It’s the middle of March…winter feels like it’s been around forever, and the kids are desperate for something fun to do. Luckily, Kingston has some great events happening over March Break that the whole family will love!
The Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
370 King Street West
The Tett Centre is a stunning building on the shores of Lake Ontario that is always bustling with activity. The Tett is home to numerous local artists, and creativity is flowing behind every nook and cranny. Saturday mornings feature the Kids Creativity Club, a drop-in art/drama/music program for families and kids of all ages. The kids will enjoy the diverse activities and parents will love the pay-by-donation (suggested $2-$5). Many individual artists that call the Tett Centre home are also offering children’s programs over the break, including Glocca Morra Farms and Studio, who are featuring workshops in liquid pouring medium, children’s needle felting, as well as button making. Be sure to check out the Tett Centre website for times and prices for all workshops and events.
KAM Scavenger Hunt
Kingston Museums
The Kingston Association of Museums is organizing a fun, family-friendly and FREE scavenger hunt event this March break. From Tuesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 17, participants are invited to follow the game instructions to participating sites across the Limestone City where they will be tasked with completing their challenge — putting their trivia and puzzle skills to the test — and share their successes on social media. This event caters to everyone’s schedules and can be completed in an afternoon, or over the course of the week. If the weather cooperates, check out the walking tour, which includes four museums located on beautiful Queen’s campus, or load everyone in the van and visit some of the other sites around town. It’s a unique look at some of the amazing sites in Kingston, and family members of all ages are bound to learn something new, and have fun in the process!
Boiler Room Climbing Gym
4 Cataraqui Street
Does it feel like the kids are climbing the walls? At the Boiler Room, that figurative saying will become far more literal as the kids harness in and boulder up the 30-foot walls. The knowledgeable and helpful staff spend time with the whole family, teaching the adults how to belay, and outfitting the kids with all the gear – helmet, shoes and harness. Waivers can be found online and filled out prior to arrival. Rock climbing is good for beginners, can challenge even the most advanced climbers, and is a great workout for both mind and body.
Sherlock’s Escapes
298 Bagot Street
What sounds better than paying someone to lock you and your kids in a room together for an hour? If your immediate answer was something along the lines of ‘a root canal’, then you have clearly never participated in an escape room! An escape room experience consists of solving a series of clues and puzzles in order to “escape” the room (full disclosure…the room is never actually locked). The goal of the game is to find Sherlock Holmes, who has gone missing. Your family will communicate and work together without even realizing it. Everyone will be so engaged in solving the puzzles there will be no time for fighting or bickering. Instead, you will hear words of support, encouragement and lots of laughs. How, you ask, is that accomplished? Elementary my dear Watson!
Open Studios Kingston
39-1 Montreal Street
This place is so cool, without trying to be cool, which makes it even cooler! Vanessa and Mandi are the owners and makers behind Open Studio, and these artists run creative classes and events as well as offer local artisan handmade goods for sale. Over March break, Open Studios is offering kids abstract art that will get the creative juices flowing and result in a bright and beautiful “original piece” to add to your walls at home. While you are downtown, stop into Balzac’s Coffee Roasters for some strong and delicious coffee, or take a stroll along Princess Street. There is always lots happening downtown so check it out!
Maple Madness at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation
1641 Perth Road
Every once in a while in our hectic lives we will get a flashback to when we were kids. For me, it is at the sugar bush. As a kid, I loved the wagon rides, tree tapping demonstrations, and of course the pancakes. However, my favourite by far was (and still is) the maple taffy demonstration. Maple Madness at Little Cat Creek also features a First Nations display, olde tyme sugar bush chores and puppet shows. Wagons rides leave every 20 minutes from the main building, and the sugar bush is open from 9am-4pm each day over March Break. Dress for the weather and create some great family memories.
Planning to stay in Kingston for March Break? Check out places to stay in Kingston.
