Fun and Frugal March Break

Your guide to planning March Break on a budget

By CanadianParents.com Community

Many of us would like to jet off to a tropical paradise for March Break, but that's not always practical or in the budget! Fortunately there's a lot parents can do to make school breaks fun and memorable for our kids. CanadianParents.com is jam packed with activities your family will enjoy and that are both Fun and Frugal!

The Planning

First, we suggest that you Call a Family Meeting and ask for everyone's input and ideas for activities making sure each child has a voice. You could even do a brainstorming session similar to our Summerfun Project. Be sure to schedule something for each day of your Break.

Indoor Fun

If your area has an indoor playground make sure you plan a visit but keep in mind it will be crowded during this week so plan your visits wisely.

If you're stuck at home try some Boredom Busters and then check out these frugal and fun craft recipes which include Jello Finger Paint, Starch Finger Paint, Playdough, Goopy Green Slime, Homemade Flubber, and many more! Older children will love making this Sugar Cube Igloo, a frosty winter craft. You'll find more ideas by browsing the Winter Craft and Activity Guide at our sister site, Today's Parent.com.

Just because it's March Break doesn't not mean that chores have stopped. Take a moment to read Cleaning with Kids Can be Fun!  and get your kids involved in housework in a positive way!

Check your local movie theaters for special March Break Matinees. Many offer kids movies at a discounted rate during school breaks.

Bowling can also be a fun way to exert some energy and not break the bank. A lot of newer bowling alley's have computerized scoring to make it easier if you're on your own with the kids. If not, it can also be a great math lesson!

Skating is an inexpensive indoor activity. Many arenas have scheduled Mom & Tots skating times, and if you have a Toddler or Preschooler just learning to skate Start, Stop, March, Glide is a must read!

Just because school is out doesn't mean that learning has to stop, your local Library is also a great resource for indoor fun! Most Libraries have a special March Break schedule with daily activities.

Swimming is always a big hit, many public pools have added open swims to their schedules and it's another low cost activity to enjoy.

Outdoor Fun

March weather can be unpredictable depending where you are in the country. Here are some activities that you can enjoy with or without the snow:

Visit your local ski hill, although skiing is not normally considered a frugal activity many ski resorts provide discounted lift tickets and rentals during school breaks, it can be a fun way to try out this winter sport when it's not so bone chillingly cold out!

Go take a hike!  No special equipment is needed, put on your back packs with a snack and a drink and enjoy the early spring sights. Be sure to check with your local nature park for activities or guided hikes that may be offered this time of year. If your kids are younger be sure to check out Hiking with Young Children.

Mid March is also the time of year that many of us are able to take advantage of the sap flowing in our Maple Trees. Find out about this truly Canadian tradition in Sugaring Off!

Have Fun Cooking!

Start out your morning by making some March Break Muffins to energize your day! Get the kids involved and let them measure out some of the ingredients, it's also a lesson in math that they're not even realizing.

If you haven't already joined CPO's Slow Cooker Club,  then get moving!  Your days will go much smoother knowing that dinner is already preparing.  Want to get the kids involved?  Try the Kids Love 'em Meatballs!  These are so easy even a preschooler could help with this task.  Want to take mealtimes up a notch in the Fun Factor?  Have a theme night!  Perhaps you'd like to be on a the beach in Mexico? Why not bring Mexico to you! Try our Slow Cooker Fajitas, put on some Mariachi Music and teach your kids about a different culture. Or if you're looking for a snack that's a little more Canadian, try a homemade Beaver Tail!

Be sure to stop by our March Break and Frugal Living Message Boards for more fun frugal activities for your March Break!