What to do with the family this weekend in Greater Moncton (May 22-24, 2026)
Welcome to another fabulous weekend, filled with possibilities for family fun! A quick THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me (Jenna Morton) in the Excellence NB’s People’s Choice Awards – I made the final Top 5. Voting opens Monday & I’d love your continued support. Now, on to the real reason you’re here — finding out what’s happening this weekend!
Family-Friendly Events & Activities in Greater Moncton May 22-24, 2026
Did you know? Since June 2015 Pickle Planet Moncton has published a weekly guide to help you get out and connect with your family and your community. We’ve helped thousands of families – but there are still lots of folks in Greater Moncton who don’t know about us. We’d love if you’d take a moment to share this resource with them!
🌷 It’s Tulip season! There are two awesome local spots to enjoy the flowers – Blossom Grove Barn in Salisbury and Trueman Blueberry Farm near Aulac. Blossom Grove is open Sunday – Wednesday this week, while Trueman’s is open daily.
Friday Family Events (May 22, 2026)
Today’s the official opening of the new Remi Cormier Playground at Père-Edgar-T.-LeBlanc School in Grand-Barachois – and what a playground it is! We haven’t had the chance to get out yet ourselves, but we’ve seen lots of amazing photos from friends and are hoping to stop by soon to do a full profile for you – especially given all its accessibility features!
The Elmwood Group is hosting a series of BBQs – free, while supplies last – to show off Blackstone, Big Green Egg & Traeger grills. Today they’ll be grilling outside Dieppe Home Hardware to celebrate their 25th anniversary; food starts at noon.
The Moncton Public Library is showing Elio in French, 3pm. No registration required.
IHW Wrestling heads to the Petitcodiac Arena tonight, 7pm.
Youth ages 12-18 can access the YMCA for $5/day on Fridays and Saturdays, no membership required
Preschool Swim, 10-10:55am, Dieppe Aquatic Centre
Free Open Gym at the Crossman Community Centre, 2:30-4:30pm for Grades K-8 (adult supervision required for those Gr 5 & younger; also open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays); also open for parents & tots from 10am-noon
The Kay Arena Walking Track is open to strollers 10:30am-12:30pm & for walking 3-5pm.
Indoor Skatepark, 3-5pm & 6-10pm, Riverview Skatepark
$3 public swim at the YMCA Vaughan Harvey 6:30-7:30pm
Walk in party fun at the SportsDome on Fridays with laser tag, bouncy castles, and more.
There’s ball hockey in Shediac, 5-8pm, at the multisport surface behind MFB School, weather permitting- Shediac’s Neptune Drive In is showing The Mandalorian and Grogu, followed by The Devil Wears Prada 2 this weekend. Gates & canteen open at 8pm, movie begins at 9:15pm. Admission is $34.80+tax for a carload, with per person rates available.
Sussex Drive In is showing The Mandalorian and Grogu, followed by Ready or Not, Here I Come. Gates at 7:30pm, movie at dusk. Admission $13/adult, $9/kid.
There’s Saturday Family Events (May 23, 2026)
Early risers can start the day with a pancake breakfast at the Petitcodiac Kiwanis Club. Adults eat for $12, children ages five-12 for $6, and free for preschoolers and younger.
Acadian Roots Farmstand is celebrating its official opening today & tomorrow, open 8am-7pm. You can find them at 623 Weisner Road (Lakeside, just outside Moncton) with a great selection of produce and items from more than a dozen local vendors.
The Cœurs Chauds Run/Walk and Rendez-vous communautaire de la vallée de Memramcook will have activities at Abbey-Landry School including 5k, 10K, and children’s races, live music, food trucks, and more.
The Moncton Kennel Dog Show is on today & tomorrow at the Moncton Coliseum.
BGC Riverview is hosting a market today, 10am-2pm, with lots of great vendors. Keep the Riverview shopping going with a visit to Lucky Rabbit for their 1st anniversary!
