What to do with the kids this weekend in Greater Moncton (July 5-7, 2024)
Welcome back, everyone! We were away on a family vacation to New York City last week so we missed creating a full round up for you – and we’re a little later than usual getting this post up than planned! – but summer is in full swing & Pickle Planet is here to make sure you have all the info to make the most of it! We hope to be back on our regular schedule of having these weekend round ups posted each Thursday, but remember we always list a few look-ahead ideas & attractions that are always an option at the end.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Click through the links we provide to the source info for any updates before heading out on an adventure. We don’t always see/have time to update here if weather or other things impact an event.
FRIDAY. JULY 5:
Atlantic Nationals is on this weekend, with the annual Friday Main Street party happening today. Stroll along Main Street to see all kinds of neat vehicles – and if you’re kids are old enough, stay for the streety party with The Northern Pikes! (The music starts at 6pm & goes until midnight.)
Shediac’s 75th Lobster Festival kicks off today with SO much fabulous programming over the next nine days! Check out their tab dedicated to kids’ activities – with faves like Roland Gauvin & Féeli Tout, an obstacle course, parade, & more! (The kid-focused events are through the week & next weekend, FYI.) Campbell’s Amusements opens on Tuesday – with $32 bracelets & an incredible ticket deal on Tuesday! Tonight, it’s amazing music for the kick off concert at the Big Lobster site! (And a lobster eating contest, too!)
Rising Tide Festival is hosting pop up shows on Alma’s Main Street this summer. Today, 11am-2pm, the Hillsborough Public Library will have their story tent outside Outpost Alma!
Chapters Moncton is hosting a Bluey craft at 1pm, followed by face painting until 3pm.
Dieppe is hosting a series of Friday night fun inspired by game shows this summer! This week it’s Le right prix! based on the Price is Right, happening at the Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre, (reserve free tickets in advance), 6:30-9pm.
This weekend at Shediac’s Neptune Drive In, catch Migration & Monkey Man. The Sussex Drive In is playing Descpicable Me 4 & The Fall Guy.
SATURDAY, JULY 6:
Atlantic Nationals continues, with a paid entry event at the Coliseum (kids under 13 with an adult are free) & another free concert outside the Avenir Centre tonight. There will be a few cars on display, a beer garden for those 19+, and music from 6:45pm to midnight.
Today at Shediac’s 75th Lobster Festival enjoy a community celebration at the skate park (rue du Vestiaire) from 2-6pm, with food trucks, live DJ, skateboard contests, & more. There are also beach volleyball & wash toss tournaments today, along with free & paid concerts.
Jaclyn Reinhart performs today & tomorrow as part of the Rising Tide Festival’s pop up shows on Alma’s Main Street this summer.
Dieppe is hosting a series of Saturday sports tournaments this summer. This week it’s a basketball tournament @ Place 1604, 11am-5pm.
Once Upon a Child is holding a PAW Patrol mask craft in store from 4-5pm.
The Gujarati Society of New Brunswick is welcoming everyone to join them for a community potluck picnic at Riverview’s Caseley Park, 4-8pm.
SUNDAY, JULY 7:
Atlantic Nationals wraps up with its final day at the Coliseum (kids under 13 with an adult are free).
Today at Shediac’s 75th Lobster Festival there’s a community breakfast, the ClawRun, an outdoor market at Pascal-Poirier Park, & free music in multiple locations!
Jaclyn Reinhart performs today as part of the Rising Tide Festival’s pop up shows on Alma’s Main Street this summer.
Sundays are for trivia this summer in Dieppe. Tonight’s theme is World history. 7-8:30pm
The Moncton Mets are playing the Chatham Ironmen at 7pm at Kiwanis Field.
ONGOING FUN IDEAS:
Have you checked out our Summer Bucket List Bingo Cards yet? A great way to spark some fun this summer!
DKY there’s an exhibit of local fossils & more at Moncton’s Treitz Haus this summer? Pop in for a free look at a scale reproduction of the Hillsborough Mastadon’s skull & tusks! Grab a map of the area at this information kiosk and explore the waterfront for a fun, free adventure. Take the time to read the inscriptions on the various monuments – the state at Bore Park, the Irish immigrant memorial, the RCMP tribute – and snap photos at the Festival Inspire murals. There’s also a roughly one hour iTour of downtown’s historical & cultural locations you can use to help you explore further – a great way to add a little movement, a little history, and a little fun to your family outings!
Here’s our list of attractions & activities that are always a great option!
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is open seven days a week.
East Coast Karting is open for the season if you feel the need for speed!
The Boardwalk & Butterfly World is open daily, weather permitting, with driving range, go karts, bumper cars & boats, mini golf, & paddle boats.
🎢 Magic Mountain is open for the season – don’t forget they have outdoor rides, an arcade, mini putt & more, too! You can go without getting wet if you want!
Want to move as a family but need to be indoors? Try a visit to FitRocks Climbing Gym!
Book laser tag at Marco’s Clinic or the Sportsdome.
