If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick, this post is for you!
As the largest city in New Brunswick, there are plenty of things to do in Moncton. And most of those things are family-friendly!
Usually when we visit a city, I have to search out family-friendly things to do, or be creative and find ways to make the things that I want to do kid-friendly.
But I can honestly say that there are so many family-friendly things to do in Moncton, I didn’t have to be too creative or search too hard!
Moncton is in the southeastern area of New Brunswick, conveniently at the geographic centre of the Maritime Provinces. Known as “Hub City” because of its central location, the Bay of Fundy, Prince Edward Island and the beaches of the Northumberland Strait are all only a short drive away.
But before you head off to explore, stay for a few days and experience the best things to do in Moncton!
From tourist attractions and natural phenomena to a vibrant art and cultural scene, there is something for everyone in the family. Here’s our top suggestions for family-friendly things to do in Moncton.
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Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Moncton
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is probably one of the more popular tourist attractions in Moncton. It’s really just an optical illusion that makes it look like things are rolling uphill when they are actually rolling downhill, but it’s still neat to experience! Drive down the hill to the white pole, put the car in neutral and see what happens!
*There is a $5 entry fee during peak tourist times, free during other times if the gate is open.
Magic Mountain
Part of the Magnetic Hill tourist site, Magic Mountain is a water park featuring a huge wave pool, different water slides including the superfast Kamikaze waterslide. There’s also a splashpad and smaller slides for younger kids, as well as the Lazy River. It’s the largest man-made tourist attraction in Atlantic Canada and one of the best things to do in Moncton with kids.
Tidal Bore
The tidal bore is a natural phenomena that happens when the high tide in the Bay of Fundy pushes a wave up the river, reversing the direction of the river’s current. The tidal bore happens twice a day and times will vary each day (check the times here). Head down to Riverfront Park, at the aptly named Bore Park, and watch the tidal bore!
Bore Park
Located along the Petitcodiac River in Moncton, Bore Park is one of the best places to see the Tidal Bore! It’s also a great place to stop, rest and enjoy the view of the river.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is a multi-use trail that runs along the Petitcodiac River in downtown Moncton. With 5 km of paved paths, it’s perfect for walking, running, cycling or letting the kids burn off some energy on their scooters. There are several monuments and lookout points along the path, including the RCMP Memorial, Honour Garden and Bore Park – which is a great spot to watch the Tidal Bore.
Skate Park
Whether your kids are into skateboarding or just need somewhere to burn off some energy, this skate park along the Riverfront Park is a great spot for kids. There’s two different sections with plenty of ramps for kids to enjoy.
Mural Tour
Moncton has over 50 outdoor art murals throughout the city. Created by local and international artists through Festival Inspire, these murals are free to view and displayed year round. Check this online map for locations and information about the different murals – there’s quite a few in the downtown area and around Riverfront Park.
Moncton Market
If you’re in Moncton on the weekend, be sure to check out the Moncton Market! Stop by and pick up fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts and gifts, or have lunch! There are 120 vendors, so plenty of things to choose from. The Moncton Market runs every Saturday from 8am-2pm.
Fun fact: Although the location has changed a few times over the years, the Moncton Market has been running for over 130 years!
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Moncton. It’s a fantastic park in the middle of the city and there’s plenty to do year round!
Pack a picnic lunch, explore the trails and cool off at the splash pad in the summer. There are also three different playgrounds for kids to burn off some energy, including a wheelchair accessible playground.
In the winter, there’s skating on the pond, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the longest lit trails in Eastern Canada.
TreeGo
For those who love heights, TreeGo is the perfect adventure! Located in Centennial Park, TreeGo is a fun aerial adventure with courses designed for all levels and abilities. Zipline through the trees in Moncton!
*Children must be 7 years or older and meet the height requirement in order to pass safely through the course. More information and pricing can be found on their website.
Irishtown Nature Park
Located at the northern edge of Moncton, Irishtown Nature Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada. It’s a gorgeous park with plenty to do. Explore the paved trails and footpaths or head out on the lake in a canoe or non-motorized boat. Bring a picnic and spend the day!
More Things to Do Near Moncton
Hopewell Rocks
The Hopewell Rocks is one of the top tourist attractions in New Brunswick, and for good reason!
Less than an hour’s drive from Moncton, the rocks are located in the Bay of Fundy which is home to the highest tides in the world.
Twice a day, the water rises and falls, eroding the base of the rocks over time.
At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and gaze up at these impressive rock formations.
Merely six hours later, you can stand on the viewing platforms and see how high the water has risen, with only the tops of the rocks visible.
There is an entry fee to the Hopewell Rocks, but entry to the park allows for you to wander and explore at your leisure.
Entry to the park is valid for two days, so you can view low tide one day and high tide the next day if you choose.
Signs are posted to warn of the tide times (which vary daily) but there is still plenty of time around low tide to walk on the ocean floor.
You can find the latest prices and opening hours here.
Shediac
Just a 30 minute drive from Moncton, Shediac is known as the “Lobster Capital of the World”.
There’s an annual lobster festival held each July, but the town also boasts the “World’s Largest Lobster”.
Stop for a photo with this giant 90-ton lobster before heading into town and exploring the shops and cafes, where you can try some of the famous lobster!
Parlee Beach
Nearby on the Northumberland Strait, Parlee Beach is one of North America’s finest beaches and boasts the warmest salt water in Canada.
It’s Blue Flag certified and a gorgeous spot to spend a summer afternoon.
There’s a restaurant in the park and camping is available from mid-May to mid-October. Rates and more information can be found here.
Where to Stay in Moncton:
We stayed at Days Inn & Suites, just off the highway. It’s just across from Magnetic Hill and only a short drive from Riverfront Park and the downtown area. Rooms were clean, inexpensive and it was a great location, as it was easy to access the highway for any day trips from Moncton.
If you are looking to stay downtown, there are several great hotels beside the river. Rodd Hotels, Crowne Plaza Hotel Moncton and Chateau Moncton all have great recommendations and are within walking distance from the downtown area.
We hope you enjoy these family-friendly things to do in Moncton!
