FROSTival is one of New Brunswick’s most anticipated winter festivals, and for good reason.  Not only is the list of activities endless, it spans three weekends and has something for every age and ability. Take in world-class musical & theatrical performances, outdoor skating, snow tubing, skiing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, incredible art galleries & craft workshops, pancake breakfasts & morning markets, delicious dining & cozy taprooms all throughout the Fredericton Capital Region. 

Here’s the roundup of our favorite FROSTival experiences in Fredericton, New Brunswick over the years as a family! Be sure to visit the official 2026 FROSTival page for all the details.

FROSTival runs from January 22nd to February 8th 2026.

Spoiler alert: Pancake breakfasts, Forest Skating and Pottery Classes were a hit with the kids!

The FROSTival pancake breakfast at Dumfries Maples feels like one of those slow, happy mornings you wish you could tuck into your pocket and keep forever. The sugar shack is warm and cozy, filled with the comforting smells of wood smoke and fresh pancakes, and the gentle hum of people lingering over plates instead of rushing through their morning. The hosts welcome everyone with genuine kindness, as if you’ve been coming for years even if it’s your first visit. The portions are very generous, and the maple syrup—rich, amber, and impossibly delicious—poured generously, and tasting like the very essence of New Brunswick. Be sure to pick up some maple syrup and butter on your way out, so you can relive the experience at home! Prices 7 – 14$ – Gluten-friendly options available

There’s nothing like a morning at Boyce Farmers Market, sunlight spills across wooden stalls stacked with handmade wares, warm loaves of bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and the air smells faintly of coffee, herbs, and baked goods. People are there to savor, to admire, and bump into old friends, letting the day ease into motion. There’s a simplicity in it all – a return to how things used to be – market basket in hand, choosing something fresh and good to fuel the family for the week ahead. Open Saturdays, 7 to 1pm

Mactaquac Provincial Park turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months, the long shadows from the trees and filtered sunlight make the entire area “picture perfect”. You will love snowshoeing the wide groomed trails, perfect for little ones getting used to walking with snowshoes for the first time. Did you know that Mactaquac Provincial Park offers snowshoe ($15 for 4h or $20 for Full Day), fat bike ($25 for 2h or $40 for 4h) and snow tube rentals ($8.50 for 2H)? This provision is perfect for those looking to try out a new winter sport without the commitment but all are welcome to use the trails with their own gear!

The FROSTival Kilted Skate at Officer’s Square carries a kind of joyful charm that makes winter feel lighter. Skates glide over the ice while kilts sway, and music drifts through the cold air, blending tradition with playfulness in the most effortless way. The sound of bagpipes echoing through the square is an experience that can’t be missed. Young and old are encouraged to wear their kilts, come for a free skate or sit by the fire and enjoy performances by the St. Andrew Pipe Band and Highland Dancers while feasting on haggis burgers, shortbread and hot chocolate. Food prices vary

The pottery class at Megan Billings Pottery  is a cozy, hands-on escape where you don’t just sit quietly and listen to instruction – you join in and feel it with every press of clay under your fingers. In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll play with slabs, learn simple shaping and joining techniques, and start building your own mug while guided gently through each step. The sky is the limit with all the options for patterns and carvings to make your creation completely unique. Your mug is then left in the studio to be fired and glazed before scheduled pickup. $75 per person for the full two hours, materials and instruction included.

There’s always a hum in the air when it’s Dine Around Freddy time in Fredericton, New Brunswick—wandering into a cozy local restaurant, shrugging off your winter coat, and settling in for a chef-crafted three-course meal that feels both special and simple. For 2026, participating eateries across the city are offering these curated dinners at $45 per person, letting you savor Maritime flavors without fuss, as the snow falls outside and friends stay close, lingering over dessert and drinks. It’s one of those experiences that turns a cold night into a warm memory—perfect for date night, a catch-up with friends, or just treating yourself to flavors you might not otherwise try. Here‘s the full line up of participating restaurants.

