With the start of Spring Break, the weather may not have been co-operating on Sunday, but the blarney and merriment was still out for Vancouver's St. Patrick's Day parade.

And with a wet week promised while the kids are off school, it would be tempting to stay inside in order to stay warm.

West Coast Families magazine publisher Andrea Vance says there's plenty to do inside.

"Science World, Vancouver Aquarium and the Space Centre -- they have lots of things going on this week for families," she recommended.

"Lots of community centres have programs going on -- day camps for kids. Your libraries will have things going on, especially short programs so you can take the kids and burn a little energy."

If your kids are CSI fans -- the Vancouver Police Museum has forensic camps all week.

For young thrill seekers there's always Playdome at B.C. Place.

The North Shore Mountains has lessons the kids will welcome, with programs in downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country, snow tubing, and snowshoeing.

And it is still not too late to book a holiday in the sun.

Many travel companies are advertising deals right now

"No matter where you want to go I'm sure you'll find a deal right now," said Dale Urquhart, BCAA's director of travel services.

"It's pretty much worldwide, whether it's Alaska or whether it's Europe or whether it's Mexico, you're going to see prices probably 20 to 30 per cent lower than last year."

Some of the bargains she mentions are rooms at five star resorts on the Mayan Riviera going for last year's three or four star prices. Cruises are also cheaper. It's now possible to book a balcony cabin on an Alaskan cruise for under a thousand dollars.

However, taking a closer look is still a good idea.

"The price of the cruise may not include the flight to meet up with the cruise -- or it could be a situation where it's just the land package, without the flights. Make sure it's a combination, and get a price that includes the return air for not just a one way trip," said travel analyst Brad Davies.

With reports by CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson and Maria Weisgarber.