March Break Stay-cation in Orleans

March Break can be both a blessing and a curse for parents. While it’s certainly nice to spend some quality time with the kids, the novelty of being off school tends to wear out quickly, and the “I’m
bored…”s are usually soon to follow. It’s the lament of any child under twelve it seems. While some
people like to hop on a plane and head for the sun or the slopes, there is nothing wrong with staying in
town and enjoying the sights and sounds of Orleans.
A March Break Stay-cation can be very fun for both parents and kids. With the weather beginning to
warm up, this week could be the first time in a while where you won’t have to spend the better part of
half an hour bundling the young ones up only to have them ask to come in ten minutes later because
they’re cold. There are also a multitude of programs and events happening along St. Joseph which are
sure to entertain both kids and parents alike.
•    The Shenkman Arts Centre is offering a wide variety of Spring Break Day Camps for kids age 6-
15. These include everything from acting and drama to visual arts (both 2D and 3D) and film
making. For a complete list of programs and prices, checkout www.shenkmanarts.ca or call 613-
580-ARTS (2787)
•    The Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre (in partnership with the Ontario Early
Years Centre) has a wide variety of FREE programs being offered every morning from 9-11am.
Programs are being offered in both English and French and include magic shows and Little Rey’s
Reptiles. Check out www.crcoc.ca for more details, or call 613-830-4357 for more information
(including which programs are being offered in which languages). Space is limited and is first
come, first served so make sure you come early.
•    The newly opened Mayfair-Orléans theatre will be showing a wide variety of kid friendly
matinee films throughout March Break, as well as showing the best of 2011 (including
Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, The Artist) in the evening. All of their films are
presented on beautiful (and traditional) 35mm film print; the way movies were meant to be
seen. Tuesdays are 2 for 1 movie tickets, so bringing the whole family to see a show won’t
break the bank either. This is the best deal to see a movie in the city, so don’t miss out. Visit
orleans.mayfairtheatre.ca for a list of movies and show times.
As you can see, there are tons of reasons to stay not only in town, but right here in Orléans over the
March Break. The Heart of Orléans and ShopStJoseph.ca hope that you have a wonderful time with your
families this week, and remember that spring is right around the corner!