Can’t think of what to do? Ask a mom for advice!
“It’s all about planning in advance and making sure that there’s a realistic itinerary. Be prepared, mix it up and always have a contingency plan.”
SAMANTHA KEMP-JACKSON
MAUREEN DENNIS, WeeWelcome.ca founder, parenting expert on The Marilyn Denis Show
Her kids: Aidan, 9, Kate, 7, Alia, 3, Scarlett, 1 Favourite March Break activity: “The Wizard of Oz is a great book to read together over the week, then go see the new movie Oz: The Great and Powerful.” Discussing the similarities and differences between the books and the movie afterwards can turn the trip into a teachable moment, says Dennis, who notes that rewards programs, such as the one associated with a CAA membership, can result in discounts.
Advice for stressed-out parents: “Don’t worry about filling everyday to the brim! Kids need a break, too.”
JULIE COLE, founder, Mabel’s Labels
Her kids: Mack, 13, Posy, 11, Spencer, 10, Jessamy, 7, Clancy, 6, and Finian, 3 Favourite March Break activity: “I’m going to be taking the kids to the Royal Botanical Gardens for Battle of the Titans,” says Cole, referring to the all-new, family-friendly dinosaur exhibit. “We also ski, so we’ll head up to Ellicottville.”
Advice for stressed-out parents: Remember why you’re out there. “Skiing for a family of our size is a lot of work for me and quite an expense, but so worth it, when I see them swooshing down those hills!”
KATHY BUCKWORTH, Author of “I am So the Boss of You”
Her kids: Victoria, 21, Alex, 19, Bridget, 14, and Nic, 10 Favourite March Break activity: Just because it’s a break doesn’t mean kids need to stop learning, says Buckworth, the author of six books. “My kids love to wander around Indigo and choose books, and, during March Break, they offer all kinds of free activities for them as well.”
Advice for stressed-out parents: “Have them each pick two or three things they’d like to do and put it on a spreadsheet.”
Knowing that their turn is coming will help them understand how the week will unfold, and “then you can point to the schedule.”
ALYSON SCHAFER, parenting author and expert
Her kids: Lucy, 19, and Zoe, 17 Favourite March Break activity: “I know it sounds lame, but we really loved Family Day glow bowling. The ambiance of crazy lights and smells, loud music, greasy fries and candy marked it as a special occasion.” A bigger trip? Heading out to a sugar bush was also a winter favourite.
Advice for stressed out parents: Leave the house! “We really liked finding places where we could do big, motor-activity things inside. For us, that was going to Woodbine Centre Fantasy Fair. Lots of fun for little kids, and not as busy as the classic choices of the Science Centre or the ROM.”
SAMANTHA KEMP-JACKSON, Parenting writer, Multiple Mayhem Mama
Her kids: Miranda, 9; Aubrey, 3, and Erik, 3 Favourite Family activity: “I’m a huge fan of the Science Centre,” says Kemp-Jackson, who recommends buying an annual pass.
“During March Break, I’m really looking forward to taking the kids to see some of the exhibits, as well as participating in some of the camps.”
Advice for stressed-out parents: “It’s all about planning in advance and making sure that there’s a realistic itinerary.”
“Be prepared, mix it up and always have a contingency plan, such as a trip to grandma’s or a playdate, as a backup.” But don’t overthink it. “At the end of the day, they really just want to spend time with mom or dad.”
Heather Greenwood Davis is a freelance family travel writer based in Toronto. Reach her at globetrottingmama.com