16 Amazing March Break Ideas

From inside to outside, from close to home to travel adventures, make this yours kids' best vacation ever!

Originally published March, 2010

By Hilary Davidson

NEW! Find tons more fun and easy March Break ideas in our 2010 March Break Guide

How is it that March sneaks up on us parents every year? Just don’t hit the panic button if you don’t have any plans yet. From staging your own Canadian Idol contest to March break camps that solve your can’t-get-the week-off woes, we’ve got 16 amazing March break ideas.

AT HOME...
When the weather and the kids’ faces are gloomy, consider one of these fun activities. Better yet, let your child decide which idea she likes best and get some insight into her passions. Is she a decor diva, for example, or a mad scientist? Hey, you might even discover a future career path, and she’s not even in school. Bonus!

1. Clothing redesigner Keeping up with style-obsessed tweens and teens can empty a wallet fast. Instead of shopping, let your fashion mavens try embellishing a pair of jeans they already own. This Crazy Cuffs project is just one of the many crafts featured in Injeanuity, written by Ellen Warwick and illustrated by Bernice Lum (Kids Can Press). Click here to get the directions.

2. Junior caterer Get your kids to invite some pals (and their moms) over for an indoor picnic. The children can develop a theme and make some dishes to bring. That’s what Toronto mom Kelly Smyth does when she’s out of ideas. While 5-year-old Nolan and 6-year-old Ella are too young to plan the menus, Ella makes a mean bowl of Goldfish.

3. Rock star How do you turn the afternoon into an extravaganza? Get inspired by Canadian Idol and have your junior vocalists try out some tunes. (A site like lyrics.com can help with the words…and let you know what Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit really says…)

4. Magician in the making It’s a perfect time for kids to learn new tricks – all the better to impress their friends when school resumes. Getting started is as simple as picking up a pack of cards. Many of the tricks at magic.about.com use everyday items such as crayons, coins and paper clips, and photo instructions reveal the how-to secrets behind making paper clips jump and other crafty maneuvers.