Fun Ideas for March Break - That Won't Break The Bank!

I'm always looking for fun things to do with my kids when there is a holiday from school.  Unfortunately for them I'm not made of money.  Since I can't afford day-camps or other super exciting things that cost a mortgage payment I'm looking for inexpensive fun things!  I thought I would share my ideas with all of you :)

Bronte Creek Maple Syrup Festival ~
This is close to us.  Located in Burlington at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.  Fun for kids and adults, and only around $16 for admission of one vehicle. You don't have to eat there, you can picnic if the weather is warm enough, but you DO get a free maple syrup candy!!  *yum*

Scavenger Hunt ~
This you can do anywhere!  If it's a cold, snowy, wet or just plain yucky March Break, you can even do this indoors!  Take various items from your house, or from your kids rooms and hide them away!  Write all the items down (or put pictures of what they need to find for kids that can't read yet) and off they go!  I like this idea because it's not just for March Break, it's for any day your kids have lots of energy and you just don't have the time to run around with them!  Plus it makes them feel like they're sneaky spies, you can even let them wear disguises etc for fun!

Swimming~
Around here rec-centres are very inexpensive.  And they offer the chance to go swimming while it's still freezing cold outside!

Sledding~
Again, free, and again not just for march break.  But lots of places still have lots of snow right now!  Take advantage of it and go sliding down some hills!  It won't be around much longer!

Make Bird Feeders~
This one will cost you a little bit for the bird seed, but if you go to Bulk Barn it's pretty cheap!  The old "Peanut Butter Pine Cone" is a classic and easy bird feeder to make with your kids.  And if you have children under 2 you can use "Golden Pea Butter"  which is like "fake peanut butter".  I have it for school lunches since they have to be "nut free"!

Go Feed the Birds! ~
A continuation from the last idea of course, but it will still be fun!  Wear some rubber boots if it's muddy!  Here we are close to the Royal Botanical Gardens which is a great place to go feed birds and chipmunks and squirrels!  It's a nice walk on nature trails and gets you out of the house and lets the kids see their bird feeders in action!

Bake~
Not all kids are into baking so this isn't for everyone.  But odds are most kids are into the results of baking!!  Choose a simple recipe like peanut butter cookies!  3 ingredients!  1 egg, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 cup peanut butter! Mix it up, bake it up and voila!

Visit a Library~
Free!  Most libraries have a children's section that is littered with toys and fun activities!  This makes for a fun afternoon and you can also check out some books of movies for yourself while there!!