Spring Fling The country's largest indoor carnival is back for another year of thrills and chills. Rides like the Cannonball and a Ferris Wheel, games of chance, a skating rink and play areas help make this event sure to keep boredom at bay. Kids can get measured at the door so you'll know right away which rides are safe for them to go on. Runs Tues. to Mar. 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily ($20/$12 for all-day ride tickets at 416-870-8000 or Gate 7). Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way.
Fun at Queen's Park The 114 year-old Ontario Parliament Building throws open its doors so kids can get an idea of what the politicians do. Scavenger hunts, craft activities and more will keep kids ages 6-12 busy. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (free, must pre-register at 416-325-7500).
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People presents two shows to keep kids entertained. Comet in Moominland, based on the book by Tove Jansson, features young adventures encountering many dangers to save Moominvalley from a comet. For ages 5-9. George and Martha follows the friendship and mischievous adventures of two hippos. For ages 3-6. Both shows run to Mar. 18 ($20/$15 at 416-862-2222). Performance schedule at www.lktyp.ca. 165 Front St. E.
Solar Stage Children's Theatre has extra performances of Munsch Mayhem, William Martyn's adaptation of favourite Robert Munsch stories. Mon. through Mar. 16 at 10 a.m., noon & 2:30 p.m. For ages 3-10.
Cow Over Moon Theatre presents a full-week run of their original take on the classic tale The Ugly Duckling. It stars Terrance Balazo, Katie Crown, Aaron Knight and Maggie Maloney. Runs Sat. to Mar. 18; shows Sat. 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m., Mon.-Thurs. 10:30 a.m. & Fri. 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. ($12/$8 at 905-510-8210). Burnhamthorpe Library Theatre, 1350 Burnhamthorpe Rd.
Little Red Theatre presents Princess Stories from Around the World, where a pyjama party turns four girls into princesses from all four corners of the world. For ages 4-11. Shows run Mon. to Mar. 16 at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. ($11/$9 at 416-533-8848). Palmerston Library Theatre, 560 Palmerston Ave.
Two Feet or Eight? Ontario Place offers two great films for the whole family on the giant screen. Running daily, Sat. to Mar. 18, Happy Feet screens at 12:30 p.m. and Charlotte's Web screens at 3 p.m. ($8; info at 416-314-9900). 955 Lakeshore Blvd. W. www.ontarioplace.com.
Arrrgh, Mateys! The Bata Shoe Museum offers some pirate-themed activities during the break. Decorate some pirate boot cookies, buried treasure clogs and treasure chest mini-shoeboxes; leave your x-mark and pirate pictures on a wall mural; relax in the Pirate Story Nook; hunt for treasure, see Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow pirate boots and more. Events run Mon. to Mar. 16 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Special admission rates during the break: $6 per child/$6 for accompanying adult. 327 Bloor St. W. www.batashoemuseum.ca.
Magic and Animals Illusionists Ted and Marion Outerbridge bring their Magical Moments in Time show to the stage, with some spellbinding tricks, Tues. 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. ($19 and up).
At the Science Centre Science can be a lot of fun outside the classroom and the Science Centre has loads of exhibits and special programs on during the break. "Fizzical Fizzicks" has Matter Man and Science Girl conquering evil forces with solids, liquids and gases; "Dangerous Science" has demonstrations you won't want to try at home – laser beams, high voltage, explosions and more; "Kitchen Science" shows you what you can make in your own home – edible foams, chameleon juices and a glass you can eat. Special programs run Mon. to Mar. 16. Don't forget the Marvel Super Heroes exhibit is also on to Mar. 25. The Centre is open Sat. to Mar. 15 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. & Mar. 16 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (regular admission $18/$12.50/$10; Marvel exhibit & Omnimax films extra). 770 Don Mills Rd. www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.
Harbourfront Happenings March Break camps are back for ages 3-16. They run Mon. to Mar. 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with different themes like creative writing, the circus, tennis, science, Dungeons & Dragons and more. (Camps range from $190-$235; register at 416-973-4093).
