What to do with the kids this weekend in Greater Moncton (Sept 13-15, 2024)

Every year I forget how much I adore late summer/early fall – until we have a beautiful stretch like this! The weather is amazing – cool enough for a sweater, sunny enough to warm your face – and there are oodles of fun things to do, so let’s get planning, everyone!

We’re starting this weekend’s round up with a look at the fall must-visit for many families: apple orchards (featuring some pumpkins & corn mazes, too)!

pickle planet apple pumpkin u pick corn maze events activities fall 2024

September & October are wonderful months for apple picking, pumpkin decorating, and corn maze adventures! You can find links to all sorts of options throughout New Brunswick in our annual guide. Here are the closest options you might want to visit this weekend:

🌽 The beloved Green Pig Market in Salisbury is open again – and its corn maze is open for the season as of Saturday! The Green Pig features mini corn mazes perfect for toddlers, a bounce pad, straw mountain, the pumpkin blaster, and a larger maze for those looking for a longer adventure. The main corn maze takes about an hour-and-a-half to complete, while the mini maze is full of activities for young kids and takes less than 30 minutes to walk through. The mini maze is $5, while the regular maze entry is $12. All are open 10am-5pm. Follow along on their Facebook page for updates. They have some lovely pumpkins & other fall decor/food available at the market, too!🎃

🍦 Trueman Blueberry Farm in Aulac is always a great adventure; watch for upcoming information on their corn maze, pumpkin patch, and after dark options this fall. For now, visit for the amazing homemade ice cream, a new MEGA slide as part of their Happy Place play area, and their raspberry u-pick.

🍎Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook is open daily, 10am-5pm. We LOVE heading here afterschool for a quieter experience – or during the day with younger kiddos! They offer small $3 bags for kids to pick, as well as 5-20lbs bags for those with a serious need for apples. 🙂 This week’s varieties are Ginger Gold, Gravenstein, Paula Red, Sunrise, & Lobo. On Friday, Clinton Fernandez will be singing on site starting at 6:30pm, and the container bar will be open along with the food truck (food & drink also available all day Saturday). Belliveau Orchards offers a fun tractor ride out into the orchard, too!

🫐 Memramcook’s Les Petits Fruits de Pré-d’en-Haut is a lovely farm overlooking the Bay of Fundy, with a stand open 10am-5pm. Watch for their wagon rides to the pumpkin patch to return! 🎃

🍎 La Fleur du Pommier (79 Chemin R Goguen, Cocagne) opens for the season Friday. They’ll be open 10am-6pm daily, with their cafe open Saturdays & Sundays. This weekend you can pick Lobo, MacIntosh, & Cortland apples; $1.50/lb.

🍎 Uris Williams & Sons Apple Orchard (875 Murray Road) is open for the season, 10am-5pm. Currently with Ginger Gold, Lobo, MacIntosh, & Cortland apples available.

MUST READ: FAMILY FALL BUCKET LIST IDEAS

Looking for a fun class to get your little one out & about? Check out the music classes offered by Alison Dawn Voice & Music’s Riverview studio! They also have youth classes – including a musical theatre program!

music classes babies toddlers youth riverview

Alright, let’s move on to this weekend’s list of events, shall we? It’s a full one, so you have lots of options & ideas to choose from!

The Albert County Exhibition is on all weekend! Today there’s a magician show at noon & the exhibit hall is open noon to 8pm. At 6pm there’s a chance to be interactive with some barn animals, horse shows, axe throwing demonstration, & more. They have carnival rides this year, too! It’s cash-only to enter: children are $4, adults $8. Rides cost extra.

Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum’s Fall Fest starts today, with vendors on site from 4-8pm. There will be BBQ, live music, antique cars, & more.

Shediac’s Fall Festival kicks off with a ball hockey tournament. Check out their flyer for more events coming!

Sackville’s Pride Parade is today, starting at 4:30pm at the chapel at Mount A, heading to Town Hall. There’ll be a flag raising, cake, music, & more from 5-6pm.

