Activities and events in the Kingston area for March Break 2023

March 7, 2023March 8, 2023 Jessica Foley

A LEGO competition is only one of many events taking place in Kingston and the area over March Break 2023. *Photo by Jonas Mohamadi.*

Despite the still-looming snowbanks that winter brought this year, the days are getting longer, and the sun is feeling a little warmer. Spring is surely on the way! And nothing says ‘spring is almost here’ like March Break.

Families in the Kingston area may be on the lookout for things to do during the annual week-long school break. This year, we have rounded up some fun, free things to do in and around the Kingston area.

Kick off the week with Art and Found

Local artists have original works of art ready to go for this free treasure-hunt-style event, which is the third annual day when thousands of free artworks from artists all over the world will be placed within their local communities for neighbouring residents to find.

On Sunday, March 12, artists in Kingston, Napanee, and around the world will be hiding original works of art for community members to find. Read more about the event here.

Get creative with a LEGO competition

Image via the Rocking Horse’s LEGO event page on Facebook.

The Rocking Horse is holding their 2023 LEGO Building competition over March Break. Build your very own LEGO Creation and submit it over email to The Rocking Horse at [email protected] for your chance to win.

This year, the Rocking Horse said the competition will have two winners from each of the five age brackets in the following categories:

Creative Engineering Award (selected by a panel of judges)
People’s Choice Award (the submission with the most online votes)

Entries can be submitted until March 19, and winners will be announced on Friday, Apr. 1, 2023.

More details are available at the Facebook Event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1550099032481771/

Learn about historic sites with March of the Museums

Area families will be familiar with March of the Museums, a yearly event full of activities featuring local museums and historic sites.

This year, participating locations include museums in Smiths Falls, Perth, and Gananoque, and activity bags are available for those who wish to participate at home. Pre-registration is required for some events and to reserve an activity bag.

A few of the events that will take place for March of the Museums. *Image via March of the Museums website.*

Participating Museums for 2023

Full details and links to register are available at https://www.kingstonmuseums.ca/events/march-museums

‘Wonderful Water’ events at KFPL

“Water you doing over March Break?” the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) asked in their release detailing their March Break plans.

KFPL is inviting families to enjoy a mix of free activities for children of all ages with the theme Wonderful Water. Starting Monday, March 13, Wonderful Water will feature over 15 unique programs, from art to puppet shows, the library shared.

“With the Wonderful Water theme, children will have the opportunity to discover the importance of water in our world through hands-on experiences and imaginative play. Plus, it’s all completely free, and there is a mix of virtual, in-person and take-home activities, making Wonderful Water accessible for many families,” said Brianne Peters, Librarian, Children’s Services.

The library provided the following details on their March Break programming:

Wonderful Water programming

Explore different states of matter by growing salt crystals using the supplies provided in the Salt Crystal Bilingual Take Home Kit for kids ages four to ten. Instructions are in both French and English. Registration for the kit is now open. Kits will be available for pickup at designated branches starting Monday, March 13.
On March 13, Scientists in Situ will host a virtual workshop for kids ages eight to 12. Pick up a free kit from any KFPL branch before the workshop to have fun with soap and water by exploring the chemistry of bath bombs.
The Marine Museum invites kids ages six to eight to explore the concepts of buoyancy and the forces that act on watercraft by building their own boats on Tuesday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m. at the Calvin Park Branch.
Get bubbly at the Isabel Turner Branch on Tuesday, March 14, at 2 p.m., as we create different bubble concoctions.
Utilities Kingston will offer two water-conservation-themed programs for children on Wednesday, March 15 (ages six and under) and Friday, March 17 (ages six and up). Both programs will be located at the Isabel Turner Branch.
For French and bilingual families, enjoy stories and activities at J’aime les Bateaux! on Thursday, March 15, at 4 p.m. Older children are invited to try watercolour art at the Isabel Turner Branch on Thursday, March 16.
Kids ages nine and up can experiment with various watercolour techniques using various provided supplies.

Most activities require registration because of high demand and limited space. Register online at calendar.kfpl.ca or by telephone at any branch.

March Break Puppet Show Extravaganza

The puppets are back! Catch a show at the Isabel Turner Branch on Monday, March 13, at 10:30 a.m., followed by an afternoon show at the Rideau Heights Community Centre at 2 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 14, find KFPL at the Kingston East Community Centre at 10:30 a.m. and the Central Branch at 2 p.m.
Two shows will be available at the Calvin Park Branch on Wednesday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The tour’s last stop will be at the Sydenham Branch on Thursday, March 16, at 2 p.m.

A KFPL puppet show, including a glimpse behind the scenes! *Photos via KFPL.*

Tickets for puppet shows will be available at the venue half an hour before show time, with a limit of six tickets per group.

Those near two rural branches, Plevna and Sharbot Lake, will have an opportunity for dinosaur storytime, and to land themselves a limited edition library card, on Friday, Mar. 17. More details on that event here.

Some shows require tickets; others are drop-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit calendar.kfpl.ca to learn more.

Fun for all ages at Lennox & Addington Libraries

The Lennox & Addington Libraries are also hosting events throughout March Break. Take a look at their calendar of events:

Find more details and register for their March Break events here: https://landalibraries.as.me/schedule.php

Skate with Council

Take a turn around the ice with some of Kingston’s city councillors. Bring your skates and stop by the Memorial Centre Arena on Wednesday, Mar. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m.

“We at the council wanted ways to keep in touch with residents and community events where everyone can show some Kingston spirit and make fun memories together, so we all pitched in to cover the costs of this event,” said Jimmy Hassan in a social media post. “Biggest thanks to councillor Amos, who brought this idea forward first.”

Interested skaters can reserve a spot 48 hours in advance through the City of Kingston’s website or by visiting the administrative desk at one of the City’s recreation facilities.

And don’t forget: public skating at Springer Market Square will be available as long as the winter weather remains! For details or updates visit Skating in the Square.

Know of any other fun activities taking place in the area this March Break? Let us know in the comments!