Wondering what to do with the family in Moncton?

We’ve got you covered!

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Well, hello there! This is your one-stop list for events, activities, attractions, and more in Southeastern New Brunswick!

This is a list of all kinds of family-friendly events & activities & ideas for outings compiled from dozens & dozens of websites, social media accounts, etc in the Greater Moncton Area. If you have an event or idea to submit, drop us a message!

WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE

• Family-friendly events & activities happening this month in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview & beyond
• Indoor skating – free & paid ice skating times
• Indoor attractions (swimming, museums, & more)
• Outdoor adventures & ideas
• Markets & yummy places to go for treats
• & more!

Please remember to always check our source links for updates, and follow provincial & national health guidelines for safety during the pandemic.

MUST READ: Books for an Advent Countdown

DID YOU KNOW? The Pickle Planet Weekend Round Up began in June 2015! Since the pandemic we’ve shifted from weekly updates to monthly, but we’ve been at this for more than 325 weeks!! Want to know WHY? Check out our Facebook Page or read this article in Inspired Me magazine.

Let’s get going, shall we?!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

The holiday season is kicking off with the return of Project Nice List!! Follow along on Facebook & Instagram for daily kindness, gratitude, and community building challenges from December 1 – 24. This is a Pickle Planet/Natalie Davison collaboration that has brought so much joy to my life & I can’t wait to see all the smiles again this year!!

Affinity Farm (3415 RTE 134 in Shediac Cape) is hosting 12 Days of Festive Shopping starting November 18. Their displays look so lovely!

Riverview Light Up officially happens on Nov 25! Step right into a holiday movie set when these amazing lights brighten the Riverfront Trail! (Thanks to Town of Riverview for our current cover photo from a previous Light Up celebration.)

Speaking of lights, the winter sparkle is already on at Place 1604 in Dieppe; the lights look amazing!

There’s also some great indoor & outdoor decor at MacArthur’s in Moncton, including their amazing polar bear lights & 25-foot decorated tree outside.

The City of Moncton’s Tree Lighting ceremony is happening Saturday, Nov 27, from 6-8pm. There’ll be tunes with DJ Bones, treats from the Delta Beauséjour, visits with Santa, & more!

HOT TIP: We’ll be updating our annual list of Christmas lights soon, but you can find check out last year’s list & our Facebook post for ideas! We did notice Shediac’s Big Lobster has his Santa hat on &  Wild Lights is returning the Zoo, starting December 2.

Santa’s back! Here’s where to find him in & around Moncton!

• A special visit this year – the Coca Cola Santa truck will be in the Moncton area November 28 & 29, as well as December 10. You can be sure to catch it at Sobeys Vaughan Harvey on Nov 28 (3-6pm), Sobeys Elmwood Nov 29 (11am-2pm) and on Dec 10 at the Food Depot Alimentaire 2-4pm.
• Santa arrives at CF Champlain November 19; book your visit in advance online. (Proof of vaccination is required.)
• He’s at MacArthur’s November 20 & 21, 2:15-4pm. Stop by to say hello & check out their amazing Christmas displays!
• Santa’s also on duty at Bass Pro Shops; we’re hearing lots of great things about the set up this year. Reservations & vaccinations (for those eligible) are required. Details here.
• Shediac’s Christmas Parade takes place Saturday, Nov 27, with Santa and several floats making their way through the street.
• He’ll also be in Petitcodiac on Dec 3, 6-8pm, at the fire station, waving to everyone. A Canada Post box will be available for letters; remember, no postage needed to send Santa a note, just remember your return address!
• Santa will be visiting the City of Moncton’s Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov 27, from 6-8pm. There’ll be tunes with DJ Bones, treats from the Delta Beauséjour, & more!
• New Hope Community Church is organizing a Christmas Parade on December 4 at 6pm that will go from Brown Road to the Countryview Restaurant on the Homestead Road near Salisbury; hot chocolate & photo op with Santa afterwards at the church.

THERE’S MORE HOLIDAY FUN!

The annual Antler Breakfast on Friday, November 26!

Christmas at the Coliseum is also scheduled that weekend, as is the Etsy Market in Fredericton – great opportunities to buy local this season.

Looking for a cool holiday adventure? Halifax’s Glow event returns, kicking off November 24.