IHW Wrestling will be at the Petitcodiac Arena tonight, with a 7pm bell time. Tickets available at the door: $15 for children 12 & under, $25 for adults. Come see Petitcodiac’s own Kris Charters & Karma Rayne as special guest ring announcer, along with the 7′ Tall Giant Orion, Fantana, TV Champion Kirk Aubé & more!

Up for a road trip? The Canadian Lumberjack Championships are in Mactaquac Friday & Saturday. It’s also Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton & Sommo Festival in PEI!

 

Today at the Albert County Exhibition the 4H competition is in the morning, there’s a noon parade, exhibit hall is open till 8pm, there are afternoon & evening chances to be interactive with some barn animals, horse shows, the Junior Farmer Olympics at 2pm, Mad Science at 3pm, & more. They have carnival rides this year, too! It’s cash-only to enter: children are $4, adults $8. Rides cost extra.

Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum’s Fall Fest continues today, with vendors on site from 10am-8pm. There will be BBQ, corn boil, live music, activities throughout the afternoon, and Travel to You Zoo on site from 11am-2pm.

The Cats Cup youth ball hockey tournament still had a few openings when we checked! Watch for lots of fun outside the Avenir Centre, with a free community BBQ, autographs with the Wildcats, bouncy castles, french fries, music, & more!

Today is also the 3rd Norval McConnell 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the Moncton Riverfront, with teams from U11 to 35+. Cheer them on, enjoy the music, and you might event snag a chance to see former Toronto Raptor Jerome Williams at 11am!

Cineplex’s annual Community Day is happening today. Go online now & book yourself for the discounted movies! We spy some PAW Patrol options at Dieppe & Trinity!

Yard sale fans already likely have the next few events marked on the calendar. The World’s Largest Garage Sale returns to the Moncton Coliseum on Saturday, September 14 from 9am-4pm, with hundreds of vendors.

There’s a car seat clinic being held today at the Riverview Fire Station.

Orienteering New Brunswick is holding an event at Centennial Park today, including a 1.5km beginner course.

Toys R Us has a Transformers poster in-store giveaway today, Mastermind Toys has Pokemon & Peppa Pig Play Doh events this weekend that require registration, and Chapters has a Magna-tiles in-store activation today at 1pm.

Weather is looking perfect for the outdoor movie night planned at the Irishtown Community Centre. Bring your blankets & chairs to watch Kung Fu Panda 4; concessions open at 7pm, movie at 7:45pm. This is free to attend, but donations are welcome.

Don’t forget – the Green Pig Country Market’s corn maze open September 14! (The mini maze is perfect for toddlers; but if you can, we suggest waiting to go during the week to avoid the crowds & enjoy a lovely outing.)

And the perfect pairing – on Saturday, Salisbury’s authentic Mexican restaurant is hosting their 3rd annual Dia Del Grito – a celebration of Mexico’s independence! We love the vibe & the food here every day (they’re open noon till 8pm & have bubble tea & awesome coffee, too!) but we can’t wait to see it transformed with performances by Folklor Dance Group Latido & Salsa Pa Ti — and a chance for everyone to try a little salsa dancing, too! There will be live singing & a special on pozole. The celebration is from 6-9pm.

Top on our must-visit list is the new playground in Maple Hills! The Grand Opening celebration for the new Parc Brookridge Park in Maple Hills. You’re invited to bring a picnic, enjoy a cash market with vendors, a Touch-a-Truck section, balloon twisting, selfies with Mr. Bear, and more from 10am – 1pm.

(PS: We’re also hoping to head down to the new playground in Riverside-Albert soon to showcase it for you, too!)

Keep the fun going with the 3rd annual Family Fun Day at Irishtown Community Centre. There’ll be live entertainment, bouncy castles, & fundraising activities, from noon until 4pm. Maple Hills Council members & staff will be serving up free corn on the cob while supplies last!
TH Sports is hosting an open house Sunday, noon till 4pm, so you can check out the new gym. Bring your indoor shoes to try out the basketball courts! (And keep an eye out for pickleball news from them!)
Mexican Independence Day will be celebrated outside the Avenir Centre, with face painting, music, dancing, food, & more from 1-7pm.

