What to do with the kids this weekend in Greater Moncton (Sept 5-7, 2025)
Friends, this is a PACKED list! There are festivals this weekend & more coming soon, so many ideas for adventures & fun treats to enjoy, and oodles of ideas to get your weekend planning kicked into high gear. Grab a cozy drink & settle in; be sure to read to the end of this round up for all the tea on what’s happening in & around Greater Moncton – and a special fall treat from us!
Have some books ready for a new home? Donation boxes are out at Sobeys in Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, & Shediac for the annual Bookstravaganza (happening at the Moncton Coliseum Oct 24-26).
The Atlantic Balloon Fiesta is happening in Sussex throughout the weekend. Watch the beautiful balloons rise, enjoy carnival games, shop local vendors, and explore Sussex!
Truman Blueberry Farm’s Happy Place (kids’ activities) & sunflower fields will be open today, Saturday, & Sunday from 11am-8pm.
Hom’Art is an arts festival taking place in Shediac throughout the weekend. There are all kinds of events, including live painting exhibits, buskers, live music, workshops, and more. Check their full schedule to find what fits your tastes – or just head to Shediac & explore!
Last call for the temporary exhibit, What does it mean to come from Moncton, at Resurgo Place! This fantastic exploration of the work of Gerald Leblanc ends Sept. 7, so get yourself to the museum this weekend to check it out.
PS: Akadi Lumina is open until October 18; don’t miss your chance to visit this fantastic outdoor experience, either.
In high school football, the Harrison Trimble Trojans are visiting L’Odyssee at 7pm.
Early riser? The Flyball Dogs will be showing their stuff at the Petitcodiac Arena starting at 8am today, going until 3pm.
There’s a community market in Cap Acadie today, and as always the Moncton Market, the Dieppe Market, & Salisbury’s Farmers & Artisans Market & Green Pig Country Market, are open. (There’s also a holistic fair at the Salisbury Legion today & tomorrow.)
Belliveau Orchard‘s U-Pick season begins this weekend! The u-pick begins on Saturday and will be open daily, 10am-5pm, for all your apple picking fun. Check the end of this round up for more details on apple orchards, corn mazes, & other fall fun!
MOSAIQ takes place this Saturday, with a Parade of Nations at 10am (from Church Street, down to Main Street & on to Riverfront Park), followed by a community BBQ & multicultural performances featuring dance, song, music & more. A wonderful celebration of the cultures that make Greater Moncton vibrant! Wear your traditional clothing, bring your flags, rep your heritage.
Travel to You Zoo is hosting a Back to School Barn Party today! In addition to spending time with the animals, you can enjoy horseback riding and face painting. A great outing for the whole family!
Truman Blueberry Farm’s Happy Place (kids’ activities) & sunflower fields are open today, 11am-8pm.
The Mom Market will be at Centennial park, 11am-4pm.
Author Sheriza DeGuzma will be at Chapters Moncton with her children’s books from noon till 4pm.
The Bernice MacNaughton Highlanders visit Riverview to take on the Royals football team at 1pm.
DYK: The Moncton library has a regular D&D campaign for ages 13-18, ideal for beginners? Saturday afternoons; reach out to the library for details on joining this free programming.
Also, one Saturday a month there’s a kids’ DIY workshop at Home Depot. It’s free, but spaces are limited. (September’s event is already sold out.) Sign up for October’s event – building a haunted candy box – opens Monday, Sept. 15 at 10:30am.
And of course the fun continues today at the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex & Hom’Art in Shediac.
The Flyball Dogs will be at the Petitcodiac Arena again today (8am-3pm), as well as a fun ball hockey tournament starting at 10:30am with face painting, DJ, treats, & more.
Truman Blueberry Farm’s Happy Place (kids’ activities) & sunflower fields are open today, 11am-8pm.
Your last chance to take in Atlantic Balloon Fiesta in Sussex & Hom’Art in Shediac.