An afternoon as a family at Beaverbrook Art Gallery feels like stepping into another time and world together. As you wander through bright galleries admiring familiar favorites and discovering new pieces, from bold Canadian landscapes to surprising contemporary pieces, the kids’ questions and observations turn each turn into a tiny shared adventure.  The pace is unhurried and welcoming—lots of quiet smiles, little bursts of inspiration, and maybe even a spontaneous sketch in the café afterward. Be sure to have a peek at their upcoming exhibits, FROSTival workshops and drop-in classes. $20 adults, $8.50 youth,$40 family (kids under 6 free)

There’s a special kind of joy that happens when skating under the stars at Officers’ Square in downtown Fredericton during FROSTival’s DJ Night Skate — colorful lights shining the path ahead, music pulsing through crisp air, and everyone gliding (or laughing while trying) to beats that turn a chilly night into a carefree party on ice. Best of all, this icy dance party is free to join in 2026, with no admission cost and free skate rentals right on site, so you can focus on letting the music lift your spirits. See the FROSTival event page for all the details!

Thanks for coming along and sharing in our favorite FROSTival moments over the years!

Which one is your favorite, and which did we miss?

FOLLOW US on INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK for more local events, accommodations and travel reviews! 

The post FROSTival in Fredericton, New Brunswick first appeared on Reaching Happy.

As a homeschool family, we recognize the value in keeping learning fresh and interesting. With the girls entering middle school and high school respectively, it would be easy to continue with the same schedule and curriculum that has been working all along. But, we don’t want to merely go through the paces in their educational journey, we want them to be inspired, excited and challenged by what they are learning. When it comes to writing, we know the importance of having strong spelling and grammatical skills, but also the power of being a creative writer. It can be tempting to push spelling lists and grammar rules, but truly the focus should be on fueling a passion for storytelling. One way we’ve been nurturing this skill is through the online platform “WriteStories by Scriptive“.

This space allows teachers to assign book-based writing assignments to their students. The students in turn have full creative control of writing dialogue and descriptive text to accompany a variety of wholesome picture books. Often, writing a story can be overwhelming, inspiration can be lacking and this can lead to frustration. “WriteStories by Scriptive” takes away the pressure and children are led naturally to tell a story that the illustrations they see inspire. The girls love that the books are displayed on-screen just as a physical book would be, complete with the ability to flip through the pages. How wonderful for children to be able to see their book come to life!

The book list available offers many beautiful and wholesome books to choose from, there is something for everyone, truly! We want to ensure our children have access to the highest quality of reading material and “WriteStories by Scriptive” has put in the time and research to ensure that’s what their students are exposed to. We are so thankful for this safe space to explore and grow.

We also appreciate that the girls can work at their own pace and level, which keeps learning fun, as it should be. Parents and teachers can review the child’s work and decide whether to correct grammar and spelling or simply let the creative juices flow during this time. We tend to do a combination of both, providing gentle suggestions if we see a spelling or grammatical error becoming a habit.

We have also noted that there is an option for speech-to-text for those who may not be physically able to type in their text prompts. What a wonderful inclusive feature for our young learners to enjoy!

One thing we have enjoyed doing is choosing a book to work on as a family, what fun this has brought to us all! The stories, of course, always take a silly and playful turn, but seeing the girls light up with every turning page has made these moments so special. Seeing them make the connection between being a proficient story teller and the emotion that can be passed along to the reader has really been a gift this season.

This platform has really shown our daughters the practical application of writing in the real world. They are both inspired to one day write their own books! It has been so rewarding to see their confidence and creativity soar. You can sign up for your free 7-day trial here, use code SUE33 to save 33% on your subscription. Be sure to drop any questions in the comments below!

Please note that we were compensated for our fair review of this platform, all feelings and thoughts are our own.

The post WriteStories by Scriptive Writing Program Review first appeared on Reaching Happy.

The Playful Pioneers curriculum covers most subjects yet allows you to add in your own Language Arts and Mathematics program.  You can keep things basic while following their lessons or delve much deeper in any given subject for more mature students.  We tend to do interest-led learning and this program is a perfect fit as it introduces a variety of themes each week and we can go with whatever interests the girls the most.  

“Little House Series” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

“The Julia Rothman Collection” by Julia Rothman

Miss 6 uses the Explode the Code series as she has used these workbooks from the start and they have proven to be a huge success for her.  She knows exactly what to do each day as the exercises go in the same pattern for each lesson. 

