Plan your #ExploreFredericton March Break Getaway!
It’s hard to believe, but March Break is just around the corner! In the summer, the possibilities seem endless — from parks, to biking, and nature walks (basically anything that gets us outdoors!). But it’s a little tricky in March when the weather is still unpredictable. So, what’s a family to do?
Whether you are looking for indoor fun or prefer outdoor adventure, Fredericton has tons of ideas to keep you hopping this March Break! How many things can you check off our list?
1. Explore the great outdoors
There’s no better time to get on the slopes! With temperatures getting a little warmer and the chance of fresh powder, heading out to Crabbe Mountain needs to be on your to-do list! This March Break, check out the ski hill with the largest vertical in New Brunswick and some of the best terrain in Atlantic Canada. Crabbe Mountain will be open every day during the break and will have lots of activities for kids and adults alike!
Mactaquac Provincial Park, about 20 minutes from downtown Fredericton, has some pretty cool (and FREE!) activities that the whole family can take in. Cross country ski or snowshoe on the trails surrounding the park (FREE rentals on site!) skate on the outdoor rink and the new forest skate trail, rent a fat bike (call ahead to book), or get a bit of an adrenaline rush with the sliding hills.
2. Jump, Bounce, Play!
There is no better way to expend some energy than a little running, jumping, and bouncing! There’re tons of indoor fun at Kingswood Entertainment Centre! Team up with your kids and join in the fun with some candlepin bowling on their automatic scoring lanes, or a game of laser tag. The kids will have a ball in the toddler play zones and arcade! You can even sign your kids up for March Break camp, for the day or the full week. It’s always a fun and exciting week filled with lots of indoor and outdoor activities plus a healthy atmosphere where kids can learn new skills and make new friends. Located on site is a lunch counter and a Pizza Hut Express. Make a day of it!
3. Get messy, get creative & learn something new!
A great way to spend the afternoon is by visiting Clay Cafe; a “paint-your-own-pottery” studio for all age groups. Pick out some fun pottery and make beautiful pieces of art to fill your home! The studio itself has over 300 kinds of pottery to paint, things like bowls, mugs, teapots, vases, just to name a few. Your biggest dilemma? Deciding which piece to paint!
Calling all children ages 5 to 7! Spend March Break exploring a spectrum of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at Science East Science Centre! Campers will be introduced to a range of science through daily story times, awesome projects, and hands – on play. Get ready to ask questions, be creative and have fun!
4. Unplug & Escape!
No devices needed here! Kids can have fun without the electronics and be swept up in the world of board games, books and puzzles!
Care to play a game of Scrabble, Risk or Settlers of Catan? Unplugged Board Games Café has these along with over 700 more games to choose from! For a small cover charge ($5) choosing which games to play is the hardest part! Bring the whole family and settle in for a game day. The helpful staff are board game pros themselves and will be more than happy to answer any questions. Enjoy a bevvy and a bite to eat from their menu! Love one of the games you’ve played? You may even be able to buy one on site!
How does solving a puzzle while locked in a room sound? This is what an escape room is all about! It’s a live-action, team-based game where you and your group are trapped in a room and have 60 minutes to escape. This alternate reality adventure involves finding clues, solving riddles, completing puzzles, and overcoming obstacles to ultimately accomplish your mission and escape the room before time expires. There are a couple of Escape Rooms in Fredericton. Check them out:
Unplugged Presents: No Escape - Escape Rooms, 418 Queen Street
ISPY Escape Games Fredericton, 880 Hanwell Road Unit 207
Be sure to stop by the Fredericton Public Library this March Break! Whether you want to read a book, play a boardgame or borrow a musical instrument, the library has you covered! There are also plenty of great programs and activities happening over March Break. Kids can expect movies, story times, book making, fort building and much more! Teens can try their hand at cross stitching, enjoy a movie marathon or join in a MarioKart tournament. Some activities require registration, so be sure to check their Facebook page for updates.
After visiting the Fredericton Public Library, why not make your way down to the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame! Located in the heart of the Historic Garrison District, the NB Sports Hall of Fame offers museum tours, access to the gallery where you can give your best shot at their sports simulator and explore the stories and achievements of Honoured Members with through an interactive touchscreen exhibit. Be sure to swing by the Shrine and Portraits gallery where you’ll have a chance to learn about nearly 700 Honoured Members representing over 34 sports!
5. March Break for the Adults
Get a taste of a variety of craft beer and cider at our local taprooms – with the extra time on your hands, this is the perfect time to collect stamps for your #FredTapTrail map! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE: Fredericton Craft Beer Festival will be happening June 17 & 18, 2022!
6. Visit the Markets!
Fredericton is a market lover’s dream! Probably the most recommended stopping spot for anyone visiting Fredericton is the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market. It is THE place to be on Saturday morning, no matter the time of year. The aromas wafting from food trucks immediately draws you in, and it doesn’t take long before you are swept up in the heart of the community - talking to locals, grabbing a coffee, fresh breads, veggies and meat.
Open every day of the week, The Cultural Market allows you to experience a traditional “cultural market” while shopping for such a wide selection of goods and services, ranging from international crafts, local delicacies or enjoy a delicious meal, featuring local and international foods. This vibrant market brings different cultures from around the world together under one roof.
Looking for an easy, but delicious “grab and go” option? Swing by the Food Market at the Ex for a variety of international flavours such as Greek, Syrian, Jamaican, Korean and Mexican. This environmentally friendly market where everything is recyclable will leave you wanting more!
Finally, you won’t want to miss out on Fredericton’s newest market addition, the Northside Creators Market. This vendor-owned market will allow you to find passionate people growing and making things they love!
7. “Maple, the First Taste of Spring” at King’s Landing
March break is the time of the year when the sap starts to run and fresh maple syrup is ready for all to enjoy! A family tradition to many, we encourage to take part in the fun this year. Join the good folks of King’s Landing to get the first taste of spring with sweet maple treats this March break! Happening on March 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2022 from 10am – 4pm, this event celebrates the coming of spring and pays homage to the sweet 200+ year-old tradition of collecting and preparing maple sugar.
Stay a Night, Dinner's on Us!
Make your break more exciting by booking one of our Stay & Play Packages! If you book a night with a featured package from a local hotel, motel or B&B you will receive a bonus $50 in Downtown Dollars or Business Fredericton North Dollars to spend as you please and #SupportFredLocal!
Enjoy the break by getting outside, getting creative, and spending time with your closest loved ones. It’s the perfect year to try something new, so don’t hesitate! There’s always lots to do in the capital city so keep a close eye on our website for any upcoming events!
