What to do for the Family Day Long Weekend in Greater Moncton (Feb 16-19)

Welcome to a fabulous long weekend, everyone! School’s out on Monday, as are most offices & businesses in the province, and there’s no shortage of fun ideas to get out & make memories!

We’ve listed events that are happening Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday, followed by our list of ideas for outdoor & indoor fun you can check out any day! Remember, we ask that you check the source links for the most up-to-date information on any cancellations, changes, etc as we can’t always update this list once published.

FYI: You can always check whether walking/skiing/ trails & outdoor rinks are open using the municipal websites for Dieppe, Moncton, & Riverview!

FRIDAY, FEB 16

Dieppe’s month-long winter celebration continues, with Fun on Ice Friday night – this week it’s a DISNEY theme with DJ Chris. Bring your own skates to Place 1604 or use their helmet & skate rental program and enjoy the atmosphere of bonfires, hot chocolate, & fun!

It’s Fundy Frolic time, with lots of events happening in Albert County. Friday there’s an astronomy presentation & a paper lantern workshop at the Gallery Space on School Street in Alma.

Swiftie in the house? Check out the Candlelight Tribute concert happening at Moncton’s Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption with the Listeso String Quartet! Suitable for children ages eight & over; those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The music lasts for one hour, with the venue filled with candlelight! (There are two more Taylor Swift nights coming up, as well as several other concerts featuring the music of ABBA, Queen, Coldplay, and more. Find all the details on their website.)

The Wildcats welcome the Olympiques for their only game here this season.

The Riverview Youth Centre is holding a night of origami & other paper crafts for ages 12 – 17. Free event, but register online in advance.

AKA Dance in Petitcodiac is holding a dance for kids on Friday night. Grades K-2 from 6-7pm, Grades 3-5 from 7:30-9pm. Entrance is $5 at the door & bring extra for the canteen!

Don’t forget – Chocolat Moncton is underway! Check out our interview with the organizer of this new hot chocolate festival for Greater Moncton!

🏊 YMCA public swim, 7-8pm, $3/person
🏀 Drop-in basketball for ages 12-18 at the YMCA, 8:15-9:30pm, $5 for non-members (also on Mondays!)
🏸 Drop-in badminton for ages 14 & under 6-7pm & 15+ 7-9pm at CCNB Dieppe

⛸️ Shediac, 9:30-10:30am
⛸️ Dieppe AJL, 9:30-10:30am, Tots with sticks
⛸️ Sackville, 10:15-11:15am, Parent & Tot
⛸️ Sackville, Noon-1pm, Lunch skate
⛸️ Riverview parent & tot 1:30-2:30pm
⛸️ Riverview 12 & under, 4-5:15pm
⛸️ Hillsborough, 8:15-9:15pm, $2/person or $5/family

Our full list of ongoing indoor & outdoor ideas are at the end of this daily list, but two special notes: SkyZone is closed for a private function tonight AND Hop! Skip! Jump! is re-opening today!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Moncton‘s PolarFest returns this year for another weekend of fun in Centennial Park! There’s skating (including the Greater Moncton Scottish Association’s KiltSkate, 2-3pm today!), tunes with DJ Bones, food trucks, wagon/sleigh rides, ice & snow sculpting, sliding, hot chocolate, and more!

Three Rivers (Petitcodiac) is holding a Winter Carnival on Saturday, 2-5pm, at Maple Street Park. There’ll be skating, sliding, sleigh rides, BBQ, bonfire, disc golf, and more from 2-5pm, followed by fireworks at 7pm.

Irishtown Community Centre is hosting a ‘fire on ice’ performance at the outdoor rink (weather permitting) on Saturday night.

