Beware the idles of March

Spending the break at home doesn't mean there isn't a lot to see and do in London and area for kids and families.

THE LONDON FREE PRESS, page B1
Sat. March 8, 2008
By MEGHAN MOLONEY, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA

Raise your hand if you've slipped on an icy driveway in the last week.

Keep it raised if your boots have soaked through after stepping in a pile of slush or you've been stuck waiting for a bus that never came.

Now, how many of you are heading south during March break to escape the winter blues?

Congratulations. Your colleagues, classmates and relatives probably hate you right now.

But for anyone sticking around to spend March break at home, don't despair -- there are lots of great ways to relax, get some exercise and learn something new with your family right here in the London area.


Finding ways to keep your kids happy and active doesn't have to break the bank, either. You can skip the pricey day camps and go for inexpensive activities.

An added bonus is that many events don't require you to register ahead of time, so you can be spontaneous with your plans.

One of the major attractions next week is sure to be the Children's Museum. With daily activities such as arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and karaoke, as well as special weekend guests, kids can do something different each day of the week.

"We have some favourites who've come back for another year of fun," said Dawn Miskelly, manager of visitor services and sales.

"Some of them are activities that are here a lot, but with more oomph over March break."

If you'd rather risk the snow and slush to get some fresh air, the London area offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing, as well as public skating in the city.

Been there, done that? There's always the time-honoured March break tradition of the sugar bush. Among the several maple sugar bushes running tours and activities in the area is the Kinsmen Fanshawe Sugar Bush.

Bill Reath, who's worked there for 15 years, recommends wearing warm clothes and a pair of boots you don't mind getting muddy.

"The old fellow who was there when I started there said, 'You can't make syrup until there's mud on the ground.' "

So instead of hiding at home next week, grab a thermos of hot chocolate and some warm, fuzzy socks and hit the town.

MARCH BREAK SURVIVAL GUIDE:

See the Free Press City & Region page for all the activity listings I compiled.