February 13, 2024 | By: Jennifer Stitt in For Love of the Game
5 Ways To Keep Your Kids Active This March Break
Having your kids home for a week on March Break is meant to be a nice idea for family bonding, but it can be incredibly stressful if you’re trying to juggle active kids while also working full time and dealing with other responsibilities.
Your kids may need the vacation from school, but that doesn’t mean that they want to sit on the couch or in their rooms the whole time just watching screens and playing games online. Some of that is okay, but kids need stimulus as well.
We think of physical activity as something that’s good for kids to have, but it’s more than just that – it’s crucial for their health. According to the US Center for Disease Control, physical activity “can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions.”
We count on our schools to provide this level of activity when kids are in the classroom, but parents can take charge over March Break to help keep kids moving. For parents, not only does it keep children healthy, but it can help burn off some of that excess energy that kids need to expend.
So how can you keep kids moving this March Break?
The one thing that we take for granted is that we live amidst such beautiful landscapes in every corner of Ontario. Even in the most developed neighbourhoods, it’s not hard to find amazing walking or hiking trails just a short drive away. Even all around the Greater Toronto Area, we’re fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful trails out there.
You don’t need to be an adventurous explorer or certified guide to check out some of these trails. On a beautiful day, you’ll likely run into countless other families who are out for the same breath of fresh air. Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto, Black Creek Side Trail in Halton Hills, Vista Trail in Scarborough or Lynde Shores in Whitby all offer beautiful options that aren’t too far away. Check online to make sure that the trail is open before your visit.
We think of the Toronto Zoo as a summer time activity, but it’s actually open 365 days a year, and has some different offerings during the winter months that can keep kids busy. Visit their website for their interactive map that shows some of their different offerings during the winter.
Not only is the zoo a great walk for a few hours, but it offers wildlife that you wouldn’t ordinarily see out in the wilderness. The Tundra Trek pavilion features caribou and arctic wolves, along with the polar bear habitat, while the Eurasia Wilds pavilion is home to the majestic snow leopards. Don’t worry, a few of the beloved African animals are still braving the cold outdoors, and some others may say hello in their indoor exhibits.
This may have been one of our warmer winters in recent memory, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of outdoor sports options available. If the weather does get cold and the snow starts to fall, pond skating is always a fun pastime, although if things stay warm then we may be looking at an early road hockey season. Tobogganing may burn less calories but it’s still a fun way to enjoy the snow.
Or, if the family loves to ski, skiing is usually an outdoor sport that can happen in slightly warmer weather so long as the facilities can make up for the lack of snow. There’s no need to run off to Whistler or the Laurentians – there are plenty of smaller resorts around the GTA which offer hills for skiers at all skill levels. Some may even have lessons for the first timers while other family members can take on something more challenging.
Need to keep the kids active for a few hours but don’t have the time or resources to go too far from home? How about a scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood. Younger kids may need supervision, but a scavenger hunt gives both children and adults that feeling as though they’re ‘playing detective,’ and a huge sense of accomplishment when they find each clue.
The best part about a scavenger hunt is that it can be as simple or as challenging as you want to make it. Highlighting some area landmarks or common everyday items they might find on their travels can keep things simple, or feel free to challenge them a bit more if they can handle it. This one does involve some planning on the adults’ part, but it can be a great activity that brings the whole family together.
Lastly, but of course not least
Just like the Blue Jays down in Florida for Spring Training, your kids are also getting excited for baseball season! Even if it’s too cold for them to play outdoors, that doesn’t mean that they can’t play during the winter at our March Break camp, March Break hitting clinic, or if your child really wants to hone their skills over the break, sign them up for a private lesson.
Our programs run through the week of March Break and are open to all skill levels. Our top instructors will work with your kids on all the mechanics, while having a great time! And we have access to enough batting cages and field space to ensure that everyone gets a fair shot at practice. Registration is open now and spots are going quickly, so make sure that you grab yours today!
If you have any questions about our March Break camp, clinics or lessons, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Otherwise enjoy the March Break and we look forward to seeing you at camp!
Play Ball,
Jennifer Stitt
Owner
Field of Dreams Baseball Camp Inc.
