What to Do With the Kids during March Break in Moncton 2019
The most-read post of the year is back, Pickle Planet fans – the one-stop list of EVERYTHING to do with the kids during March Break in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, and beyond!
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO FOR MARCH BREAK 2022?
Click that link for the 2022 list; what’s below is from 2019.
Thousands and thousands and thousands of you check this list every year; we’ve been keeping it updated throughout late February and early March. If you are organizing something that isn’t listed, please feel free to comment with the details. We spend hours trying to check dozens and dozens of websites and social media accounts to create this list, but we’re bound to miss something here or there. Let us know & we’ll do our best to include it here as we update!
If you’re new to Pickle Planet, welcome! This is website is a resource for anyone looking for ideas of what to do with kids in the Greater Moncton Area. We create an events round up like this every weekend, we visit local playgrounds and share what’s there for equipment and which age groups we think would best enjoy the space. We sometimes share crafts and recipes, as well as thoughts on general topics of interest. There’s also a weekly podcast you can subscribe to that covers all kinds of discussions!
Pickle Planet Moncton often partners with local and national brands to share contests and information we think you’ll find relevant, but everything you read here is our own opinion and created as a resource for the community. If you’re interested in advertising with us, please get in touch. We’re always happy to chat about possibilities (though we may be slow to respond during the break – we have three kids home from school to entertain!). Now, on to the information you want to know!
We’ve broken things down into a few categories, so please be sure to read through thoroughly. Click the links to the source sites (should show up as green words in each sentence) before heading out, please; you never know when weather or other things might impact regularly-scheduled plans. We’ve moved the final weekend events here to the top, but some things are ongoing or just ideas to check out, so read through thoroughly!
Closing Weekend (Mar 8-10)
CCNB Dieppe is holding a Try-A-Trade event on Friday. This is a free, bilingual activity for all ages. You’re asked to register by emailing info <at> nb-mp.ca or calling 506-658-8282.
Close to the Heart is holding a fun kids’ book swap. Drop off five to 10 story books by Friday and return Saturday to pick up some new-to-you books!
Start Saturday off with a pancake breakfast supporting the Riverview High School Girls and Boys Rugby Teams; $20 for a family of four and ages five and younger eat free.
Trites Maples opens for the season on Saturday, as does Renton Brothers Sugarbush.
Cineplex is showing two Family Favourite options on March 9 — Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups and Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. These shows are just $2.99 at 11am; check the site for theatre availability!
Saturday, March 9 Ventus Machina will be performing “a musical family adventure through the ‘Worlds of the Night’ exhibit at Resurgo Place.” Included with regular admission.
The Moncton Wildcats have home games on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The season is quickly coming to a close, so this is a great time to get out!
Sunday, March 10 you can celebrate our region’s Irish heritage with a brunch and ceilidh at the Moncton Press Club. This event begins at noon and goes to 4pm; tickets are sold at the door.
The second of five Sunday openings at the Magnetic Hill Zoo is scheduled for March 10. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last, maple taffy, and more. This fundraiser is cash only for admission; ages three and under are free, youth are $3, and adults $5.
Parklane Bowling is holding a Special Family Day on Sunday, March 10. Just $15/person for three strings and a treat bag for the kids. You must register in advance, at the bowling alley or by email to estacarrie3 <at> gmail.com.
Library Events
Moncton Public Library is a fantastic outing (our kids love when we take the pedway across from City Hall!), with extra activities planned Sunday to Sunday. There’s Mad Science, coding, Science East, DIY sock animals, bingo, face painting, beyblades, movies, and more. Check the schedule; many require you to register for the events by calling (506) 869-6000.
Dieppe Public Library is holding activities Tuesday through Friday. Contact the library (506-877-7945) for more information and to register. There’s a session on making friendship bracelets, a drum circle, a horror movie makeup tutorial, coding, board games, and more.
Salisbury Public Library will have Ozobots with Science East on Tuesday, is showing Mission Kathmandu on Wednesday, hosting a teen paint night, bingo on Friday, and a LEGO session on Saturday.
