Keeping your kids entertained, happy and enthusiastic during spring break is anything but easy. Especially when trying to maintain a budget. Because if you had hundreds of dollars to spend you would be on a beach, right? So how do you keep your sanity, keep their boredom at bay and spare your bank account during march break 2018? Here is my round up of 10 family-friendly activities in Montreal taking place between March 3-11.

1. Mont Avila Sugar Shack & Snow Tubing

Spring has come early to Montreal so why not hit up a sugar shack over march break? Cozy up by the fireplace for a typical sweet meal  including pea soup, omelettes, beans and sugar pie. This year, the shack will also be offering vegetarian and vegan menu options on the weekends. Take advantage of a special promotion going on now – have a hearty meal and then get 2-for-1 entry to the nearby tubing park, valid for the rest of the winter 2018 season. Pricing: sugar shack – $18/Adults, $12.50/6-12yrs, $3/5&under

2. Spring Break at Bota Bota Spa

Exclusively during spring break, this Old Montreal spa will be allowing children 8 years and up to visit its water circuits, when accompanied by an adult. Entry prices range between $35-$60 depending on the time of day and day of the week. Massages are also available in 25-60 minute increments and free introductory classes in yoga and meditation will be offered daily. Spots are limited in the classes and reservations are required. Pricing: massages – $35/25 minutes, $80/60 minutes

3. Indigo Kids Spring Break Escape

With daily free activities at 11am, a trip to the bookstore may be on repeat this week. From arts & crafts activities to building challenges to a costume parade, kids of all ages can get in on the fun. And you can take a break for an hour with a good magazine in hand! Registration is required in advance. Pricing: free

4. March Break Science Fun

Over the course of the week the Redpath Museum will be offering daily activities between 11am and 2pm. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of themes including dinosaurs, volcanoes, mummies and more. Come as you are, no reservations required. Pricing: free

5. Hockey Week at Pointe-à-Callière Museum

Head down to this museum in the Old Port between 11am and 5pm to immerse your kids in the world of hockey. They can join a pickup game on ice (no skates required), play an interactive hockey quiz and warm up at the Tim Horton’s food truck – hot chocolate for them and a latté for you. If you’re planning this one into your calendar, try to make it on March 5th when Youppi himself will make a special appearance. Pricing: free

6. Montreal Science Centre Spring Break Promo

Make it a day out in the Old Port with this amazing deal. Watch an IMAX movie with a medium sized popcorn. The movies currently screening include: Tiny Giants 3D, Amazon 3D and Incredible Predators 3D . Once the film is over, get their energy out on the open-air Natrel skating rink, just a few steps away. Pricing: $20/person

7. Cineplex Family Favourites

This great weekend promotion will be taking place during spring break week at select Cineplex theatres throughout the province. Choose from four different movies, screening everyday at 11am: Wonder, Ferdinand, Boss Baby and Despicable Me 3. Pricing: $2.99/person

8. Bfly on a Budget

I’ve been meaning to try out this Brossard-based experience where kids can walk around amidst hundreds of butterflies. So when I saw this amazing deal on Tuango I snatched up a family pass (2 adults and 2 children). You can too by clicking on the title above! Pricing: $24.90/family

9. Snowboarding in DDO

Have your kids been begging you to try snowboarding but the thought of standing in the ticket line, the rental line and hiring a private instructor seem too daunting? March 11 is your last opportunity to take advantage of the city of Dollard’s amazing Mysnow Experience. Kids between the ages of 5 and 8 can try their feet at boarding between 10am and 3pm on weekends in Centennial Park. Pricing: free

10. STM Family Outings

While riding the bus and subway may be a thrill for some kids, it also saves parents a lot of money in parking, especially downtown. During spring break, the STM is offering children between the ages of 6 and 11 free fare when accompanying a paid adult.

Do you have other activities on your spring break list? Share them in the comments below!

May your spring break be super and your sanity stay intake!