We’re now nearly a year into a worldwide pandemic, which, to say the least, has changed the way we go about our everyday lives. Everything looks different and included in that is March Break.  For many of us, March break was once about camps, vacations, sleepovers, travel, and gatherings, but this year we have accepted the challenge of adjusted plans and expectations, knowing that we can still find a new version of fun and enjoyment for the family.

If we’ve got to stay home for the most part - March Break and otherwise! – The greater Fredericton area has a lot to offer in our own backyards.  You don’t have to travel far to find a trail in the woods, and you don’t need to bring much with you to enjoy a day outside in the fresh air.  Spending time in the woods is something we do regularly as a family.  Aside from mosquito season, we can find something to do almost any time of year.  Puddles, leaf collecting, daisy crowns, birdwatching, floating homemade boats in streams, finding wild berries and apples, building forts - it’s a dream come true for many kids.

So, what can you do with your family on a wintry afternoon that requires little planning or equipment, gets you outside, and gives you plenty of memories?

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think about what brings people joy and happiness is food. There are few foods out there more fun than a perfectly toasted marshmallow over a campfire after hiking for a while.  When we have campfires, we throw a bag of marshmallows and a thermos of hot chocolate into our backpack, along with a lighter, and we’re good to go.  If you’re feeling fancy, add some hot dogs or s’mores ingredients.  Recreational fires are permitted in New Brunswick for warmth or cooking, but make sure you leave nothing behind and burn only wood.

Winter is the perfect time of year to find animal tracks - what better palette exists than snow?  A quick Google can help you differentiate between the tracks you find, and you’ll be amazed at the variety you can see on a single walk: deer, coyote, fox, squirrel, rabbit, and a variety of birds were all identified in one little outing with my family.  If you’re extra lucky, you might find moose or bobcat.  Take some photos with your phone for later identification, or see what kinds of tracks your family can make themselves.

To take it a step further, animal watching can be exciting in the winter.  Winter birds, squirrels, and deer tend to meander through the woods regularly - see who can spot one first. 

We are big fans of scavenger hunts in other seasons, but in winter it’s a bit trickier to find items on a list since, chances are, everything is buried in snow.  A photo scavenger hunt is where it’s at!  Make a list of things you can take photos of while out in the woods: fir trees, birds, a leaf still clinging to a branch.  See who can catch the first glimpse of a pinecone, squirrel, or a fallen down tree. Give bonus points to who can identify animal tracks, the high bush cranberries, or the difference between moss and lichen. There are so many things to find, and it keeps minds active while you explore.

If you need to stop for a bit, building snow forts or pine bough lean-tos is great fun.  You don’t need any specific how-to’s - just find things or use snow and build something to slip into or hide behind.  This usually results in an epic snowball fight with us, but your mileage may vary!

As always, you can take winter hikes to the next level with cross-country skis, snowshoes, sliding (almost any little hill works!) and ice-related fun like pond skating and ice fishing - but hopefully this will get you started on some winter activities with your family. If you don’t know where to begin you outdoor exploring, check out the blog, Get Your Winter On, to find out more about local trails and renting equipment like snowshoes, cross country ski or fat bikes. If you’re still feeling stumped, Make the Best of your Break! is a great place to start for planning March Break activities. Have fun this March Break and get outside!