Wondering what to do in Moncton? Here’s our top suggestions for family-friendly things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick.
As the largest city in New Brunswick, there are plenty of things to do in Moncton. And most of those attractions and activities are great for families!
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 activities to do in Moncton, I didn’t have to be too creative or search too hard!
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 things to do in Moncton with kids.
Where is Moncton, New Brunswick
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.
If you’re doing an Eastern Canada road trip and driving through New Brunswick, you WILL pass through Moncton. And instead of just spending the night or driving straight through, spend some time in the city and explore some of these fun Moncton attractions to break up your drive.
Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Moncton, NB
1. See Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moncton, if not in the entire province.
The hill is really just an optical illusion, created by rising and descending terrain, that makes it look like things are rolling uphill when they are actually rolling downhill. But optical illusion or not, it’s still a unique experience!
To try it out for yourself, 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.
2. Visit Magic Mountain
Part of the Magnetic Hill tourist site, Magic Mountain is a water park featuring a huge wave pool, and 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 most fun things to do in Moncton with kids.
3. See the Tidal Bore
Moncton, with its location on the Petitcodiac River and proximity to the Bay of Fundy, is home to a unique experience called the tidal bore.
The tidal bore is a natural phenomenon 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. It’s fascinating to see!
The tidal bore happens twice a day, coinciding with high tide and low tide time and can be seen in several places throughout the Maritimes. The times change each day, so be sure to check the times here.
4. Visit Bore Park
As we mentioned above, Moncton is one of the places on the East Coast where you can see a tidal bore. And the best place to see the tidal bore in Moncton is at Bore Park, right along the Petitcodiac River.
There’s stadium-style benches and plenty of room along the river’s edge where you can watch the twice-daily tidal bore! It is a pretty popular event, so be sure to get there a few minutes early to secure a spot.
But even if you don’t time it right to see the tidal bore, Bore Park is still worth a visit. It’s a great place to stop, rest and enjoy the view of the river.
5. Walk Along 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 we mentioned above, and is a great spot to watch the Tidal Bore.
6. Take the Kids to the 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 are two different sections with plenty of ramps for kids to enjoy, whether or not they are pro skateboarders.
My kid took their scooters and had a great time going up and down some of the ramps at the smaller skateboard area.
7. Do a Moncton 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.
If your kids are anything like mine, giving them something to look for while we sightsee always helps pass the time. This online map has the locations and information about the different murals – there are quite a few in the downtown area and around Riverfront Park.
8. Visit the 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!
9. Explore Magnetic Wharf Village
This fun family attraction is just 15 minutes away from the downtown area, and one of the top places to visit in Moncton. In the summer months, the wharf is a popular spot with unique shopping, delicious food and tasty treats, including Murray’s Moose ice cream. It’s delicious, and a great spot for a selfie with a moose!
Kids will love to walk around and find the whale bones, a friendly shark head and Larry the lobster. And there’s plenty to eat, from delicious east coast favourites like lobster rolls and chowder to classic nachos and poutines, as well as fresh fudge and homemade lemonade.
*Magnetic Wharf Village is only open seasonally.
10. Visit Centennial Park
A visit to Centennial Park is one of the top 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 one of the longest lit trails in Eastern Canada.
11. Adventure at TreeGo
One of two treetop trekking adventures in New Brunswick (the other is just outside of Fredericton), TreeGo is a fun family adventure in Moncton. Located in Centennial Park, TreeGo features zip-lines, bridges & climbing obstacles through the treetops, with different courses designed for all levels and abilities.
If you’re looking for something different to do with family, head to TreeGo and 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.
12. Spend the Day at 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, and it’s one of the best free things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick.
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!
13. Head Indoors at SkyZone Trampoline Park
Moncton’s indoor trampoline park is a fun activity for kids on a rainy day. Stop in for a jump session, try the 6-lane obstacle course, tug of war zone, foam zone, or even basketball and dodgeball. There’s also a 3-level indoor playground dedicated to younger kids.
Things to Do Around Moncton NB
Explore Hopewell Rocks
Less than an hour’s drive from Moncton, the Hopewell 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 along the ocean floor and gaze up at these impressive rock formations.
And then only six hours later, when the tide comes in, 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.
Stop by 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, which is fun to attend if you’re in the area. But if you’re visiting any other time, don’t worry – the town also boasts the “World’s Largest Lobster”, and he makes for a great photo op.
Take 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!
Relax at Parlee Beach
Nearby on the Northumberland Strait, Parlee Beach is one of North America’s best 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 and inexpensive, and it was a great location, with 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’ve stayed at a few Rodd hotels throughout the East Coast, including two different locations in PEI and have always enjoyed our stays.
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Moncton with Kids
Moncton is a great family-friendly destination. From the attractions at Magnetic Hill to watching the fascinating tidal bore, there are so many fun things to do in Moncton with kids. Whether you’re staying a day or a week, I hope you enjoy these family-friendly activities in Moncton!
