What to do with the kids in Moncton this weekend (Sept 15-17, 2023)

Alrighty, everyone! There are already a ton of cancelled/postponed events for this weekend & advisories for folks to stay home & stay safe as Hurricane/Post Tropical Storm Lee decides to visit us, so there isn’t much of a round up to share with you. We’ll post a few events that appear to still be on, particularly for Friday & Sunday, but first: some info to know!

Wondering how to talk with your kids about a hurricane? Check out this great Red Cross booklet! 

For updates on what’s happening, check reliable news sources & official sites, particularly the NBEMO (New Brunswick Emergency Measure Organization) Twitter & Facebook. To check on road conditions, you can always call 511.

TIP: Many news websites offer a low-bandwith options so you can check headlines without using up your battery resources.

Take time Friday to plan ahead.

• Stock up on food you don’t need to keep cold or warm up.
• Make sure you have flashlights with extra batteries.
• It’s always a good idea to have a battery-operated radio.
• Charge your electronic devices.
• If you have a generator, check it’s working and have what we need to keep it running.
• Secure outdoor toys, furniture, etc.
• Check your gutters are clear.
• Plan for potential power outage — have books, toys, cards, board games, etc.
• Have bottled water; recommended 2L/person. Have enough for two or three days.
• Don’t forget to prep for your pets’ needs, too.
• Make sure you have basic first aid items, as well as any medicine you might need.

RELATED: Tips for preparing if you or someone you’re caring for has a disability

In terms of the weather forecast, expect lots of wind (likely between 60 to 80km/h) and rain (anywhere from 50 to 100 mm) throughout the weekend, with the worst part of the storm expected to be Saturday evening.

That being said, the storm’s path could shift again and you might be happy to head out and safely enjoy some family time this weekend, so here’s what’s happening!

The Albert County Exhibition is still a go! They have a great list of ideas you can still enjoy there in the rain – but do mention watching their Facebook page to see if they’ve had to make any changes. There will be concerts, bingo, Mad Science & kids’ activities inside/under shelter, animals in the barns, horse shows, and more.

Kids Flow is hosting a family dance & BYO picnic on Sept 15 at La Station.

September 16 is I’m Buying a New Brunswick Book Day. The FRYE Festival is teaming up with the Dieppe Public Library for a fun Book Hunt from 1-4pm (again, please check before heading out on Saturday) to celebrate.

Sunday is the annual Open Farm Day – but some planned openings may be cancelled or postponed. You can find a full list of farms on www.atlanticopenfarmday.ca; closest to Greater Moncton are Corn Hill Farmhouse, Waldlow Farms, Boyle Family Farm, Pioneer Estate Winery, La fleur du Pommier, and Open Sky Co-operative. Fundy Farms is also planning a special open farm event on Sunday.

Maritime Collectibles Market is scheduled for Dieppe’s Rotary Park on Sunday, 9:30am-2pm. Trading cards, toys, and lots of fun!

The Riverview Ringette Association is planning a free Try Ringette event on Sunday, starting at 5:30pm at the Byron Dobson Arena in Riverview. Open to any child wanted to try the game; bring skates, a CSA approved helmet, and mitts/gloves; sticks will be provided. You are asked to register in advance.

ONGOING FUN (Remember, check conditions & source links before heading out!)

Friday & Saturday nights are Glow Zone nights at SkyZone. Lasers, black lights, fog machines & more! All ages welcome, wear white or florescent colours, 7-10pm.

Looking for something geared just to littles? Hop Skip Jump is the place to check out.

The City of Moncton hosts two public swims each weekend: Saturdays 3-4:35pm at the University of Moncton’s CEPS ($3 admission), and Sundays 1:303pm at the YMCA ($3 admission).

You might also want to check out swimming at the Riverview Aquatic Centre & the Dieppe Aquatic Centre, or check out the indoor splash pad at the North End YMCA.

Add a little learning fun to the weekend with a trip to Shediac’s Homarus Centre, Resurgo Place, Doiron House in Dieppe, or the Albert County Museum.

Bowling is always a sure hit with the family: choose from Holy Moly (with retro arcade games) in Riverview, Fairlanes (with Glow Bowling nights) in Moncton, or Bowlarama (with an awesome arcade) in Dieppe.

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.

Creative mood? Try DIY Studio to paint your own pottery!

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.

Magnetic Hill Zoo is currently open seven days a week, 10am-4pm.

Magic Mountain‘s mini golf & TekZone are still open Saturdays & Sundays in September.

Butterfly World & The Boardwalk includes batting cages, go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, and lots more – a great spot for the whole family to enjoy! Most attractions still open Saturdays & Sundays in September.

Adventurous families might want to try TreeGo (located within Centennial Park in Moncton & open daily in September), or maybe book a session at Moncton Paintball, or hit the track at East Coast Karting (weekend walk ins).

Boyle Family Farm offers farm visits and horseback rides; check their site for what’s happening.

Llamazing Adventures books walks with animals in fun locations!

Check out Off Grid Adventure in Anagance for an awesome adventure course & their new indoor climbing walls.

We’re getting LOTS of love on our newest playground profile. If you haven’t checked it out already, take a look!

We’ll be back with a PACKED list of events next weekend – and don’t forget, if you have kids in the Anglophone East school district, it’s a long weekend! No school Friday, Sept. 22.