As the winter months drag on, kids — and their parents — can start feeling and looking tired. So it’s no surprise that the annual Spring Break from school, usually the first or second week of March, is a much-anticipated holiday in Montreal.  While some families choose to jet off to warmer climates, many others stick around, either by choice or necessity (not everyone can get the time off or afford a mid-term holiday.) Thankfully, families who are staying close to home will find a variety of affordable activities and programs to make the week special for kids.  Apart from several camp programs, there are also a slew of activities, such as movies, theatre workshops, dance classes, magic shows, bread-making workshops and outdoor sports.  So here’s our list of many of these Spring Break camps and activities.

Shaking up daily routines lets everyone relax and renew their energy. Enjoy the break!

Liz Warwick
Associate Editor

Camps

Feb. 23-27
Spring Break Camp
YM-YWHA Ben Weider JCC, 5400 Westbury Ave., Montreal. Ages 4-11. English. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $175 per week for Y members, $205 per week for non-Y members. (514) 737-6551. Arts & crafts, swimming, games and dance. www.ymywha.com

Feb. 23-27
Spring Break Camp
West Island Jewish Community Centre, 13101 Gouin Blvd. (corner Fredmir), Pierrefonds. Ages 2-10. English. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended hours available if booked in advance, except Friday). Five days $130 (Y members save $10) or $30 per day (Y members save $3 per day). Extended day $4 per hour, per child. (514) 737-6551. Day camp with sports, wacky science, drama, arts & crafts and more. www.ymywha.com

Feb. 23 - March 13
Spring Camps
La Salamandre Art Centre, 1090 Pratt, Outremont. Ages 6-9 and Ages 10-14. Bilingual. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended hours from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). $190 per week (extended care $25 per week). (514) 692-9809. Art day camp with drawing, painting, sculpture, scrapbooking, theatre, photography and more. www.centredartlasalamandre.com

March 1-6
Special Needs Overnight Camp
Centre Notre Dame de Fatima, 2464 Perrot Blvd., Notre Dame de LÎle Perrot. Ages 4-13. French or sign language. Fees based on sliding scale. (514) 453-7600 ext. 221. Specialized camp with many activities for deaf or dysphasic children. www.centrendfatima.com

March 2-6
March Break Camp
The Ys of Quebec West Island, 230 Brunswick Blvd., Pointe Claire. Ages 5-12. Bilingual. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended camp hours available at extra cost). $165. (514) 630-9864 ext. 265. Swimming, games, gym activities, crafts, Y-Planet interactive arcade and more. www.ymcamontreal.qc.ca

March 2-6
Spring Break Camp
The Ys of Quebec St. Laurent, 1745 Decarie Blvd., St. Laurent. Ages 5-12. Bilingual. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $35 per day with 10 per cent discount for multiple children (pre-camp care $5 per day, after-camp care $6 per day). (514) 747-9801. Various activities such as sports, crafts, swimming, and more. 

March 2-6
Kidspiration
Chapters and Indigo stores across Montreal. Ages 5 and up. Free. Arts & crafts with Klutz activity kits, Scrabble, Twister, storytimes etc. For locations and times, visit www.chapters.indigo.ca.

March 2-6
Multi-Sport Day Camp
Club Sportif Côte de Liesse, 8305 Côte de Liesse, St. Laurent. Ages 5-14. Bilingual. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. $225 per week (extended hours $25 per week. Lunch available for additional fee). (514) 735-2582 ext. 243. Sports day camp with tennis, soccer, badminton, squash, wall climbing and more. www.clubcdl.com

March 2-6
Animal Care Apprentice
Ecomuseum Zoo, 21 125 ch. Ste. Marie, Ste. Anne de Bellevue. Ages 7-12. Bilingual. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1 day - $45, 3 days - $115, 4 days - $160, 5 days - $190. (514) 457-9449. Join the resident zoologists for one or more days to learn about animal care. Prepare meals, feed some of the animals, enjoy enrichment activities and other unique surprises. www.ecomuseum.ca

March 2-6
Spring Break Camp
The Ys of Quebec N.D.G., 4335 Hampton Ave., Montreal. Ages 5 - 12. Bilingual. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $39 a day. (514) 486-3273. Activities such as sports, arts & crafts, swimming and cooking. 