Explode the Code by Nancy Hall

As the school year reached its end, we finished up our workbooks early.  We were planning to switch over to “The Good and the Beautiful” Language Arts next year…so we started a little this year.  I can’t say ENOUGH about how good this program is!  It is beautiful, it is gentle and it is loaded with amazing lessons. 

We use Handwriting Without Tears as well, she enjoys the extra practice with their handwriting and the illustrations are adorable.  Next year we will formally introduce cursive handwriting but are beginning a slow introduction this year. 

“Cursive Magnatab” by Kid-O
“Printing Power” by Handwriting Without Tears

 For Mathematics we are using Singapore Math which we have also used since Kindergarten.  To be honest, we don’t have the same enthusiasm for this series as we once did.  If you have a recommendation for Grade 2 Math…please leave me a comment!  We also use many Mathematics based games…these have been a huge hit in our studies.

“Pop for Addition and Subtraction” by Learning Resources

“Math Dice” by Think Fun

The rest of our studies are far less formal and can vary depending on the week.  We try to stick with the themes that The Playful Pioneers curriculum has laid out for us but of course we go off track as interests are awakened or as the seasons change. 

Please see the blog post “Books (and things)” for our main reference books.  These books are the heart of our children’s education.  Our other blog posts will give you a taste of what “a-day-in-the-life” looks like for us…again this is what works for us, and in no way reflects what might work for you.  We love that you are sharing in our journey and hope you will share your feedback in the comments below.

Finally, here are a few of our suggested tools-of-the-trade:

“Geo Boards” by Learning Resources

“Write and Wipe Number Facts” by Learning Resources

“Illuminated World Globe” by Little Experimenter

Let me know what works for your family!

Sue

The post Our Second Grade resources first appeared on Reaching Happy.

Bake – Try a simple bread recipe, delicious cinnamon rolls or pretzels!

Draw

Paint

Sculpt

Blanket Fort

Exercise

Picnic

Read

Dress Up

Cook – Have you ever tried making your own pasta?  Or pizza dough?

The post Easy Boredom Busters first appeared on Reaching Happy.

“Nature Anatomy” by Julia Rothman

“Curiositree: Natural World” by AJ Wood and Mike Jolley

“Crafting with Nature” by Amy Renea

“Curious Kids Nature Guide” by Fiona Cohen

“Nature’s Art Box” by Laura C. Martin

“Drawn from Nature” by Helen Ahpornsiri

“Pond Life: A Golden Guide” by George Reid

“Outside Your Window” by Nicola Davies

“Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies” by Mel Boring

For Parents:

“How to Raise a Wild Child” by Scott D. Sampson

“Vitamin N” by Richard Louv

“How to Be a Wildflower” by Katie Daisy

The post Our Favorite Nature Reference Books first appeared on Reaching Happy.

Spring can feel like a waiting game…waiting for the warmer weather, waiting for the snow to melt, and waiting for our gardens to show signs of life.  We tend to want to rush this season, and not let it unfold as it should.  After months of rest, the earth needs time to awaken, to thaw and stretch. But, there are gifts for those who notice, there’s beauty in the greys and browns of spring. The sun is sitting higher in the sky and setting a little later each day, beautiful birdsong filling the air, sap dripping from tapped maple trees and the first wildflowers raising their sleepy heads to greet the world…little changes happening all around us.

We love taking the time to explore our backyard as the seasons change, everything seems new again without the blanket of snow. The girls  visit our little stream, the ice has melted away and it gushes with life again. We also wash and tuck away the bird feeders, knowing it’s better for the birds to feast on the abundance of bugs and seed pods readily available now. They do appreciate birdhouses and bird baths though, so we make sure to have those out early in the season for them to enjoy.

The girls will take note in their nature journals of which wildflowers appear first each year. Coltsfoot is always the winner in our area, it seems. Their bright sunshiny-yellow adds so much life to the yard, and it’s always a treat to watch them close up for the night, resuming their namesake’s shape while they sleep. 

Spring offers our family a sweet treat every year in the form of maple sugar.  We tap the few maple trees we have on our property and keep busy checking the buckets daily.  When the temps are warm during the day and still cold at night, we are blessed with lots of sap to boil down and watch thicken into delicious maple syrup and candy.  

