Some of the best family outings near Fredericton don’t need a big budget — just a tank of gas and a few hours. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, walking on the ocean floor, or stepping back into the 1800s, here are family day trips around New Brunswick that keep the whole crew entertained without blowing past $50 total.
1. Mactaquac Provincial Park (20 minutes from Fredericton)
This is the easiest “yes” on the list. Mactaquac has beaches, hiking trails, a playground, and the Beaver Pond Trail, where kids can use the net stations and info boards on-site to spot fish and other pond life. Pack a picnic, bring bikes or a frisbee, and let the kids run loose for the afternoon.
Cost: Day-use parking/entry runs well under $50 for a family, and if you bring your own lunch, you can easily spend the whole day here for the price of gas and parking.
2. Kings Landing Historical Settlement (20 minutes from Fredericton)
Kids get to wander a recreated 1800s village, watch a blacksmith at work, ride a horse-drawn wagon, and try hands-on activities like candle dipping or butter churning. It’s one of the most immersive history lessons your kids will ever sit still for — because it doesn’t feel like one.
Cost: A family-of-four ticket has historically landed around $60, though Kings Landing is running reduced, modified-access pricing through June and July of 2026 while infrastructure work is underway (full pricing resumes in August). Check current rates on their site before you go, since a family with younger kids or fewer than four people will likely land at or under $50.
3. Hopewell Rocks (about 2.5 hours from Fredericton)
Walking on the ocean floor beneath towering “flowerpot” rock formations is the kind of thing kids talk about for years. Time your visit around low tide, and your ticket is actually valid for two consecutive days, so you could even split your visit between low tide and high tide if you’re staying over.
Cost: Adult admission runs around $18 (tax included), with reduced rates for kids and free entry for the youngest visitors. A family of four can reasonably stay close to or under $50, especially with one or two younger children.
4. TreeGo Mactaquac (20 minutes from Fredericton)
If your crew has more energy than a campfire, send them up into the trees. TreeGo’s aerial courses include a dedicated kids’ course for ages 7–13 (with adult supervision), plus more challenging routes for teens and adults. It’s a genuine adrenaline outing, not just a playground upgrade.
Cost: This one runs closer to the budget ceiling depending on family size and course selection, so it’s worth checking current pricing and possibly choosing just one or two participants if you’re keeping the whole outing under $50.
5. Science East (downtown Fredericton)
A great rainy-day fallback that doesn’t require driving anywhere at all. Hands-on exhibits keep curious kids busy for hours, and it’s an easy way to fill an afternoon without needing perfect weather.
Cost: Family admission comfortably fits within budget, leaving room for ice cream afterward.
Free (or nearly free) add-ons to stretch your $50 further
New Brunswick is full of no-cost stops that pair well with any of the trips above:
- Wilmot Park splash pad – the Fredericton Capital Region’s largest splash pad, free to use, with a playground and picnic spots nearby.
- Odell Park and the Fredericton Botanic Gardens – old-growth forest trails right in the city, good for a short walk or a guided nature outing.
- Kingswood Park – Atlantic Canada’s largest entertainment centre, with bowling, laser tag, and a climbing structure if you want to add a paid activity to a free day.
- The Fredericton Trail network – 120 km of riverside trails connecting to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, great for biking or a family walk with a view.
- Skinny’s in Keswick Ridge – a roadside ice cream stand with farm animals and play structures, perfect for capping off a countryside drive.
Planning tip
Prices at attractions like Kings Landing and TreeGo can shift season to season (and 2026 has some temporary pricing changes at Kings Landing specifically), so it’s worth a quick check of the official site before you head out, especially if you’re working with a firm budget. Pairing one paid attraction with a free stop — like Mactaquac’s trails plus a splash pad, or Hopewell Rocks plus a picnic — is the easiest way to keep a full day of fun comfortably under $50.
