What to do with the kids this weekend in Greater Moncton (Nov 14-16, 2025)
Well, hello November holiday excitement! This weekend is packed with Christmas markets, Santa sightings, and so much more – including lots of public skating times, hockey games, library drop in activities, special movie times, and all the usual fun options.
A reminder the Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade is coming up next Saturday, November 22. You can find our tips & tricks for making the most of your parade outing on our annual guide!
Where to find Santa this weekend:
- 🎅 Santa is at Bass Pro; you can book your visit & free photo online, up to a week in advance
- 🎅 You can see Santa at Sackville’s tree lighting Friday night at 6pm
- 🎅 Saturday morning is Breakfast with Santa at the Irishtown Community Centre
- 🎅 He’s visiting the Magnetic Hill Wharf on Saturday, 6:15-7:45pm
New Business Alert! KidStrong is opening soon on Granite Drive. It’s a program that helps kids build strong bodies, minds, and characters through weekly 45 minute classes led by expert coaches. Sign up now for details & special rates!
Now, on to the weekend fun!
Children ages six to 12 are welcome to join in a DIY Framed Animal Portraits workshop (presented in English) at the Moncton library. No registration required, from 3:30-4:30pm.
The Jones Lake Christmas Market is on this weekend (noon-7pm on Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday) with Christmas wreaths for sale, hot apple cider, and several vendors.
4th annual Xmas market facing Jones Lake at 15 Hillcrest Drive. Indoors you will find tons of vendors and outdoors you can pick up your wreaths and Xmas Pots! Hot apple cider awaits
The Moncton Wildcats are hosting the Drummondville Voltigeurs at the Avenir Centre tonight.
Riverview’s YOUth Drop in is hosting a Trivia Night tonight.
Sackville’s holiday season kicks off tonight with the annual tree lighting and visit from Santa at 6pm at Bill Johnstone Memorial Park; come early to join the sing-a-long and bring a mug for some free hot chocolate! The town’s businesses will be open late with lots of great deals, too.
- Youth ages 12-18 can get a $5 day pass to the YMCA on Fridays! Access open gym times for basketball, volleyball, & more.
Indoor splash pad, 8am-7:45pm, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
Preschoolers with sticks, 9:30-10:30am, FREE, Arthur J LeBlanc Centre (432 Melanson Road, Dieppe)- Family Skating, 9:50-10:50am, FREE, Shediac Festival Arena
Open Gym at the Kay Arena in Moncton, 10am-noon, parent & tot
Preschool Swim, 10-11:25am, Dieppe Aquatic Centre- Parent & Tot Skating, 10:15-11:15am, FREE, Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre
The Kay Arena Walking Track is open to strollers 10:30am-12:30pm- Public Skating, 12-1:30pm, FREE, Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre
- Open Gym at the Kay Arena in Moncton, 2:30-4:30pm, students K-8 (adult supervision required for those Gr 5 & younger
Indoor Skatepark, 3-5pm, Riverview Skatepark- Public Swim, 6-7:30pm, $3/person, YMCA Vaughan Harvey
- Indoor Skatepark, 6-1opm, Riverview Skatepark
- Public Skating, 8:15-9:15pm, Hillsborough Arena
And a little self-promotion plug: Friday afternoon I’m once again co-hosting an online live presentation for World Prematurity Day, on behalf of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation. We’ll have 10 speakers from around the world sharing stories about medical advances & personal experiences. Officially, November 17 is World Prematurity Day. Tune in to last week’s podcast for some more info about why I think it’s important for everyone to understand the rates & risks of premature birth – and feel free to watch the live presentation, too!
- The Moncton Market is open 8am-2pm on Saturdays.
- The Dieppe Market is open 8am-1pm on Saturdays.
- The Salisbury Farmers & Artisans Market is open Saturdays, 8am-1:30pm. Pair it with a trip to the Antiques Mall next door, then up the road to the Green Pig, open daily 9am-7pm!