EcoFest is back at the Magnetic Hill Zoo today. This is a chance to learn about local environmentally-conscious organizations, take part in specials crafts and activities, and don’t forget to plan for the keeper talks – otters at 11:30am, tiger at 1pm, and primates at 2pm.
La Bikery Co-operative is hosting a tune-up event on May 23, 11am-4pm. A great chance to ensure your bike is summer ready – no charge!
Our friends at Good Day on Main Street are hosting a Spring Market in Oak Lane, 10am-3pm. We love seeing this space filled with amazing local vendors!
First Baptist Church is hosting a free basketball program for youth, with sessions for Grades 3-6 & Grades 6+.
If you’ve been wishing for a grown up book fair – the wait is over! More than 40 local authors will be at the Riverview Lions Club with their books for sale today, 10am-3pm. Free entry & lots of fun!
You can also pop into Chapters Moncton & visit with local author Sarah Wieler all about hiking in and around New Brunswick, noon to 4pm.
The 18U AAA Major Mudcats are hosting the Dartmouth Arrows for a double header, starting at noon.
Moncton Mystics are hosting Halifax Thunder at 2pm at Crandall.
The Moncton Mustangs are hosting the Halifax Heat at Rocky Stone Field; gates at 4pm, cost is $10.
The Westmorland County Agricultural Fair is hosting a kids’ dance May 23.
Tutta Musica Orchestra and the Greater Moncton Chorale are performing O Fortuna together in Memramcook; they also have a performance coming up May 28 at The Capitol.
- The Moncton Market is open 8am-2pm on Saturdays.
- The Dieppe Market is open 8am-1pm on Saturdays.
- Youth ages 12-18 can access the YMCA for $5/day on Fridays and Saturdays, no membership required.
- The Kay Arena Walking Track is open to strollers 10:30am-12:30pm
- Indoor Skatepark, 11am-1pm/1-3pm/3-5pm/6-10pm, Riverview Skatepark
Indoor splash pad, 12:15-2:15pm, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks- Pubic swim, 2-3:30pm, Pat Crossman Aquatic Centre
- Public Swim, 3:15-4:55pm, Dieppe Aquatic Centre
- Indoor splash pad, 3:45-7:45pm, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
- Public Swim,6-7:25pm, Dieppe Aquatic Centre
BGC Dieppe has community events planned on Saturdays, often including the use of their climbing wall- Shediac’s Neptune Drive In is showing The Mandalorian and Grogu, followed by The Devil Wears Prada 2 this weekend. Gates & canteen open at 8pm, movie begins at 9:15pm. Admission is $34.80+tax for a carload, with per person rates available.
- Sussex Drive In is showing The Mandalorian and Grogu, followed by Ready or Not, Here I Come. Gates at 7:30pm, movie at dusk. Admission $13/adult, $9/kid.
Sunday Family Events (May 24, 2026)
Gather the bikes and hit the road with the Gaxiola family! This is a family-friendly group ride, with special guest Olympic cyclist Luz Daniela Gaxiola González.
The Moncton Kennel Dog Show continues today at the Moncton Coliseum.
Local author Monique Pereira will be at Chapters promoting her book, Mirai Montre et Raconte Show and Tell, a bilingual book about allergies, from 11:30am-2:30pm.
Bernice McNaughton High School is celebrating 50 years with an open house, 12:30-3:30pm today. There will be fundraising games, a BBQ, and more!
Make Something Sunday at Owens Art Gallery returns, 2-4pm, with a chance to make a pocket-sized sketchbook, perfect for exploring the gallery.
There’s a fairy garden workshop at the Moncton library, 2:30-4pm, with all materials provided. Registration is required to ensure enough spaces.
The Moncton Mets host the Chatham Ironmen at 4pm at Kiwanis Field.