March 2-6
Spring Break Camp
The Ys of Quebec Westmount, 4585 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal. Ages 5 1/2 - 12. Bilingual. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $144.50 for members, $170 for non-members. (514) 931-8046. Activities such as games, sports, arts & crafts, swimming, cooking and special outings. 

March 2-6
Mittens Galore
GUEPE, 9432 Gouin Blvd. W., Pierrefonds. Ages 6-12. French. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (daycare facilities available 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). $47 per day or $189 per week. (514) 280-6829. Games, nature discovery, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more. www.guepe.qc.ca

March 2-6
Spring Break Camp
West Island Jewish Community Centre, 13101 Gouin Blvd. (corner Fredmir), Pierrefonds. 
Ages 5-10. English. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended hours available if booked in advance, except Friday). Five days $130 (Y members save $10) or $30 per day (Y members save $3 per day). 
(514) 624-6750 ext. 35. Day camp with sports, wacky science, drama, arts & crafts and more. www.ymywha.com

March 2-6
Spring Break Camp
YM-YWHA Ben Weider JCC, 5400 Westbury Ave., Montreal. Ages 4-11. English. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $175 per week for Y members, $205 per week for non-Y members. (514) 737-6551 ext. 237. Arts & crafts, swimming, games and dance. www.ymywha.com

March 2-6
Camp de Jour (Day Camp)
Centre Notre Dame de Fatima, 2464 Perrot Blvd., Notre Dame de Île Perrot. Ages 5-12. French. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $30 per day or $130 per week. Lunch provided for additional fee. (514) 453-7600 ext. 221. Arts, sports, cross country skiing, outdoor activities, snowshoeing, sliding and more. www.centrendfatima.com

March 2-6
Dorval Water Camp
Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre, 1335 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval. Ages 5-12. Bilingual. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $135 per week. (514) 633-4000. Various sports activities, including swimming lessons at the Jean XXIII Pool, arts and crafts. www.ville.dorval.qc.ca

March 2-6
March Break Fun Week
Montreal West Community Centre, 8 Westminster S., Montreal West. Ages 5-12. Bilingual. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. $50 per day or $190 per week. (514) 484-6186. Daily activities and trips during the March Break. 

March 2-13
Drum, Dance and Hip Hop Day Camp
Rhythm Exchange, 2250 Pitt St., Montreal. Ages 6-11 and 12-16. Bilingual. Morning session from 9 a.m. to 11:30, afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and full days. Half days $30, full days $40. (514) 931-2844. Group drumming and percussion classes, Capoiera fitness and mixed styles dance classes including Afro/Brazilian and Hip Hop, arts and crafts. www.rhythmexchange.com

March 2-13
Riding Day Camp
Equitation Elysée, 1901 Fief St., St. Lazare. Ages 6-18. Bilingual. Half-day 9:30 a.m. to noon; Full-day 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half-day $225 per week; Full-day $400 per week. (514) 941-2959. Learn to ride and care for horses. Beginner and intermediate riders welcome. 

March Break Activities

Feb. 20 - March 7
Biodome & Montreal Observatory
Biodome, 4777 Pierre de Coubertin Ave., Montreal. All ages. Bilingual. Daily 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adults $16, students/seniors $12, 5 to 17 $8, 2 to 4 $2.50, under 2 free. (514) 868-3000. Many day and evening activities such as exploring the blue-lit ecosystems, climbing the tower to see the Montreal skyline at night, storytelling, night-time raptor demonstrations, penguin feeding time at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and more. www.museumsnature.ca

Feb. 28 – March 8
International French Children’s Film Festival
Cinema Beaubien, 2396 Beaubien St. E., Montreal. All ages. French. Various dates and times. (514) 967-8893. Enjoy French films for children. Check website for details. www.fifem.com

Feb. 28 - March 8
Exporail
Exporail, Canadian Railway Museum, 110 St. Pierre St., St. Constant. Ages 4-10. Bilingual. Tuesdays-Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult $14, senior $11, children 4-12 $7, family (2 adults, 2 children) $33. (450) 632-2410. Hands-on activities for families. Become a brakeman, car man, motor man and trackman, ride the miniature train outside, watch a movie and visit the railway exhibits. www.exporail.org