Creepy Crawlies The Toronto Zoo goes buggy with "Bugzibitz II – The Bugs Are Back!" The popular event, running Fri. to Mar. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. features the Bee Creative activity centre, Jennifer Angus' amazing artwork created from insects, a meerkat enrichment feeding and more. Learn how bugs play a part in our daily diets (even try a cricket cookie!) and why they're our friends. Events are free with general admission ($19/$13/$11). Meadowvale Rd. & Hwy 401. 416-392-5929 or www.torontozoo.com.
Fun at the ROM The Royal Ontario Museum opens its new Discovery Gallery on Sat., with lots of activities and demonstrations, a costume area, a Dinosaur Dig and more. March Break family activities run Mon. to Mar. 16 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; join in a mock archaeological dig, go medieval, check out the Biodiversity Gallery or interact with the ROM's collections in the Digital Gallery. Events included with general admission ($18/$15/$12). 100 Queen's Park. www.rom.on.ca.
At the AGO The Art Gallery of Ontario has a special screening of the new Barbie DVD, Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the Rainbow, Mar. 15 at 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. At this event, kids can also create their own fairy costumes, perform the dance of spring, meet and greet Barbie. Other activities that day, between 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., include the Dragon Wagon, the Emily Carr exhibit and the In Your Face exhibit. Barbie event included with admission. 317 Dundas St. W. www.ago.net.
Historical Houses: Drop In Sessions Colborne Lodge offers tours of the house and children's activities for ages 3 and up, Sat. to Mar. 18 from noon-4 p.m. ($4/$2.75/$2.50). Colborne Lodge Dr., south end of High Park.
At the City Playhouse Theatre Judy and David star in the world premiere of Beanstock, a new spin on the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, for ages 3-9; Sat.-Mon. 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. ($14-$24).
Richmond Hill Heritage Centre offers children's workshops featuring activities and crafts from the 19th century; they run Fri. to Mar. 16 ($10-$16, must register at 905-787-1441).
High School Musical Randolph Young Company presents the hit Disney show, Fri. to Mar. 18 ($20 at 416-872-1111). Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst St.
Wizard World Create some March Break magic with midway rides, a huge inflatable playground, a reptile zoo, crafts, The Fairly Oddparents stage show, appearances by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more. Runs. Sun. to Mar. 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ($20). Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. Info at www.wizardworld.ca or 416-585-9263.
Bookstore Breaks Chapters and Indigo stores across the city have several events for March Break. Mon.: Read with Dora & Diego and take part in an adventure; Tues.: Decorate a Doodlebops pledge flag and do some dancing; Wed.: Share story time and do some crafts with The Backyardigans; Thurs. Mar. 15: Make some paper creations with Klutz Origami; Fri. Mar. 16: Celebrate the Cat in the Hat's 50th birthday. All events take place at 2 p.m.
Boredom Busters Erin Mills Town Centre offers animals, magic and science to keep everyone occupied. Running Mon. to Mar. 16 the mall has free shows at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. and fun stations available from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Events include presentations from Jungle Cat World, a magic show and wizard school, the Splash'N Boots live show and more. Erin Mills Pkwy & Eglinton Ave., Mississauga. Full info at 905-569-1981 or www.erinmills.ca.
Music & Magic Sheridan Centre has a week of fun events running Mon. to Mar. 16 with shows at noon & 2 p.m. Events include The Magic of David Joiner, a creepy critters show, mad science and more. 2225 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga. Info: 905-822-0881.
See Bricks Do Tricks The Puppetmongers are back with the Brick Brothers Circus, a miniature one-ring circus show performed by "highly trained building bricks." running Mon. to Mar. 17 at 2:30 p.m. ($10 at 416-469-3555). Puppetmongers' Studio, 401 Logan Ave. More info at www.puppetmongers.com.
At Stage West March Break events include the full-day Wizard School for ages 6-12, running Mon. to Mar. 16 ($46); lunch performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest take place during the week ($29 incl. buffet); the Stars of Pop concert is a tribute to Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff, Kelly Clarkson, Green Day and Justin Timberlake, Mon. ($38). Ticket and info at www.stagewest.com or 905-238-0042. 5400 Dixie Rd. Mississagua.
