A Week of March Break Activities in #YGK for UNDER $40
- Erica McIlquham
- Mar 10, 2017
- 5 min read
Hi!
If you have been to my site before or follow me on social media you will know that my daughter is under a year old. If you are new here- WELCOME- and now you know. It may seem odd to you that I'm blogging about activities for children on March break but it shouldn't! My goal here at the #YGK mom is not only to create a platform to share diverse stories of motherhood in #YGK, but it's also to provide parents in #YGK with information about living their best life in Kingston with kids.
This morning myself and friend, Kaley Crosson of Kaley Noel Photography were on CKWS talking about a budget friendly March break in the #YGK. So, I thought it only natural to put our thoughts in writing for you to use as a resource next week!
Today I am going to break it down for you in a weeks worth (Monday-Friday) activities that shouldn't cost your family more than $40. This is based on a family of four (two parents, two children) and does not include your regular food and beverage costs -- we are just talking above and beyond, for the time when your children are normally in school. Kaley has also shared her tips on staying balanced during March Break! We hope you enjoy!
MONDAY
Take a family trip to Cataraqui Conservation Area's Sugar Bush!
Open from 9am-4pm, daily
Tractor drawn wagon rides, tree tapping demonstrations, puppet shows, pancakes and more!
DETAILS: Visit their site here.
maximum of $16/car
It's the first official day of March break and with all of these activities your children will be very stimulated! No need to plan more than this today as you can probably spend most of your day checking out the festivities.
TUESDAY
Plan a play date and picnic with another local family!
ANYTIME!
FREE!
Connect with others in the community, meet people at your childs school, neighbours or use the excuse to get together with friends or family across town. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and one of coffee and some snacks and meet at one of the great parks across Kingston. The parents can socialize, the children can entertain themselves. If you aren't keen to the idea of heading to the park in the winter - connect with another parent to have your child's friends over in the morning and then have them go to their friends for a few hours in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY
Library Program + Family Game Day
Various programming taking place from 9am to 3pm - depending on the library.
Puppet Shows, "Imaginations Run Wild", "Imagine.. a New Adventure"
FREE,but for some of the programs registration is required*
*To register you require a library card. If you don't have one stop into your local library and pick one up today- it's SUPER quick and easy.
Take in one of the fantastic library programs put on by the KFPL and then head home for a family game day! Have each person pick out a game and then play a round or two of each depending not the game). You child is most likely going to remember this time the most because they will enjoy the quality time spent together!
(Tip: If your family doesn't own any games borrow them or check out Minotaur's (downtown) board game rentals!)
THURSDAY
Bake or Cook & Skating at the K-Rock Centre
Skating is from 1-3pm (daily, all week)
Make a snack and then get your skate on!
DETAILS: Visit their website
FREE + Cost of food to make a snack
Get messy with your kids in the kitchen! Bake some muffins, cookies or teach them to make a pot of soup! If your snack is packable you can throw some in your bag for an after skating snack. After your morning in the kitchen, hit the The K-Rock Centre for free skating all March Break (Monday-Friday) from 1-3pm. Children under the age of 10 must wear a helmet.
FRIDAY
Swimming & a Movie
Swimming is from 1:30-2:55pm (daily, all week)
Take the family to Artillery Park for swimming and then rent a movie that no one has seen yet!
DETAILS (on swimming): Visit their website.
~$16 for swimming (based on two adults and two children (age 3-12) + ~$6 for a movie rental : $22 total
Take in a few hours of swimming at Artillery Park where the pool is SUPER warm and lots of toys available! After your swim head home and cozy up with a good movie. Most cable companies or iTunes offer movie rentals from about $6 so splurge and watch something that has just been released! Maybe even stop off at the grocery store on your way home and get some special treats for the movie night! And let's be real- it's been a long week so at this point you could all use some down time!
And that's a WRAP! That's 5 days of activities for about $38! Not bad, eh?! If you are looking to do a bit more with the kids and don't mind spending some extra money here are some additional suggestions of activities going on around town - above and beyond all of the camps.
Landmark Cinemas is offering a March Break special on 4 movies @ $3/person and $1 of the proceeds goes to Kids Help Phone! Head to THIS LINK, select a date and look for the movies that say (March Movie Break)
City programming and other skating options: City of Kingston
Indoor Gym & Play Space: Playtrium Indoor Gym
PC Loblaws Cooking School: They have various classes going on throughout March Break! For kids aged 6-11. Approximately $20/class
Paint your own Pottery @ Crock a Doodle
Take in Lumina Borealis @ Fort Henry (It's spectacular!)
For this post I've collaborated with Kaley from Kaley Noel Photography and she's got two little ones in school! I asked her to share her tips on staying balanced during March Break with her littles in terms of scheduling, screen time and various activities. Here are her pointers:
Stay on a regular routine while still enjoying the freedom of the break.
Stick with normal bedtime routines, a few late nights is fine but more will result in grumpy little ones!
Limit screen time to mornings & early evenings.
Allow everyone their own time to do what they wish in the day.
Plan big activities for the afternoon (if you do not have children who nap.) This allows for a relaxed morning and has them home before Supper to settle in for the evening & still have free time before bed.
If you have children who nap, enjoy your activities in the morning & have a more relaxed afternoon!
Have a Home day! Who doesn't like lounging and just enjoying an entire day off. I know my boys love a Pyjama day!
Keep busy, keep active & have fun!
What do you like to do to occupy your kids for March Break?!
xo
The #YGK Mom & Kaley (Kaley Noel Photography)
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