March break is almost upon us, which means that, whether you have kids or not, the next week of your life will be dictated by the needs and wants of this city’s tinier citizens. Allow us, therefore, to offer a few suggestions for where to take the kids, and where to take refuge from the kids.
Kid-friendly activities
Spring Fling at Rogers Centre
Grab the kids and head over to Canada’s largest indoor carnival. Those with a taste for adventure can try out rides like the Monkey Maze and the Hang Glider, while wildlife fans should head to Reptilia, where 26 kinds of exotic animals will be waiting.
1 Blue Jays Way. March 11-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $20
Entertainment that comes to you
Little Red Theatre will be touring locations around Toronto with its production of Jean de Brunhoff’s Babar the elephant stories. Audiences will follow Babar on his journey from childhood to becoming king of the elephants. To see when Babar will reach the venue closest to you, check out the tour schedule at the Toronto Library website.
416-533-8848, March 10-17. Free
Dare to Dream: Princesses on Ice
Disney on Ice is back at the Rogers Centre with a new show, Dare to Dream. Follow Rapunzel, Cinderella and Princess Tiana from the Princess and the Frog on their quests to save their kingdoms and find true love. Awwww.
1 Blue Jays Way. March 14-18, times vary. $15-$90. For tickets call 1-855-985-5000
March Break at the ROM
Riffing off its current smash exhibition, the ROM will feature an array of Maya-inspired activities during March break. Families can play the dubiously-titled Game Show at the End of the World, have a go at Maya crafts and meet a Maya high priest. The museum’s hours will be extended for the entire week.
100 Queen's Park, 416-586-8000, March 10-18
Last chance to skate at Nathan Phillips Square
Why not take advantage of the last days of winter by heading over to the skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square for one last day? This Sunday will be the rink’s last day of the season. Fun fact: next to the rink you'll find Toronto’s oldest food truck.
100 Queen St. W. To March 11, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Kid-free activities
Pamper yourself
Le Méridien King Edward is offering a March break special, so leave the kids at home, grab a toothbrush and hole up in the lap of luxury for a night or two. For those looking to relax but still keep up with their workout regimen, the hotel has an in-house spa as well as a fitness centre, and there are golf and tennis facilities nearby. Who said you needed to leave the city for a vacation?
37 King St. E., 416-863-9700. March 9-18
Laser Quest
Okay, this isn’t entirely kid free. In fact, it seems like an activity specifically designed for them — but bear with us here. You can call and make a reservation for a private group on Mondays, meaning you can act like a kid without actually having to spend time with any.
1980 Eglinton Ave. E. (at Warden), 416-285-1333 and 9625 Yonge St., 905-883-6000
Iain Baxter& art exhibition at the AGO
For those with more sophisticated tastes, “Iain Baxter&: Works 1958-2011” recently opened at the AGO. The interactive exhibit showcases pieces highlighting the Canadian artist’s views on recycling, humanity and even an installation meant to define what pollution has done to our world (expect exhaust pipes and taxidermy animals).
317 Dundas St. W., 416-979-6648. To Aug. 12
Official Fashion Week After Party at The Bowery
After a week of watching gorgeous people make their way down the runway in equally gorgeous clothes, you could try hitting up the The Bowery, which is holding the Label: Official Fashion Week After Party. The doors open at 9 p.m. and partygoers can unwind with a drink — before watching more yet gorgeous people and clothes with a show at 11 p.m.
55 Colborne St., 416-901-2332, March 16, 9 p.m.