Family Fun in Fredericton!
Planning a fun filled visit to New Brunswick’s Capital? With so much to offer it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do! From adventure activities, to educational exhibits, and cultural experiences – Fredericton has something to offer from a variety of perspectives. Here are some of our favorite family favourite ideas to help you plan your trip.
1. Lighthouse on The Green | 615 Queen Street
Fredericton’s newest restaurant to open is located just across from the downtown docks, and right off our extensive trail system. Its also host to an ice cream shack so you can treat the kids on your pit stop from either boating on the river or biking the trails. As a structure, it provides an idyllic maritime backdrop if your thinking of getting some summer photos.
2. Splash Pad Fun | 50 Woodstock Road
Make the most of our sunny summer weather with the kids! Located in the expansive Wilmot Park, just off of the Woodstock Road is Fredericton’s largest splash pad – the grounds itself are home to a number of recreational amenities – including; a large playground, tennis courts, lawn bowling facilities, basketball courts and a bandstand. It’s a great spot for the kids to burn off some steam, all while staying cool in the summer sun!
3. Second Nature Outdoors | 63 Brunswick Street
With a whole host of equipment, you can rent sailboats, kayaks, bikes and paddleboards from the Second Nature Outdoors Fredericton location! Making the most of our family fun adventure, we decided on a two-hour canoe ride. We chose to explore a nearby stream system located across the river from the Second Nature shop. After a quick 10-minute paddle across choppy waters, we found ourselves in a tranquil inlet, shrouded by ancient trees and the sound of songbirds. At one point we even had a close encounter with an eagle which flew overhead. It doesn’t get any more New Brunswick than this!
4. A Visit to Kings Landing | 5804 Route 102
Referred to as a living history museum, Kings Landing is an experience to behold for folks both young and old. Located just 20 minutes from the city the “village” was set up to preserve the history and stories of the area, it’s filled with historic buildings, costumed characters, and family friendly farm animals! You can take free horse and cart rides to help you get from various areas of interest, to the next. Learn all about how we used to live, create, and survive by visiting a whole array of operational sites such as; the blacksmiths shop, the hydro powered saw mill, and the village store (which is full of oddities and old fashioned candy). You can truly spend all day here – it’s a fascinating learning experience and a highly recommended excursion for all!
5. Science East | 668 Brunswick Street
Making science fun – Science East is the most active public science and technology educational organization in New Brunswick. Looking for a fun and education experience for the kids, then look no further – they also have Atlantic Canada’s only outdoor science playground, full of exciting exhibits that will delight children and adults alike! Explore their big ship play structure, various water exhibits, monkey around on their climbing wall, or take a spin in the human gyroscope!
6. Kingswood Entertainment Center | 1700 Hanwell Road
Looking for something to do on a rainy day, look no further than Atlantic Canada’s largest entertainment center. Located on the outskirts of town, right beside the Kingswood Golf Course, there’s something to keep everyone happy. Of their entertainment offerings, they have an extensive arcade, laser tag, and 30 bowling lanes.
7. TreeGo | 1439 Route 105
For those who are looking for an adventurous family activity, check out TreeGo Mactaquac! This aerial adventure course is a challenging and exciting experience that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Zipline from the majestic treetops and enjoy the great outdoors while flying high over the pristine waters of the Wolastoq River. TreeGo has courses that are suited for children, teens, and adults alike!
8. Mactaquac Beaver Ponds | Route 105
This free activity is a great for the entire family – with Mactaquac Parks varied trail systems, you can choose from short hikes that take you all along the waterways, to the longer ones that bring you on a hike through the woods. We chose to explore the Beaver Pond Trail which is perfect to keep the kids entertained. They have a net station and various information boards located on the shores of the pond for them to identify and try to catch various fish and fauna.
9. Quillis Family Fun Water Park | 5171 Route 102
Located near the ever popular Woolastook Campground, this is a unique activity for the family to experience. Set up off the sandy banks of the river is a large inflatable obstacle course that will bring you endless fun.
10. Skinny’s Scoop and Petting Zoo | 336 Route 105
Open for the summer season is a well-known roadside spot located on Keswick Ridge. Take the kids for a spin through the idyllic countryside and pop by this hidden gem for a quick bite, slushie, or old-fashioned banana split (their menu is extensive)! Dotted around the property are various play structures and swing sets, as well as farm animals like goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys.
11. Clay Café | 356 Queen Street
Another great rainy day activity is to visit the Clay Café in downtown Fredericton. Choose from a varied array of clay ornaments and dishes (over 300+ options!), then sit back, relax and paint! Feeling peckish afterwards? Pop next door to the Donut Bar and treat yourself to a decadent dessert!
12. Unplugged Board Games Café | 418 Queen Street
Located in the heart of Fredericton Unplugged is in a prime location for you to do some downtown exploring then settle in for some family boardgame battles! With over 500 games to choose from, this spot is a no brainer for some family fun.
13. Calithumpians Outdoor Summer Theatre | 168 Church Street
Located on the Cathedral Green (corner of Church and King Street) is Fredericton’s renowned youth theatre troupe! Here, you’ll find almost daily performances by The Calithumpians. Geared toward the younger generations, they put on shows that focus upon heritage interpretation and educational theatre.
14. Fredericton Region Museum | 571 Queen Street
Learn about the history of Fredericton and central New Brunswick, the museum offers guided tours as well as guided walking tours of the downtown district’s historical sites. Each summer, they also play host to an Artist in Residence program that has become a popular attraction in itself. The Museum is also the home of the famous Coleman Frog. He is the 42lb wonder that lived in the Killarney Lake just north of Fredericton about 100 years ago.
15. NB Sports Hall of Fame | 503 Queen Street
Pay a visit to New Brunswick’s only Sports Museum where you can learn all about the stories of New Brunswick’s most inspiring athletes. Located in the heart of downtown’s idyllic Queen Street, the facility is within close proximity to the ever-growing food and beverage scene of the city’s downtown hub. Why not take a tour and plan to visit their interactive sports simulator after grabbing a bite during your exploration of our downtown!
Are you planning a family adventure to #ExploreFredericton this summer? If so, be sure to book your trip via our Stay & Play Packages section where various added perks, such as passes to exhibits, or vouchers for adventure activities will be included with your accommodations! Here is a link to some other excursions you can also try on your trip to New Brunswick’s beautiful capital;
