Day Trips In New Brunswick With Kids
For many summers now, we have been doing day trips from our home in Moncton, NB. With two children that are almost 10 years apart in age, we have tried to find adventures that are interesting for both boys. While some day tripping adventures have been the entire family, many have been just myself and the kids, while hubby is working. Keeping this in mind, many of the day trips are doable with one adult and a couple children.
My oldest is into history and anything military, so museums and historic sites are certainly his favourite. With the youngest, having been a baby up to only 5 now, we have tried to keep the museums smaller and the historic sites safe for him to run around. As he grows, we are adding more and more educational aspects to our day tripping.
This summer we will explore new areas and revisit some of our favourites. Follow along as we do. I will be adding links to this list as we visit each area of the province, as well as adding day tripping ideas for PEI and NS.
NB Adventures
South Eastern NB Region:
- Cape Jourimain Nature Center, Bayfield, NB
Looking for a beautiful view, eco-friendly site, walking trails and educational experience for the family? Cape Jourimain is such a gem. We only discovered it in the past few years and have visited 3 times. Read more about it here.
- Fort Beausejour, Aulac, NB
Fort Beausejour is one of our regular summer day trips. We buy a season pass for our family each year. It is the perfect place to pack up a picnic lunch, take the kites and enjoy the breeze (especially on the hot humid days). - Waterfowl Park & Trail, Sackville, NB
The Sackville Waterfowl park and trail is a nice stop and beautiful walk for those who want a quiet walk through nature. There are trails, boardwalks and lots of waterfowl. It is a nice and easy walk to learn about the waterfowl habitat as well. There is an information center, gift shop and plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the view.
photo by Lorne Swansburg - Boultenhouse Heritage Centre , Sackville, NB
Open mid June to the beginning of Sept yearly. You can take a guided tour and learn about shipbuilding in the late 18th century, early Victorian life through artifacts displayed in the parlor, more about domestic life and then the growth in other industries & manufacturing that happened in the region. We visited with a 16yr old and 6 year old and both enjoyed it. - Fundy Trail Parkway, Salmon River, NB
The Fundy Trail Parkway and Beach and Caves at St. Martin’s can make a fun day trip from most areas of New Brunswick and even northwestern Nova Scotia. We are planning a visit here again this summer and look forward to exploring the shores at low tide. - Beach & Caves, St. Martins, NB
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the ocean, the beach in St. Martin’s is the perfect spot. Grab an ice cream or a meal at the restaurant right on the beach. At low tide, check out the caves along the cliff next to the beach. - Fundy Park (trails and activities)
Fundy National Park is a wonderful spot to go for a swim at the lake, in the ocean or the saltwater pool. Exploring the beaches is our favourite part. There are waterfalls & hiking trails for all skill levels. Stop and enjoy the large playground or the golf course near the Alma entrance to the park. There are camping spots available as well as a motel and cottages to rent (we stayed in the cottages one year and it was a great family getaway).
Check out our visits to Point Wolf or Herring Cove in the Fundy National Park.
- Hopewell Rocks, Hopewell Cape, NB (See our day trip here)
The Hopewell Rocks are a well-known tourist location and exceptionally fun place to visit. Click the link above to read all about it and see some of our pics.
Saint John Region:
If you have the opportunity to visit Saint John, remember there is a large indoor pedway system connecting several buildings in the uptown area. From the Hilton hotel through Market Square, City Hall, to Harbour Station or on through Brunswick Square and the City Market, it is all accessible inside the pedway system.
Martello Tower is located on the West Side of Saint John, across the Harbour Bridge. There is a tower to explore and a museum. The views of Saint John Harbour are beautiful from Martello Tower.
- Fallsview Park, Saint John, NB
If you can be in Saint John long enough to see the tides come in and go out, you will see the “reversing” of the falls. Reversing Falls can be seen from a couple of viewpoints, but Falls view Park (off Douglas Ave) is the best viewpoint to experience the sights and sounds.