Riverview Indoor Skatepark & Riverview Youth Centre are a great space to learn to skate or practice your skills!
The YMCA Moncton North has a new outdoor park for skateboarding, roller skating, & biking. There’s also the amazing indoor splash pad & play structure – a must visit if you have little ones!
Dieppe is welcoming people to skate the Oval at Place 1604 with in-line skates for the summer!
Hop! Skip! Jump! is perfect for little ones, as well as the cool climbing wall & laser room for older kids.
Bowling is always a fun idea! Go retro vibes with Marvelous Holy Bowly 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.)
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. There are also online options you can purchase to play on your own time, like … Motive for Murder audio game — A great ‘any time of day’ option for the true crime fans who are up for a little hometown sleuthing. Download a whodunnit set in Moncton!
If board games are your family thing, check out the new shop on Moncton’s Main Street, Board Miniatures! The have a standing paint and play tabletop session on Sundays. And on sunny days, there’s the huge chess set outside Moncton’s City Hall you can use!
Bass Pro’s 12,000-gallon freshwater aquarium with striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, trout, perch, and more is always fun to visit, especially when you need an indoor option.
Local libraries are always a great spot to visit, with lots of programming for all ages – and also another rainy day must visit option.
Resurgo Place is another spot we love to visit again & again; history, hands-on science & arts, & special programming, too!
The Albert County Museum is open for the season, with a special guest – Albert, the Albertosaurus!
🚂 Pair this with a trip to the New Brunswick Railway Museum in Hillsborough for a great Albert County Adventure! Open daily through the summer.
Poley Mountain has mountain bike trails, including beginner routes for ages 6+ – and they’re planning some summer events geared to the littles with bouncy castles, balance bikes on the lawn, & kid-friendly options on the Slope Side Bar & Grill. DYK: They have an RV park, too?
Llamazing Adventures is a great way to get out & get moving! Take the llamas for a walk!
Ice cream is always a great treat & our GUIDE TO HARD SCOOP ICE CREAM SPOTS IN GREATER MONCTON is updated for 2024!
Trueman’s Blueberry Farm is also a fabulous ice cream destination – and on the weekend they have a train you can ride! Watch for some fun Easter Bunny sightings here soon, too.
BGC Dieppe is always a great place for families to connect.
Tennis Dieppe has their nets up; check them out for some fun summer programming.
The walking/running track at Université de Moncton’s Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium is open for public use Mondays-Fridays, 8:30am-4:30pm (unless there’s a competition or event). You can access two hours of free parking & the use of the track is free.
Are you following Moncton Cares on social? This group is creating wonderful opportunities for both newcomers and the community at large. Check out their Moncton Cares’ Community Program page for what’s on each day & week! Lots of free & low cost classes for all ages.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Monday, July 8
Diversity Monday featuring Algeria @ Place 1604, 6-8pm
Shediac’s Lobster Festival’s kids’ activities today include an obstacle course & DJ at Pascal Poirier Park; 6pm.
Tuesday, July 9
YMCA Block Party @ Grove Hamlet Park, (39 Ripplewood Rd.), 6-8pm
Active Tuesday @ Place 1604, 6:30-7:30pm
Acoustica concert with Ivan Daigle @ Victoria Park, 7pm
Campbell’s Amusements at the Shediac’s Lobster Festival opens today with $32 bracelets & an incredible ticket today only!
Wednesday, July 10
Roland Gauvin and Monsieur Crapaud will be at Shediac’s Multipurpose Centre for a show at 3pm (in French only) as part of the Shediac Lobster Festival. Don’t forget Campbell’s Amusements is there, too!
Acoustica family fun with Mr. Mark @ Centennial Park, 6pm
M3 & Melanie Morgan, Place 1604, 6:30pm
Magician Remi Boudreau @ Caseley Park (rain location Riverview Community Hall), 7-8:30pm
Sackville’s Festival by the Marsh begins today, with events until July 21.
Four Girls Lavender in Salisbury opens for their short-but-oh-so-sweet season today. Just 10 days to pick your own bundle and snap your photos! 🙂
Thursday, July 11
Féeli Tout will celebrate the world of reading (aimed at children ages 3-8) at Shediac’s Multipurpose Centre at 3pm, (in French only) as part of the Shediac Lobster Festival. (A great event to attend if your youngster started French Immersion & you’re looking to keep the language love alive this summer!) Don’t forget Campbell’s Amusements is open in Shedic for the festival, too!
Outdoor Cinema featuring Kung Fu Panda 4 (English) @ Place 1604, dusk
Friday, July 12
Moncton Buskers Festival begins @ Riverfront Park! Lots of fabulous pay-what-you-can performances all along the Riverfront throughout the weekend. Be sure to stop by!
Shediac Lobster Festival continues this weekend, too!
Sunday July 21 is a treat for soccer lovers – The Ipswich Town Football Club & Middlesbrough FC will take the field at Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium at 1pm, followed by the HFX Wanderers FC vs. NB Selects. Tickets are on sale now!