When the urge to garden hits, we keep busy by starting seeds inside where it’s warm enough for things to germinate.  The windowsills are lined with tiny pots for many weeks and it’s always a treat to see the tiny seeds come to life. Our favorites to start inside are: tomatoes, basil, cucumber, ground cherries and squash. 

After a long winter with limited daylight, it’s hard to be anything but grateful for this incredible season. Even if some days are grey and wet, we try to get out and explore. The girls are always eager to put on their rubber boots, don their raincoats (Fairchild, always) and grab their umbrellas, if needed.  Puddle jumping, rainbow chasing and earthworm rescuing will never go out of style. These two  remind me to be in the moment, enjoy the journey of this season and to slow down and savor it as it unfolds. What are your favorite signs of spring?

Our youngest is wearing Fairchild‘s Parachute Rain Coat in Arbutus and our oldest is wearing the Chore Coat in Rust.

The perfect all weather layer to encourage outdoor play and adventure through all the seasons.

“champions of the circular economy, transforming waste into a resource by creating high-performance

adult and kids outerwear from recycled plastic bottles. Fairechild is leading by example, designing recycled

clothing that supports a deeper connection to nature, rather than causing harm.”

Our raincoats were a gift in exchange for our honest review and feedback.  All opinions are our own.

The post Spring with Fairchild Outerwear first appeared on Reaching Happy.

My husband and I grew up playing outside, from sun up to sun down, through the snowy and the wet seasons, we were outdoors.  He played by the big wide ocean and I played at a little marsh near the river.  When we decided to have children, we knew we wanted them to experience the same wild & free upbringing.  We wanted them to embrace our province’s ever-changing weather and for them to know that life is always better outdoors.  We thought back to how our parents facilitated this all-weather lifestyle and made changes to ensure the outdoors was always appealing and accessible: rubber boots by the door, umbrellas and raincoats hanging close by, baskets for foraging and buckets for critter catching, a bin of mitts and hats…options for layering and shedding layers as needed throughout the day.  We also keep extra layers in the trunk of our vehicle for on-the-go adventures, quick changes for a wade in a stream or foggy stops at the beach. We have found that when our children are able to freely explore their environment with all their senses and without interruption from a parent’s worry of ruined clothing or being too cold or too wet, there’s something inside of them that changes forever.

Their bond with the outside world is forged and they will always return to it for comfort and solace throughout their lives.

When the girls were very young, we quickly realized that investing in quality outdoor gear was crucial.  Kids are hard on their clothes…and trust us, you do not want to spend their entire childhood shopping to replace things that they have outgrown or that did not hold up to the rigors of outdoor play.  We learned early on to invest in well made pieces that “grow” with them and will last more than one child, and more than one season.

Look for lots of room in the body, cuffs that roll up or suspenders that can be lengthened, strong stitching, metal fasteners and easy to wash items.  One brand we stumbled upon and that instantly became a favorite is Fairechild, a women-owned local business which transforms recycled plastic bottles into high-performance adult and kids outerwear. The designs and colors are timeless and the quality is simply unmatched. With waterproof, windproof, breathable rainsuits, pants, coats, hats, mitts and bags to choose from, they have us covered from top to bottom. Finding raingear made without harmful chemicals was very important to us and Fairechild certainly fits the bill:

“Our recycled fabric is both PTFE-free and PFC-free. It’s made of only three elements (oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen), so it poses no health risks.  Fairechild is “OEKO-TEX” certified, a standard that’s higher than government regulations, ensuring the garments are free of harmful chemicals.  We’re also approved by “bluesign”, a sustainability standard that ensures the lifecycle of our products and guarantees the highest level of consumer safety. – Fairechild Website” 

Under our Fairechild outerwear we love to start with merino wool as a base layer as it not only wicks away moisture, it keeps you warm in the cool months and cool in the warm months. Wool releases moisture from its fibers quickly when your body surface is hot and damp, and slows down when it’s cold and dry.  Layer your favorite wool sweaters or fleece on next, along with cozy pants that have lots of flex for movement and a warm pair of wool socks or two.   The more comfortable the clothing, the more enjoyable and carefree your outdoor adventures will be.

