Carleton Place rolls out full schedule of family-friendly March Break activities

Families in Carleton Place will have plenty of ways to keep their kids busy, engaged, and entertained during March Break this year, with a full week of swimming, skating, crafts, shows and library activities planned throughout the community.

The town has outlined a variety of events and programs from Monday March 16 to Friday, March 20, 2026, all designed to give children and families a mix of creative, active and educational activities during their week off from school.

The fun kicks off on Monday with several events at the local arena and pool, including public swimming sessions from 10 – 11:30 a.m and 1:30 – 3 p.m.,free sponsored public skating from 2 – 2:50 p.m. and paid public skating from 7 – 7:50 p.m.

Families can also catch the Cowguy Jon Busker Show in the arena hall from 10 – 11 a.m., while an information session for the Mini Maker Craft Fair will be held at the Carleton Place Public Library (CPPL) at the same time.

Tuesday is when the action starts at the library as an all-day “I Spy” drop-in activity invites kids to take part in scavenger hunts and puzzles. The highlight of the day will be the ‘Labubu Crafternoon,’ a creative afternoon where children can make unique Labubu- themed crafts.

The pool will be hosting a public swim on Tuesday from 1 – 2:30 p.m and 6 – 7:30 p.m, with a free sponsored public skating event from 2- 2:50 p.m.

Wednesday brings one of the week’s most anticipated live entertainment events — the Imaginary Gary Show at the Carleton Place Arena at 10 a.m. The show costs $2 per person and includes a snack and juice box. Meanwhile, at the library, young crafters can participate in a K-Pop Demon Hunters – inspired bracelet making, or attend a Dragon Party.

The pool will be open for a public swim on Wednesday from 10 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 2:30 p.m, with a free sponsored skate from 2 – 2:50 p.m. and a paid skate from 7- 7:50 p.m.

More creative activities are planned Thursday in the arena lobby, including a youth landscape art competition information session at 10:30 a.m and a free craft event from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The library will host a ‘Tea-Rex Party’ in the afternoon, where kids can take part in dinosaur-themed crafts and games.

The pool will be open for a public swim on Thursday from 1- 2:30 p.m. and 6 – 7:30 p.m., with a free sponsored public skate from 2 – 2:50 p.m.

The week will wrap up on Friday with a music dance party in the arena hall from 10:30 a.m. – noon, while CPPL will again be hosting an all-day “I Spy” scavenger hunt activity for children.

The pool will be open for a public swim on Friday from 10 – 11:30 a.m, 1:30 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 7:30 p.m, with a free sponsored public skate from 2 – 2:50 p.m.

Another meaningful CPPL initiative during the week will invite local children to create Art for Aid postcards, pairing local children with students from Indigenous communities across Canada to share artwork and kind messages.

The library will also be running a small fundraiser throughout March Break by selling mystery bags for $1, each filled with surprise items for children ages four and up.

CPPL emphasized that children can stay for a few minutes or the entire afternoon during special events, but parents should plan to remain in the building as the activities are not drop-off programs.

A full schedule of events and program details is available through the town and library websites.