There’s truly nothing better than seeing your kids excited about travel. On our road trip through New Brunswick, each morning our three littles were eager to know what adventure was planned for the day. And despite spending plenty of time in the car, they never once complained! It turns out that keeping them busy and outdoors all day led to very peaceful car rides, great sleep, and fewer sibling squabbles. Every parent’s dream, am I right?
This trip was truly one for the books, and if you’re planning to explore New Brunswick with your family, here’s a look at our five days filled with fun, adventure, and lots of fresh air.
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Day 1: Mastodon Ridge and an Overnight in Shediac, NB
We kicked off our adventure at Mastodon Ridge in Nova Scotia. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great pit stop to stretch little legs and take some fun photos with the giant mastodon statue. The kids loved running around the area and exploring the playground before we continued our drive into New Brunswick.
Our first overnight stay was in Shediac, a charming town known for its warm hospitality. We soaked it in and had a good night’s rest before another big day ahead.
Day 2: Magnetic Hill Zoo and Resurgo Place
The second day of our trip was packed with hands-on experiences and animal encounters. First, we headed to Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton. The zoo is well-laid out and manageable for young kids, with plenty of opportunities to get up close with wildlife. Our kids were amazed by the variety of animals, although they especially loved spending time at the playground.
After the zoo, we stopped by Resurgo Place, a fantastic interactive museum. We had the whole place mostly to ourselves as it was during the weekday. The joys of homeschooling!
After another full day, we returned to our spot in Shediac for the night.
Day 3: Dickson Falls, Hopewell Rocks, and a Night in Saint John
Day three took us into nature, and it was easily one of our favorite days of the trip. We started with a visit to Dickson Falls in Fundy National Park. This short, family-friendly hike was perfect for our kids. It was just enough adventure without being too challenging. The waterfall itself was stunning, and the lush greenery made for a peaceful morning in nature.
Next, we visited the iconic Hopewell Rocks! Everyone loved running along the trails and seeing just how massive these formations really are. They even had a nice playground for kids to explore after we finished exploring.
That evening, we checked into the Holiday Inn Express in Saint John, where we enjoyed a comfy stay and recharged for another exciting day ahead. Our oldest spent time swimming in the pool with Dad, while the younger two stayed in our room and snuggled up with a movie before bed.
Day 4: Irving Children’s Forest and a Night in Pokemouche
On day four, we ventured to the Irving Children’s Forest, a hidden gem that turned out to be a huge hit with our kids. The mazes were well-maintained, and the playground was larger than we expected. They ran, climbed, and played to their hearts’ content before our long drive.
That night, we stayed in Pokemouche, a small but charming community that gave us the perfect place to crash for the night.
Day 5: New Brunswick Aquarium and an Overnight in Amherst
Our kids are fascinated by wildlife, so visiting the New Brunswick Aquarium was a must. They were captivated by the tanks, where they could watch the marine creatures. Visiting with the seals was a highlight and the aquarium even had a lab room, making this a perfect stop for curious young minds.
That evening, we crossed back into Nova Scotia and stayed in Amherst for our final night on the road.
Day 6: Back in Nova Scotia
Before wrapping up our trip, we made one last stop at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia. It was a fantastic way to end our adventure, as we got to see even more incredible animals. We all enjoyed walking through the spacious, well-maintained park and look forward to going back.
This road trip through New Brunswick was one of our most memorable family adventures. The perfect mix of outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and wildlife kept our kids engaged and (mostly) happy the entire time.
We can’t wait to return and discover even more of what New Brunswick has to offer next time. If you know a family planning a trip to New Brunswick, be sure to share this with them and follow along with our adventures on Instagram!