Kids driving you crazy? Take them to one of these New Bern destinations this spring break
This year's spring break in New Bern does not feel like spring so far.
With rain washing out Monday followed by seasonally low temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday, Craven County students who are on spring break are most likely cooped up inside with nothing to do.
Thankfully for parents, the skies are opening and the sun will be shining the rest of the week and into the weekend, allowing you to enjoy some family fun time with lots of activities to choose from in New Bern.
Notoriously known for being a retirement community, New Bern has few options for activities that young families and children can participate in but was always within a short driving distance of Greenville, Wilmington, Raleigh, Jacksonville, and local beaches.
Slowly, entertainment options for younger generation residents have popped up in and around the city and are one of the primary reasons New Bern is seeking an increase in young families moving here.
This weekend, get out and enjoy the weather before the kids go back to school on Monday at one of these top New Bern destinations this spring break.
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New Bern Family Days Super Carnival
Following last year's fall carnival at Lawson Creek Park, Magic Midways and Craven County Jaycee's are back at it again with the Spring-Fest In The Park.
The carnival is open through Sunday night at Lawson Creek Park with more rides and food options than last time.
There is free admission, free parking, and unlimited rides with the purchase of a wristband available every day.
The carnival is open Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Jumpin' Jive Battlefield
In May 2018, Courts Plus closed its New Bern location which originally opened in 1990.
Two years later, Jumpin' Jive's Tracy Brantley, who owns the business with her husband Claude, took over the building, bringing just about any activity a child's mind can think of.
Located at 2911 Brunswick Avenue, activities available include pool or billiards, laser tag, bazooka ball, arcade, video games, zip line, wall climbing, and bounce houses.
More: Need something for kids to do? Jumpin' Jive Battlefield adds new activity
Recently, Brantley spoke with the Sun Journal explaining the couple's plans to fill in the pool area and potentially build a 10-lane bowling ally in its place. The last bowling alley New Bern had was the Strike Zone on Martin Luther King Kr. Boulevard before permanently closing.
Jumpin' Jive is open this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Follow them on social media for more hours of operation.
Rollerland
New Bern's only skating rink has been open for generations to enjoy located at 3502 Neuse Boulevard.
There is something about Rollerland in New Bern that brings back a nostalgic feeling for those who have grown up at the rink, had birthday parties, and took part in one of their all-day skates.
This Friday, those who want to do a little skating will be able to with Rollerlands all-day skate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lunch and snacks are included and
Other than the all-day skate for kids, the rink is open Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Beary the Hatchet
Recommended for ages 10 and up, exceptions can be made for younger axe throwing enthusiasts if they desire to partake in this riveting activity.
If not, then no worries. Beary the Hatchet Axe Throwing Co. in downtown New Bern has a game room that includes pool, air hockey, and arcade games while the parents throw some axes.
Beary the Hatchet is also running a spring break special where you can get $5 off axe throwing if you mention their Facebook post. The post is valid through Sunday.
More: New game room opens in New Bern, celebrate with a free day of ax throwing
Located at 504 South Front Street, Beary the Hatchet is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Downtown street cafes and Friday game night
During Governor Roy Cooper's Phase 2 reopening plan during the pandemic in 2020, the city of New Bern created an ordinance to allow street dining for its downtown restaurants.
The experiment was an immediate success and continues this year with the addition of some family-friendly amenities.
Currently underway, New Bern's downtown street cafes will have several outdoor games for families to take part in, including corn hole at several different restaurants, and giant checkers and chess boards.
More: Beverage, Entertainment, Retail, Neighborhood: New Bern's current proposed social district
Street cafes and Friday game night is a reoccurring event every Friday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in downtown New Bern.
Martin Marietta Park
More: Top amenities and what they look like at Martin Marietta, New Bern's biggest park
Martin Marietta Park, located at 700 South Glenburnie Road in New Bern, has been open briefly before the grand opening that celebrated the park's Phase 1 amenities at the end of March.
Phase 1 brings the official opening of the kid's adventure playground, restrooms, picnic shelters, more than 7 miles of trails, fishing opportunities, canoe and kayak access to the Neuse River and the large lake, wildlife observation, StoryWalk, and an ecoEXPLORE Hotspot.
The park is now the largest park in New Bern.
Reporter Trevor Dunnell can be reached by email at tdunnell@newbernsj.com. Please consider supporting local journalism by signing up for a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Top destinations for kids to enjoy this Spring Break in New Bern, NC