Feb. 28 - March 8
Spring Break Contest
Pointe Claire Public Library, main branch, 100 Douglas Shand Ave., Pointe Claire. Ages newborn-12 and their parents. English. During library opening hours (also available at Valois branch, 68 Prince Edward Ave., Pointe Claire). Free for library members. (514) 630-1218 ext. 1624. The more items you borrow from the children’s section, the more chances you have to win a prize. Draw to take place on March 9 at 4 p.m. www.ville.pointe-claire.qc.ca

March 1
Musical Magic Show
Norman Berman Children’s Library, 5151 Cote Ste. Catherine Rd., Montreal. All ages. English. 11 a.m. $5 per person. (514) 345-2627 ext. 3012 or 3016. Join Tikiti the Clown for magic tricks and fun. www.jewishpubliclibrary.org

March 1
Teen Book Swap
Pointe Claire Public Library, main branch, 100 Douglas Shand Ave., Pointe Claire. Ages 12-17. Bilingual. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. (514) 630-1218 ext. 1624. Bring your old books to 
swap with other teens. Snacks are available. www.ville.pointe-claire.qc.ca

March 1
Musical Concert
D.D.O. Public Library, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd., D.D.O. Ages 6-12. French. 1:30 p.m. Free. Registration required. (514) 684-1496. Les Jeunesses Musicales Canada performs a musical concert called Annabelle Canto. www.city.ddo.qc.ca

March 2
Cartoon Film
Pierrefonds East Community Centre, 9665 Gouin Boul. W., Pierrefonds. Ages 5-9. French. 1:30 p.m. Free, passes required. (514) 620-4181. A series of four original stories and three from children’s story books. 

March 2
Word Bingo
Eleanor London Cote St. Luc Public Library, 5851 Cavendish Blvd., Cote St. Luc. Ages 5 & up. English. 11 a.m. to noon. Free. Registration required. (514) 485-6900 ext. 4111. Enjoy a game of word bingo at the library. www.elcslpl.org

March 2
Afternoon Movies at the Library
Eleanor London Cote St. Luc Public Library, 5851 Cavendish Blvd., Cote St. Luc. All ages. English. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free. (514) 485-6900 ext. 4111. Enjoy an afternoon movie at the library. www.elcslpl.org

March 2-6
Spring Break at TOHU
TOHU, 2345 Jarry St. E. (corner d’Iberville), Montreal. All ages. French. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Reservations required. (514) 376-8648. Snowman-building contests, outdoor activities, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Permanent exhibition “Terra Cirque” and new exhibit “30 ans déjà” on display. End the week with a theatre performance (show times 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). www.tohu.ca

March 2-6
Educational and Open-Air Activities
Bois de l’Île Bizard Nature Park, 2115 Lakeshore Rd., Île Bizard. Ages 6-12. French. Daily. Free. (514) 280-6829 ext. 1. Check website for detailed list of activities. www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/grandsparcs

March 2-6
Dinosaur Days
Redpath Museum, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal. All ages. Bilingual. Daily, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults $5, children $2, family $12. (514) 398-4086 ext. 4092. Join the student educators to learn about the museum’s dinosaurs. Make an origami dinosaur to take home. www.mcgill.ca/redpath

March 2-6
Educational and Open-Air Activities
Cap St. Jacques Nature Park, 20099 Gouin Blvd. W., Pierrefonds. All ages. French. Daily. Free. (514) 280-6871. Sleigh rides, cross country skiing, snowshoeing etc. Check website for detailed list of activities. www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/grandsparcs

March 2-6
Snow Tubing
Smith House, Mount Royal Park, 1260 Remembrance Rd., Montreal. All ages. Bilingual. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5 for children 4-12, $8 for 13 & over. (514) 843-8240 ext. 0. Enjoy a day of snow tubing at Beaver Lake. www.lemontroyal.qc.ca

March 2 & 6
Movie Days at the Library
Westmount Public Library, 4574 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal. Ages 6 & up. English. 2 p.m. Free. (514) 989-5229. Enjoy a movie at the library. www.westlib.org

