Family fun on the menu for March Break

A child plays with the City's Big Blue Blocks tactile learning and play environment

Those looking for something to do here at home over March Break need look no further.

With in-person programs returning and facilities once again open to the public, the City has plenty to keep both young and old alike entertained and active over March Break next week. Guests are asked to respect COVID-19 safety protocols including mask requirements and maintenance of two metres physical separation where able.

All programs, including leisure swims and public skating, require advanced registration via the ActiveSTC portal at www.stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC.

Swimming

Several Leisure Swims will run daily at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre from March 14 to 18. Swims will take place from 7:15 a.m. to 8:05 a.m.; 8:15 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.; and from 9:15 a.m. to 10:05 a.m.

Additional aquatics programming can be found via the City’s indoor swimming calendar at www.stcatharines.ca/SwimmingCalendar.

Regular admission and supervision requirements will be in effect, pre-registration required, reservations can be made up to two days in advance for St. Catharines residents. For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/Swimming.

Skating

The public can hit the ice over March Break at Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, with:

Daily public skating from March 12 to 20, times are available via the City’s skating calendar at www.stcatharines.ca/SkatingCalendar
Pre-school public skating on March 15, 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and March 17, 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Pre-school Stick and Puck: March 14, 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and March 16, 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Child Stick and Puck: March 17, 2:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Pre-registration is required via the ActiveSTC portal at stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC. For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/Skating.

Recreation and Educational Programs

From Big Blue Blocks to keep kids active to babysitting training there are plenty of program opportunities available over March Break. All recreation and education programs require advanced registration via the ActiveSTC portal at www.stcatharines.ca/ActiveSTC.

Family Gym and Big Blue Blocks

Head over to the Port Weller Community Centre between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on March 15 for some family fun in the gym, including the City’s Big Blue Blocks tactile learning and play environment.

Red Cross Babysitter Course

Youth aged 11 to 14 can learn all they need to know when it comes to babysitting with the support of Safety Tree Canada with a special weekday offering of a Red Cross Babysitter Course. Taking place at the Russell Avenue Community Centre on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the course covers everything from managing difficult behaviours to essential content on leadership and professional conduct as a babysitter. Aspiring babysitters also learn basic first aid skills. All participants will receive their Red Cross Babysitting Course certificate after successfully completing the course.

Home Alone Safety for Kids

Another special weekday offering, the Home Alone Safety for Kids program in partnership with Safety Tree Canada helps children gain confidence and skills to stay at home alone successfully. This safety program is designed for children aged 9 to 12 and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 16 at the Russell Avenue Community Centre.

Story Walk

Head over to the Port Weller Community Centre on March 18, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a story walk featuring the book “Forever Friends” by Carin Berger. Pages will be spread around Bogart Street Park to explore. Participants are invited to head inside the community centre to play with the Big Blue Blocks and enjoy a craft related to the story.

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

Head on over to the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre to explore local history. The museum will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current exhibits include Just a Line to Say… Postcards from the Museum's Collection; Coming Home: St. Catharines at the End of World War II; Marking Time, exploring the ways the community marks time; and more. For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/Museum.