When March Break arrives, one of the first things most parents think is “What are we going to do?” You want to make the most of this time with your children, but you also don’t want to break the bank and overspend either. The good news is you can achieve both of these goals!

Here are some March Break activities that will keep your kids occupied and having fun without blowing your budget.

Catch Up with Family

One of the best parts of March Break is that most kids in most school districts have the same time off all at once. This makes it perfect for visiting grandparents, cousins, and other family members that you may not get to see very often. Cousins and grandparents love seeing relatives and they’ll likely even entertain your kids the whole time, so there isn’t even much for you to do.

These trips will be memorable for both you and your children and they likely won’t cost you anything at all, minus the travel costs.

Make a Homemade Recipe

Most children love to help in the kitchen. Depending on their age, there are a lot of things you can do to spend some time together and create a new recipe. Younger children can help with mixing, measuring, and pouring while older kids may want to take on the entire project themselves – with your help, of course.

There are many different ways you can approach this. One fun option is to have a make your own pizza or make your own taco night. Not only do you get to have the fun of putting a meal together as a family, but you also each get to design the specific meal you like. There’s a better chance of your child actually eating their dinner if they help prepare it.

Another option is to bake something together. Cakes, pies, cookies, and loaves are popular with just about everyone and kids love preparing them. Plus, you get to eat them once they’re baked, so everyone wins!

Check Out Any Free Events in Your Neighbourhood

Many neighbourhoods have free events happening during spring break. For instance, you might find free family concerts, arts and crafts events, sporting events, and much more happening nearby for free.

Look at local websites, newspapers, and social media outlets to find free activities near you. Local businesses may also offer events like free lessons and more, so check with them as well.

Visit the Library

The library is a great place to spend time with children during March Break. First of all, where else can you borrow books, music, and videos for free? Many libraries even have digital collections that you can download and use at home.

In addition, there’s a good time you’ll find a lot of events and classes happening for free at the library as well. For younger kids, there are often storytimes, sing-along sessions, puppet shows, plays, and much more. For older children, you might be able to find classes and seminars geared toward anything from STEM to cooking to art.

Book a Playdate at Jumbaloo

One thing most parents want from March Break is activity. While a family movie night or video game tournament is certainly fine, you don’t want your children to spend the whole time sitting on the couch looking at a screen.

Another thing you likely want is to have your children spend some time with friends and enjoy their time together.

A solution to both of these issues is to book a playdate at Jumbaloo! It’s a great way to make sure your kids are having a fun and memorable time while staying active and playing with other kids. We have an indoor jungle gym, trampolines, and much more that children from toddlers to age 12 will love! For more information, please call us at 905-785-3990 or contact us online.

February is fun-loving, especially for children. The world needs more love without commercial pressure into gift buying, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to engage your little ones with Cupid-approved kid-friendly activities. 

We’ve comprised a list of family time fun to build new Valentine’s Day traditions and lasting core memories.

Read Love-Themed Bedtime Stories

Reading to your children provides a sense of adventure and security, even comfort from the sound of your voice. Love-themed bedtime stories are the perfect way to explore playful ways the story’s character expresses love or even who gives it to them.

Books are full of teaching opportunities that show healthy ways to give and receive love and even laugh at the comical ways Cupid gets involved. Curling up with your kids over a book is a love language they will never forget.

Decorate With DIY Paper Hearts

Breaking out the craft paper, glitter, stickers, and pipe cleaners thrills kids of any age, including grown-ups! Creating your own Valentine’s Day paper hearts allows everyone to let their inner Cupid out with bursts of colour and imagination.

You can use them as fun decorations around your front door, around the dining room table, or as gifts for each other’s rooms. Their happy bursts of colour will surely bring a smile to your face every time you see them.

Do Random Acts of Kindness

Giving love is as simple as holding a door open, giving a care package to someone in need, or helping a neighbour shovel snow. Kids love the chance to do nice things for others, and it boosts their sense of self-worth at the same time.

Ask your kids to sit down and write out a list of what they feel are random acts of kindness and how they can participate. Then, gather any needed supplies and plan a special day full of spreading love and joy to others.

