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Things to do in The Durham Region for March Break


Blog by Mary Roy | March 11th, 2017


Searching for fun activities and events to enjoy as a family this March Break? We’ve put together a list of things to do just outside your own backyard!

The 2017 Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival (March 11 to 19)

Purple Woods Conservation Area
38 Coates Rd. (at Simcoe Street North), Oshawa.
See how maple syrup was made more than 400 years ago and through to today’s modern methods, take a horse-drawn wagon ride and enjoy some hot pancakes. General admission is $5 and tickets must be purchased in advance at cloca.ca (kids 2 and under are free and do not need a ticket). Minimal, extra cost for wagon rides, pancakes. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and dress for cooler weather as it’s generally colder and windier atop the Oak Ridges Moraine.

 

Lego Robot Challenge (March 13, 14 from 10 am-12:30 pm)

Bowmanville Branch of the Clarington Public Library
163 Church St, Bowmanville
Free event complete with a LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot after you and your team build and program a robot that uses motors and sensors to respond to its surroundings. It’s for ages 10 and over. Advanced registration is required. Register online, in person, or by phone at 905-623-7322, ext. 2712. Email info@clarington-library.on.ca for information.
 

Oshawa Museum (March 13-17 9am-3pm)

See what school life was like for kids a long time ago in the Victorian School Days by visiting the Verna Conant Gallery at Guy House, featuring a one-room schoolhouse at the turn of the 20th century. Dress up like a Victorian kid, learn to write on slates and see pictures of Oshawa’s oldest schools, teachers and classes. The cost is $5 per child. Call 905-436-7624, ext. 106 or email programming@oshawamuseum.org for more information.

 

Kids Safety Village (March 14 10am-2pm)

1129 Athol St., Whitby

Finally, OPG is also bringing some March break Madness to the Kids Safety Village of Durham Region. It’s a free event where young folks can explore safety in a kids-sized village. Note that all activities are outdoors, so dress for the weather. Food and refreshments are available for purchase. For information, email leah.bourgeois@opg.com or call 905-623-6670.

 

Drumming Workshop (March 14 10am-2pm)

Roland Michener Public School
95 Ritchie Ave., Ajax
The Congress of Black Women of Canada, Ajax-Pickering Chapter, for ages 8 to 14 presents a workshop that consists of three sessions: Drums Alive! -- interactive drumming; Black Canadian Heroes — a presentation; and, Tales by Moonlight — Storytelling workshop. The cost is $5 and refreshments are included. Registration is required. Email cbwc.ajaxpickering@gmail.com or call 1-866-986-2292.

 

Teen Filmmaking (March 15 11am-5pm)

Pickering Public Library, Central Library,
One The Esplanade, Pickering.
For those ages 13-19, s6tart with screenwriting basics in the free program and then learn to shoot and edit film. Bring a camera or use one of the library’s. Lunch is provided. Email help@picnet.org or call 905-831-6265.

 

A Day At The Farm (March 16 10am-2pm)

WindReach Farm
312 Townline Rd., Whitby
Enjoy wagon rides and a campfire, make crafts and meet the farm animals. The event is free, but a $20 charitable donation to the farm is appreciated. Be sure to dress for the weather. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For information, email leah.bourgeois@opg.com or call 905-623-6670.

Library Fun!

Clarington Public Library
Construction Chaos on March 13 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Courtice Branch, 2950 Courtice Rd. Kids aged 7 to 9 will make buildings — and then see how long they can stand up when the wreckers come through. It’s a drop-in program; no registration required. Space is limited. Email info@clarington-library.on.ca or call 905-623-7322.
 
At Newcastle Branch, 150 King Ave. E., on March 14 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Kids ages 10 and up will discover if a robot can create art in Doddle Bots. They will make a simple robot with a few items and see what kind of picture the robot makes. It’s also a drop-in program so no need to register.

Pickering Public Library

Kids ages 2 to 5 can take in Puppet Shows, Songs and Rhymes on March 15 at 10 a.m. It’s a free event at the Petticoat Creek Branch, 470 Kingston Rd. For information, email help@picnet.org or call 905-420-2254.