Looking for the perfect mini March Break getaway for the whole family? Guelph’s got you covered! This vibrant city is bursting with engaging activities, hands-on experiences, and unforgettable fun to keep kids entertained, happy, and learning. From scenic outdoor trails and sweet maple syrup adventures (with fresh, sappy goodness straight from the trees!) to brain-teasing board game cafes, hands-on craft classes, and family-friendly physical activities, Guelph is the perfect mix of nature, culture, and discovery!
With so many ways to gather, play, explore, and learn, a trip to Guelph is an easy way to create incredible memories for the whole family while staying close to home.
Want to know more? Check out our March Break Guelph Getaway Guide below!
Check Out Our March Break Giveaway!
EVENTS
College Royal Open House
The crown jewel of March Break in the Royal City has to be the University of Guelph’s College Royal– North America’s largest student-run open house. Held annually since 1925, this agriculture event (complete with a petting zoo!) transforms the campus into an interactive playground where kids can explore, learn, and have fun!
Your little explorers can get face-to-face with farm animals, engage in hands-on experiments, witness wild chemistry demos, and even and take part in a Teddy Bear Surgery at the veterinary college. The open house also features art displays, magic shows, live music, and unique food vendors. (Insider scoop: The Food Science Club’s milkshakes might be the best you’ve ever had.)
Make it a weekend adventure and enjoy the locally-loved dog and horse shows, as well as the kids’ carnival packed with fun for the whole family!
Dates: Saturday, March 21st, and Sunday, March 22nd, 2026
Location: University of Guelph
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking Guelph Trails
Guelph is home to some stunning trails, perfect for a winter adventure. Whether you prefer a peaceful snowshoe trek, a scenic cross-country ski route, or a leisurely hike, there’s a path for everyone.
- Guelph Lake Trail: A 2.7-km out-and-back family-friendly trail.
- Royal Recreational Trail (North): A 7.1-km path along the Speed River, ideal for cross-country skiing.
- Guelph Lake Conservation Area (Inner Loop): A versatile 4.2-km loop for all activities.
Before heading out, check the latest conditions via the Grand River Conservation Authority’s website.
Figure Eight at City Hall
Skating at Market Square in front of City Hall is one of the most picturesque winter experiences in Guelph. The outdoor rink transforms Market Square into a winter wonderland, inviting skaters of all ages to glide under twinkling lights and the grand backdrop of historic architecture.
You can rent skates from T & T Hockey Shop Source for Sports, conveniently located across the street at 8 Carden Street. Contact them at (519) 836-8631 to confirm availability.
Address: 1 Carden St, Guelph
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m (weather permitting)
(There’s also a number of outdoor skating parks, including a skating trail at Guelph’s stunning Riverside Park)
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Reach New Heights at the Guelph Grotto
Photo credits: @akvstar on Instagram
Rock climbing is a fantastic indoor activity for families looking to stay active during March Break. The Guelph Grotto offers “Just Climb” sessions, where staff handle the ropes so kids and parents can focus on the fun.
Address: 199 Victoria Road South, Guelph, Ontario
Regular Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Get Crafty at Play With Clay
Unleash your creativity at Play With Clay, a hands-on pottery studio where families can paint ceramic pieces or hand-build their own clay creations.
Paint-Your-Own Pottery: Choose from hundreds of pre-made ceramic pieces and decorate them with vibrant glazes.
Clay Hand-Building: Shape and personalize your own creations before having them kiln-fired.
Be sure to ask when they’ll be firing, so you can come back to pick up your piece.
Address: 142 Wyndham Street North, Guelph
Regular Hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – midnight
Bust out the Bumpers at Splitsville
Splitsville Bowling offers five-pin, ten-pin, and bumper bowling, along with a two-level arcade—making it a one-stop shop for classic March Break fun.
Address: 253 Woodlawn Rd W, Guelph, ON
Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Guelph Storm Hockey Games
Hockey in Guelph is more than a game—it’s a community passion, and the Guelph Storm is at its core. As the city’s major junior team in the OHL, they develop young talent bound for the NHL while fueling local pride and tradition. The electric game-day atmosphere, sometimes featuring the mayor on drums with the house band, makes every match an unforgettable experience. Catch a game and feel the excitement!
