It’s time to get out and explore the incredible array of arts and cultural experiences that are waiting for you this Spring Break. Fun (and even some free) activities for the whole family make Spring Break a great time to learn something new and share a few laughs. Plus, kids aren’t the only ones in need of a break – grab your partner for a well-deserved night out!

Spring Break at the Manitoba Museum is all about discovery. The ground-breaking digital animation of Ancient Seas lets you discover what it looked like under the massive ocean that covered Churchill 450 million years ago. Head to the Planetarium to discover the secrets of the solar system and ask an astronomer about what you can discover in Manitoba’s skies. Drop by the Science Galley for hands-on activities. Plus, don’t miss Cosmomania: The Incredible Space Adventure, offering FREE admission! Visit www.manitobamuseum.ca to find out more about what you can discover at the Manitoba Museum.

Nothing says Spring Break quite like a bunch of fools (and we don’t mean your kids!). Head down to The Forks for the FREE Festival Fools, from March 26-31. Silliness and hilarity are to be expected, as are rabbits, stilts, face paint, unicycles and red noses. For the 10^th year in a row, the Festival of Fools offers a great line-up of magicians, clowns, jugglers, comedians and high-strung aerial acts. Go to www.kidsfest.ca for the all the details.

Bring the family down to the Winnipeg Art Gallery and take advantage of some exciting new interactive programs.  Spend a fun, inspiring afternoon enjoying the family activity cards or the ARTventure kits that stretch your imagination and help you to look at art with fresh eyes. People didn’t have cars 200 years ago—how did they get around? Can you match musical instruments to the “sounds” of colours? How do you think the artist was feeling when he painted that picture? Can you draw a picture of yourself living in the Arctic? You and your family can spend hours exploring the galleries in a way you’ve never done before. Then pop into the Gallery Shop where you’ll find a wide variety of art-inspired toys, games, books and puzzles just for young people.  Visit www.wag.ca for more information.

Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) is offering kids the chance to be centre stage with Spring Break camps March 28- April 1. Older kids will spend full days building a show from the ground up to be presented on the last day of camp. Younger kids will spend half days rehearsing a show, assembling costumes and building props for their very own story adaptation on the last day of camp. For more information go to www.mtyp.ca or call 204-947-0394 extension 230.

Instead of hitting the stage, take a seat as Manitoba Theatre for Young People presents Circus INcognitus, a show for all ages March 27-April 8. Circus INcognitus is about having the courage to try new ideas and not giving up when all goes wrong. Come see why this gifted acrobat and clown brings the house down with his dexterity and side-splitting stunts. Go to www.mtyp.ca for show times and ticket information. 

Hire a babysitter and give yourselves a night out at Manitoba Theatre Centre or Prairie Theatre Exchange.

MTC presents Calendar Girls, until April 7. This feel-good show follows the based-on-a-true story of a group of extraordinary women who raise funds by creating what looks like a classic Women’s Institute calendar. Complete with jams, cakes and knitting – there is only one striking difference – the ladies are posing nude. Under the harsh glare of the spotlight, the women are forced to re-examine their motives and relationships while revealing more than they ever planned. For showtimes and ticket information, go to www.mtc.mb.ca.

PTE offers the brutally honest and hilarious Thunderstick, from March 31 to April 17. Journalist cousins Isaac and Jacob have been estranged since their youth on the reservation. Now brought together by outrageous circumstances they are set to uncover the story of their careers – if they don't kill each other first!  Starring acclaimed and gifted comedic actors Lorne Cardinal (Corner Gas) and Craig Lauzon (Royal Canadian Air Farce). For showtimes and ticket information, go to www.pte.mb.ca.