The Wildcats have a pre-season match up with the Charlottetown Islanders, 3pm at the JK Irving Centre in Bouctouche.
These attractions & fun ideas are always worth checking out! Look for the 
for our TEEN & TWEEN picks!
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 SplashZone & FunZone are closed for the season, but there are still a few weekends to enjoy the Golf & TekZone fun at Magic Mountain!
The Boardwalk is open (with Butterfly World, driving range, go karts, bumpber cars & boats, mini golf, batting cages, paddle boats, and more) this weekend & next, closing for the season on Sept. 14.
Drive In Movies are perfect fall outings, especially with teens! Check out what’s playing at 
Shediac’s Neptune Drive In & the Sussex Drive In.
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is open daily.
East Coast Karting is open (weather permitting). Check their Facebook for updates & details!- 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!
Llamazing Adventures is a great way to get out & get moving! Take the llamas for a walk!
Faith First Mini Horses offers pony walks & cuddles; check their site and reach out for availability.
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.
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 Bistrofor some gaming fun & great eats!
Creative mood? Try DIY Studio to paint your own pottery!- We’re loving all the workshops and invitations to imagine at the Maker Hub in Riverview. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
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.
Markets & More
- The Moncton Market & the Dieppe Market are both open on Saturday mornings, with fantastic options for local goodies.
- Many smaller communities also have markets & great hidden eating gems, like Salisbury’s growing market/antique scene and the Green Pig Country Market, as well as the Old Church Farmer’s Market in Hillsborough.
- Shediac’s Sunday market is a must visit! More than 70 vendors, live music on the stage, a great seating area, & so much fun!
- A cool spot to shop & enjoy a riverside stroll is the Starving Artist Cafe in Moncton.
- Magnetic Hill Wharf Village is still open for the season.
FUN EATS
Shout out to Banh Mi Bready, celebrating their first year in business with fun specials this week; check out their socials for updates! And while you’re at their shop, peep to see how things are coming with the new location for The Carefree Cakery.
And speaking of yummy eats, we know many of the ice cream stands have shut down now that students are back in school, but if you’re on the hunt for a great treat during these warm days, the Saint-Antoine Dairy Bar is still open seven days a week, 12-9pm. They have a great little play space for littles & a huge selection – and just about a 30-minute drive from Costco!
- Tambayan Cafe is a 2D cafe in Riverview.
- Add a photo booth shoot to your sweets order at Click & Chew in Dieppe.
- 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 now 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 & lostandfound ice cream are next door neighbours on St. George Street, another great combo.
- And if bread & pastries are what you want, Co Pain Artisan Bread Company is where you need to go!
- In search of a special? Check out The Daily Feast for great overview of local restaurants, their deals, & more.
Levee on the Lake is back Sept. 11-14, with all sorts of fantastic programming you should check out – but especially the FREE children’s concert on Saturday, with music by Backhouse Brass, sing-a-longs with Shelley Bean & The Duckety Muds, and train rides with Little Obie! Train rides are from 9:30-10:30am, the show begins at 10:30am, and train rides resume around 11:45am & continue for an hour or so.
The Albert County Exhibition is Sept. 11-14, with agricultural displays & demonstrations, a mounted horseman shooting show, carnival rides, and more.
The Norval McConnell 3-on-3 basketball tournament returns to Moncton’s Riverfront on Sept. 13, with a live DJ, food trucks, prizes, and more. The day begins with the U11 teams and moves on up to high schoolers & adults.
Moncton musician Vimal will offer a performance and Q&A session for youth, ages 10-18, at the Moncton library on Sept. 13 from 2-3:30pm. This is a free event, but you are suggested to reserve your spot by calling 506-869-6000 or emailing BiblioMonctonLib@gnb.ca.