Dieppe’s Winter Magic fun on Saturday includes a winter-themed storytime at the library at 10:30am, free & paid events at Rotary Park from 1-9pm, including a coffee/hot chocolate bar with Second Cup, music, and more. Art Richard is hosting an album launch at the Dieppe Arts & Culture Centre on Saturday at 10am; free to attend, but register in advance. Your kids are sure to love his energetic musical performances! There’s also a session at Maison Doiron to mark Heritage Week, 2-4pm. Bring your memorabilia of the City to share with others – and some money to treat yourself to a hot chocolate, coffee, or more! Want to skip planning your evening meal? Sign up for Soup Madness at Rotary Park! Sample three amazing soups from local restaurants in a fun battle of the tastebuds! This was almost sold out when we checked, so be sure to grab your spot pronto!

As part of Fundy Frolic today there’s a day of activities at Broadleaf Ranch, including learning how to make sushi, painting & mosaic workshops, lots of outdoor fun, & an evening star party (check with Broadleaf for costs & availability). There’s Seedy Saturday happening at the Old Church Market in Hillsborough, 9am-2pm, storytime at the library 10:30-1:30pm &, s’mores at the outdoor skating rink behind the Riverside-Albert Rec Centre from 2-4pm.

Salisbury’s Winterfest fun for Saturday is a public skating party at the outdoor rink, 5-7pm, with music & hot chocolate.

If it’s not already part of your Saturday routine, consider making a visit to a local market a must-do each weekend! The Moncton Market (120 Westmorland Street) is open Saturdays, 8am-2pm, with lots of yummy treats to enjoy on site and to take home. You can also indulge at the Dieppe Market, open Saturdays 8am – 1pm.

⛸️ Hillsborough, 2:15-3:15
⛸️ Riverview 3:45-5:15pm
⛸️ Dieppe AJL, 6:15-7:15pm
⛸️ Hillsborough, 8-9pm

🏊 Riverview Aquatic Centre offers open swim on Saturdays at 1:35 & 2:40.
🏊 CEPS (UdeM) public swim, 3-4:25, $3
🏊 The Dieppe Aquatic Centre has public swims on Saturday at 3:15pm & 6pm
🏊 YMCA public swim, 6:30-7:45pm, $3

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Moncton‘s PolarFest continues today, with skating, tunes with DJ Bones, food trucks, wagon/sleigh rides, ice & snow sculpting, sliding, hot chocolate, and more!

Dieppe’s Winter Magic  on Sunday includes lots of fun at Rotary Park! CAFi is hosting a snow figures from around the world event, 1-5pm, encouraging you to build a snowy representation of cultures from around the world. DJ Empire will be spinning world music from 2-4pm to add to the vibe. Start your day there with a Rotary brunch, $8/adults & $4/child, available at the Pavillion from 9am – 1pm, and finish off with a Geomatrix performance on ice at 6pm & live Acadian music with Mike & Andy from 6-9pm.

Salisbury’s Winterfest fun continues today, with the popular Swedish Lantern Walk happening at Highland Park, starting at 6pm. Walk the 1km Wetland Trail, lit by Swedish lanterns, and enjoy hot chocolate and a community bonfire.

Sunday’s Fundy Frolic fun includes more activities at Broadleaf Ranch, the Great Backyard Bird County Breakfast & Hike, & a sliding party at Fundy National Park starting at 10am.

Shediac’s Winter Carnival Community Day takes place from 2-7pm at Parc John Lyon, with sleigh rides, llamas, and fireworks in the evening!

Treat yourself to a Ukrainian lunch, featuring borsch, varenyky, honey cake, and more at 22 Church Street, 11am-3pm. A great fundraiser for a fabulous community!

Today will be the first Skate for Tate at the Avenir Centre, 9am – noon. Donations collected at the door will be given to Open Ice for Kids, to allow other children the chance to experience the joy of hockey.

Codiac Storm Lacrosse is holding a free open session for kids born in 2012 – 2015. A great chance to try out the sport or get back in the groove. Register online in advance; sticks will be provided. The event will be at the Crossman Centre at 6pm for an hour.