An unexpected plus to the Fairechild line is that their products are very lightweight and perfect for throwing in a backpack before an adventure.  There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere with your arms full of heavy raingear as the day has gone from rain to sun.  This gear dries in an instant and folds up small for easy transport.  Once home, everything is machine washable and dryer safe. We throw our gear into the laundry as soon as we get inside, that way it’s ready to go the next time adventure calls.  Are you raising a free-range child?  What’s your favorite all weather gear?

“I’m an advocate for getting outside, an ambassador for puddle jumping, if you will. As a parent, I know that we all want the best for our children. This includes a world with bounties of food, natural resources and access to clean water.” – Tabitha Osler, Fairchild Owner, Designer & Mother 

 “Disclaimer: We were invited to experience Fairechild’s outdoor wear in exchange for our honest review, all comments are our own and based on years of use.”

The post Our Favorite Outdoor Clothing for Kids first appeared on Reaching Happy.

SUPPLIES LIST:

Macrame Cord 5mm

Fabric Scissors

Fabric Stiffener or Hair Spray

Slicker Pet Brush

Ruler

Dowel or Driftwood

Using your scissors, the macrame cord and a ruler, cut:

One 32″ length for the center spine of the leaf

Twelve 14″ lengths for the top of the leaf

Ten 12″ lengths for the middle portion

Eight 10″ lengths for the bottom

Begin creating your macrame leaf by folding the 32″ length of cord in half, this will serve as the spine of your leaf.

Take one of the 14″ strands, fold it in half and tuck it under the spine.

Fold another 14″ strand in half and lay across the top of the spine as shown below.

Notice how the next set of 14″ strands will alternate with the opposite side starting underneath the spine.

Next, bring the strand ends through the loops beneath or below them.

Pull the ends tight creating knots on the spine.  Pull the two bottom leaf spine strands tight to push the knots up snug against one another.

This can be repeated as needed throughout the project. By alternating the loop positions as you go, the spine has a beautiful design.

Continue this pattern using your longest lengths all the way down to the shortest lengths.

While holding the spine firmly, use your pet brush to unravel and fray the cording.

After this step, take a moment to adjust and tighten any spots that need correcting.

Lay the project down and trim roughly to a leaf shape.  Don’t be too exact, just remove some of the bulk and weight.

Take your project outside or into a well ventilated space and apply the fabric stiffener (or hair spray) to both sides.

Allow to dry thoroughly.

Use your scissors to trim the edges to desired shape.  Feel free to add another coat of fabric stiffener after you have achieved your final shape.

We made large leaves, but smaller feather shapes would be beautiful as well.  The possibilities are endless!

We attached our macrame leaves to a piece of driftwood with bits of macrame cord to create a mobile.  Aren’t the result beautiful?

Be sure to check out our other easy craft ideas such as our DIY Pistachio Shell Succulents or Wheat Grass Decorations.

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an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to

earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”

The post Easy DIY Macrame Leaves first appeared on Reaching Happy.

SUPPLIES: 

GLUE GUN 

PISTACHIO SHELLS

BAMBOO SKEWERS

BOTTLE or vase for display

The supply list is simple and the instructions are just as easy!

This craft is suitable for anyone who is comfortable with a glue gun, from 5 and up. 

Of course, be cautious of the pointy tip on the skewer end.

Simply start by gluing one half of a pistachio shell onto the very tip of the bamboo skewer.

Hold and allow the glue to dry before moving on to your next shell. 

Now, work your way back and forth down the sides of the skewer until you have filled the first two inches. 

Use your creative eye and explore which size and design looks best to you. 

We thought four of five layers of shells looked nice.

Since the shells are naturally different sizes, the results are always unique!

A simple grouping of three looked so nice in the small bottle we used!

Let me know if you give this a try!

How do you use leftover pistachio shells?

Be sure to give our Pistachio Shell Succulents Craft a try as well.

-Sue 

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an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to

earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”

The post Pistachio Shell Wheat Grass Craft first appeared on Reaching Happy.