Another great day trip could include the New Brunswick College for Craft & Design’s annual craft sale, happening at the George Fry Gallery Nov 26 – 28. Always amazing work by the students at NBCCD!

There’s a Handmade Holiday Craft Fair happening at the Riverview Community Hall on Nov 28 & Dec 12; we see lots of well-loved local makers on the vendor list & know these will be great shows to find some local treats & treasures!

Euston Park Social is hosting their outdoor holiday Winter Market Dec 3 & 4.

The annual holiday concert hosted by Symphony New Brunswick & Resurgo Place at the Free Meeting House is taking place Sunday, Dec 5. Admission is free with a non-perishable food donation, but you must register: (506) 856-4327 or info@resurgo.ca

There’s an incredible line up of holiday shows happening at the Capitol Theatre throughout Nov & Dec!

On December 4, Sunny Brae Baptist Chruch is holding a Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Lighting, with hot chocolate, bonfire, and lots of twinkling lights. Everyone welcome, 6-7:30pm.

Sackville’s annual Parade of Lights happens December 4.

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MORE MARKETS & YUMMY TREATS TO EXPLORE

The Moncton Market & the Dieppe Market are both open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, with fantastic options for local goodies.

Many smaller communities also have markets & great hidden eating gems, like Salisbury’s growing market/antique scene and the Little Red Rooster Cafe at the Green Pig Country Market, as well as the Old Church Farmer’s Market in Hillsborough.

Treat your tastebuds with a walk along St. George Street for Halo Donuts, Lost and Found Ice Cream, and maybe even a Taco in a Bag from Notre Dame de Parkton or something from Dolma. You’re also super close to Co Pain Artisan Bread Company & oodles of great restaurants!

The Arches of St. George hold regular pop-ups with some of the neatest makers around. Treats, vintage finds, jewelry, and so much more! Pop up to Apple Art Gallery & their new shop, deux pépins.

The Ice Cream Barn in Riverview is transforming again for the winter as a Hot Chocolate destination, as of November 26.

Speaking of hot chocolate … where’s your favourite local spot for a warm, winter treat? We share some of ours in this post!

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INDOOR ICE SKATING 

You can find details on all paid & free indoor & outdoor skating time in our full Guide to Ice Skating in Greater Moncton, but here is a quick look at what’s avaialble!

• Monday:
  • Dieppe’s UNIplex preschoolers 9:30-10:30am (FREE)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena parent & tot 10:15-11:15am ($2)
  • Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm (FREE)
  • Superior Propane Centre public 3:30-4:30pm ($2)
• Tuesday
  • Dieppe UNIplex preschoolers with sticks, 9:30-10:30am (FREE)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena parent & tot 10:15-11:15am ($2)
  • Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm (FREE)
  • Riverview 12 & under 3-4pm (FREE)
  • Superior Propane Centre public 3:30-4:30pm ($2)
• Wednesday
  • Crossman/Kay Arena parent & tot 10:15-11:15am ($2)
  • Memramcook adults & kids 12:50-1:50pm & 2-3pm (FREE)
  • Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm (FREE)
  • Dieppe’s AJL 3-4pm
  • Superior Propane Centre public 3:30-4:30pm ($2)
  • Riverview 18 & under 3:30-4:45pm (FREE)
• Thursday
  • Dieppe’s UNIplex preschoolers 9:30-10:30am (FREE)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena parent & tot 10:15-11:15am ($2)
  • Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm (FREE)
• Friday:
  • Dieppe UNIplex preschoolers with sticks, 9:30-10:30am (FREE)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena 10:15am-11:15am *unless there are tournament bookings; please check the schedule (FREE)
  • Memramcook public 1-2:30pm (FREE)
  • Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm (FREE)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena 3:30-4:30pm *unless there are tournament bookings; please check the schedule (FREE)
  • Riverview 12 & under, 4-5:15pm (FREE)
  • Hillsborough 8:15-9:15pm ($2/person or $5/family)
• Saturday
  • Moncton Coliseum parent & tot 9:30-10:30am ($2)
  • Hillsborough 2-3pm ($2/person or $5/family)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena 2:30-4pm ($2)
  • Moncton Coliseum 3:45-5:15pm ($2)
  • Riverview 3:45-5:15pm (FREE)
  • Dieppe’s AJL 6:15-7:15pm (FREE)
  • Hillsborough 8-9pm ($2/person or $5/family)
• Sunday:
  • Superior Propane Centre Parent & Tot skating 9:45am-10:45am ($2)
  • Memramcook 11:30am-12:25pm (FREE)
  • Superior Propane Centre 11:45am-12:45pm ($2)
  • Dieppe’s AJL 2-3pm (FREE)
  • Hillsborough 2:15-3:15pm ($2/person or $5/family)
  • Crossman/Kay Arena 2:30-4pm ($2)
  • Petitcodiac 1pm-2:30pm ($2/skater, free for ages five & under)
  • Riverview 2:30-4pm (FREE)
  • Dieppe’s UNIplex 3:45-4:45pm (FREE)