- The Kay Arena Walking Track is open to strollers 10:30am-12:30pm
- Indoor Skatepark, 11am-1pm/1-4pm/5-7pm, Riverview Skatepark
- Indoor splash pad, 12:15-2:15pm, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
- Public Swim, 2:30-3:30pm, $3/person, YMCA Vaughan Harvey
- Public Swim, 3:15-4:55pm, Dieppe Aquatic Centre
- Indoor splash pad, 3:45-7:45pm, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
Local Family (children up to age 10) Open Gym, Maple Hills, 4-5:30pm
Open gym basketball for Grades 6-8 at Maple Hills, 5:30-7pm- Open gym basketball for Grades 9-12 at Maple Hills, 7-8:30pm
Ongoing Family-Friendly Activities in Greater Moncton (Indoor & Outdoor)
These attractions & fun ideas are always worth checking out! Look for the 
for our TEEN & TWEEN picks! Some of these are still great with littles, too, but we know it can be tricky to come up with ideas the older kids will enjoy – or can be sent to on their own.
REMEMBER: We’re not always able to update if there are changes due to weather, etc. Please click through the links & call ahead to confirm details for yourself when making plans!
INDOOR IDEAS
- Resurgo Place is a spot we love to visit again & again; history, hands-on science & arts, & special programming, too! (Closed on Mondays.) The current temporary display is all about dinosaurs!
- Homarus Centre in Shediac is open for the season. Touch tanks for the win!
Hop! Skip! Jump! is perfect for little ones, as well as the cool climbing wall & laser room for older kids.
Burn off energy at SkyZone Moncton; half-price entry on Tuesday nights, and Glow Zone on Fridays & Saturdays.
MR21 is ‘low key Moncton’s best kept secret’ as my kids say. An incredible visual presentation that tells the history of the Acadian community in a beautiful cathedral in downtown. Reach out to them to book a tour (minimum five people, 24 hours notice required) or to find out when they’ll be open: info@mr21.ca or call 506-800-3194.
Local libraries are always a great spot to visit, with lots of programming for all ages – and also another rainy day must visit option.
The indoor splash pad at the YMCA North End is an amazing option for kiddos – with public openings every day of the week! Check the schedule as times vary day-to-day; cost to attend for non-member is $6.- For indoor swimming, there are public options at the YMCA Greater Moncton (love their small, warmer pool for little ones – please note pools are closed June 14-20 for maintenance), the Pat Crossman Aquatic Centre in Riverview, and the Dieppe Aquatic Centre (with the awesome sloped entry & pirate ship splash zone!). (The Dieppe pool will be closed June 22 to September 18, 2026.)
Check out what’s playing at Cineplex in Dieppe or Trinity!
The Bunker on Main Street in Moncton is a great indoor golf option & does have times kids are allowed. They also now have a race car simulator at the Pit Stop! There are more than 50 cars you can choose from & more than 30 tracks to try – it’s not a little kid game, but it’s great for an outing with the teens.
Riverview Indoor Skatepark & Riverview Youth Centre are a great space to learn to skate or practice your skills!
The indoor walking track at YMCA Moncton North is open to the public daily, free of charge.- The indoor walking track at the Crossman Centre is open to youth 12+ daily 3-5pm (and sometimes later) & for parents with strollers 10:30am-12:30pm daily.
Bowling is always a fun idea! Go retro vibes with Marvelous Holy Bowly in Riverview (closing for the summer May 17) or head to Bowlarama & its awesome arcade in Dieppe. (We recommend calling ahead to book in advance so you’re not disappointed.) (Fairlanes in Moncton is closed for the summer for maintenance.)
Book a booth at GG Bistro for some gaming fun & great eats!
Creative mood? Try DIY Studio to paint your own pottery or the new Art Time Cafe for drawing & more!
Want to move as a family but need to be indoors? Try a visit to FitRocks Climbing Gym!
Book laser tag at the Sportsdome or Marco’s!
Up for a challenge? Room Escape Atlantic usually has a few non-scary, kid-friendly options! There are also online options you can purchase to play on your own time.
Need to unleash some anger? Book a session at the Wreck Room!
Teens & youth (ages 12-25) can book a two-hour spot at Riverview’s Sound Lab for just $2/person. The lab has professional recording software, an electric guitar, bass guitar, electric drum kit, keyboard, microphones, & two amps.