Have a Cozy Movie Night

Some of the best family time comes from watching a movie together. So, why not make it Valentine’s Day themed? Perhaps dinner and a movie are in store, where heart-shaped pancakes with raspberries and pink whipped cream are sure to please—pre-make fun little grab bags with popcorn and candies.

Then, pick two or three of your favourite love-themed movies and go one step further and create a cushion fort, Valentine’s snacks you made together and complete the event with improvised costumes.

Craft Cards for Loved Ones

A handmade Valentine’s Day card is always more meaningful, and children put a lot of heart into their creations. For the recipient, it is a touching keepsake that overjoys and delights far past the occasion. 

Find several Valentine’s Day card ideas online, then help your child select their materials. For example, you could paint the wooden part of a tree and use your child’s fingerprint for the leaves, forming a heart canopy. 

There are many designs to pick from; some may involve more of your help. Or, your child may prefer to design the whole thing themselves and personally deliver their creation.

Take Your Kids for A Fun Playdate

Nothing is cuter than watching children deliver their Valentines to their friends and family and seeing their reactions. So why not set up a special Valentine’s Day playdate at Jumbaloo Playgrounds in Mississauga, ON.? With an enormous indoor jungle gym and activities, your kiddos can delight in imaginative games to their heart’s content, then settle into an event room for organized fun.

Spread the love with your children this Valentine’s Day at Jumbaloo! Arrange your playdate online or by calling 905-785-3990 now!

The time after the holiday season can sometimes be tough. It’s cold and there isn’t much sunlight during the day, and that can make you feel down in the dumps. The holiday activities are over, you’re tired, and you might be struggling for things to do. This time can be especially difficult for people who have children. Most kids like to be up and active and running around, and that’s hard to do when it’s dark and cold outside.

The good news is there are a lot of things you can do to beat the winter blues as a family. Here are a few ideas.

Build a Blanket Fort

Everyone loves blanket forts, especially children. If you have a lot of blankets and pillows in the house, you might even be able to build one that the whole family can fit into! This is a great way to spend the day and your children will be thrilled! Plus, if they spend the day building, they won’t be spending it asking for more screen time.

Enjoy the Winter Weather

Just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean that you can’t spend time outdoors. The winter weather can be very enjoyable if you bundle up and prepare for it. Dress in layers, bring some hot chocolate along with you in a thermos, and go for a walk in the snow or play a sport as a family. Hockey is obviously the most common choice, but there are all sorts of ways to get out and get active during the winter. If you have a sled or a toboggan, that’s a good option too!

Have Theme Nights

If you’re looking for ways to add some excitement and fun to your winter break or any other winter evening, consider putting together a theme night. For instance, organize a movie night with popcorn, snacks, and a special movie that you’ll all enjoy. You can even make tickets and assign seats to make it more fun.

Or why not have a build your own pizza night? Kids of all ages will love this and it’s also a way to prepare a dinner that they’ll actually be excited about eating!

Think of what your children like and then create a night based on this theme. You can even dress up as superheroes or princesses or crime fighting dogs if that’s the sort of theme you’re interested in!

Visit With Family or Friends

The winter time is the perfect time to visit family and friends, especially if you haven’t seen each other much lately. Plan a day together and enjoy each other’s company. Socializing and spending time with the people you care about is an excellent way to beat the winter blues. You can even come up with some activities to do together so that everyone is involved and happy. Divide into teams to play a sport, put together some games or do some crafts, or watch a movie together. Whatever you do, you’ll be happier and feel more fulfilled if you do it with friends or family.

Try a New Hobby Together

If it’s cold and dark and you’re stuck indoors all day, why not take this opportunity to try a new hobby? Maybe you’ve been meaning to get into painting. This is a perfect chance to do it as a family. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn to knit or do woodworking. Watch some tutorial videos online or take books out from your local library, then start learning as a family. It’s the perfect chance to grow as a group.

If you’re looking for some indoor fun during a cold and dark winter day, Jumbaloo Playgrounds has you covered. We have an indoor playscape structure that kids of all ages will love. It’s a great way to burn off some energy and be active without having to worry about the cold. For more information, please contact us online or give us a call at 905-785-3990.