This off-grid oasis was a wonderfully memorable adventure right from the very start.  We quickly unloaded our gear into a wagon that was made available to us, strapped on our snowshoes and set out on the path to our cabin.  There are currently five cabins available and each one offers its own unique charms, landscape and views.  The cabins are set back from the main path and generously spaced from each other, which offered just the privacy we were hoping for.  As soon as we laid eyes on our cabin, we knew we were going to be experiencing something very special. 

Upon entering the cabin, we were greeted with a warm crackling fire and an overall feast for our senses.  Warm and cozy textures were at every turn, from the rugs that lined the floors to the pillows and throws that were always just a short reach away.  Tasha and Corey also supplied the most thoughtfully curated welcome basket that we have ever seen.  We loved looking through all the treats and locally made products, as well as the indigenous art and décor that filled the cabin.

The charming kitchenette was well equipped with a coffee press, drinking water, a cutting board and knife, mugs, a wash basin and soap, popcorn popper, cast iron pan and cooking utensils. To answer everyone’s top question, the modern and spotless outhouse was only a few steps away…just follow the fairy-lights after dark. 

The upstairs loft area housed a double bed lined with high-quality linens and an array of comfortable pillows to suit everyone’s needs.  We brought a bed-roll and sleeping bags for the girls and they easily fit snuggled alongside our bed. The cabin offered solar lights, as well as battery operated lanterns and a flashlight.  There were also several bins tucked away that provided fun board games, coloring books and general supplies.  I enjoyed poring over the wonderful book stack that was provided, the local foraging guide was amazing!

Before coming, we truthfully wondered what challenges we would face being without electricity and plumbing.  Honestly, having the chance of being truly present while performing everyday tasks such as cooking and washing dishes, was actually quite therapeutic. We worked together to stoke the fire, make bread and other stove top meals and then tidy up.  Instead of rushing through our day, we truly had the chance to reconnect and immerse ourselves in the experience at hand.  We played games, read and colored, toasted marshmallows and popped popcorn, went for hikes around the property and enjoyed a fire outside.

We definitely could have stayed tucked away from the world for our entire vacation but we knew the Kingston Peninsula had lots to offer.  Just a few minutes away, we found the beautiful Moss Glen Nature Trail and waterfall, what a powerful sight no matter the season. Elmhurst Outdoors is another gem to discover, we just so happened to visit while the Maple Farm was up and running. We enjoyed the most informative tour and maple taffy sampling.  Gig and Denise also offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing on beautiful groomed trails, during the winter months.

Another option are the charming tours available at the historic 1810 Carter House, which can be followed by a light lunch served in the tea room. The peninsula is also home to the John Fisher Memorial Museum which showcases local historical items with everything from indigenous basket work to tools and articles of clothing from early settlers. If you are looking to grab a bite, you will find drinks and eats for the whole family at Reeds Point Pub. In the summer months, we love to explore the Kingston Farmers’ Market, the selection from local vendors is unmatched in the area – fresh produce, international cuisine and an endless array of creations from local artists.

If you feel like traveling a little further, we highly recommend Crystal Beach.  It’s the perfect spot to play in the sand, take a dip or grab a snack at the canteen.  Be sure to swing by Fullerton Farms Corner Market  for an ice cream on the way by. In the fall, plan a visit to Mackay Apple Orchards and enjoy the most scenic u-pick in the area.  On site you will also find Yip Cider, which offers tours and cider tastings. The very best part of exploring the area is all the hidden gems you will find along the way, the views and vistas are simply unmatched.

With our hearts and bellies full, we were more than happy to settle back in to our cozy cabin at La Belle Cabane. What an incredible hideaway, with even more features and amenities being added every season. We know we simply must return one day soon.  Rumor has it, spring and summer plans include a community herb, mushroom, and vegetable garden, as well as a few adorable piglets, who will join the resident chickens and ducks.   When the time came to leave, we felt different than when we arrived…lungs filled with fresh air, hearts a little bigger, minds a little clearer and love a little stronger.  This location is more than an accommodation, it’s an experience that will leave you and your family feeling brand new.

Enjoy your Stay!

Say HELLO to Tasha and Corey!

The post Visiting Kingston, New Brunswick (Kingston Peninsula) first appeared on Reaching Happy.