Gamer in the family? The Comic Hunter hosts Friday Night Magic Modern sessions, Sunday Lorcana Locals, Monday Star Wars Unlimited Weekly Play & lots of other gaming events.
Board Miniatures also hosts regular table top sessions for various games & free board game days, too!
BGC Dieppe is always a great place for families to connect, with lots of programming open to everyone.
Bass Pro’s 12,000-gallon freshwater aquariumwith striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, trout, perch, and more is always fun to visit, especially when you need an indoor option.
Our friends at 506 Elite Allstars have a great space for kiddos looking to bounce around and burn off energy while learning tumbling and cheer moves. Check out their new member trial package & their upcoming events.
OUTDOOR FUN
Llamazing Adventures is a great way to get out & get moving! You can take the llamas for a walk all through the year.- Boyle Family Farm is open for private bookings & special occasions.
- Trueman Blueberry Farms has an outdoor play area, a train that circles the property, amazing treats, and more!
- The Boardwalk’s driving range is open for the season, weather permitting.
- GolfZone at Magic Mountain is opening this week, 11am-6pm Saturday – Monday. There are four 9-hole mini putt courses to play
- East Coast Karting is open for the season, weather permitting.
- The Magnetic Hill Zoo is open for the season, currently closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
The City of Moncton has four designated spaces for wheeled fun (skateboarding, BMWX, etc.): the Downtown Skate Park on Assomption Blvd., the Renton All-Wheels Park on Noel St., the Lewisville Skate Park on Glenmoor Dr., and at the YMCA Moncton North on Twin Oaks Dr.- DYK There’s a borrowing program at YMCA North with skateboards, helmets, and protective gear for use on their great outdoor ramps when weather permits. The all wheels park is open daily till dusk.
There’s a roughly one hour iTour of downtown Moncton’s historical & cultural locations you can use to help you explore – a great way to add a little movement, a little history, and a little fun to your family outings! (And we hear it’s just been updated, too!)- Be sure to check out all the amazing public art installations around the downtown core, too!
- From June through October, the public is welcome to use the track at the Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium on the Université de Moncton campus Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm – except during competitions & major events, like the Jonas Brothers concert! (It’s accessible starting at 7am in the spring.)
- The City of Moncton’s outdoor pools are scheduled to open June 20 for the 2026 season. A reminder the pools are cash free & children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There’s a heated pool at the East End Park (open daily 11am-7pm, with a $30 season pass or $8 pass for five visits) and a pool at Centennial Park (open daily 11am-7pm, with a $50 season pass, $20 pass for five visits, or $5/youth/visit)
- There are pickleball & tennis courts at four city parks; you need to bring your own rackets, balls, and/or paddles. Find them at Candlewood, Lewisville, East End, and Alexander Parks. You can register for a code to use the equipment kept on-site for the Shuffleboard Court at Fairview Knoll Park. Basketball courts are found at 19 different city parks & playgrounds.
- Poley Mountain’s bike park will open June 6 for the summer season.
CAFES, RESTAURANTS, & FUN PLACES TO EAT WITH KIDS IN GREATER MONCTON
There are more & more awesome places to take a break and enjoy a meal locally! Here are a few top picks you might want to try:
- Book a booth at GG Bistro for some gaming fun & great eats! You might think a place with consoles at the table would be basic pub food, but you’d be wrong. The food will blow you away!
- Tambayan Cafe is a fun 2D cafe in Riverview with yummy treats, coffee, fries, & more.
- Add a photo booth shoot to your sweets order at Click & Chew in Dieppe; super fun idea for a special celebration or any day.
- We’re always down to pretend we’ve hopped a plane to France with a trip to Tony’s for pastries. They have three great spots to explore – the original bistro on McLaughlin, Dieppe, and in Downtown Moncton!
- Crumbl FOMO? Head to our own The Cookie Jar in Dieppe! It’s super cute & yummy – and right next to the awesome Bennic Dairy Bar for ice cream creations!
- Halo Donuts on St. George Street & in the North End is always on our family wish list.
