Winnie The Pooh: Exploring a Classic Exhibition: Royal Ontario Museum: March 7 to August 3. Celebrate the magical world of one of the most loved literary characters of all time. The exhibition will explore the origins, creation and enduring legacy of the classic stories by A.A. Milne and illustrations by E. H. Shepard.

Winter Stations at Woodbine Beach: until March 30. The international design competition is designed to get locals and tourists out to Toronto’s “Beaches” area during the winter season and explore art installations that spot the water’s edge. Now in its sixth year, the exhibition draws all ages to this free event. This year’s theme “Beyond the Five Senses” with four installations constructed on existing lifeguard stations along the beach. Take note of the installation titled “Noodle Feed” where visitors are also invited to explore the structure with Augmented Reality.

Sugar Shack TO: Sugar Beach. March 14 & 15, 11 am to 5 pm daily. The sixth annual all things maple sugar fest returns to Toronto’s Waterfront at this weekend-long event. Sample maple sugar demonstrations, samples, infused foods, enjoy entertainment including the Great Canadian Fiddle Show, Lumberjack show, and ice activities. Warm-up at the fire pits. Furry friends welcomed on leash. Free admission.

Sweet Water Season: Crawford Lake Conservation Park (Milton). Weekends, March Break from February 29 to April 5. Visit the reconstructed 15th-century Longhouse Village and learn how maple sugar was discovered and made by the Indigenous people of the land 600 years ago. Enjoy sweet samples and take in a nature walk.

Illusions: The Art of Magic: Art Gallery of Ontario until May 18, 2020. Curious about the world of magicians? This unique cleverly reveals the “art” behind the mysterious and very curious world. This collection of posters and magic items takes a look at not only the magicians of the Golden Era but also how they marketed themselves to draw the crowds. March Break will include pop activities throughout the AGO. Lots to explore including Yayoi Kusama’s permanent installation worthy of a selfie (be sure to reserve your time slot when you arrive) Don’t forget there’s free admission to the AGO for visitors under 25 years old.

Winter Light Festival: Ontario Place (West Island) until March 29. Free admission. The third annual night festival lights up the shoreline at Ontario Place. This year’s theme “Cocoon” features outdoor installations by Ontario creators. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will offer up community bonfires and paint classes. Need to warm up? Check out what’s showing at the iconic Cinesphere theatre (entry fee applies).

March Break Activities at the Ontario Science Centre: March 14 to 22. Exhibitions, films, demonstrations and live shows are planned for this week off for all ages. Check out the Mind-bending Magic: The Science of Perception with magician Jay Sankey. AMD Gaming Showcase (March 17 to 21)features over 40 gaming PCs and two VR stations at this ultimate gaming experience. Keep your eye on the skies and learn about the stars, planets, and moons through song. And much more.

Get creative! at Apple’s Video Lab: Small Screen Magic Co-created with Zach King: Apple Store (various dates/times). Tweens and teens may have heard of Zach King from his amazing YouTube videos. He’s created some pretty amazing videos using his iPhone. Register for a free “Today at Apple” hands-on learning session at your nearest Apple Store to learn a few of his video content tricks that will impress friends and family. Other free workshops worth exploring include photography walks and making movie trailers (great for kids!)

Dino Dana The Movie stomps into Cineplex Theatres March 21 for a one-day-only prehistoric event. This family-friendly screening and interactive Dino Dana experience is based on the popular kids’ series. The movie follows a 10-year-old paleontologist in training Dana on an epic action-packed dinosaur adventure. Young fans will become certified Dino Dana paleontologists in training at the event. Tickets go on sale on February 21 at Cineplex.

Toronto ComiCon: Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 20-23. There’s always something for everyone at this fun fest! Meet your favourite superheroes, princesses, voice actors, comic book creators, and artists. There are meet and greets with celebrities including Brian Herring (Star Wars), Craig Parker (Lord of the Rings), Austin St. John (Power Rangers), and others. Visit the Family Zone. Feel free to dress up in costume.

Skate The Bentway: until March 22. In partnership with CBC Sports, this popular outdoor figure-8 skating rink located near Fort York will remain open all the way until March 22. CBC will be installing screens around the ice and will live broadcast the World Figure Skating Championships under this innovative public space. Bring your own skates or rentals available. Check the site for times and other activities planned.

March Break at Ontario’s Legislative Building: March 16 to 20

This free two-hour program invites families to explore this historic Ontario’s Legislative Building through a scavenger hunt activity. Make arts and crafts, dress up in traditional robes worn in Parliament, and learn about the history. Pre-registration is required, Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WANT A QUICK GETAWAY?

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto: If a mini getaway exploring the city is on your family’s radar, this luxury hotel is centrally located within walking distance to several great attractions including the ROM. But what caught our attention is the hotel’s in-house experiences created for families. “Mini Master Chefs” invite kids into the kitchen and learn how to recreate one of the Hotel’s signature desserts. We loved our family movie night complete with popcorn and treat buffet, and swimming of course!

Hockley Valley Resort is a pretty and quick drive out of the city and offers outdoor activities. The ski hill is mere steps away from your hotel room. March Break is full of family activities from family movie screenings, bonfire & s’mores, cookie decorating, craft rooms, a magician and more. Buffet breakfasts offer up something for everyone. A quick drive down the country road leads you to the Adamo Winery with a cafe and restaurant. Shuttle service also available.