Most local libraries have extra programming for March Break; check with your local library if we haven’t listed it here!
Local Attractions
The City of Moncton’s Crossman Community Centre Gym will be open to drop in March 4 & 6 from 10am-4:30pm, and March 5 & 8 from 10am-noon and 2:30-4:30pm. Indoor shoes and parental guidance necessary.
USVA Nordic Spa is offering a special family experience on Wednesday, March 6 (ages five and up).
FitRocks Climbing Gym is offering a March Break special, a 10-day past for just $30.
Did you know you can pre-book your jump time at SkyZone? Certainly something you might want to consider during March! The space has a new toddler area, a VR studio, an obstacle course, dodgeball, a great arcade space, and more.
Room Escape Atlantic is open every day during March Break and has kid-friendly (recommended ages eight and up) rooms! There are Harry Potter, LEGO, and Jumanji themed room (available in French and English), as well as others. (Teenagers might also like to try Mystery Moncton.)
Another great option for older kids is axe throwing at the new Timber Lounge Moncton! They welcome kids ages 10 and up in the 4:30-6pm slots Tuesday-Friday, and Saturday noon-6pm. Youth must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Cost is $20/child plus tax; they book in groups of six.
Resurgo Place will be open March 2 to 10 (even Monday, when it’s usually closed!) with the Worlds of the Night travelling exhibit and all the usual fun exhibits and hands-on activities.
Riverview Indoor Skatepark is open to all ages on both Saturdays of March Break.
Don’t forget options like Hop Skip Jump!, DIY Studio, Crystal Mountain Party Palace,, Fairlanes, and Bowlarama, too! We also have a round up of arcade spaces in the Greater Moncton Area – check them out here!
Shediac has planned a lot of community events for March Break. There’s a LEGO contest on Sunday, March 3, swimming at Hotel Shediac, Mad Science at the Multipurpose Centre on Monday, Airheads inflatables on Wednesday through Friday, laser tag, sledge hockey, and more. Find the full schedule and details here. You might also want to schedule a trip to Le Moque-Tortue, which features a board game cafe and child-friendly escape rooms!
In-Store Events
Mastermind Toys is holding in-store events each day during March Break; contact the store (506-382-3441) for more details and to secure a spot! There are sessions making fridge magnets, bead DIY projects, Crayola fun, and of course slime!
Chapters Moncton is also holding daily in-store activities. There are craft sessions, a LEGO event, an event for LOL and Bakugan collectors, a PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig event, and more. Call the store (506-855-8075) or drop by to register.
Cineplex is again offering special movie showings for just $2.99 a ticket. Four movies will play each day of March Break (Monday through Friday) at 11am. The movies are: The Grinch, PAW Patrol Mighty Pups, Smallfoot, and Fantastic Beasts The Crimes of Grindelwald. Not all theatres offer these movies; check your options before heading out. Regular movie times will also be happening.
Swimming
Riverview’s Pat Crossman Aquatic Centre has public swim times all through March Break, 1:30-3:30pm, as well as preschool and evening public swims on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Swimming caps needed, family visit $10.)
Dieppe’s Aquatic Centre is offering all pools open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 2-4:55pm and 6-7:55pm, and Monday through Friday at 10-11:25am, 2-4:55pm, and 6-7:55pm. (Bathing caps are optional; there is a special March Break family rate of $45 (two adults and children) for unlimited access to public swims, single family visits are $16.)
Moncton’s YMCA offers day and swim passes to non-members, as well as the regular City of Moncton subsidized swim on Sunday afternoons. A general family swim pass for one visit is $15. Times are Friday night 6:30-8:80pm, Saturday afternoons 2:30-4:30pm, and Sundays ($2/person) from 2:30-4:40pm. There are special March Break swims on March 4 & 6 from 4:30-6:30pm; these are also $2/person.
You might also want to check with local hotels; some offer you the option of paying to use their pool for the day! There are also swim opportunities at CEPS.
Winter Activities
You can check on outdoor conditions and cancellations for municipal-owned venues and trails in Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview on their websites.