March 3
The New Solar System
Pointe Claire Public Library, main branch, 100 Douglas Shand Ave., Pointe Claire. Ages 7-12. English. 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Free for library members. (514) 630-1218 ext. 1624. After a brief presentation (with photos) on the new solar system, participants will play a game and can ask questions. www.ville.pointe-claire.qc.ca

March 3-6
Bread Making
Chateau Ramezay Museum, 280 Notre Dame St. E., Montreal. Ages 6-12. French at 1 p.m. and English at 2 p.m. $4.50 per child. (514) 861-3708. Gather in the kitchen to bake bread, churn butter and taste the fruits of your labours. Learn the recipes of yesteryear and bake your bread in an 18th century hearth. www.chateauramezay.qc.ca

March 3-6
The World of Robert Munsch
McCord Museum, 690 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal. Ages 6-12. Bilingual. Daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults $13, children 6-12 $5, 5 & under free, families $26. (514) 398-7100. Explore the magical world of children’s author Robert Munsch through an exhibit. Craft included. www.mccord-museum.qc.ca

March 3-8
Family Break
Pointe à Callière, 350 Place Royal and the Quays of the Old Port, Montreal. Ages 4-12. Bilingual. Tues-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $13, seniors $8.50, students $7, children 6-12 $5, 5 & under free, families (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children) $27. (514) 872-9150. Take part in guessing games, discoveries and creative fun. Dress up in the styles of New France and explore the archaeological remains. www.pacmuseum.qc.ca

March 4
Educazoo
Pierrefonds Library, 13555 Pierrefonds Blvd., Pierrefonds. All ages. Bilingual. 1:30 p.m. Free. Limited seating. Registration required. (514) 620-4181. Meet and touch all sorts of interesting animals. 

March 5
Bead Critters
Eleanor London Cote St. Luc Public Library, 5851 Cavendish Blvd., Cote St. Luc. Ages 8 & up. English. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. $5. Registration required. (514) 485-6900 ext. 4111. Learn how to make different animals/insects using beads. www.elcslpl.org

March 5
Meet Annie Groovie
Pierrefonds Library, 13555 Pierrefonds Blvd., Pierrefonds. Ages 8-12. French. 1:30 p.m. Free. Limited seating. Registration required. (514) 620-4181. Annie Groovie is the creator of the series “Leon”. Learn everything about Leon. 

March 5
Concert
John XXIII High School, 1350 Carson Ave., Dorval. Ages 6-12. French. 1:30 p.m. $5. (514) 633-4170. Musical concert, Le Vilain Petit Canard transports young audiences to the life of Hans Christian Anderson. 

March 5
Origami Workshop
Roxboro Library, 110 Cartier St., Roxboro. Ages 6-12. English. 10:30 a.m. Free. Limited seating. Registration required. (514) 620-4181. The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal will show you how to have fun with paper. 

March 5-8
Spring Break at the Museum
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal. All ages. Bilingual. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. (514) 285-1600 ext. 440. Learn how to draw in oil pastels. www.mmfa.qc.ca/family

March 6
Family Storytime
Roxboro Library, 110 Cartier St., Roxboro. All ages. French. 10:30 a.m. Free. Limited seating. Registration required. (514) 620-4181. Families can enjoy a French storytime. 

March 6-10
Sugaring Off
Cap St. Jacques Nature Park, 20099 Gouin Boul. W., Pierrefonds. All ages. French. Daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission, cost for certain activities such as wagon rides and maple taffy 
on snow. (514) 280-6871. Family activities at the ecological farm and sugar shack.  Restaurant and general store on premises.  www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/grandsparcs

March 7
Bird Watching
Smith House, Mount Royal Park, 1260 Remembrance Rd., Montreal. All ages. Bilingual. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Free. (514) 843-8240 ext. 0. Walk along the Olmsted Road and visit the birdfeeders along the way. Discover the many birds of the park. www.lemontroyal.qc.ca

March 8
Sugaring off Downtown 
Maison St. Gabriel, 2146 Place Dublin, Montreal. All ages. Bilingual. Noon to 5 p.m. Adults $10, students $5, children under 6 $3. (514) 935-8136. A real sugar shack will be set up and visitors can sample some taffy. Entertainment by storytellers and musicians. www.maisonsaint-gabriel.qc.ca