Family Fun in New Brunswick: Zoos, Beaches, and Nature Parks for All Ages

New Brunswick is a dream destination for families looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy coastal adventures, and create lasting memories. With its safe, family-friendly towns, scenic drives, and mix of attractions for all ages, the province offers an ideal blend of outdoor excitement and relaxing moments by the sea.

Whether you’re feeding exotic animals, building sandcastles on the beach, or hiking to a hidden waterfall, New Brunswick delivers experiences that spark curiosity and joy for both kids and adults. Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly destinations across the province—from wild zoos and sandy shores to forested trails and charming small towns.

Magnetic Hill Zoo – Moncton’s Wild Side

One of Atlantic Canada’s most beloved family attractions, the Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton is home to over 400 animals from around the world. Spread across a beautifully landscaped 40-acre site, this zoo blends education, conservation, and entertainment. It’s large enough to offer variety, yet manageable for young children.

Kids can marvel at big cats, monkeys, and bears, or stroll through themed areas like the African Oasis and the Pridelands. Interactive exhibits, keeper talks, and a farm animal section keep visitors engaged, while shaded trails and playgrounds provide places to rest and play.

Right next door, explore the quirky Magnetic Hill optical illusion, where your vehicle appears to roll uphill, or spend the afternoon cooling off at Magic Mountain Water Park—a popular spot for slides, splash zones, and lazy river fun.

Fundy National Park – Nature’s Playground

For families who love the outdoors, Fundy National Park offers everything from gentle nature trails to dramatic coastal hikes. Nestled along the Bay of Fundy, this park is known for its immense tidal changes and lush Acadian forest landscapes.

Highlights for families include:

• Laverty Falls Trail: A moderate 2.5 km hike that rewards your efforts with a waterfall perfect for cooling off.
• Bennett Lake: Ideal for swimming, canoeing, and picnics.
• Saltwater Pool: Open in summer, the outdoor pool is filled with heated saltwater and located right near the campground.

With four front-country campgrounds, rustic cabins, and family-friendly yurts, Fundy National Park makes it easy to stay overnight. There are also interpretive programs, wildlife sightings (including deer and owls), and the chance to stargaze in some of the darkest skies in the province.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park – Sun, Sand, and Splash

For classic beach fun, head to Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Shediac, widely known for having some of the warmest saltwater in Canada. The sandy shoreline stretches wide and long—ideal for sandcastle-building contests, frisbee games, and long walks at low tide.

The beach is supervised in summer, with accessible washrooms, food stands, and change rooms nearby. There’s also a campground and nearby motels perfect for weekend getaways. Kids will love running into the gentle surf, collecting shells, or enjoying soft-serve ice cream after a swim.

While you’re in Shediac, don’t miss the Giant Lobster Statue, a photo-worthy stop, or try a family-friendly boat tour to learn about lobster fishing or spot seals.

Kings Landing – Time Travel for Kids

Located near Fredericton, Kings Landing is a living history museum where families can step back into the 1800s and experience what rural New Brunswick life was like in a bygone era. Costumed interpreters invite kids to try traditional crafts, bake bread in a wood-fired oven, or ride in a horse-drawn wagon.

Many of the heritage buildings are original and relocated from across the province, creating a village where kids can learn while having fun. There are interactive exhibits, animal barns, and regular programming tailored to younger visitors.

Kings Landing is especially fun during themed weekends, harvest festivals, or holiday events. It’s an educational adventure that makes history come alive.

TreeGO and Adventure Parks – Climb, Swing, Soar

If your kids love to climb, explore one of New Brunswick’s adventure parks. TreeGO Moncton, located in Centennial Park, is an aerial obstacle course featuring rope bridges, ziplines, and swings set high among the trees. It’s perfect for older kids and teens, with smaller versions of the course available for younger adventurers.

Safety is a top priority, and trained guides help families gear up and navigate the courses. It’s a thrilling way to burn off energy while building confidence.

Other adventure options include TimberTop Adventures in Saint John and TreeGO Mactaquac, just outside Fredericton.

Resurgo Place – Hands-On Learning in Moncton

Rainy day? Head back to Moncton and visit Resurgo Place, a dynamic museum blending science, history, and innovation. Named after the city’s motto (“I rise again”), this hands-on centre is home to the Transportation Discovery Centre, where kids can try flight simulators, drive model boats, and explore physics through play.

Resurgo Place also features permanent exhibits on local history, archaeology, and Mi’kmaq culture—perfect for combining fun with learning.

Kouchibouguac National Park – Bikes, Beaches, and Birding

On the east coast of the province, Kouchibouguac National Park (pronounced “Koo-she-boo-gwack”) is a hidden gem that balances wilderness with family-friendly amenities. The park offers:

• Paved biking trails through forest and bogland.
• Kellys Beach: Accessible via a long boardwalk, this sandy barrier island is ideal for safe, supervised swimming.
• Interpretive Programs: Family-friendly sessions on astronomy, wildlife, and Mi’kmaq culture run all summer.
• Camping Options: Choose from tent sites, cabins, or oTENTiks (a blend of cabin and tent) for an easy overnight stay.

With its flat trails, abundant birdlife, and peaceful waters, Kouchibouguac is especially good for families with young children or grandparents tagging along.

Irving Nature Park – Coastal Exploration in Saint John

Just outside Saint John, the Irving Nature Park is a free, family-friendly space with 600 acres of natural beauty. Kids can run along the beach, explore salt marshes, and climb the lookout tower for views of the Fundy coast.

There’s a Children’s Forest with a fairy-tale-themed playground, BBQ areas for family picnics, and seasonal events like guided hikes or nature scavenger hunts.

Keep an eye out for wildlife—seals, shorebirds, and deer are commonly seen here.

Family Fun, Naturally

New Brunswick offers families a chance to trade screens for scenery, fast-paced schedules for forest trails, and routine for real adventure. Whether you’re ziplining through treetops, swimming in saltwater waves, or walking with wolves at the zoo, every stop invites you to slow down and explore together.

With its compact size, variety of attractions, and welcoming communities, New Brunswick makes it easy to create a family vacation full of smiles, stories, and sunshine.