- Bouctouche Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays, 8am-1pm.
- Shediac’s art market, Maritime Crafts & More, is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am-5pm.
- Magnetic Hill Wharf is open noon-9pm, with live music & a visit from Santa in the evening.
Community Day is back at Cineplex today! There will be a selection of movies available for FREE (first come, first served, starting at 9am) and concessions will be just $3. Movies are Sing, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, The Wild Robot, and Minions: Rise of Gru.
The annual Breakfast with Santa at the Irishtown Community Centre is today! Breakfast is 9am-12pm, with Santa arriving at 10am.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Salisbury Lions Club, 7-10am. All you can eat sausages & pancakes, coffee/tea/juice, muffins and more. Cost is $10, $5 for children ages six to 10, and free for pre-schoolers!
There’s also a pancake breakfast at Riverview’s Coverdale Masonic Temple from 8:30-11am. Cost is $10 adults, $5 children.
Curt’s 5th annual Christmas Market is open at the Riverview Lions Club 9am-4pm today, with free entry, more than 70 local vendors, an on-site food truck, and more.
Magnetic Hill School’s annual Christmas Tea & Craft Fair is today, 9am-2pm (tea from 11am-1pm).
Another holiday favourite, the Crandall University Christmas Market, is on today, 9am-3pm. There are more than 70 vendors, hot chocolate to sip, prizes & games for kids, and more. Admission is $2 and donations for the food bank are welcome.
One of the most magical, whimsical markets of the year starts today! Lady Smith Manor’s annual Christmas at the Manor has an Alice in Wonderland theme this year. Head out to this historic property for a feast for your senses! There’s an outdoor hot chocolate/apple cider bar with bonfires and Christmas trees, more than two dozen amazing vendors with an incredible array of goodies, and the decor is always out of this world! Open Saturday 11am-7pm; you’re encouraged to buy you $5 ticket online in advance (children 12 & under are free).
Linda’s Legacy Craft Market is happening at Centennial Rotary Lodge, 10am-3pm, with handmade products, family photos, and fundraising options supporting What Kids Need and Princess & the Purse.
Mastermind Toys is hosting an in-store session with Magnatiles today.
BGC Dieppe is open for families to drop in today, 11am-2pm, with their rock climbing wall, board games, and more.
There are all kinds of great activities taking place at the Moncton Library today, including Scrabble club, a session with Brilliant Labs (for ages 8-12, pre-registration required), teen D&D (pre-registration required), crafting sessions, and one of our favourites – the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Award book club! If you’re looking for fantastic Canadian books geared to kids in Grades 4-6, check out the Hackmatack list!
Hillsborough Public Library invites everyone to gather for an afternoon Letters to Santa writing party. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while you write your letters; all the paper, envelopes, and more will be provided.
Click & Chew is hosting a bracelet-making workshop, 2-5pm. For $40 you get all the supplies, a medium drink, and a five-minute photo shoot with your creation!
There’s a Gather & Glow market happening at the Tire Shack, 2-6pm, featuring female-owned businesses with drinks, snacks, and more.
- Youth ages 12-18 can get a $5 day pass to the YMCA on Saturdays! Access open gym times for basketball, volleyball, & more.
- Indoor splash pad, 8-10:45am, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
- 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 Skating, 2:15-3:15pm, Hillsborough Arena
- 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
- Public Skating, 6:15-7:15pm, FREE, Arthur J LeBlanc Centre (432 Melanson Road, Dieppe)
- Public Skating, 8:15-9:15pm, Hillsborough Arena
The Mom Market is at Mapleton Park Lodge, 10am-2pm.
Curt’s 5th annual Christmas Market is open again today at the Riverview Lions Club 10am-4pm, with free entry, more than 70 local vendors, an on-site food truck, and more.
Lady Smith Manor’s annual Christmas at the Manor continues today, 10am-4pm.
