When the March Break rolls around, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves, mentally and financially, to make the week an unforgettable experience for us and our kids. Marketing hype plays a big role in the stress we feel at this time of year. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your point of view, the traditional trek to warmer climes is just not in the cards for many Canadians. Finances and time constraints, not to mention employment obligations, take priority by necessity. But that doesn't mean that the winter break needs to be dull and boring. Staying home and enjoying local events can be just as fun and entertaining as traveling to sun-drenched regions. The whole point of the week is to take a break from the winter blahs and reconnect with loved ones. Kids just want to have fun and don't really care how much money you spend having it.

Here are some tips for making your March Break a little less stressful and expensive for you and your family.

1) Sell offs. If traveling somewhere warm wasn't in your original plans for the March Break, but the draw of sandy beaches and exotic drinks is just too overwhelming, check out www.selloffvacations.com . This Canadian site will not only help you find the perfect destination for your last minute departure, it will search out the best deals for you based on your criteria. Everything from discounted vacation packages, airfare, and all inclusive resorts can be had here. If you are flexible about where to travel, visit the 'hot picks' section for some great deals on world destinations.

2) Rock out! Depending on the age of your child(ren), there is a high probability that they are familiar with the gaming icons Rockband and Guitar Hero. With game play for up to four players at a time, organizing an entire concert day is a fun and inexpensive way to keep the kids entertained as they emulate rock stars. If your household doesn't already have a gaming console, one may be rented at your local video store for about $20 (game included). Complete the virtual rock experience with some healthy snacks and plenty of water for your aspiring rock gods. Have a digital or video camera handy to capture the entire extravaganza for posterity sake. And don't be surprised if you grab a guitar and strum along yourself as the extensive playlist is sure to have some of your favourites as well. Rock on.

3) The library? I was shocked to learn of the versatility of the programming offered to kids at my public library. Libraries, I have come to realize, are about more than just books. Public libraries all across the country offer many free and inexpensive programs for children of all ages, including those hard-to-please teens. Magic shows, storytelling, music, comedy shows, theatre, and comic book art are just a few of the events that public libraries are offering this year. I even came across a free six-week program called Shakespeare In Action-Shakespeare For Kids[i] that many of the Toronto Public Libraries are putting on for kids aged 7-12. The kids get to play fun theatre games, develop their play-reading skills, and create and act in scenes from different Shakespearean plays. Dare I say that the library is actually cool?

4) Scour the guide. I think it is imperative that anyone with kids get their local Parks & Recreation guide for programs and services (do the environment a favour and download it). For parents who simply cannot take an entire week off of work, Parks & Rec has many different camps and programs that kids are bound to love. For about $25 per day, less than most daycare costs, Parks & Rec is running a variety of day camps, specializing in things like dance and gymnastics to sports and pre-school camps, that run all day for the duration of March Break. Check with your local Parks & Recreation guide to see what programs are running in your area.

5) Say good-bye to winter. For many, the March Break will be the last time they enjoy outdoor winter sports for the season. Grab the skis, snowshoes, and the snowboard and hit the slopes or trails. Check local papers for events like family night skis or discounted lift days for the kids. Feeling adventurous? Take the family winter camping. Algonquin Park [ii]has winter camping cabins for rent or check out http://camping-canada.com for rates and locations. If ice-fishing is your thing, make sure you heed local ice conditions and by-laws that state when ice huts must be pulled off the ice. Remember, many community centres and ice rinks will open for free access for you and the kids. However you chose to bid adieu to Old Man Winter, make it fun and memorable for the entire family.

6) Not just another movie. Treat yourself and your family to a visual experience that is sure to leave everyone begging for more. IMAX theatres don't just show movies, they deliver crystal-clear images, sometimes in 3D, that heighten your senses and awareness as you live the journey. IMAX movies range in genre and age-groups to please all tastes. Current hits such as Avatar and Alice In Wonderland are regularly selling out so make sure you plan ahead for this one. You can visit the site, www.imax.com, for a full listing of features, locations, and to even pre-purchase tickets.

7) Weather alternatives. As we all know, March can sometimes come in like a lion. Snow, ice, and rain can quickly put a damper on outdoor activities. Having an indoor back up plan as insurance will go a long way to defusing any disappointment the weather may bring. Now if the kids want to spend this time on the internet IMing on social networks or chat rooms, propose a compromise. The Ontario Science Centre[iii] has a fantastic website for kids. There are some really cool projects and podcasts that kids will find fascinating. The stop animation videos will inspire them to create their own masterpieces and The Challenge Zone will keep your budding scientists occupied for hours. For the space nut in your family, NASA's website[iv] is filled with games, facts, and interactive tools for wannabe astronauts. To make this time exploring science even more fun, visit the websites ahead of time and create a Virtual Scavenger Hunt for your kids and their friends to complete. Focus on things like little know facts, events, and interactive games to keep them going.

8) Get out. We are sometimes so consumed with our children that we neglect ourselves. It is imperative that you and your significant other find time for each other during the March Break, even if it's just for one evening. After all, this rejuvenation time is supposed to be for you as well.  Whether you invest in a babysitter or swap babysitting duties with another couple, getting out will do you and your entire family a world of good.

The idea that a successful March Break must entail an expensive travel itinerary is a myth propagated by those who will directly benefit from your willingness to drop thousands of dollars for a late winter getaway. Fun can, and has been had in the land of the true north strong and free. A little preparation and creativity on your part, along with the co-operation of a certain groundhog's shadow, will leave you with a memorable spring break, some peace of mind, and the funds to start planning your great summer escape.