What to do with the kids May Long Weekend 2026 in Greater Moncton
Welcome to the May long weekend, everyone! The weather is looking more like summer, the days are longer, and my kids are counting down the days until school is over for the year. We’re working on updating all of our usual summer guides for you, but for now, let’s get on to this weekend’s events & activities!
I grew up in Cape Breton, where the long weekend in May was known as Hiking Day. The older I get, the more I understand what a unique tradition this was – and the more I miss elements of 1980s childhood! A few years ago I wrote about Hiking Day and the parts of it I wish were more common everywhere; I’d love if you’d take a read. (And if you’re a fan of Cape Breton stories, you might want to know that Little Lorraine is finally playing at Cineplex Dieppe. I’ve got my tickets & can’t wait to see this movie on the big screen!)
Family-Friendly Events & Activities in Greater Moncton May Long Weekend 2026
Did you know? Since 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!
Friday Family Events (May 15, 2026)
It’s opening day of Trueman’s Tulip Festival, which runs until June 7 (weather/bloom dependent). Take photos, pick up some ice cream and treats, enjoy a train ride, the giant slide, music, and more.
Lots of great ice cream spots are re-opening for the season – including Rosie’s in Shediac & Memramcook tonight at 5pm!
The Tri-City Tide wrap up their home games this season by hosting the Port City Power at 7pm at Crandall University.
The Moncton Wildcats play Game 5 of their series at the Avenir Centre at 7pm. The series is tied 2-2; this game will be intense!
Hazy Grape Theatre Collective presents Bringing Back Broadway at the Capitol Theatre this weekend, with evening & matinee shows, in support of Organ Tissue NB.
There’s a star gazing party at Kouchibouguac National Park this weekend, with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada on site with telescopes you can use tonight & tomorrow night, presentations, and more.
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 opens for the season today! Showing Michael then The Mummy; 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 open for the season, too. Gates at 7:30pm, movie at dusk. Admission $13/adult, $9/kid. This weekend its Mario Galaxy & Project Hail Mary on Friday & Saturday, with a triple bill Sunday.
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
$3 
Walk in party fun at the 
Saturday Family Events (May 16, 2026)
Early risers? Head to the pancake breakfast at the Lions Club in Salisbury! Open 7am-10am; cost is $10, $5 for ages six to 10, and free for pre-schoolers. Cash & debit available. Follow it up with some play time at Highland Park, a visit to the Green Pig, and lunch at Gaxiola with a side of shopping at Jazz’s Antique Mall!
Start your day off with a fundraising pancake breakfast at the Coverdale Masonic Temple in Riverview. Cash only, $10/person or $5 for children under 12. Open 8:30-11am – or until they sell out!
Today’s the Downtown Moncton Shop Hop! A great chance to explore lots of fantastic downtown businesses – and to win prizes if you pick up a Passport & collect stamps along the way!
The Filipino Food Fiestaval is taking place at Moncton’s Riverfront Park, 10am-6pm, with food, vendors, music, bouncy castles, and more!
Cap-Acadie’s Community Market is back, opening at 10am at the Grand-Barachois hall. Lots of family-friendly activities & vendors.
Boyle Family Farm is open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday this weekend, 11am-4pm.
Several groups are joining forces to host a Haitian Flag Day celebration with a parade, food, music, and more at Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral on St. George Street in Moncton, 11am-4pm. Cost is $15; children are free.
YMCA Moncton North is hosting an Outdoor Field Day, 1:15-2:45pm, with lots of games and activities for children ages two to 12. (Rain date May 23.)
Have a kiddo who loves trucks? Consider a road trip to Saint John’s Exhibition Park for the amazing Touch a Truck event! There are tons of vehicles, a mini petting zoo, bouncy castles inside, face painting, games & more. It’s on from 10am-3pm, a fundraiser for First Steps.
Circle Square Ranch Snider Mountain (outside Sussex) is hosting an open house, 1-4pm. A great chance to check it out if you’re considering summer camp or just looking for a fun outing. They have a rock wall, pony rides, archery, canoes, animals, and more.