Trueman Blueberry Farms is hosting a Holiday Vendor Market today, 11am-4pm. The farm also has train rides, Christmas trees, photo ops, their amazing ice cream & treats, & more every Friday to Sunday until December 21.
Amherst will hold a celebration for the Nova Scotia Tree for Boston, noon to 1pm.
It’s Make Something Sunday at Owens Art Gallery in Sackville! This is a free drop-in session, ideal for kids 12 & under (with their adults), available 2-4pm. This week’s session is all about learning simple stitches for embroidery.
There’s a needle felting workshop, open to those ages 12+, in Dieppe today. All supplies provided and you leave with a lovely ornament, just $35.
The Moncton Wildcats have an afternoon home game, hosting the Quebec Remparts.
- Indoor splash pad, 8-10:45am, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
- The Kay Arena Walking Track is open to strollers 10:30am-12:30pm
- Indoor Skatepark, 11am-1pm/1-4pm/5-7pm, Riverview Skatepark
- Public Skating, 11:45am-12:45pm, FREE, Eugène (Gene) LeBlanc Arena Memramcook
- Indoor splash pad, 12:15-2:15pm, $6, YMCA Twin Oaks
- Public Skating, 1-2pm pm, FREE, Arthur J LeBlanc Centre (432 Melanson Road, Dieppe)
- Public Skating, 1-2:30pm, FREE, Petitcodiac Arena
- Family Skating, 2:15-3:15pm, Hillsborough Arena
- Public Swim, 2:20-3:30pm, $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
- 🏀Family open gym at Maple Hills, 4-5:30pm
- Family Skating, 5:30-6:30pm, FREE, Shediac Festival Arena
- 🏀 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
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!
OUTDOOR FUN
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is open Thursdays through Mondays in November. (Watch for Wild Lights return in December!)- 🚂 Trueman Blueberry Farm’s train is operating Saturdays & Sundays, 11am-4pm, throughout November.
Llamazing Adventures is a great way to get out & get moving! You can take the llamas for a walk all through the year.
Faith First Mini Horses offers pony walks & cuddles; check their site and reach out for availability.- 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.
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! Be sure to check out all the amazing public art installations around the downtown core, too!
INDOOR FUN
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), the Pat Crossman Aquatic Centrein Riverview, and the Dieppe Aquatic Centre (with the awesome sloped entry & pirate ship splash zone!).
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.
Resurgo Place is a spot we love to visit again & again; history, hands-on science & arts, & special programming, too! (Closed on Mondays, including long weekends.)
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.
Local libraries are always a great spot to visit, with lots of programming for all ages – and also another rainy day must visit option.
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.
Riverview Indoor Skatepark & Riverview Youth Centre are a great space to learn to skate or practice your skills!
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.)
Book a booth at GG Bistro for 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 & Mystery Moncton Mystere is great for the teens & up. 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.
Riverview’s annual Light Up is happening Thursday, November 20 at 6:30pm. This is always a fun event; be sure to make plans to visit the trail throughout the holiday season, too! The holiday kick off fun continues all weekend, with Turners at the Coliseum Friday through Sunday, the Antler Breakfast on Friday morning, Shediac’s Santa parade Friday and the Royale Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade on Saturday! The annual holiday concert with Ventus Machina at the Free Meeting House (next to Resurgo Place, built in 1821) takes place Sunday, November 23 – but you need to register for your seat before November 19. There are two performances, at 5pm & 7pm, and admission is a non-perishable food donation. To reserve, call 506-856-4327 or email info@resurgo.ca
Mastermind Toys has some upcoming in-store sessions including LEGO on Nov 22.
There’s a Manga Expo planned for CCNB Dieppe November 22 & 23.
Registration is open for a fun kids’ Christmas craft session with the Art Room; sign up by November 25 for the December 6 event.
Roller Disco returns to the Coliseum on November 29.
There’s a craft fair with 70+ vendors at Riverview’s Coverdale Centre on Nov 30, 9am-3pm.