Kids Activities Near Me: Winnipeg, Manitoba in Summer

This guide focuses on activities and road trips for kids under 12. However, older kids and teens will also enjoy these activities. But, there's so much more cool things to do with teens in Winnipeg and Manitoba, that it requires a separate blog post. If you're interested, let me know in the comments!

RELATED: 40 Fun Summer Activities for Teens

Most importantly, don't forget a good camera and capture as many photos and videos of your summer adventures as possible!

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Kids Activities Near Me In Winnipeg

1. Assiniboine Park

This park is a gem in the heart of Winnipeg. Start your day exploring the English Garden, where the kids can see beautiful flowers and sculptures. Don't miss a ride on the miniature steam train, which is always a hit with young ones.

The Nature Playground is perfect for letting off some steam, with plenty of climbing structures and swings.

Bring your bikes or roller skates and hit the paved trails for an active adventure. After all that fun, treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at Sargent Sundae, just a short walk away.

2. Assiniboine Park Zoo

Just a stone's throw from Assiniboine Park, the zoo offers an incredible experience with its Journey to Churchill exhibit featuring polar bears, seals, and other Arctic animals.

This interactive exhibit is not just fun, but also educational, teaching kids about wildlife conservation. It's a day full of fun and learning in a beautiful setting.

3. Rainy Day Kids Activities in Winnipeg:

• Royal Aviation Museum: This museum showcases the rich history of Canadian aviation with lots of cool planes and interactive exhibits.
• Children's Museum: Located at The Forks, this museum is a wonderland for kids with hands-on exhibits encouraging creativity and exploration.
• The Nonsuch in Manitoba Museum: Discover the history through the impressive full-sized replica of the Nonsuch ship. Your kids are going to love it!
• Royal Canadian Mint: See how Canadian coins are made and even hold a bar of gold!
• The Leaf: An indoor garden space that offers a tropical escape with beautiful plant life and educational displays.
• Fun Park Amusement Center: This indoor amusement park features trampolines, climbing walls, a ninja course, and an indoor playground. It's perfect for a full day of indoor adventure and fun.
  
  

4. FortWhyte Alive

This nature reserve is perfect for outdoor lovers. Enjoy birdwatching, hike the scenic trails, and participate in seasonal events. FortWhyte Alive is also home to many educational programs on environment and sustainability.

 5. Le Marché St Norbert Farmers Market

Visit this bustling market on Saturday mornings to shop for fresh produce and crafts.

Afterward, head to Duff Roblin Provincial Park, just a 5-minute drive from the market. Here, kids can play on the excavator playground and learn about the Red River Floodway. It's a convenient and educational outing for the whole family.

6. Folklorama

This annual summer festival celebrates Winnipeg's cultural diversity with music, dance, and food from around the world. Each pavilion offers a unique experience, making it a fantastic way to explore different cultures with your kids.

7. The Forks

The Forks is a hub of activity with something for everyone. Explore The Forks Market with its variety of food vendors and shops. Rent paddle boats or bikes to explore the river and enjoy outdoor performances and festivals throughout the summer. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse activities make it a must-visit.

8. Amusement Parks

• Tinkertown Family Fun Park: This classic amusement park is perfect for younger kids. It features a Ferris wheel, train rides, and mini-golf. Your kids will love this fun-filled day of rides and games.
• Thunder Rapids: This park offers mini golf, go-karting, batting cages, and water boats. It's more suited for older kids, but younger ones will enjoy the mini-golf and water boats.

9. Living Prairie Museum

This museum offers a glimpse into the natural prairie ecosystem during the summer months. It's an excellent spot for nature walks and learning about local flora and fauna.

Don't miss 16th Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on July 20 - 21 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The admission is free and this event is full of fun activities kids, like crafts, live butterfly displays, and even milkweed plant giveaway!

 10. Bois-des-Esprits

Take a short nature walk to observe wildlife and enjoy the serene environment. This forested area within the city is perfect for a peaceful family outing. Then take a rest at Bois-des-Esprits Window Park playground!

11. River Boat Tours and Ice Cream at BDI

For the immersive Winnipeg experience, hop on a Splash Dash Tour Boat for a short but scenic ride along the river. After your boat tour, treat yourselves to some of Winnipeg's best ice cream at the Bridge Drive-In (BDI).

12. Playgrounds and Spray Pads

Our favorite playgrounds are St. Vital Park playground, Corydon Community Centre playground, Pirate Ship in Bridgewater, Jumpstart playground, and The Forks playground. 

Corydon Playground also has spray pads for playing and cooling off in the summer. But there are many more spray pads around the city; the full list is here - Spray Pads in Winnipeg

13. Outdoor pools

 
Winnipeg boasts several fantastic outdoor pools perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Locations like Kildonan Park Pool and the Westdale Outdoor Pool are great spots for families to swim, splash, and sunbathe.

