March Break 2013 - Great places to go in the G.T.A. for fun and early-learning

Inspired by Canadian sculptor Kim Adams’ miniature sculptures, this year’s theme is ‘Itty Bitty Cities – the exploration of all things small’.  Kids can use art supplies provided to add on to The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)’s Itty Bitty City, can play in the Imagination Playground and build their own ‘kingdoms’ with giant blocks.  The Dr Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre for children ages five and under is open for extended hours.The ROM is the place to be for families interested in ancient civilizations and archeology, featuring shows and great hands-on children’s activities like leaping into space, handling fossils and building a Lego Maya pyramid. In this photo, R.Murphy, a Herpetology curator, shows visitors a Pine Snake (Pituphis melanoleucus) in honour  of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese New Year.Does your family like birds, snakes and dinosaurs?  The ROM has it all.With animals from all over the world and daily promotions, the Toronto Zoo gives families many reasons to enjoy exploring together.  Visiting the zoo provides opportunities to discuss the needs, habitats and care required for various animals and the impact that weather and temperature can have on them. Children are keen observers, and those who visit the zoo during March Break and return in the summer, for example, may notice changes that have occurred as a result of weather or time.  Perhaps a furry friend will have shed a heavy coat by July or August, or one with a rounded belly may have slimmed down and gained a trail of tiny followers.View the list »
For hands-on science exploration and a multitude of opportunities for young children to learn through discovery and experiences, the Ontario Science Centre can not be beat.  Kidspark, the area for toddlers to eight year-olds, holds a grand collection of things to see, touch and manipulate from shapes, structures and musical instruments to living things.  When it’s time to settle down, enjoy one of the IMAX films. Some family-friendly benefits: Kids three and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time, with the added bonus of skipping the box-office line and service charge!

General Education newsletter

While March Break can bring a welcome hiatus from the classroom after a long stretch of snow-days, families in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are fortunate to have many exceptionally fun early-learning options for day trips or March Break camps. Some GTA favourites include The Ontario Science Centre, The Toronto Zoo, The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Information and links are provided in the list accompanying this article.

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It is important to remember that children are learning constantly, whether they spend a day at the Science Centre or a day baking, playing dress-up or make-believe, building with blocks or Lego and reading stories. Fostering a love of learning through fun follows the same theory as the development of the love of reading. The enjoyment must be there to sustain it.

Best wishes to all of you and your families for a fun March Break!

“It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.” Leo F Buscaglia

View the list
  • For hands-on science exploration and a multitude of opportunities for young children to learn through discovery and experiences, the Ontario Science Centre can not be beat.  Kidspark, the area for toddlers to eight year-olds, holds a grand collection of things to see, touch and manipulate from shapes, structures and musical instruments to living things.  When it’s time to settle down, enjoy one of the IMAX films. Some family-friendly benefits: Kids three and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time, with the added bonus of skipping the box-office line and service charge!
  • With animals from all over the world and daily promotions, the Toronto Zoo gives families many reasons to enjoy exploring together.  Visiting the zoo provides opportunities to discuss the needs, habitats and care required for various animals and the impact that weather and temperature can have on them. Children are keen observers, and those who visit the zoo during March Break and return in the summer, for example, may notice changes that have occurred as a result of weather or time.  Perhaps a furry friend will have shed a heavy coat by July or August, or one with a rounded belly may have slimmed down and gained a trail of tiny followers.
  • The ROM is the place to be for families interested in ancient civilizations and archeology, featuring shows and great hands-on children’s activities like leaping into space, handling fossils and building a Lego Maya pyramid. In this photo, R.Murphy, a Herpetology curator, shows visitors a Pine Snake (Pituphis melanoleucus) in honour  of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese New Year.Does your family like birds, snakes and dinosaurs?  The ROM has it all.
  • Inspired by Canadian sculptor Kim Adams’ miniature sculptures, this year’s theme is ‘Itty Bitty Cities – the exploration of all things small’.  Kids can use art supplies provided to add on to The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)’s Itty Bitty City, can play in the Imagination Playground and build their own ‘kingdoms’ with giant blocks.  The Dr Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre for children ages five and under is open for extended hours.
View the list
Suggested by the author:

, Newmarket Early Childhood Education Examiner

Ida Mae, mother of two and the voice behind the parenting and education blog "A Vision For Our Kids," is an elementary school special education teacher and a graduate of York University’s Faculty of Education. With experience teaching the primary grades and Reading Recovery™, her area of...

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