Sliding
There are a few municipally approved toboggan runs at Centennial Park in Moncton and Rotary St-Anselme Park in Dieppe, and in Riverview at Winter Wonderland Park, on Quinn Court. In Fundy Park, check out the Headquarters Tobogganing Hill, and if you’re at Kouchibouquac Park, Patterson Hill is a great spot for sliding, though it is a long walk (2km) to reach the site.
Outdoor Skating
In Moncton, enjoy skating on the Ian Fowler Oval at Avenir Centre, Centennial Park, the outdoor rink behind the Rotary Pavilion at Mapleton Park, and Victoria Park. Riverview’s Winter Wonderland outdoor park includes a fantastic skating oval. Dieppe maintains two outdoor rinks at Rotary St-Anselme Park (one for skating, one for games) and the oval behind City Hall. Salisbury has an outdoor skating rink, open daily depending on weather; check the Facebook page for updates. It is located on Douglas Avenue, just off Main Street.
Indoor Skating
There’s free public skating at the Crossman Community Centre Kay Arena on Friday, March 8 from 3:30-4:30pm. The rink also offers regular parent & tot skates during the week and $2 public skating most weekends. There is also a $2 public skate at Superior Propane Centre on Monday, March 4 from 3:30-4:30pm. The rink also offers regular Parent & Tot skating sessions during the week and some public skating times on Sundays. And don’t forget the $2 public skating on Saturdays from 3:45-5:15pm at the Moncton Coliseum.
Riverview’s Byron Dobson rink has a special schedule for March Break, including a free skate Monday, March 4 to Friday, March 8 from noon until 1:30pm. On Saturday it’s 3:45-5:15pm, and on Sunday it’s 2:30-4pm.
Dieppe’s rink offer lots of opportunities to skate for free. During March Break, there is family skating at Centenaire Arena March 4-7 from 3-4pm, and from 1-2pm on Sunday, March 10. The rink also has designated times for various age groups to be on the ice playing hockey and ringette during the break.
You can also check for public and family skating times at the Shediac Festival Arena, the Petitcodiac arena, and the Hillsborough rink.
Sleigh Rides
Rotary St-Anselme Park in Dieppe offers rides on Sundays (until March 24, 2019) from 1-4pm; rides last about half an hour and costs $2 per person (children under two are free). Call 877-7904 to see about private bookings. Broadleaf Ranch offers several winter activities including horseback rides, sleigh rides, sliding, skating, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can also book to stay overnight; a great mini-getaway! You can also enjoy rides near Turtle Creek; bookings available by calling 871-0663. The cost is a minimum of $50. Country Sleigh Rides is about 20 minutes from Moncton and offers group rides, starting at $5/person; call 874-4090 for information and booking.
Winter Trails: Walking, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing
You can enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing at Centennial Park; equipment for both adults and children is available to rent. You can also rent snow shoe equipment and fat bikes for adults and children at Mapleton Park.
There are groomed trails in Moncton’s Irishtown Nature Park that are available for snowshoeing, biking, and walking. Rotary St-Anselme Park has trails that are available for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking. Dover Park’s walking trail is accessible during the winter.
In Riverview, there are groomed cross country trails in Mill Creek Nature Park, behind the Bridgedale Community Centre, as well as marked snowshoe trails. You can also enjoy the Dobson Trail in winter.
Fundy National Park is open from sunrise to sunset during the winter, with park activities including cross-country skiing, birding, snowshoeing, and winter camping. Kouchibouquac Park is also open all winter, with activities including Geocaching, Sliding / Tobogganing on Patterson Hill, two winter walking trails, snowshoeing, camping, and new this winter, three trails for fat biking. The park also has 15km of cross-country trails, groomed for both classic and ski skating styles.
Even More Ideas!
Horse lover in the house? Contact Beloved Miniature Horses to inquire about visits; they have classes beginning in mid-March (and they book for birthday parties, too).
Cremerie Bennic Dairy Bar opens for the season on March 1. A great spot to indulge this March Break!
A trip to Poley Mountain is always a great family outing!
NB Urban Mushing, located near Havelock, offers dog sled rides. Contact them for details, but it generally runs around $150 for a group of up to six or eight people.
