Victoria: The Savvy Guide to March

March is busy this year—but it’s all good. We have Spring Break, St. Paddy’s Day celebrations and Easter. Here’s your guide to maximizing the fun factor this month.

DO
Remember that Easter is in March this year
Why? So you don’t forget to pick up the chocolates and supplies to create some amazing DIY crafts and recipes before it’s too late.

GO
To SPARK Festival 2013
Why? Because it showcases some of Canada’s finest performing artists and brings acclaimed work to the city. This festival also features a new play that was written and created in just one week by high school students.

GET
Your Irish on (March 17)
Why? Because it’s St. Paddy’s Day and you don’t have to be Irish to have fun. They appreciate it when anyone, anywhere, celebrates Irish culture. And the kids will love this roundup of festive crafts and recipes—almost as much as they would love to find a pot of gold. Almost.

PLAY
A board game
Why? Because there is nothing like a good board game to quiet the kids down, take their eyes off the screen and encourage them to work together.

READ
The Light Between Oceans: A Novel by M.L. Stedman
Why? Because this beautifully written story looks at a world where there is no right answer and where justice for one person is another’s tragic loss. The novel follows a lighthouse keeper and his wife who, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, find a boat washed up on shore carrying a dead man and a living baby.

GREEN IT
Turn your lights off for at least an hour on March 23
Why? Because it’s Earth Hour and 152 countries around the world are participating.

SURF
ookaisland.com
Why? Because Ooka Island will help your kids, from preschool through to second grade, master the five foundations of reading. We love that the pace and learning style of the program continuously adapts to the strengths and weaknesses of each child.

APP IT
Story Of You
Why? Because traditional baby books take up a lot of a busy parent’s time and this app makes documenting and sharing all of those special moments as easy as possible. The result is more than just a baby book—it allows you to write the story of your child’s early years.

MAKE IT
A terrarium
Why? Because they are back in fashion and it’s a great way to bring spring indoors and set the mood for the coming warmer weather.

HELP
Keep kids on track at the Keeping Kids on Track Funrun
Why? Because your family will have fun at this run, and running with the Bass Coast Triathlon Club will help support youth and education efforts in the community.