March Break madness in the Highlands

By Angelica Ingram

There is no reason to let boredom get your family down this March as there is a plethora of activities to choose from in and around the Highlands.

Throughout the middle of March kids can enjoy events such as maple syrup boiling an earth walk Victorian crafts and more.

Kick-off March Break with the annual Maple Fest at the Haliburton Highlands Museum from March 12 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I have decided to be brave and bold and we’re going to do it every day of March Break” said museum director Kate Butler.

Organizers will be boiling maple syrup the old-fashion way using a 115-year-old sap kettle and will be giving out treats. There will be contests crafts and hot chocolate as well.

In addition to Maple Fest the museum is also hosting a Victorian games afternoon on Tuesday March 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Targetting kids between the ages of six and 12 the afternoon will be spent trying out various games children played in Haliburton more than 100 years ago.

And March Break wouldn’t be complete without a little luck from the Irish with the museum hosting a St. Patrick’s themed day on Thursday March 17.

From 1 to 3 p.m. kids can live the life of a leprechaun with scavenger hunts games and stories from the Emerald Isle. This event is suitable for all ages.

Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day event drew in about 50 people to the museum Butler said.

“We had to do an emergency craft supply run into town” she joked.

On Friday March 18 the museum will also be featuring horses from South Algonquin Trails for a meet and greet between 1 and 3 p.m.

“It’s going to be a busy busy busy week” Butler said.

Activities at the museum are free of charge with donations gratefully appreciated.

For more information visit www.haliburtonhighlandsmuseum.com or call 705-457-2760. The museum is located at 66 Museum Rd. Haliburton.

Up the road from the museum Abbey Gardens is also hosting a variety of programs including a Kids in the Kitchen event where kids will spend time in the kitchen with local chef Aaron Walker. The program also includes physical activity snacks and crafts.

Another program offered during their three-day schedule of activities includes an earth walk where children will go on a sensory adventure where they learn about nature.

The programs are $25 per day or $60 for all three days.

Abbey Gardens is at 1012 Garden Gate Dr. off of Highway 118 in West Guilford. Find out more by visiting www.abbeygardens.ca or call 705-754-4769.