Hitting the Road?
Kings Landing is holding its annual Sugar Bush event on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 (as well as March 16 & 17). There’s a pancake breakfast, encampment demonstrations, kids’ activities, and much more. Admission is free for five and under, children are $3.50, adults $7, and $12 for a family (breakfast is $11 or $8, depending on plate size).
If you’re heading to Fredericton, Quilli’s Family Fun Factory is setting up at the Exhibition Center from Monday, March 4 to Saturday, March 9.
Heading to Saint John? Our friends at Network of Moms have rounded up all the details on what’s happening there. Check it out here.
There are great annual March Break specials at the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews. Each weekend features different extras, such as a magician, reptile show, and laser tag, along with crafts, games, and the indoor pool and slide.
The Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium is also open over March Break!
We spent a quick weekend exploring Downtown Halifax to kick off our March Break adventures. If you’re heading that way, you might want to note that the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is happening on Sunday, March 10!
Opening Weekend (March 1-3)
Friday, March 1 the Friends of the SES Cubs are showing Smallfoot in the Salisbury Elementary School gym. Admission is $2/person up to $10/family, popcorn and water for sale.
March 1st is also the Mini Pop Kids concert at Casino NB!
Friday the Wildcats are on home ice, hosting Victoriaville. (They also have home games on the 6th, the 9th, and the 10th.)
Friday is the final Fun on Ice night at Dieppe’s Place 1604. Enjoy music by DJ Elephant Skeletons, bonfires, and hot chocolate while skating on the oval.
Beauty and The Beast finishes its run at The Capitol Theatre this weekend, with performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets are limited!
Saturday, March 2 the folks from Écocentre Homarus Eco-Centre will be at Resurgo Place with interactive activities and touch tanks! (Included with regular admission.)
Cineplex’s Family Favourite feature on March 2 is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. See our ‘in-store’ section for weekday specials this March Break!
Michaels has several in-store crafting events on March 2 (costs associated), including creating birdhouses, painted rocks, and more.
ENE Church’s regular (first Saturday of each month) free Play Connexion Café is Saturday, March 2, from 10am until noon, with bouncy castles, toys, face painting, and more. For details, call 506-878-8893.
Members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada are sharing their knowledge during the Kouchibouguac Winter Stargazing event on Saturday, March 2. Park pass required.
The Moncton Magic play Sunday, March 3 at the Avenir Centre.
Sunday March 3 is Sew, Sew, Sunday at Resurgo Place, a workshop to learn how to sew splash pants. Bring your own fabric, ideal for ages 14+ (younger children welcome with adult accompaniment); call 506-856-4327 to register.
The first of five Sunday openings at the Magnetic Hill Zoo is scheduled for March 3. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last, maple taffy, and more. This fundraiser is cash only for admission; ages three and under are free, youth are $3, and adults $5.
March Break Camps
Folks, there are more than one 100 organizations in the Greater Moncton Area that have offered seasonal camps over the past few years. This is in NO way to be considered an exhaustive list of local March Break camp options, and certainly some of these are likely already full by the time you’re reading this. In fact, because of this, we usually don’t even include camps in this round up, but we’ve had SO many of you reach out and ask, we thought we’d pull together some information.
We’d love to have a directory for you each year, but it just hasn’t been possible to create yet, given our limited resources (read: I’m one person, with three kids, and several paying projects on the go, who can’t take the hours and hours of time to contact every possible camp and keep details up-to-date in a way that’s useful for us all).
Please, if you’re interested in details, click the link and visit the source. If you contact a camp because you saw it listed here, please let them know!
The Clayspace
The Community Tree Yoga Studio
Wild Cheer
SkyZone
My GYM
Beausejour Gymnos
The School of Atlantic Ballet Atlantique Canada
Chess Camp at Chocolate River Station
Riverview Skatepark
Town of Riverview
Tidewater Equestrian Center
Bricks4Kidznb
Poley Mountain
Don’t forget to bookmark our MEGA LIST of local attractions and ongoing activities to always know just what to do with the kids in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, and beyond!