March Break Home Games:
- Sunday, March 15 @ 7:07 PM – vs. Kitchener Rangers
- Wednesday, March 18 @ 6:37 PM – vs. London Knights
- Friday, March 20 @ 7:07 PM – vs. Owen Sound Attack
Location: Sleeman Centre, 50 Woolwich St, Guelph
Solve Your Way Out Of An Escape Room
Featured: Exitus Escape Rooms, Photo Credits: @akvstar on Instagram
Escape rooms are a great way for families to bond during March Break with exciting themes and puzzles for all ages. They encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, making kids feel like heroes in their own adventure. Plus, as an indoor activity, they’re a perfect option rain or shine for a playful, screen-free family experience!
Trapped Escape Rooms:
- Below the Sphinx: Delve into the mysteries beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza, uncovering secrets and attempting to escape the pharaoh’s curse.
- Death Note: Step into the shoes of a detective to investigate mysterious deaths linked to a faceless mass murderer known as “Kira.”
- Medieval Prison (Braveheart): Experience the challenge of escaping a medieval dungeon after being wrongfully convicted of treason
Address: 259 Grange Rd Unit 4, Guelph
Hours: Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, Sunday : 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Exitus Escape Rooms:
- Lucy’s Room: Explore your grandmother’s childhood home to uncover the truth behind her tales of a magical land.
- Wizard’s Initiation: Embark on a magical journey to retrieve stolen school supplies before reaching your destination.
- Crashed on Pandora: After crash-landing on an alien planet, find the abandoned research station and send an SOS before the toxic atmosphere overwhelms you.
- Coma: Utilize innovative technology to enter a patient’s mind and awaken them by stimulating key memories.
- SAW: Inspired by the ‘Saw’ franchise, escape a deadly scenario by finding the antidote within an hour.
Address: 340 Woodlawn Rd. W., Guelph
Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Monday: Closed
WHERE TO EAT
RESTAURANTS
Featured: Borealis Bar and Grill, image from @borealisguelph on Instagram
Bardō
Bardō is a family-friendly restaurant known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features stone-baked pizzas, vibrant salads, and a variety of entrées. Families love their all-you-can-enjoy Sunday brunch and warm, friendly service, making it a go-to spot for a delicious, relaxed dining experience.
Address: 105 Gordon Street, Guelph
Baker Street Station
Baker Street Station offers a dedicated kids’ menu, ensuring that even the youngest diners have delicious options to choose from. With its warm ambiance, extensive menu, and commitment to quality, Baker Street Station provides a delightful dining experience for families seeking a memorable meal together.
Address: 76 Baker Street in Guelph
Borealis Bar and Grill
Borealis Grille & Bar is a top choice for families looking for fresh, locally sourced meals. They also offer a dedicated kids menu and frequently host special events and promotions, including $5 kids’ meals, making it an excellent spot for an affordable but quality family meal.
Address: 1388 Gordon Street, Guelph
LUNCH OR BRUNCH
Cornerstone Cafe
Cornerstone Cafe is a community-oriented vegetarian restaurant. The cozy ambiance, highlighted by brick walls and friendly staff, creates a comfortable environment where families can relax and spend quality time together. Additionally, The Cornerstone hosts live music events, adding an extra layer of entertainment.
Address: 1 Wyndham Street N., Guelph
Angel’s Diner
Angel’s Diner is a beloved family-friendly restaurant. This retro-style diner offers a wide range of dishes to satisfy all taste buds, including breakfast favorites like waffles, French toast, pancakes, eggs Benedict.
Address: 23 Wellington Street E, Guelph
WHERE TO STAY
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Guelph
At Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott kids will love the heated indoor pool with a two-story waterslide! Parents will appreciate the complimentary breakfast. Pet-friendly options are available.
Address: 35 Cowan Place, Guelph
Staybridge Suites Guelph
Enjoy a home-away-from-home experience at Staybridge with spacious suites, a heated indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor patio with BBQ grills. Pet-friendly accommodations ensure no family member is left behind!
Address: 11 Corporate Court, Guelph
Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre
With comfortable rooms featuring kitchenettes, mini-fridges, and an on-site restaurant offering a kid-friendly menu, Delta Hotels is a great family option. Pet-friendly accommodations are also available.
Address: 50 Stone Road West, Guelph
Hampton Inn & Suites Guelph
Families will love the indoor saltwater pool, complimentary breakfast, and pet-friendly accommodations at Hampton Inn.
Address: 725 Imperial Road North, Guelph
Guelph is packed with March Break adventures for all ages! Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, indoor creativity, or places to gather for family-friendly dining, this city has everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.