- And if bread & pastries are what you want, Co Pain Artisan Bread Company is where you need to go!
- Looking for some whimsy? Head to Shediac to visit Adorable Chocolat & Bistro Moque-Tortue.
- Candy Depot Moncton on Mountain Road & Freak Lunchbox at Champlain Mall have oodles of funky candies & more!
- Have you checked out Blend Point Cafe in Dieppe yet? They have some killer milkshake creations!
- LaRouère Chocolat is a fantastic local chocolatier – and they have a series of cold drinks for the summer that sound amazing! Iced Choco, Aquapanela, Iced Caramel, and Iced Mocha.
- Magnetic Hill Wharf is open again for the season, with gift shop and ice cream open on weekends in May
- In search of a special? Check out The Daily Feast for great overview of local restaurants, their deals, & more.
Looking Ahead – Upcoming Family Friendly Events in Greater Moncton
Canada’s Circus Spectacular returns to the Moncton Coliseum on May 31.
There’s a fundraiser for Riverbend Community School happening at the Holy Whale Beer Hall on May 31, 3-8pm, with a great line up of local musicians. It’s free admission with lots of great auction items & more.
From June 3-6, East Coast Amusements will be set up in the Moncton Coliseum parking lot.
June is Parks & Recreation Month, so expect lots of fun extras from your municipalities. Splash pads in the City of Moncton are scheduled to turn on June 1st, Mobile Fun begins June 2nd, there’s a 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball tournament, Roller Disco, and so much more. You can find Moncton’s monthly list of events here.
BGC Club Day will be celebrated in Moncton at Renton Park, 4-6pm, on June 5 with bouncy castles, BBQ, face painting, games, & more.
EnviroFest returns June 6 in Moncton.
Evergreen Park School’s end of year Fun Fair is back, June 6, from 1-3pm. There’ll be food trucks, art on display, petting zoo, bouncy castles, dunk tank, games, & more.
The Canadian Beach Ultimate Championships will be at Parlee Beach June 6-7.
Poley Mountain’s bike park will open June 6 for the summer season.
The Albert County Historical Society is hosting an exhibit opening and fundraising event focused on the Hillsborough Mastodon on June 6 – a great way to give back to the museum (and a reminder to have a visit on your family list this summer!).
The Breakthrough T1D Walk is June 7 at Riverfront Park, with a family fun zone activated by Kids Strong Moncton and walks with Llamazing Adventures, a pizza lunch, and a 5K route to raise funds and celebrate the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Moncton’s Lawn Bowling for Kids’ Sake fundraiser returns June 12 & 13 at Centennial Lawn Bowling Club.
And of course, the 20th annual Greater Moncton Highland Games & Scottish Festival is MUST VISIT! There are free concerts in Moncton, Riverview, & Salisbury, then the big day on Saturday, June 13 at the Hal Betts Sportsplex – free admission to see live music, demonstrations, competitions, & more!
Sunshine Rollers will be hosting an outdoor roller skate at the Ian Fowler Oval, 2-4pm, on June 13.
The Shediac Market starts again for the season on June 14.
June 14 will see the Monster Spectacular take over the Avenir Centre, with five monster trucks, freestyle motocross, lawnmower races, and more.
FIFA fans should mark June 18 for a visit to Downtown Place (outside the Avenir Centre) at 1:30pm. This free event will have live soccer matches on the big screen, music, food, games, & more.
Ribfest returns June 18-21 in downtown Moncton.
June 22-26 there will be several free musical performances with Pops NB & MOSAÏQ.
Saturday June 27 is Sparkfest: Canadian Multiculturalism Day with free events downtown & on June 28 the Canadian Forces Snowbirds are schedule to make a stop in Moncton!
We’ll have a full summer round up coming soon with all the free concerts, festivals, and more!
Thanks for stopping by & supporting our little corner of the internet. If you’re a fan of what we do, we’re a FINALIST for an Excellence NB award – please show your support by voting Jenna Morton as the Best Influencer/Content Creator! Voting opens Monday, May 25. Thank you!