Hotel X Toronto: located on the CNE grounds is a mini-escape located at the waterfront (within walking distance to Ontario Place) with family-friendly programming including family movie screenings at the hotel’s cinema, complimentary 60-minute family pass to 10xTO’s Golf Swing Suite, complimentary 2 hours of professional caregiver services (for up to two kids), and complimentary Library Club Lounge Access that includes daily continental breakfast, afternoon wine & cheese reception, and all-day refreshments. Families can also enjoy the heated, year-round rooftop pool. From March 11 to March 26 you can also book your family in for the “ultimate night in” at the NINTENDO SWITCH SUITE — all proceeds from the booking will be donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Nintendo will transform the luxury hotel’s Presidential Suite for a fun and immersive gaming stay for Nintendo fans! The suite will be complete with Nintendo “touches”. Can’t wait!

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Situated near the waterfront on the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds, Hotel X Toronto is just ever so slightly removed from the core — far enough away that will make you detach from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough to walk to explore what the city has to offer. At a recent stay, we had a chance to check out what’s happening.

Book yourself in for a stay over the holiday season and be treated to a fun-filled Improv Showdown! (included with your stay) with the comedic talents of Second City Toronto. Here you’ll find two teams of improvisers go head-to-head in a family-friendly face-off at the hotel’s very own 250-seat theatre. The audience of all ages is encouraged to participate in making each one hour-long show unique. The talented improv performers ask out questions like “where was the last place you visited?” and at our show, there were shout-outs to Mexico and Sudbury. Building the skits based on the answers were hilarious! Not to be missed!

Bundle up and walk across the bridge to experience the magical nights at the CNE’s Aurora Winter Festival. Located at the West Park Ontario Place walk through the mesmerizing light tunnel and enter through four “Mystical Worlds”. Walk through the Whimsical Forest where you will find Fairy Hollow and a Gnome Village. All eyes light up at the sight of larger than life creatures all made of lights throughout the grounds. Meet Father Christmas, a beautiful Ice Queen, and the Abominable Snowman.  An outdoor skating rink is an opportunity to lace up your skates (rentals available) and enjoy hot chocolate and other goodies under the starry skies. Plenty of food trucks to fill your belly. A mini-holiday market is great for picking up a new tree ornament, retro posters, and even bubble tea (hot chocolate with torched marshmallows was a real crowd please when we visited). Enjoy rides and games of skill at the mini-midway carnival.  Truly a beautiful experience for everyone. The Aurora Winter Festival runs until January 5, 2020.

If you were raised as a kid in Toronto you’ll want to revisit the iconic Ontario Place Cinesphere landmark dome movie theatre. This theatre was actually the world’s first permanent IMAX movie theatre. Today, the theatre continues to show all-time family favourite movies on the incredibly awe-inspiring screens including The Polar Express, E.T. and Gremlins. Check out the Holiday Packages here.

Want to connect with nature? Just across the road from Hotel X Toronto  is the start of the William G. Davis Trail and Trillium Park. An easy path that offers a spectacular view of the lake and the city’s skyline. Explore the 7.5 acres of public green space. The 1.3 kilometre paved walking trail is surrounded by thousands of native trees, plants, boulders, and rocks. The gateway features beautiful stone walls with Moccasin Identifier engraved in the stone, a visual reminder and celebration of First Nations’ heritage and culture – developed in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation. Also, look for the marker trees. Indigenous People of the land historically used marker trees for navigation. There are three along the trail to learn about.

More outdoor skating can be found at The Bentway. About a 10-minute walk over to Strachan Avenue is the entranceway to this public space located under the Gardiner Expressway and near Fort York and Garrison Common. The skating rink offers rentals and even lessons at designated dates/times.

When it comes to food, you don’t really have to step outside of the hotel. Here you’ll find several options including Maxx’s Kitchen a sit-down casual restaurant for all meals. The Nespresso Cafe is perfect for your daily dose of caffeine and counter service quick snacks of pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Pétros 82 offers fine dining. Also, be sure to inquire about the Library Club Lounge with access to daily wine and cheese receptions and continental breakfast options.

If you’re looking to wind down the day head up to the Falcon Bar’s The Nest located on the 27th floor or The Perch located on the 28th floor that has epic views. Great night time vibe to enjoy (psst…book the little ones into the supervised on-site Kids Play Centre for a couple of hours).  Of course, you can order in-room service and enjoy a movie night right in your pyjamas too! That’s been a favourite of ours when the kids were really young.

What else is there to do here? Don’t forget your swimwear to enjoy the pool located on the 28th floor. There are also holiday movies in the theatre, Guerlain Spa for the adults, a state of the art 10XTO Fitness Centre including group classes, cycle studio, yoga studio, a complete gym, tennis and squash courts and golf simulator. If relaxing with a book is what you want, there are TONS of books to borrow while you enjoy your stay. Also, check out the Kandy Gallery for stunning back-lit photography work.

If you cannot imagine leaving your pet at home, Hotel X Toronto is also pet friendly. There are designated suites for those who wish to bring their pets along. Your best furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on the family fun and will be pampered with their very own luxurious bed in the room. Bowls and water are provided. Lots of green space just outside of the hotel and Trillium Park is great for nature walks. You can also book a pet sitter with the hotel when needed. Stays are available for well-behaved pets under 25 lbs.

A variety of Family Holiday Packages are now available and worth exploring for your next escape within the city. Check out www.hotelxtoronto.com.

The post Experience the magic of the holidays at Hotel X Toronto with your family appeared first on Toronto Guardian.