The kids will have a break from school next week, but there will be no shortage of things to do across Windsor-Essex.
The City of Windsor and most communities in the county are planning activities for families during March Break, designed to get families out of the house and doing things together.
Many activities are free of charge while others, such as day camps, charge fees. Some require pre-registration. In order to avoid disappointment, be sure to visit the municipality's website for further information or call 311.
Windsor
The Windsor Public Library is hosting a variety of March Break events at its branches across town. Library CEO Kitty Pope says these are very popular with area students.
"Windsor Public Library is the perfect March Break destination for learning, leisure and fun," says Pope in a news release. "Our goal is to provide kids with loads of entertaining and educational programs which will introduce them to the many events and resources available at the Windsor Public Library."
Highlights of the library's March Break programs include "Up, Up and Away!" at noon on Saturday, March 10 at the Fontainebleau Branch on Rivard Ave, and Zoo 2 You on Wednesday, March 14 at 1pm at the main downtown library.
All library programs are free of charge. Visit the WPL's official website for an extensive list of March Break activities.
Transit Windsor is offering a break to students of all ages between Sunday, March 11 and Saturday, March 17. With a valid student ID, elementary, high school, university and college students will pay just $1 instead of the usual $3. This does not include tunnel bus or special event services.
Adventure Bay Family Water Park will be open 10am to 8pm from Saturday, March 10 through Sunday, March 18.
The City of Windsor is hosting day camps at many of its community centres across the city. Some of the city's customer care centres are also being staffed extended hours during the break.
For complete information on the city's March Break events and for fees on day camps, visit the Parks and Recreation portion of the city's official website or call 311.
Amherstburg
Kids can get a taste of history during March Break at Fort Malden National Historic Site.
The fort is hosting a March Break day camp where participants can do arts and crafts, play period games, learn soldier's drills, try on military uniforms and more.
The camp is designed for those aged 6 to 12 and space is limited. Cost is $24.50 per person. For complete information or to register, visit Fort Malden's official Facebook page.
Essex
A variety of options are available for residents during March Break throughout the town.
Open gym times are available at the Essex Community Centre on March 13, 14 and 15. Participants will have access to equipment and games. The cost is $3.50 per person or $10.50 for a family of five.
A free family skate is offered on Wednesday, March 14 from 2pm to 4pm at the Essex Recreational Complex, and a free recreational swim on Thursday, March 15 from 2:30pm to 4pm.
The John R. Park Homestead is also presenting its Maple March Break on Tuesday, March 13 and Friday, March 16 starting at 1:30pm. The Maple Moon program is set for Tuesday at 7pm and pre-registration is required.
Kingsville
Themed skating days are planned for the Saturdays during March Break at the Kingsville Arena, both from 4:30pm to 5:50pm, according to the town's parks and recreation schedule. Kids are encouraged to wear a silly hat on March 10, and to wear green for St. Patrick's Day on March 17.
The town is teaming up with Music Moves Kids to present a music-themed day camp Monday through Friday at the Kingsville Arena, featuring activities designed to teach music to youngsters. Visit the website for registration and rates.
Lakeshore
A variety of activities and drop-in programs are scheduled for the Atlas Tube Centre from March 12 to 16. A complete list of activities and their costs is available at the town's official website.
March Break day camp is also being presented, offering activities ranging from appearances by Lakeshore Canadiens hockey players, a talent show, science experiments and a St. Patrick's Day theme on Friday, March 16. For a complete listing of day camp activities and rates, visit the town's website.
LaSalle
The town is using the 10th anniversary of its Vollmer Complex as the centrepiece of its March Break program. This begins Sunday, March 11 with a free family birthday celebration from 1pm to 3:30pm, featuring a wide variety of activities and a free recreational skate from 2pm to 3:30pm.
At 7:30pm on Sunday, the LaSalle Vipers take on the Chatham Maroons in Game 7 of their best-of-seven junior-B hockey playoff series.
Free recreational swimming will be offered from March 12 to 18 from 1pm to 3pm daily, plus 7pm to 9pm on Friday, March 16. Free recreational skating is also available Monday through Friday from 2pm to 4pm.
Complete information and pre-registration are available on the town of LaSalle's official website.
Leamington
Kids aged 4 to 12 can get moving over March Break during a day camp provided by the municipality, held at the Kinsmen Recreational Complex.
Activities include outdoor play, weather permitting, ice skating, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, science experiments, field trips and more.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and a healthy lunch is provided for those registering by 5pm the previous day.
For complete information and to register, visit the municipality's official website.
Tecumseh
The town is hosting free family skates at Tecumseh Arena on Saturday, March 10 from 2pm to 3:30pm, then at assorted times from March 12 to 16.
Admission is first-come, first-served, based on ice availability. Helmets are recommended. Visit the town's official website and app for complete information.