March Break Activities for Tweens

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Winter is pretty much over, and spring is not really here yet. The clock just jumped ahead, the forecast calls for mild temperatures, but the dampness and mud make March Break feel more like a mud run than a vacation—unless we come up with some better ideas. If you’re skipping the sunny destinations this year, here are some creative and fun ways to keep your tweens busy during March Break.

Outdoor Adventures (Despite the Mud!)

1. Maple Syrup Festivals – March is peak sugaring season! Visit a local sugar bush for a taste of fresh maple taffy and pancakes.
2. Hiking with a Twist – Consider a scavenger hunt to make it more engaging.
3. Geocaching – Turn a simple walk into a treasure hunt using GPS.
4. Bike + Scooter Rides – Stick to paved routes in case the trails are too wet.
5. Outdoor Skating or Tobogganing – Some rinks and hills stay open if temperatures dip low enough. The City of Kingston has a refrigerated outdoor rink at city square.
6. Zoo or Animal Sanctuaries – Many wildlife centers are open year-round and are less crowded than in the summer.

Indoor Fun (For When the Weather Wins)

1. Escape Rooms – A great mix of teamwork and adventure.
2. Indoor Trampoline Parks – Let them burn off some energy: time them through the obstacle course, keep score during dodgeball, slow-mo record their flips and tricks, referee their “Last to Fall” fight.
3. Rock Climbing – Boulder, climb and belay, or race up the speed wall. Kingston is home to the Boiler Room Climbing Gym where you pay a day rate rather than hourly.
4. Aquariums & Science Centers – Ripley’s Aquarium, Ontario Science Centre, or local interactive museums.
5. Themed Movie or Game Night – Let them plan a sleepover-style movie night with snacks.
6. Bowling, Laser Tag, or Virtual Reality Arcades – Great group activities that tweens love.
7. Cooking Challenge at Home – Let them take over the kitchen for a fun, competitive cook-off.
8. Open Gym – Check your local fitness facility for swim times or open gym times and play a little three-on-three.
9. Make a Purchase – The kids have been begging for a gymnastics mat all winter so they can roughhouse and practice their parkour indoors. I’ve got this one in my cart. I’ll let you know how it is 😉

Creative & Learning Experiences

1. Art Workshops – Check out local community centers, libraries, or art studios.
2. DIY Science Experiments at Home – Volcanoes, slime, or simple robotics.
3. Photography Walk – Give them a camera (or phone) and challenge them to capture unique shots, or create their own “YouTube” video.
4. Bookstore or Library Visit – Many libraries host special events during March Break.
5. DIY Craft Day – Let them create their own t-shirts, jewelry, or pottery.
6. Make a Playlist + Karaoke – Create a Spotify karaoke list and cast it to the tv.

Day Trips & Unique Ontario Experiences

1. Niagara Falls – The Falls are stunning in every season, and the attractions nearby (Clifton Hill, Butterfly Conservatory) make it worth the trip.
2. Blue Mountain’s Ridge Runner Coaster – An alpine coaster ride that operates year-round.
3. The ROM or AGO – Museums and galleries often have interactive exhibits for kids.
4. Great Wolf Lodge or Other Indoor Water Parks – A perfect getaway without the plane ticket.

The Tween-Approved Chill Week

If your tween just wants a low-key break, balance structure with downtime:

• Give them some say in planning the week. I generally ask the kids what their goals are as the break approaches. If they don’t have any, I insist they make some.
• Schedule one big activity per day to keep things engaging but not exhausting. I aim for mornings when people are fresh and full of patience. Afternoons and evenings can be for individual activities.
• Let them invite a friend over for a low-pressure hangout. Assuming you have a low-maintenance friend or two you can lean on, invite them over and tend to yourself or your work while they entertain each other.

March Break doesn’t have to feel like a washout just because you’re staying local. With a little creativity, you can make it memorable—mud and all.