Did you know Canada has a National Fiddling Day? If you’re up for some tunes, there’s an event at the St. Antoine Golden Age Club at 1:30pm.
Le Hub Shediac is hosting an Arts & Culture festival this weekend, with an expo at LJR high school 10am-5pm today and a light festival in Pascale Poirier Park, 6-9pm.
The Riverside-Albert Recreation Council is hosting a neighbourhood gathering, including a community potluck, kids’ zone from 3-5pm, and more.
- 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 & Sussex Drive In are both open for the season!
Sunday Family Events (May 17, 2026)
Le Hub Shediac is hosting an Arts & Culture festival this weekend, with a community heritage day today & official opening celebration today.
There’s a community breakfast at the Saint-André-LeBlanc Centre, starting at 8am. Cost is $10/plate, with eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, beans, and beverage.
If you have a young rider interested in motor cross, there’s a day-long workshop at the River Glade track today. Register in advance.
There’s a large collectibles expo happening at the Moncton Coliseum, 11am-5pm. Admission is $15/family, with individual rates available.
Blossom Grove’s Tulip Festival kicks off today, with photo gardens, animals to visit, family games, ice cream & more. Open 10:30am-6:30pm, Sunday through Thursday. There’ll be crafters on site Sunday & Monday. Entry is $12 ($10 for youth and free for three & under).
Boyle Family Farm is open 11am-4pm.
The Sky-Lines Kite Club of Dieppe will be at Dover Park in Dieppe, 1-4pm. Everyone is welcome to watch!
The Moncton Mystics take the court at Crandall at 3pm, against the Fredericton Freeze.
Haitian Flag Day will be celebrated at UdeM with soccer, music, food, and more! The event runs 3-10pm; tickets via Eventbrite.
The Moncton Mets host Fredericton at Kiwanis Field, 7pm.
Today’s the last day of the season at Marvelous Holy Bowly in Riverview – and FYI, Fairlanes is also closing this summer for maintenance.
- 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
- 🎥Shediac’s Neptune Drive In & Sussex Drive In are both open for the season! Sussex has a triple bill tonight: Mario Galaxy, Hail Mary Project, and Scream 7.
Monday Family Events (May 18, 2026)
Today (the Monday before May 25) is Victoria Day – or as I grew up knowing it, Hiking Day. A great chance to embrace letting youth lead the way exploring your neighbourhood! It also means many businesses & services – schools, banks, libraries, etc. – will be closed, but most seasonal businesses are open.
Blossom Grove’s Tulip Festival continues today, with photo gardens, animals to visit, family games, ice cream & more. Open 10:30am-6:30pm, Sunday through Thursday. There’ll be crafters on site today, too! Entry is $12 ($10 for youth and free for three & under).
Click n Chew is celebrating its first birthday with a week of specials starting today! (Today you can upsize your drink for free.)
Boyle Family Farm is open 11am-4pm.
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.
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 Centrein Riverview, and the Dieppe Aquatic Centre (with the awesome sloped entry & pirate ship splash zone!).
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! 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 maintainence.)
Book a booth at GG Bistrofor 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.
The 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.
- 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.
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.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 Bistrofor 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
Petitcodiac Regional School’s Family Fun Fair is happening Tuesday, May 19, 5-7:30pm, with bouncy castles, face painting, BBQ, touch a truck section, games, music, and so much more.
The Westmorland County Agricultural Fair is hosting a kids’ dance May 23.
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!
Make Something Sunday at Owens Art Gallery returns May 24.
Canada’s Circus Spectacular returns to the Moncton Coliseum on May 31.
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.
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.
Poley Mountain’s bike park will open June 6 for the summer season.
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.
Thanks for stopping by & supporting our little corner of the internet. If you’re a fan of what we do, we’ll point out someone nominated us for an Excellence NB award. You can scroll through to the Arts & Culture section and under Best Influencer/Content Creator you can vote for Jenna Morton to show your support. 
Looking forward to updating all our summer posts for you soon! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
