1. Come one, come all to explore medieval science at Science World. Don’t miss out on the following make-and-take activities: Crazy Catapulting; Create a Crown; Lego: A Castle Adventure; Pocket Full of Posies
   The Society for Creative Anachronism: Join a crew of medieval experts as they show off their archery, alchemy and weaving skills. 2nd Floor Atrium, March 17–18, 11am–4pmWondrous Weaving: Did you know that basket weaving has been around since the Middle Ages? Join local artist Sharon Kallis as she works on a basket with a traditional design. Also, chat with her about the Coiled River Project—and check it out!  Tuesday, March 13, 11am–2pm

   BC Mineral Resources: Learn from a geologist about the precious gems and minerals found in British Columbia. Friday, March 23, Search: The Sara Stern Gallery, 11am–3pm

    Knight School: King Arthur and Sir Robin have heard rumours of a dragon headed for Camelot. If that wasn’t bad enough, the rest of the knights have gone missing! Join the most famous knight of them all and his trusty sidekick as they teach you how to become a knight of the Round Table. This high-energy, interactive show will give the audience a hilarious crash course on knightly skills from tax collecting to sword fighting, and put audience volunteers at the centre of the action. Get ready for a new career path! Science Theatre, March 20–23, 11am, 1pm, 3pm

    Sword Science: Don’t miss our special Centre Stage show about the physics of battle with Sword Master Braun McAsh. Afterwards, drop by the Exploration Lab to meet Braun, check out his impressive collection of weapons. Then stick around to learn all about the ins and outs of choreographing fight scenes for live theatre and films. Monday, March 12 to Thursday, March 15, Peter Brown Family Centre Stage 12:20pm Exploration Lab 1pm–4pm (except for Tuesday, March 13, when he will be in the Bits and Bytes Lab)

2. LEGO Castle Adventure at Science World –   Explore the LEGO Kingdom’s royal castle, sit in their majesties’ LEGO thrones, and admire a LEGO suit of armour. After that, tour the castle grounds and learn about day-to-day castle life. You’ll be able to dress up as princes, princesses, knights or dragons; climb a lookout tower; and don suspender-style horses to “joust” with foam-rubber lances.        At LEGO Castle Adventure, builders of all ages and skill levels will construct castles, learn about real-world fortresses, and discover castle-building secrets. Visitors will have the chance to explore various themes, including:

• The importance of planning in constructing successful castles
• Which part of a castle is built for which purpose
• What it takes to build and run a castle
• Inspiring real-life castles

3. It’s all about birds at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum this Spring Break, where kids can enjoy hand-on activities, games and bird-themed crafts. 

4. Spring Break Scavenger Hunt at the Burnaby Village Museum. Start the hunt! Marionette, paper bag, and shadow puppets of all sorts! Explore this unique form of theatre art with a scavenger hunt, crafts, and lively performances. Need to take a break – make a craft, enjoy a performance or take a whirl on the carousel. All are included with admission. The Ice Cream Parlour will be open for meals and treats.

5. Family Events at the Vancouver Art Gallery

6. Outdoor Spring Skate at Park Royal – Come join us the first week of Spring Break in the upper level parking area just behind Osaka Supermarket and Staples and try your hand at whizzing around the ice – outdoors! The rink overlooks the Spirit Trail and the gorgeous ocean so come for a unique experience the whole family will love. Our synthetic ice works rain or shine, warm or cold – and it feels just like real ice! Bring your own skates or rent one of our pairs – for a donation. 

7. First Nations Dance Festival – March 8 – 11, 2012
Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. Dancers of Damelahamid, in partnership with the UBC Museum of Anthropology, present the 2012 Coastal First Nations Dance Festival – a week-long celebration of First Nations dance and culture from March 8 to 11 at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. The annual event gathers a diverse array of Aboriginal performance groups from throughout BC, the Yukon, Alaska, and abroad to share a multitude of Indigenous cultures and dance traditions through a series of School Performances, Signature Evening Presentations, and afternoon Festival Stage Performances. Signature Performances take place Mar. 9 & Mar. 10 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults; $20 for Students, Seniors, & MOA Members at TicketsTonight.ca. Festival Stage performances are Mar. 10 & Mar. 11 from 1-4pm and are included with MOA admission. 604-922-5277 

 8. Seed Swap – March 10, 2012
Seeds are the heart of our food systems. Help us protect and support diversity in local gardens; come and check out open-pollinated, untreated seeds that are grown without herbicides or pesticides. Youll find fruit, flower, and veggie varieties. We welcome trades or donations of pesticide-free, non-GMO seeds from your own garden! Sat Mar 10 10:00-2:00pm Food Security Institute FREE. Renfrew Park Community Centre. 604- 257-8388 -Ext 3, cheryl.palidda@vancouver.ca

9. March 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 2012
Spring Break Pysanky 4 Kids Ukrainian Easter Eggs
Learn to make pysanky Ukrainian Easter eggs using beeswax and dyes with expert and best-selling author Joan Brander of Richmond.  With the proper tools and Joan’s widespread teaching experience, anyone from 6 to 96 can learn to make a beautiufl pysanka the traditional way.  A great activity to do with your family and friends. Includes inspiring video, demonstration, teaching aids, one-on-one attention.  This Spring Break workshop is from 3pm to 5pm on March 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21, 2012.  Moms and Dads have their own evening workshops from 7pm to 9pm on Mar 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2012 with the added opportunity to see one of-a-kind Gallery and Library.  All materials supplied. $25 per person.  Ask for a family rate.  Pre-registration required 604-275-8169. 

10. March 24 – 25, 2012
Exotic Reptile Show. Drop in to see this reptile show with snakes, lizards and geckos presented by the West Coast Society for the Protection and Conservation of Reptiles. This is a great opportunity to talk with the people who know reptiles best. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for ages 6+.  Richmond Nature Park.

Have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break!  See you back on Monday, March 26th.