20 Free Summer Activities in Fredericton

Summer in Fredericton is full of free ways to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the city. From parks, trails, pools, and splash pads to outdoor concerts, movies, markets, art, and family-friendly programs, there is something for everyone to explore all season long.

Couple walking on Killarney Lake beach
Killarney Lake Park

Paddle, hike, bike or swim at Fredericton's largest multiuse park. Killarney Lake Park is the perfect place to spend a summer day outdoors. Keep an eye out for all the amazing upgrades coming this fall such as the Disc Golf Course, mountain bike trails and a natural playground!

Killarney Lake Park
Friends having a BBQ at Odell Park
Odell Park

Discover one of Canadas largest old-growth forests with a walk through Odell Park. Play a game of disc golf, enjoy a family BBQ and visit Harold the Hippo.

Odell Park
Children playing at splash pad
Wilmot Park and Splash Pad

Get soaked in Fredericton’s largest splash pad, walk around the food forest or play your favourite game on the courts and playground! Wilmot Park is packed with family fun!

Wilmot Park and Splash Pad
Group walking in Fredericton Botanic Garden
Fredericton Botanic Garden

Nestled in Odell Park, the Fredericton Botanic Garden is a stunning place for a walk. Full of beautiful blooms, and creative public art, the garden is the best place to embrace nature minutes from downtown. While you’re there, visit the Little Free Poetry Library next to the literary garden.

Fredericton Botanic Garden
Bikes on trail
Trails

Fredericton has over 150 km of trails that connect local businesses, parks and events across the city. Many of the trails offer amazing views of the Wolastoq (Saint John River), and the Nashwaak river. Next time you head out, walk, bike, or roll along one of the beautiful trails.

Digital Trail Guide
People swimming in outdoor pool
Outdoor Pools

Beat the summer heat at one of Fredericton's FOUR outdoor pools. Cool off during public, family or lap swims, or reach your fitness goals with AquaZumba.

Outdoor Pool Schedule
Kids on the grass
Zig Zag

Spend weekday mornings at Zig Zag! From Monday to Friday until August 21, find Zig Zag at local neighbourhood parks with fun games and creative crafts!

Zig Zag Schedule
Kids on Swing
Afternoon Adventure Crew

Cool off in the afternoons with optional water games with the Afternoon Adventure Crew. From Monday to Friday until August 21, find the crew at local parks with fun games, and sprinklers! 

Afternoon Adventure Crew Schedule
Artist sketching flowers
Artist in Residence

Visit the Artist in Residence at the Fredericton Botanic Garden. Artists of all disciplines create beautiful pieces inspired by the garden!  

Artist in Residence Program
Garrison Night Market FredRec Tent
Garrison Night Market FredRec Tent

Stop by the Garrison Night Market FredRec Tent on Thursday nights in Officers’ Square. Each week, local community groups take over the tent to share what they do, answer questions, and offer fun demonstrations for visitors to enjoy.

Discover local community groups
Kids playing with bubbles
Garrison Night Market FredRec Play Zone

Stop by and play awhile at the Garrison Night Market Fredrec Play Zone. There are games for everyone to try including giant Jenga, Connect 4, cornhole and MUCH MORE.

Garrison Night Market
Skateboard trick
Outdoor Skate Parks

Skate, scooter or bike at one of Fredericton’s 4 outdoor skate parks. Did you know that the Garrison Skatepark is Atlantic Canadas LARGEST outdoor skatepark?

Outdoor Skate Parks
Playing Pickleball
Outdoor Courts

Tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, pickleball- you name it, you can play it! Fredericton has many outdoor courts around the city for you to enjoy!

Outdoor Courts
Live music at Officers' Square
Free Summer Concert Series

Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening at Officers’ Square bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music! The music continues at the Garrison Night Market on Thursday evenings for Groove in the Garrison!

Summer Concert Schedule
Movie at Officers' Square
Free Under the Stars Movie Series

Grab your popcorn, and friends for movie night! Every Friday night, enjoy a movie under the stars at Officers’ Square.

Calendar of Events
Walking Tour
Guided Heritage Walking Tours

Discover Fredericton with a historically costumed guide leading the way around our downtown core and diving into the folklore of Fredericton's history. Free tours are offered daily.

Calendar of Events
Kid with Fish
Fishing

Grab your fishing rod and head to the water! Did you know Fredericton has many fishing spots within city limits? Cast a line in the Wolastoq (Saint John River), Nashwaak River, or Killarney Lake.

Fishing
Bertha Metal Bird Temporary Art
Temporary Public Art

Every summer the City of Fredericton has temporary art installed throughout the city. Many installations are located at Killarney Lake Park, Odell Park, the Fredericton Botanic Garden, and downtown!

Temporary Public Art
Harold the Hippo
Permanent Public Art

Next time you’re out exploring the city, take a moment to notice all the beautiful public art around you. From painted benches and garbage cans to the sculptures and fountains on the Green, public art can be found all around the city! 

Public Art
Wednesday Walkers
Wednesday Walkers

Explore new trails and meet new friends at Wednesday Walkers! Each week the walkers meet up at a new trail and spend the morning on an hour-long social walk.

Wednesday Walkers Schedule

With so many free, family-friendly activities to enjoy, summer in Fredericton is full of ways to get outside and have fun. Follow Fredericton Recreation and Culture on Facebook to stay up to date on what’s happening around the city!