⛸️ Dieppe, UNIplex, 11:45am-12:45pm
⛸️ Dieppe AJL, 1-2pm
⛸️ Petitcodiac 1pm-2:30pm ($2/skater, free for ages five & under)
⛸️ Riverview public 2:30-4pm
⛸️ Shediac, 5:30-6:30pm
⛸️ Hillsborough, 2:15-3:15pm

🐴 Sleigh rides, Dieppe Rotary Park, 1-4pm, $5/person

🏊 YMCA public swim, 1:30-3pm, $3/person
🏊 CEPS (UdeM) public swim, 3-4:25, $3
🏊 Dieppe Aquatic Centre public swim Sunday at 3:15pm

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 – FAMILY DAY

Moncton‘s PolarFest wraps up today, with skating, tunes with DJ Bones, food trucks, wagon/sleigh rides, ice & snow sculpting, sliding, hot chocolate, and more!

Salisbury’s Winterfest Family Day fun at Highland Park takes place 1-4pm, with sliding, maple candy, sleigh rides, s’mores at the bonfire, & more!

Fundy National Park is open for Family Fun today!

The Tantramar Scouts & Dorchester Fire Department are hosting a Touch-a-Truck Family Fun Fair at Dorchester Consolidated School today! Drop by between 2 & 3pm to see fire trucks, a Midland transport, CN police vehicles, & more. There will also be skating, a BBQ, & more!

Boyle Family Farm is planning a celebration for Family Day, 10am-4pm, with snowshoeing, sliding, bonfires, pony rides, petting zoo, and more. Children two & under free, general entry $13+tax.

SkyZone is open on Family Day, starting at noon.

YMCA Moncton is open for public swimming on Family Day, 1:30-3:30pm. The facility & the North End YMCA are both open 9am-5pm on Family Day.

The Wildcats host the Halifax Mooseheads on Family Day for an afternoon game, 2pm.

Moncton Cares is hosting a Family Day Potluck at the North End YMCA, with family photos, kids’ activities, Zumba, and more, starting at 5:30pm.

Off Grid Adventures is opening for the Family Day weekend! Message them if you want to book time to visit.

⛸️ Dieppe AJL, 9:30-10:30am, Preschool Skate
⛸️ Dieppe AJL, 12-2pm, Family Skate
⛸️ Memramcook, Eugène (Gene) LeBlanc Arena, free family day skate, 1:45-3pm
⛸️ Dieppe AJL, 2-4pm, Family Skate
⛸️ Moncton’s Kay Arena, 2:15-3:45pm
⛸️ Moncton’s Superior Propane Centre, 2-4:30pm

🏊 Dieppe Aquatic Centre public swim, 1-2:55pm, $2
🏊 YMCA Moncton, public swim, 1:30-3:30pm, $3

MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS INDOOR & OUTDOOR

OUTDOOR IDEAS

• NB Urban Mushing allows you to visit during dry land training. Get out and meet the sled dogs & learn how they work.
• Llamazing Adventures often has weekend spots available this time of year. A great way to get out & get moving!
• Poley Mountain is open for the season, 9am-9pm.
• Country Sleigh Rides, about 20 minutes north of Moncton – past Irishtown, offers daytime ($125/15 people) and evening ($150/15 people) group sleigh ride bookings, as well as special rides.
• Trueman Blueberry Farms is open during the winter, with train rides & treats!

OUTDOOR RINKS

• ⛸️ The Oval at Place 1604 in Dieppe is always a great spot to visit! Lace up your skates (or use their free loan program – check for available dates & times on their website) daily (weather permitting) from 10am – 9pm, though there are short closures from 1-1:30 & 5-5:30pm for maintenance.
• ⛸️ You can also skate under the sky at the Ian Fowler Oval in front of Moncton’s Avenir Centre! Please remember, no sticks/nets/pucks/rings allowed, and CSA-approved helmets encouraged. The oval is open 10am-10pm daily, weather permitting. (Check conditions here in case of weather closures; it also shows conditions for the outdoor rinks planned for other parks in the city, as well as sliding, skiing, and walking trails.)
• ⛸️ The Moncton North YMCA has an outdoor rink to enjoy, too, and there’s the Kaboom Hockey Rink & the Muskrat Skating Trail both at Centennial Park. (You can check if Moncton rinks are open on their website, updated daily.)
• ⛸️ There are also a few community rinks at city playgrounds; these are maintained by volunteers: Jonathan Park, Maplehurst Park, Roxborough Park, Brian Hicks Park, Canada Heights Park, Grove Hamlet Park, & Lewisville Park.
• ⛸️ Irishtown/Maple Hills – Check the Facebook group for updates on rink conditions & to see all the hard work volunteers put in to make this happen!
• ⛸️ Petitcodiac – Check for updates in the Petitcodiac Happenings Facebook group on conditions at the Maple Street Park ODR
• ⛸️ Salisbury – The Town’s Facebook page posts updates on the condition of the ODR, which is next to the high school
• ⛸️ There’s an outdoor rink in Elgin; stop into the General Store if you need to borrow skates to use.
• ⛸️ There’s an outdoor rink in Dorchester, too!
• ⛸️ And not to be left out, look at what’s happening in Alma!

