CBC News
Elementary and Catholic school students in Hamilton are counting down the days until March Break, and although some students plan to spend the time sleeping in and watching television, others might be keen to get out and see what Hamilton has to offer.
At least, parents might be interested in getting their kids out of the house.
Here are a few events to consider checking out during the March Break.
A Monumental March Break: 200 Years in the Making
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Stoney Creek, which was an event that had a great impact on locals during the War of 1812. Battlefield House and Museum is hosting a week of activities for children and adults, including an 1812 “shopping trip” where children will be able to pretend to purchase items from the era while following a budget. “There will be sort of an action-packed tour and activities here at the site,” said curatorial assistant Marnie Maslin, who added that children will get a chance to play with old-fashioned toys and try on period costumes. The museum is open during the week from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove
Copps Coliseum will be hosting the Disney On Ice show Treasure Trove, featuring beloved Disney characters from Tangled, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and more. Ticket prices are $14 for children ages 2 to 12 and $19 for everyone else.
Show times:
- Thursday, March 14th – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Friday, March 15th – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 16th – 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 17th – 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
A Week of March Break Madness
Kids are sure to have a good time at the Hamilton Children’s Museum during March Break. The 1950s-style Doo Wop Diner allows children to learn while using their imagination, and the Children’s Museum Theatre Space lets children and adults view themselves on television while putting on a show. The museum is closed on Mondays but is open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Redesign, Redevelop, Reuse, Re-evolve
A National Historic Site, the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology will be displaying art and putting on activities based on industrial themes and urban landscapes. The building itself is an example of 19th century public works architecture, along with preserved steam engines that pumped the first clean water to the city almost a century and a half ago. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
Maple Syrup Festival
Visit Westfield Heritage Village and participate in one of Canada’s most famous – and delicious – historical traditions. See how maple syrup was made by Canada’s First Nations people and 19th century pioneers, as well as how it’s made now. Families can also enjoy a wagon ride and a scrumptious pancake breakfast.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3, 10, 13, 14, 17, 24, 29, and 31. Find more information at the Westfield Heritage Village’s website or call 1-800-883-0104.
Discovery Day Camps at the RBG
The Royal Botanical Gardens is holding day camps during March Break for children aged 4 to 13. The camps include activities such as crafts and hiking, and much of the time is spent outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. Visit www.rbg.ca/camps for more information.
Battle of the Titans
The RBG is hosting an exciting dino-riffic event until April 7. This fun and educational battle of the ages teaches everyone about ecology and the environment of the mighty giants that dominated the earth millions of years ago. For more information, visit www.rbg.ca/dinos.
March Break Mania
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is hosting a week-long art camp during March Break. Children can get involved in hands-on activities that explore traditional and contemporary art-making processes. Morning programs run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and afternoon programs go from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your own lunch and sign up for one day or the full week. Find out more information at the AGH’s website.
KX94.7 New Country FM Video Dance Party
Here’s something for the adults: the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum plays host to a dance party on Saturday March 9th, featuring live dinner entertainment and three giant screens. Dinner is at 7 p.m. and the dance kicks off at 9 p.m. Tickets are $40 for the dinner and the dance, or $15 if you’re just looking to attend the dance.
Wizard World Fun Park
All week long, visit the Careport Centre and attend the indoor Wizard World Fun Park, featuring more than 20 rides, a petting zoo, elephant rides, arts and crafts, and fantastic on-site food. There are also two entertaining shows, one featuring Doo Doo the International Clown, as well as the exciting Birds of Prey show. The Fun Park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and tickets are $25 for unlimited rides or $8.75 for admission only.
March Mania
McMaster University is hosting day camps during the Break for children aged 6 to 13. Campers can participate in four different activity sessions, take a swim in the Olympic-sized pool, and participate in cooperative games. Call 905-525-9140 ext. 24464 to find out how to register for March Mania.
Multi-Sport Day Camps
Soccer World and Lil’ Strikers offer full day camps all week long for young boys and girls aged 4 to 11. Kids can play soccer, hockey, volleyball, baseball, football, basketball, rugby or Frisbee, as well as a number of other activities. The day camp runs from 9am to 4pm and registration prices are $205 for the full week or $45 for one day.
Hamilton Public Library’s March Break Activities
The Hamilton Public Library’s various branches are hosting numerous activities throughout March Break. Visit your nearest location to see what’s going on or check out this PDF for a complete list of activities at every branch.
Dora and Diego at Burlington Mall
Dora and Diego, from Nickelodeon’s preschool television series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, will make a three-day visit to Burlington Mall during Spring Break. Admission is free. There will be an interactive Dora-and-Diego-themed play area with computer games and crafts set up from 11 a.m. to 4p.m. on Thursday March 14, Friday March 15 and Saturday March 16. At 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Dora and Diego will be at the play area to meet with their fans. Parents should bring their cameras as there will be a special photo wall set up as a background for photographing the kids with their heroes. Parents are expected to remain with their children at the interactive play area. Popcorn will be provided for all participating children courtesy of Kernels. Burlington Mall is located at 777 Guelph Line, south of the QEW, in Burlington. For information call 905-632-4777, go to www.burlingtonmall.com, email info@burlingtonmall.com or visit Burlington Mall on Facebook at facebook.com/BurlingtonMallCanada.
Family Fun & Games With the Little Rascals
Tour the McQuesten home as it was in the 1930s and then visit our renovated Stable for Little Rascals ‘shorts’ and popcorn. Try your hand at 1930s style games such as bean bag toss, egg and spoon, and a clothes peg in milk bottle drop in the garden (weather permitting). Enjoy the luck of the Irish and decorate a cookie on St. Patrick’s day for $1.00. Whitehern Historic House and Garden, 41 Jackson St. West. Regular museum admission applies.
Free family fun in Westmount
It’s a week full of free family fun at the Westmount Recreation Centre. Take part in activities from 3-on-3 basketball to a ventriloquist show and even see some rare birds of prey. Events are happening all week, registration may be required. A full list of events is available here. 35 Lynbrook Drive, Hamilton.
Time travel March Break camp
Build a time machine at Ruthven Park and travel back in time to look at clothing and armor, inventions, transportation and famous people. Finish up the week by spending Friday in the future. Cost: $25 per student, per day $115 for the week. Ages: 6-12 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily. To register: call 905-772-0560 or email education@ruthvenpark.ca. Pre-registration is required.
Mad Hatter tea party
You’re invited to a Mad Hatter tea party! Put on your best hat and join the fun. They will be serving fresh homemade scones, tea and other sweet treats followed by a talk on tea and hats. Prizes will be handed out for the best hat. Pre registration is required so book your spot today. Email krichardson@haldimandcounty.on.ca or phone 905-772-5880 March 14, 2013 at the Haldimand County Museum and Archives, 8 Echo St, Cayuga ON. 1:00 PM, $10 per person.
Know of an interesting March break event in the Hamilton region? Let us know by emailing us at hamilton@cbc.ca.