Maple Hills & Irishtown Community Centre are showing the new Lilo & Stitch movie on Sept. 13. No set entry charge, though donations are welcome. Doors open at 6:45pm, movie begins at 7:30pm. There will be a canteen; bring your own blankets & chairs to get comfy!
There’s a fashion show planned for the Dieppe Arts & Culture Centre on Sept. 13.
The Moncton Multiples Consignment Sale returns to the Moncton Coliseum on Saturday, September 13. You need to pre-purchase tickets for the earliest entry, but from 11am-1pm it’s free entry. This is a great way to shop from local families to outfit kids with clothes, toys, shoes, books, & more. The earlier you go, the better the selection, but it’s always worth a visit in our opinion!
Boyle Family Farm is opening to the public on September 13 & 14 with a fall petting zoo, corn maze for the kids, pumpkin patch, & more!
Irishtown Community Centre is planning a Family Fun Day on September 14.
The 23rd annual Sackville Fall Fair takes place Sept. 18-21, with a parade, carnival rides, family fun day, & more!
Riverview’s Harvest Fest returns Sept. 19-21, with lots of family-friendly events, including Youth Glow BINGO, the annual skateboarding competition, geocaching, family fun day, and one of our seasonal favourites – Pumpkin Palooza!
IHW Wrestling will celebrate its 20th anniversary during Harvest Fest, with a show at the Coverdale Rec Centre on Sept. 20.
International Day of Peace will be celebrated Sept. 20 at Dieppe’s Dover Park, with a family-friendly event that invites you to sign a giant peace kite that will fly at 3pm. There will be an afternoon full of kites, activities, and fun!
Sunday, Sept. 21 is the Terry Fox Run on Confederation Bridge. You can sign up to run/walk until Sept. 18.
Frozen in Time, a sing-along stage experience, is at the Capitol Theatre for two shows & a VIP meet-and-greet on Sunday, Sept. 21. (Children under two can sit in your lap without purchasing a ticket for them!)
New Brunswick Open Farm Day is on Sunday, Sept. 21; several farms will open their doors to the public for free that day.
East Coast Amusements returns to the parking lot at the Moncton Coliseum, Sept. 25-28. Watch their social media for hours & ticket prices.
Greater Moncton Navratri Festival is Sept. 26 & 27.
Cap Acadie is celebrating AutomneFest Sept. 26-28, with Foodie Friday food truck celebration, an outdoor market with kids’ activities on Saturday, a community breakfast Sunday, a car show, and more!
Salisbury’s Harvest Fest is happening Sept. 26-27, kicking off with an outdoor concert at Highland Park on Friday night with Pier 19 before a Saturday afternoon filled with family fun! There’ll be animals, hayrides, BBQ & corn boil, games, and hopefully fireworks at 8pm.
We’ve updated our annual list of pumpkin patches, corn mazes, & more for your autumn adventure planning – but here are some quick tidbits for you!
Belliveau Orchard‘s U-Pick season begins this weekend! The u-pick begins on Saturday and will be open daily, 10am-5pm, for all your apple picking fun!
Hunter Brothers 2025 corn maze (opening Sept. 6 for the season) is a tribute to musical legends Blue Rodeo. The full maze experience – including fun weekend activities – takes about three hours; purchase your tickets online in advance to ensure entry. You can visit anytime between 10am & 6pm. The maze only is open Monday-Friday, as well. (This farm is in Florenceville-Bristol, about a three-hour drive from Moncton.)
Fletcher’s Farm in Miramichi is opening their maze this weekend, too!
The Green Pig Country Market’s corn maze opens Sept. 19 for the season, with a pirate theme this year! (Just a 25-minute drive from downtown Moncton, near the Salisbury Big Stop. Make plans to visit the Town centre, too, with authentic Mexican food, amazing pizza, and the awesome Highland Park!)
Looking for some anytime inspiration this fall? We’ve updated our famous Bucket List Bingo card for the season! Save the photo (English version first, French follows) & use it to help you decide on your next adventure.