SLIDING HILLS IN GREATER MONCTON

Tobogganing, sliding, sledding – whatever you call it, it’s one of the most fun things to do in winter! There may or may not be enough snow this weekend to hit the hills, but just in case … here are a few to-go spots to seek out over the coming weeks & months:

• There are a few municipally-approved toboggan runs at Centennial Park in Moncton.
• Rotary St-Anselme Park in Dieppe also has several great spots.
• In Riverview, head to Winter Wonderland Park, on Quinn Court (off Gunningsville Boulevard) for some awesome tracks (and some snowboarding ones, too!) or behind Claude D. Taylor School.
• Our kids love sliding at Highland Parkin Salisbury; the hill is fantastic!
• Shediac’s Pascal Poirier Park is often home to many sliding tracks in the winter.
• In Fundy Park, check out the Headquarters Tobogganing Hill, and if you’re at Kouchibouquac Park, Patterson Hillis a great spot for sliding, though it is a long walk (2km) to reach the site.

INDOOR FUN IDEAS

Here’s our trusty list of places you might want to check out with the family anytime! 

• The indoor splash pad at the North End YMCA is an amazing place to bring the kids!
• Want to move as a family? Try a visit to FitRocks Climbing Gym, Marco’s Clinic (laser tag), or the Riverview Indoor Skatepark & Riverview Youth Centre. We see the new Moncton North skate park is open now at the North End YMCA, too!
• Creative mood? Try DIY Studio to paint your own pottery! They usually have lots of holiday themed pieces – now’s a great time to start thinking ahead for holiday gifts, too!
• Up for a challenge? Room Escape Atlantic usually has a few non-scary, kid-friendly options & Mystery Moncton Mystere is great for the teens & up. There are also online options you can purchase to play on your own time!
• If board games are your family thing, check out the new shop on Moncton’s Main Street, Board Miniatures! Drop in
• Cineplex is always a fun option for a family outing, too!
• The Early Childhood Family Resource Centre has lots of drop-in & scheduled events throughout the month, both at its Dieppe location and its satellite locations. Check out their online calendars for details; a great option for littles throughout the week!
• The Dieppe BGC also has its monthly schedule of events online, too!
• And don’t forget our local libraries; they’re full of fantastic programming, as well.
• Hop! Skip! Jump! is re-opening Friday, February 16 after some renovations!
• Bowling is always a fun idea! Go retro vibes with Holy Moly in Riverview, check out glow bowling times at Fairlanes in Moncton, or head to Bowlarama & its awesome arcade in Dieppe. (We recommend calling ahead to book in advance so you’re not disappointed.)
• Resurgo Place is a hands-on hit with our kids; a great outing anytime. (Open 10am-5pm Saturday and noon-5pm on Sunday; it’s half-off on admission on Thursday nights, 5-8pm, if you’re looking for an evening outing.)

PS: If you’re not already, be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram for more content — including our current giveaway for TWO TICKETS to see the MINI POP KIDS at the Casino in Moncton on March 3. We’re making draw on Monday! Look for this image to find the post to enter; you can also purchase tickets online!

Fun Ideas for Snow