Today is NB Open Farm Day! There are a few local farms opening their doors: Open Sky in Sackville, La Fleur du Pommier in Cocagne, Belliveau Orchard in Memramcook, and Waldow Farms & Corn Hill Farmhouse in Cornhill.

The Albert County Exhibition wraps up today, with lots to experience all through the morning & afternoon. It’s cash-only to enter: children are $4, adults $8. Rides cost extra.

The Dieppe Military Veterans Association will lead a ceremony at J.-Laurie-Cormier Park commemorating the Battle of Britain. A military parade will begin at 1:30pm.

Salisbury is hosting a Terry Fox Run at the Wetland Trail; registration at 12:30pm, walk at 1pm.

There’s a children’s chess tournament taking place at the Moncton Public Library today, for grades K to 12. Play begins at 1pm; there is a fee to compete.

The Gran & Terra Fondo Shediac happens today. This is a long-distance bike ride, leaving from the foot of the Giant Lobster and cycling through the communities – so be extra patient & diligent if you’re out for a Sunday drive. People are welcome to cheer the riders on at the start or along the route!

🐯  The Magnetic Hill Zoo is open seven days a week through September & October.

🏫  Resurgo Place is a spot we love to visit again & again; history, hands-on science & arts, & special programming, too!

🦖  The Albert County Museum is open throughout September, with a special guest – Albert, the Albertosaurus!

🏊‍♀️ 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 – Friday public swim 7-8pm, Saturday public swim 6:30-7:45, & Sunday public swim 2-3pm – thanks to the City, Friday & Sunday swims are just $3/person), the Pat Crossman Aquatic Centre in Riverview (Saturday public swims, 2-3:30pm), 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.

🎳 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!

🪨 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!

🛹 There’s a borrowing program at YMCA North with skateboards, helmets, and protective gear for use on their great outdoor ramps!

🔐 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!

💥 Gamer in the family? The Comic Hunter hosts Friday Night Magic Modern sessions,  Sunday Lorcana Locals & Pokémon sessions, Monday Star Wars Unlimited Weekly Play & lots of other gaming events. Check out their September calendar for details.

🎲 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.

🐟 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.

🏸 Badminton for ages 12-18, $5, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:15-9:50pm, YMCA Greater Moncton

🤘 BGC Dieppe is always a great place for families to connect.

🎧 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!

🚵 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!

🍦Trueman’s Blueberry Farm is also a fabulous ice cream destination – and on the weekend they have a train you can ride!

✨ Akadi Lumina is open until October 19!

There’s a supermoon coming September 18 – meaning high highs & low lows for the tides in & around that day.

Sackville’s Fall Fair is September 18-22, with lots of fun for everyone! Check the full schedule on their website: www.sackville.com/fallfair

The third We Are One Afrofuturism celebration takes place September 19 – 21.

Riverview’s Harvest Fest returns September 20-22. Residents can register for their Pumpkin Palooza kit now!

The amazing Moncton Multiples Consignment Sale takes place at the Coliseum on September 21. (And if that doesn’t fill your kids’ consignment bucket, the fall/winter Grapevine Events pop up consignment event happens in Saint John October 4 & 5. We know lots of local folks travel down for the shopping!)

Salisbury Regional School & the Town are hosting Anglophone East School District’s second annual Mawiomi (powwow) on September 24, 10am – 2pm. Everyone welcome!

The Amlamgog Youth Powwow takes place September 27 & 28 in Fort Folly.

Petitcodiac hosts a Fall Fair on September 28.

The Moncton Wildcats regular season starts up the end of this month, with a game September 28 & 29 at the Avenir Centre.

Beloved Miniature Horses is holding an open house on September 30, with lots of animals to meet, face painting, & more.

Thanks for reading & supporting Pickle Planet. We hope you & your family have an incredible weekend, whether you’re out & about in the community or sticking close to home & making memories together! Drop us a note to let us know what you get up to – or tag us on socials! 

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