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MORE INDOOR FUN IDEAS

• There are several spots that generally often indoor walking, with many tracks being stroller-friendly (at least at certain times). Check with the Moncton Coliseum, Crossman Centre/Kay Arena, & the UNIplex in Dieppe for current information.
• Check your local public library for storytimes, teen groups, and more!
• Marco’s Clinic is a great spot for basketball & laser tag! (It’s just across the parking lot from our next spot.)
• FitRocks Climbing Gym has great courses for all ages. Perfect for any combination of climbers.
• DIY Studio is a great spot for a paint-your-own pottery outing. We’re thrilled to see they’re getting a bigger space this month!
• SkyZone is reopened, now on St. George Blvd, near Hillcrest School. Woo hoo!
• Hop Skip Jump! is open with reduced capacity, but no reservation required.
• Bowling is always fun! Bowlarama in Dieppe offers gutter blockers for kids & an awesome arcade section.
• The new YMCA Moncton North has an indoor splash pad & playground!!
• Resurgo Place is closed Sundays & Mondays.
• Doiron House, celebrating Acadian community life in Dieppe, opens for the season June 3.
• The Riverview Indoor Skatepark is a wonderful place to learn & practice your skills; book a time and check them out!
• Escape rooms are great fun with older kids; check out the options at Room Escape Atlantic, Mystery Moncton Mystere, & at Shediac’s Le Moque-Tortue. 
• Timber Lounge offers family bookings, too. Another great option for tweens & teens (or a night out).
• The YMCA, Dieppe Aquatic Centre, & Riverview Aquatic Centre all offer public swim times. And don’t forget the YMCA North End’s indoor splash pad!
• Cineplex has theatres in both Dieppe & Moncton, with new releases back on the big screen!

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OUTDOOR IDEAS

Most kids love animals – and there are some fun options locally to consider:

• Llamazing Adventures is full of funky options to spend time with their crew all year round.
• Broadleaf Ranch is a lovely place for a trail ride; we highly suggest an overnight stay in one of their themed glamping cabins if you can!
• Boyle Family Farm offers a petting zoo & horseback rides during the spring & fall; watch for holiday events, too.
• And of course, the Magnetic Hill Zoo is a traditional favourite; watch for Wild Lights to return before the New Year.

Farmer Brown’s is always hopping with workshops & of other fun options for families. (Plan to grab some of their delicious pizza while you’re there, too!)

Love ninja warrior courses? Parkour? Check out Off Grid Adventure in Anagance for an awesome adventure course!

Head to Hiking NB for amazing details on trails throughout the province – including lots of fall & winter options.

There’s a Culture & Heritage Scavenger Hunt for the City of Moncton – check it out & you could even win a prize.

The Town of Riverview’s Mill Creek Challenge is another great way to get out & explore – and you might even win ice cream!

Maghill Paintball is a fantastic option with teens. A two-hour rental (birthday party package) available!

 

Don’t forget to take time to enjoy local parks & playgrounds, which can be just as fun in winter as in summer! Here are a few of the large spaces to explore, with trails & occasional activities planned. You can also check out our Playground section for dozens of profiles of local spaces to play. Some of these spaces will even have community rinks this winter!

•  Centennial Park
• Mapleton Park
• Irishtown Nature Park
• Rotary St-Anselme Park
• Dover Park,
• Mill Creek Nature Park Dobson Trail
• Highland Park
• Woodland Trail
• Sackville Waterfowl Park
• Fundy National Park
• Kouchibouquac Park