These pools often have additional amenities like diving boards and kiddie pools, making them ideal for children of all ages. Here is a complete list of outdoor pools in Winnipeg: Outdoor pools

14. Skateparks

Winnipeg has several skateparks where kids can practice their skateboarding skills in a safe and fun environment. It's a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors. The full list of skateparks is here.

15. Drop-in Playgroups

Various community centers around Winnipeg offer drop-in playgroups where kids can socialize and play in a supervised environment. It's a perfect option for a spontaneous day of fun.

16. Assiniboia Downs

Enjoy the excitement of horse racing along with family-friendly events. It's a unique outing that offers something different for the whole family. Don't miss free family fun events during live racing on Mondays in July and August! More about the event here.

Activities For Kids Under 1 Hour Drive from Winnipeg

1. Prairie Dog Central Railway

Experience a nostalgic ride on an old-fashioned steam train. It's a delightful journey through the Manitoba countryside that kids and adults will both enjoy.

2. Oak Hammock Marsh

This wetland is ideal for birdwatching and exploring nature. Walk the trails, visit the interpretive center, and learn about wetland ecosystems.

3. Birds Hill Provincial Park

It is an excellent spot for cycling, roller skating, and small wildlife observation, just a half-hour drive north from the city. While swimming conditions are not ideal, the park offers excellent playgrounds, horseback riding, and many paved trails to explore.

4. Lilac Resort

This resort is packed with fun, featuring pools and water slides. It's a perfect day trip destination for cooling off and having a blast.

5. Lower Fort Garry

Step back in time at this historic site with interactive exhibits and demonstrations. It's a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

6. Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach

Learn about Mennonite history through interactive exhibits and enjoy the Steinbach Aquatic Center or multiple splash pads around this small town. This combination of history and fun is perfect for a summer day.

7. Berry Picking Farms

Unique saskatoon berry, strawberry, raspberry: spend a day in the country picking delicious berries and enjoying the fresh air.

- The Purple Berry Orchard

- Boonstra Berries

8. 10 Acre Woods Petting Zoo

Get up close with farm animals at this charming petting zoo. It's a wonderful hands-on experience that kids will adore.

9. Farm Visit

Morning Sound Farm, Deer Meadow Farms, Aurora Farm, and A Maze in Corn with ziplines offer unique farm experiences, including learning about farm life and interacting with animals.

- Morning Sound Farm
- Deer Meadow Farms
- Aurora Farm
- A Maze in Corn - season starts in August 2024.

Activities with Kids Within 2 Hour Drive from Winnipeg

1. Old Pinawa Dam

Explore the scenic ruins of an old hydroelectric dam. It's a picturesque spot perfect for picnicking and photography. There is also an excellent playground in the picnic area. Pinawa Dam is a must-visit place!

2. Gimli

Discover Icelandic culture in this charming town and attend the Icelandic Festival in August. Enjoy the beach and local shops for a delightful day trip.

3. Marine Museum of Manitoba in Selkirk

Learn about Manitoba's maritime history with interactive exhibits and historic ships. Kids will love this museum, we promise! However, it is not stroller-friendly as you'll have to climb on the ships.

4. Morden's Fossil Museum

Explore fossil exhibits in Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre and then enjoy the Corn and Apple Festival in August. It's a great combination of education and fun.

5. Beach Fun

Delta Beach, Grand Beach, St. Malo, and Patricia Beach are beautiful beaches where you can spend the perfect family day swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles with kids.

But there are so many fantastic beaches in Manitoba that you can hit a new beach with your kids every day and have lots of fun! What is your favorite beach in Manitoba? Let me know in the comments!

6. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park

Visit Hecla Village and explore a 1km self-guided trail through a restored village tracing Icelandic settlement heritage. Don't miss the Hecla lighthouse for stunning views.

7. Brokenhead Interpretive Trail

Walk this trail to learn how indigenous people used plants as medicine. It's a fascinating and educational experience that even our four-year-old enjoyed!

8. Spirit Sands in Spruce Woods Provincial Park

Explore unique sand dunes and learn about the area's natural history. It's an adventure that feels like a mini desert right in Manitoba.

Don't forget to bring plenty of water since there are no drinking facilities on Spirit Sand Trail and limited dining options nearby. 

And better choose a mild-temperature day for this trip with kids. Also, this trail is not great for young children, but elementary school-aged kids will love it.

9. Whiteshell Provincial Park

Visit the petroforms, Falcon Lake, or West Hawk Lake for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. It's a beautiful park with plenty to offer.

There are so many fantastic places in Manitoba to visit! This blog post focused on Winnipeg and short road trips to keep smaller children entertained. If your kids are okay with longer road trips, some fantastic attractions await you! Please let me know in the comments if you want a blog post about family fun in Manitoba beyond Winnipeg.

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