By Elaine Brisebois

Looking to plan a fun and fulfilling March Break for your children without breaking the bank? There are tons of great activities you can do as a family to deepen your connection that doesn’t involve being glued to a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Check out the ideas below!

1. Be a Tourist

Enjoy the perks of being a tourist without traveling far. Plan a fun “staycation” as a family and hit up some of the local spots in your own city, or surrounding cities nearby. Check out local attractions, visit an art exhibition or museum, explore a new neighborhood, or look up free event listings happening over the week in your area.

2. Go Hiking

Visit a nearby park or conservation area close by and explore some of the trails. After a long winter in hibernation, March Break is a great time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and sneak in some exercise too. If the weather’s nice enough you can always pack a picnic to enjoy afterwards.

3. Visit Your Local Library

Oftentimes there are events and drop-in programs happening over the March Break that are offered for a nominal fee, if not free. Take the opportunity to borrow some new books as well, and allocate some quiet reading time at home as a family – a pleasant welcome at the end of an activity-jammed day.

4. Do Fun Activities

There are tons of fun activities you can do that are easy on the wallet. Depending on your budget you can visit a nearby indoor water park and splash around with the kids; go ice-skating at a nearby arena or outdoor rink, or hit up the local bowling lanes.

5. Host a Game Night

A little friendly competition never hurt anybody. Pull out the playing cards and all the old board games and host a game night (or day) and have some good old-fashioned family fun from the comfort of your own home. Pick up some inexpensive prizes to up the ante and add an element of excitement.

6. Have a Bake Off

Pick out some family favorites or choose a few new recipes you’d all like to try. Have everyone roll up their sleeves and get involved with the preparation. Younger children

can help with measuring or mixing – it might be a little bit messy but it’s a great way to teach children patience and pique their interest in food. For healthy baking tips be sure to check out this article.

7. Have a Movie Night

Select some family suitable movies and cozy up on the couch for a relaxing evening in – popcorn and all. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the movie theatre and watch a film on the big screen. Many theatres have reduced ticket prices on Tuesday nights!

8. Get Creative Together

Work on DIY home projects as a family. Whether it’s clearing out space in the basement for a new Ping-Pong table, planting a backyard garden, or building a Lego masterpiece; get everyone involved. Not only does this teach children values like responsibility and teamwork, but it also enables them to feel a sense of accomplishment when they see a project through till the end. And as long as you keep the mood light, there’s ample time for family fun and bonding.

9. Visit Family and Friends

Take advantage of the time off and make plans to visit grandma and grandpa, or other relatives and family friends that live nearby. Oftentimes just a little change in scenery (someone else’s house!) can feel like an adventure to kids.