By: Mark and Lorraine Prata

March Break Adventures in Durham Region: Family Fun Awaits!

March Break is fast approaching, and Durham Region is bursting with exciting activities for families, adventure enthusiasts, and food lovers alike. From breathtaking outdoor excursions and exhilarating winter sports to hands-on maple syrup experiences and thrilling indoor entertainment, there’s no shortage of fun. Team Prata has put together the ultimate guide to help you plan an unforgettable March Break adventure!

Sweet Treats: Maple Syrup Festivals

March is peak maple syrup season, and Durham Region offers some of the best sugar bush experiences. Enjoy traditional syrup-making, tasty treats, and family-friendly activities at these top spots:

Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival

  • Where: 12300 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge

  • When: Saturdays & Sundays, March 8 – April 19

  • Highlights: Guided tapping tours, sugar shack visits, scenic hiking trails, live music on select dates, and a delicious pancake meal made with local ingredients. Tickets are $10 per person (cash only), and kids 12 and under enter free.

Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival

  • Where: 38 Coates Road East, Oshawa

  • When: Saturdays & Sundays, March 8 – 30, plus daily during March Break (March 12 – 16)

  • Highlights: Self-guided tours, demonstrations of traditional syrup-making, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a classic pancake meal with Halenda’s sausages and locally made maple syrup. Tickets cost $8 online or $11 at the gate. Children 2 and under are free.

Brooks Farms Maplefest

  • Where: 122 Ashworth Road, Uxbridge

  • When: Weekends starting March 1 and throughout March Break

  • Highlights: Train and wagon rides, maple syrup tastings, campfires, and an adventure playland for kids. Tickets start at $12.99 + HST, with pancake breakfast bundles available.

Hit the Slopes: Best Ski Resorts in Durham

If you love winter sports, Durham’s ski resorts have plenty to offer, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out.

Brimacombe

  • Where: 4098 Durham Rd. 9, Orono

  • What to Expect: 23 runs, terrain parks, and night skiing for all skill levels.

Dagmar Ski Resort

  • Where: 1220 Lake Ridge Rd, Uxbridge

  • What to Expect: Ideal for families and beginners, with well-groomed trails, a terrain park, and ski lessons.

Lakeridge Ski Resort

  • Where: 790 Chalk Lake Rd, Uxbridge

  • What to Expect: A mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, plus options for snowboarding and snow tubing.

Indoor Fun: Exciting Attractions for All Ages

Looking for high-energy indoor activities? Durham has plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained.

Escape Rooms

  • Durham Escape Rooms (Whitby)

  • Trapped (Oshawa & Ajax)

Trampoline Parks

  • SkyZone Whitby – Wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, and foam pits.

  • Flying Squirrel Whitby – A massive indoor trampoline park featuring climbing walls and aerial silks.

Reptilia Whitby

A must-visit for animal lovers! Get up close with fascinating reptiles, including alligators, snakes, and lizards.

Indoor Rock Climbing

  • Aspire Climbing (Whitby) – Great for all skill levels, with a variety of climbing routes.

NEB’s Fun World (Oshawa)

One of Durham’s top family entertainment centers, featuring bowling, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, and an indoor playground.

Joey’s World Playground (Clarington)

Durham’s largest indoor playground, featuring a multi-tiered play structure, thrilling slides, and a 20-foot rock wall.

Volt Raceway – Go-Kart Racing (Bowmanville)

Experience high-speed electric go-kart racing for an adrenaline rush like no other!

Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Trails

If you love the great outdoors, take advantage of Durham’s beautiful trails and winter-friendly activities.

Best Conservation Areas for Hiking

  • Lynde Shores Conservation Area (Whitby) – A family-friendly wildlife haven.

  • Greenwood Conservation Area (Ajax) – Beautiful forested trails and scenic picnic spots.

  • Heber Down Conservation Area (Whitby) – Rolling trails and tranquil boardwalks for a peaceful escape.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

  • Pat Bayly Square Outdoor Ice Rink (Ajax)

  • McKinney Centre (Whitby)

  • Delpark Homes Centre (Oshawa)

Make the Most of March Break in Durham!

Whether you’re indulging in maple treats, hitting the slopes, exploring scenic trails, or enjoying action-packed indoor attractions, Durham Region is the perfect destination for a fun-filled March Break. Plan your adventure today and create lasting memories with family and friends!