Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, enjoys a milder climate than many other places in Canada, and is well-known for its culture, arts, and learning. You’ll find lots of variety in terms of ethnic cuisine, and a great music and art scene, plus a variety of outdoor stuff to do with the whole family. Here are some highlights for things to do with kids in Fredericton.
Festivals and Special Events. (http://fredericton.foundlocally.com/Entertainment/FestivalsList.htm) Fredericton has lots of cool events throughout the year that offer tons of fun and entertainment for the whole family, including:
- Dragon Boat Festival. Second Sunday in September, at the Aquatic Center. The kids will love the dragon boats racing on the waterfront, as well as the food, live music, and other activities.
- Sugar Bush Weekend. March, at Kings Landing Historical Settlement. Period costumes, candy- and syrup-making demonstrations, sleigh and wagon rides, a day-long pancake breakfast…and free candy!
- Annual FredKid Fair. (www.fredkid.com ) This May festival is all about the kiddos: held in the Fredericton Exhibition Centre, and it features science, cultural, and music exhibits…plus bouncy castles, food, petting zoos, face-painting, and more, all aimed at kids from 0-10.
- Fredericton RiverFest. (www.frederictonriverfest.com) This annual June event celebrates the Saint John River, upon which Fredericton sits, and the local native and modern culture, especially all things fiddlehead! Live music, a salmon and fiddlehead community supper, exhibits, lots of kids’ activities, and more.
Family Fun Parks. Fredericton has several great outdoor family fun centres that can entertain everyone, such as:
- Kingswood Park. (2 km from Hwy 2, on Route 640 (Hanwell Rd) The biggest of its kind in Fredericton, it has waterslides, candlepin and ten-pin bowling.
- Bucket Club Activity Park (Route 102 Woodstock Rd, 10 minutes w of downtown Fredericton) This park has waterslides, miniature golf, a driving range, and bankshot basketball.
- Woolastook Family Park. (5171 Route 2, Upper Kingsclear NB E3E 1P9, 25 km west of Fredericton, 5 km off TCH Exit 258) This great outdoor centre has three beaches, four waterslides, volleyball, canoeing, 18 holes of miniature gold, a 9-hole regular golf course, and camping…plus miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Kings Landing Historical Settlement. (www.kingslanding.nb.ca) This faithfully preserved and restored working historical village depicts the transformation of a town during the 1800’s to the 1900’s. Actors in period costumes do traditional, authentic tasks in beautifully restored buildings, all faithful to actual events and personal stories from those who lived long ago. Families can take self-guided tours, and there are events year-round. Check the Kings Landing website for more details.
Outdoor Summer Theatre/Haunted Hikes/Drama Camps. (www.calithumpians.com) The Calithumpians are Fredericton’s local theatre troupe, and they present free daytime performances all week long from Canada Day till Labour Day on Officer’s Square lawn. The troupe also gives Haunted Hikes, a guided nighttime tour by lantern-light of Fredericton’s historically haunted homes and buildings, made even spookier by a phantom theatre troupe! The troupe also conducts weeklong drama camps during the summer months for kids and teens. Consult their website for scheduling, pricing, and more details.
Science East Science Centre. (www.scienceeast.nb.ca) Located in the former York County Jail, this interactive, informative, and fun hands-on experience is designed to spark and develop kids’ interest in the basic principles of science. There are more than eighty interactive exhibits, including a giant kaleidoscope, a gigantic air cannon, the ability to direct laser beams, a dungeon, a jail museum, and much more. Check out the Centre’s website for hours, costs, and special events.
Have more tips? Let us know!
Do You Know What To Do With Your Kids for March Break?
New Brunswick to Host Performing Arts Boot Camp With Hollywood Elite
New Brunswick (February 21, 2012) –Are you looking for a unique March Break experience for your child? New Brunswick’s own, PowerHouse Dance, is presenting a Performing Arts Boot Camp to be lead by Hollywood’s elite. The boot camp will be held at The Bonnie Kilburn Dance Center 1769 Hanwell Roadd, March 5-9 from 9am- 4:30pm daily. Special hours of 7:45am- 5:30pm will be offered for working parents.
The boot camp will be lead by Hollywood’s Jonathan George of JG Entertainment as well as Las Vegas’ Bria Sison. George is the creator and executive producer of the Youth Rock Awards, which celebrates top talent under the age of 25 in areas of TV, Film, Music and Dance. From award-winning artist to being a multi-award winning songwriter, manager and producer, he is also known for developing many top artists on Disney, Nickelodeon, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, America’s Most Talented Kids to name a few. George states, “I love working with young talent and being able to pull out their confidence so they can find their true gifts. It’s all about learning how to be confident.” To find out more go to http://www.JonathanGeorge.biz
Sison is staff at JLS Entertainment, which manages MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew winners and produces the top dance camps internationally. As a dancer she is part of the world known Culture Shock Dance team and has appeared in the Killers’ music video “Spaceman”. Sison is a powerhouse dancer with a special gift of bringing out the best in dancers and performers alike.
During the week, attendees will work on dancing, singing, acting and performing skills. George also says, “Today’s talent has to be able to do it all. You have to be able to sing, dance and act.” He goes on to say, “You don’t have to be amazing at all of them but you do have to know how show your strengths and hide your weaknesses.” The workshop will cater to all levels and styles. The week will also end with a showcase to exhibit all that was learned during the camp. Space is limited.
For more information contact PowerHouse Dance at powerhousedance@bellaliant.net or call 506.455.4441.
Kingswood does not have waterslides…
Did you know that Fredericton offers FREE ‘Talk with Me’ services. What is that you may ask….we offer a variety of services for children and parent/caregiver of children birth to 5 years. Programs are offered by Speech-Language Pathologists and SLP-Assistants. Programs are for parents, caregivers and early childhood educators. Offering speech, language and hearing screenings in various community locations.
Services include:
Baby Massage (birth-9 months) Adults learn how to massage babies and the benefits of massage, including interaction and communication.
Baby Signs/Baby Talk (6-12 months) Come and play with your baby. Find out how you can help your baby learn to listen, take turns, get ready to talk , and learn about basic sign language.
First Words (9-24 months) Learn about your child’s first words. Bring your child and join us as we play to encourage your child to communicate.
Little Talkers (2-3 year olds) Learn strategies to encourage language in everyday situations, Children to talk while they play and have fun.
Watch me Learn (3-4 year olds) Learning begins long before children get ready for school. Come with your child and see how you can spark their interest in learning, sharing stories, playing with words and much more.
Sounds like Fun (3-5 year olds) Learn how and when children learn speech sounds and get ideas on how to understand child better while helping your child speak more clearly.
Read with Me (Pre-kindergarten year) have fun and learn with your child. Explore activities related to language and reading.
Watch me Learn (3-4 year olds)
Call to book an appointment for your FREE screening
1-877-691-8800
The Fredericton Regional Museum also offers tons of cheap kids programs. The kids not only learn a bit about New Brunswick history, but they alsoget to participate in crafts and learn about the Coleman Frog (A 42lb frog know around Kilarney Lake)
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