Yay! It’s almost time for March Break! If you’re in Toronto, or planning a visit, here are some arts events worth checking out!
Comic Book Heroes Series at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
March 9 to 24
Celebrate those figures heroic enough to fight crime and injustice wherever it may be, and do it while wearing colourful spandex tights! This family-focused March Break matinee series looks at some of the best comic book adaptations in cinema history, as well some screen superheroes who live beyond the pages. Films include Superman (1978), Dick Tracy (1990), Adventures of TinTin (2011), Megamind (2010) Monsters vs Aliens (2009), Astro Boy (2009) The Rocketeer (1991), Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) and more!
Official Website: www.tiff.net
digiPLAYSPACE an interactive adventure at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
March 9 to April 21
This very popular attraction is back for it’s second year inviting kids and families to experience the world of emerging creative technology. This year’s theme “behind the scenes” offers film-based activities and innovation that drives this interactive play space. Kids will experience green screens, explore 3D image printing, discover an interactive stop-motion experience that takes animation to a giant scale. My 8 year old and I both loved it last year exploring the use of technology — it’s definitely worth checking out. Special workshops are also offered. Official Website: www.tiff.net
Disney on Ice Rockin’ Ever After
Rogers Centre March 13 -17 with 9 performances
An all-star line up of your favourite Disney characters take to the ice in this live production. Featuring scenes from Disney Pixar’s BRAVE, Tangled, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. Ge ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols in this musical showcase the features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom. **If you’re going on Friday, March 15th, Disney on Ice is holding its first-ever Rockin ‘&Reading Book Drive in support of the Children’s Book Bank, a charity that provides free books and literacy support to children in low-income Toronto neighbourhoods. Families are invited to drop by Rogers Centre at 2pm with new children’s books (ages newborn to 12 years). The first 300 people to donate one book each will receive on ticket voucher to a Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After performance of their choice. In addition, book donors will have a chance to meet Beauty & The Beasts’ Princess Belle and enjoy a production number from the show. *Ticket vouchers are available for the first 300 people. There is a limit of 1 voucher per person (excluding VIP and rinkside seats). Once 300 vouchers have been distributed, fans will be able to purchase tickets at a special one-day discount, saving $5 per ticket (excluding VIP and rinkside seats). Families can line up for access to Rogers Centre outside Gate 7 starting at 1:30 pm for the book drive drop off. Doors will open at 2pm until 3:00pm.
Official Website: www.disneyonice.com
Royal Ontario Museum: Passport to the World
March 9 to 17
Take a global adventure to explore six different worlds including archaeology, palaeontology, zoology and more. Interactive activities and art projects are included with general admission from 11 am to 4 pm daily. Fascinating artifacts and specimens from the ROM’s behind-the-scenes collections will be on display. Collect passport stamps as you go to win a prize. Get in touch with the animal kingdom with the Earth Rangers Bring Back the Wild live animal show. Interested in taking in the exhibitions and galleries without all the activities? Take advantage of discounted pricing after 4:30 pm and extended hours until 8:30 pm. ROM March Break Camp is also offered mornings, afternoons and full day sessions with extended care options. And don’t miss out! It’s your LAST CHANCE to see the Ultimate Dinosaurs: Giants from Gondwana (closing for good March 17).
Official Website: www.rom.on.ca
ITTY BITTY FUN at the Art Gallery of Ontario
March 9 to March 17 from 10 am to 4pm daily
This year, the AGO is offering activities inspired by the miniature sculptures of Canadian artist Kim Adams with drop in programs and activities free with the price of admission. You will find art making supplies ready for kids to construct tiny additions to the AGO’s own itty bitty city in Walker Court; all-day play at the Imagination Playground, family yoga classes in the Weston Family Learning Centre on specific days and times, kid-friendly tours of the gallery, screening of art-inspired short films from the National Film Board, and extended hours at the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-on Centre for ages 5 and under where kids can make art, listen to stories and play dress up daily.
Official Website: http://artmatters.ca/wp/2013/02/march-break-at-the-ago-itty-bitty-fun/
Scooby-Doo live! Musical Mysteries
Friday March 15th and Saturday March 16th
Mystery-solving chills and thrills go on stage with with four live performances. Scooby-Doo and the gang are teaming up to crack the case on a troublemaking ghoul haunting the theatre at the Sony Centre for Performing Arts.
Official Website: www.sonycentre.ca
Rock of Ages the Musical
March 19 to 24 Sony Centre
For the slightly older kids the musical head-banger Rock of Ages returns for a limited run at the Sony Centre. THe show presents a hilarious feel good story about a small town girl…living in a lonely world (who’s singing with me now?) who meets a big-city dreamer on LA’s Sunset Strip. The rock musical features 28 classic rock jams of the 80s including Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin”, REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight this Feeling” and more by Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Poison, Styx and others. I took my 12 year old son to the show a year ago and he loved it! Tickets range from $25-$90
Official website: www.sonycentre.ca
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Vaughan Mills
1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan open from 10:00 am Mondays to Saturdays
and from 11:00 am on Sundays.
Got a little Lego lover? You’ll want to check out the new LEGOLAND Discovery Centre just opened last week! With over 34, 000 square foot indoor attraction features more than 3 million LEGO bricks, geared towards families with children ages 3 to 10. It includes a hands-on play area, a 4D cinema, master classes led by Master Model Builders, two LEGO rides, and MINILAND – the venue’s signature re-creation of landmark locations and buildings of Toronto made entirely out of LEGO! Tickets and details online at the
Official Website: www.legolanddiscoverycentre.ca/toronto
Whew! Any other fun things happening? Feel free to include them below in the comment section!
Happy March Break everyone!
Kath says
Wishing we were in TO for March break – my girls would love that digiTIFF playspace. But alas, we will have to make do with what’s available her in Calgary – a trip to Banff for a ski day is definitely on the agenda!
Katya says
Great ideas here. I think you just saved me! 😉