Looking for a family-friendly outing over March Break? London and surrounding communities have you covered with a number of activities kicking off in the coming days.
While many day-camps across the city are already fully booked, several organizations still have spots open, including the London Girls Rock Camp+ at Museum London, Art Camp at For the Love of Art, and Aerosports Camp at Aerosports London. Southwest of London, Circle R Ranch is holding an outdoor camp where students from senior kindergarten to Grade 8 can connect with nature and animals.
Several events are scheduled every weekday during March Break at the Covent Garden Market. The lineup includes a Bubbleology Show, Ricky The Magician Magic Show, Dotsy the Clown, and Irish and St. Patrick's Day themed shows at the end of the week.
For the outdoorsy types, the Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush and Springwater Maple Syrup Festival have activities on tap.
The Sugar Bush experience runs through March Break in Thorndale, northeast of London. The organizers are charging $12 for entry, and the fee includes parking, a wagon ride, and the Sugar Bush tour. Those attending are asked to make a reservation and arrive on-time for their pancake breakfast - which comes at an additional cost. Bookings are available between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Sugar Bush will also have fresh maple syrup and other maple products for sale.
The Springwater festival runs from Saturday, March 11 to Sunday, March 19 this year. The event is held at Springwater Road and John Wise Line in Aylmer and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Guests will have access to wagon rides, snow shoe rentals, and other unique attractions planned for each day. Tickets will run you $9 for adults and $5 for children, while tots 2-years-old and younger get in free. If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, the cash-only Pancake House will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Longwoods Road Conservation Area and Ska-Nah-Doht Village are offering free and low-cost activities throughout the week such as guided nature walks, crafts, and an art project led by a local artist. The full schedule is available on their Facebook page.
Boler Mountain remains open for the season and offers ski and snowboard lessons for children. All programs are two hours long and all skill levels are welcome.
If you'd rather stay inside, the city is hosting free indoor skating at several locations including Bostwick Arena, Carling Arena and Kinsmen Arena. Guests are asked to register ahead of time.
The London Public Library is holding both registered and drop-in sessions suited for family members of all ages, including games, workshops, and chess lessons. Teens are also invited to rack up some volunteer hours by submitting original colouring pages for children to use at the library.
There will also be a number of ticketed events, including the Imagine Monet gallery opening at 100 Kellog Lane, shows including Rubaboo at the Grand Theatre, Matilda the Musical at Palace Theatre, Camp Rock the Musical at Original Kids Theatre Company. Blippy is also paying a visit to London with a show on March 14 at Budweiser Gardens.
London Knights and London Lightning have home games scheduled during the week. The Knights play Friday night, while the Bolts hit the court on Wednesday and Thursday.