- City Market, Saint John, NB
The Saint John City Market is a must-see, even if you simply walk through from the pedway system. Be sure to walk out the top of the market and stroll across the street to visit King’s Square. The Capitol Theatre, Fire Hall and Loyalist Graveyard are all on the perimeter of the square and worth having a look at.
St. Andrews Region:
We have done a few day trips to St. Andrews over the years. Last year was the most “action” packed. We went to Huntsman Marine Science Center, the Block House, Park for a picnic lunch and then Kingsbrae Gardens. It was a lovely day trip from Moncton, filling the day with activities. St. Andrew’s is a 2.5-hour drive from Moncton, 1 Hour from Saint John, and 1.5 to 2 hours from Fredericton depending on the route you take.
If you plan to go whale watching, you will use up most of your day with that activity. It is best to check ahead with the various companies for schedules and rates. Some are more child friendly than others. We did decide on one visit that we would take out older son whale watching, without planning ahead. There is the possibility to get a walk in seat but alway try to plan ahead if you have your heart set on going.
St. Andrews is a beautiful little town with parks and playgrounds, gift shops and historical charm.
- Block House, St. Andrews, NB (National Historic Site)
- Centennial Park, St. Andrews, NB
Across the street from the Block House. We enjoyed the picnic area and a chance to stroll and stretch our legs when we arrived in St. Andrews on our day trip. Lots of space to run and play and a little pathway around the park.
- Kingsbrae Gardens, St. Andrews, NB (read here about our visit)
Kingsbrae gardens is a place for everyone! The young and young at heart will find beauty and a little whimsy at the gardens. A must-visit for any trip to St. Andrews.
- Whale Watching
St. Andrews is a prime whale-watching location on the Fundy coast. We have been out a few times, and experiences whale watching as a couple with Jolly Breeze Tall Ship Whale Adventures, and a few years later with our family with Quoddy Link Marine.
Western Region:
We have not done a huge amount of day trips to Fredericton and along the western side of the province. There are some destinations on our 2019 bucket list. Seeing as this is a Day Tripping post, we find that going much further really means an overn ight. But coming year we have a plan to overnight in the region and take in some day trip destinations to share with you!
5804 Route 102, Prince William, New Brunswick, E6K 0A5
Visit with villagers in their homes, places of work, in the fields or at the pub. As you meet the millwright, the carpenter, the printer, the blacksmith, store owner, or the ladies in their homes, you will find they all have a story to tell.
Northern Region:
- You can see what we did on our visit to the Chaleur region last summer. All kid and dog-friendly options!
We are hoping to continue exploring the Northern and Western regions in the coming year.
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We also have a fun series on the blog, called Discover NB Beaches. Be sure to check out the beaches we have highlighted on our travels and let us know some of your favourites!
Discover NB Beaches
- Tuft’s Point and Long Beach (Fundy Trail)
- Point Wolf Beach (Fundy National Park)
- Herring Cove Beach (Fundy National Park)
- Irving Nature Park (Saint John, NB)
- Gardner Creek Beach (Gardner Creek, NB)
- Reeds Beach (Gardner Creek, NB)
- Black Beach (Lorneville, NB)
- Pebble Beach (Barn Marsh Island / Cape Enrage, NB)
- Crow Island Rd Beach (Near Chance Harbour, NB)
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Check out more of our travel and educational posts about raising our children in New Brunswick. You can search our hashtag #GrowingUpNB here and on social media. We have a group of 5 family bloggers who are collaborating to share more about our wonderful province with you. Read More Here…
Wow lots of fun spots. May u suggest you visit StoneHammergeopark.com site for more history of this region and family fun adventures. My business is great for families of all ages and abilities and I have local stories as well as the Geological story for meandering a twisting river.
hi Zelda, I ill send you an email. I would love to take my family on one of your adventures and I am sure my readers would enjoy hearing all about it! Will be in touch!