps at North York community centres, including Adapted CampTO for kids with disabilities), TRCA Nature Camps at Tommy Thompson Park ($77/day or $345/week, ages 6–12), Aga Khan Museum art and culture camps with bursaries available, and YMCA programs for ages 4–16.
Is the Ontario Science Centre open for March Break 2026?
The Ontario Science Centre at its original Don Mills Rd location is permanently closed. A small pop-up experience is open at Sherway Gardens, and an interim Harbourfront location is expected to open in summer 2026. Do not drive to the old Don Mills Rd site.
What indoor activities are there for kids in North York?
Indoor options include Sky Zone Toronto (trampoline park), Air Riderz Vaughan (trampolines, ninja course), The Jump City (trampolines, laser tag, VR, rock climbing), Splitsville bowling near Yorkdale, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Vaughan Mills, and drop-in swimming at North York community centre pools.
What outdoor activities can families do during March Break in North York?
Outdoor options include the Betty Sutherland Trail (stroller-friendly river walk), G. Ross Lord Park trails, Earl Bales Park (playground and possible late-season skiing), Downsview Park green space, and any remaining outdoor skating rinks — check live schedules as some close by mid-March.
Is the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) free during March Break 2026?
Yes — admission to the AGO is always free for Ontarians aged 25 and under, including during March Break. For adults (26+), standard general admission applies. March Break programming (Mar 14–22) adds drop-in Art Cart stations, a free AGO PLAY activity booklet, Hands-On Centre projects for younger children, and live music performances in Walker Court on select days — all included with admission. The AGO is located at 317 Dundas St W, Toronto.
How much do March Break camps cost in North York?
Costs vary widely. City of Toronto CampTO day camps are heavily subsidized — fees are income-tested and can be as low as $0 for qualifying families, with standard rates around $30–$50/day. TRCA Nature Camps run $77/day or approximately $345/week. Private camps (ROM, Aga Khan Museum, YMCA) typically range from $60–$120/day. Subsidies are available through the City’s Leisure Access Card program — apply at toronto.ca/recreation.
Are there March Break camps for children with disabilities or special needs in North York?
Yes. Adapted CampTO is the City of Toronto’s dedicated program for children with disabilities, running at multiple North York community centres during March Break. The program supports children ages 3–12 and offers enhanced support ratios. Register through toronto.ca/recreation — families are encouraged to register early as spots fill quickly. Income-tested fee subsidies are available through the Leisure Access Card.
Where can kids swim for free during March Break in North York?
North York community centre pools offer drop-in leisure swim throughout March Break, with many adding extra sessions during the week. Drop-in fees are typically $3–$6; free swim is available for families with a Toronto Leisure Access Card (income-tested — apply at any recreation centre). Check the live pool schedules for current drop-in times at Aviva Centre, North York Aquatic Centre, and other pools.
What can toddlers and preschoolers do during March Break in North York?
Toddler-friendly options include drop-in family swim at community pools (shallow leisure tanks at most facilities), Toronto Public Library free storytime and drop-in programs at North York Central Library (ages 0–5), KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre (Ontario Science Centre’s hands-on play space for ages 10 and under, $15), the stroller-friendly Betty Sutherland Trail river walk, and open green space at Downsview Park. Most City of Toronto March Break camps accept children from age 3.
Does anything special happen on the last day of March Break 2026?
Yes — Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected around March 19–20 (the exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon), overlapping with the final days of March Break in Ontario. This means many Toronto families will be celebrating the end of Ramadan that week. North York and Scarborough will see elevated activity at mosques, community events, and cultural shopping areas. If you’re planning outings in busy North York neighbourhoods like Thorncliffe Park or along Steeles Avenue East, expect streets and transit to be busier than usual.
Is the Toronto Zoo open during March Break 2026?
Yes, the Toronto Zoo is open during March Break 2026 with special programming and extended hours. March Break is one of the Zoo's busiest periods — book tickets online in advance at torontozoo.com to avoid sellouts and long queues. Zoo Camp also runs the full week for kids needing structured full-day care. The Zoo is located at 2000 Meadowvale Rd in Scarborough, about 30 minutes east of North York.
How do I apply for a Toronto Leisure Access Card for free or reduced-cost March Break programs?
The Toronto Leisure Access Card (LAC) provides free or reduced-fee access to City of Toronto recreation programs, including March Break camps and drop-in swimming. Apply online or in person at any City recreation centre with proof of income (e.g., Notice of Assessment, social assistance statement). Processing takes up to 10 business days, so apply as early as possible. Visit toronto.ca/recreation and search "Leisure Access" for the application form.
What are good rainy day activities for kids during March Break in North York?
Rainy day options near North York include LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Vaughan Mills, Sky Zone Toronto trampoline park, Splitsville bowling near Yorkdale, and The Jump City (trampolines, laser tag, VR). Toronto Public Library branches (including North York Central at 5120 Yonge St) run free drop-in programs all week. Indoor pools at North York community centres are also a reliable option — check northyorkguide.com/recreation/swimming-times/ for current drop-in schedules.
Is Space Explorers: THE INFINITE appropriate for young children?
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE is at GYGO Canada in the Square One Shopping District, Mississauga (a day trip from North York). It’s a free-roaming VR experience recommended for children old enough to wear a headset comfortably — typically ages 6 and up. The experience lasts about 45 minutes and is designed to be explored at your own pace, so it works well for curious kids. Children under the minimum age can still visit with a parent. Tickets start at $22.90 for children and $28.90 for adults; book at feverup.com.
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