As a proud Winnipegger and parent, I can’t wait to share with you our family’s favorite outdoor activities in this beautiful city.
Winnipeg has a wealth of family-friendly outdoor attractions that offer excitement, education, and a whole lot of fun!
In this post, I’ll delve into our personal experiences, giving you an authentic taste of what to expect from each of these fantastic destinations.
Assiniboine Park Zoo
When it comes to family outings, the Assiniboine Park Zoo never disappoints.
With over 200 species, this zoo offers a thrilling and educational journey for kids and adults alike.
The Journey to Churchill exhibit is a true highlight, as we get up close with polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes. Our children are fascinated by the interactive elements, including the crawl-through tunnels that offer a unique perspective of the animals’ habitats.
While at the zoo, we also make sure to visit the Tropical House, where we enjoy the lush greenery and the company of colorful birds and butterflies.
The Children’s Nature Playground is another favorite, featuring natural play structures that promote learning and exploration. Our kids can’t resist the engaging water play area, which is a great way to cool off during warm summer days.
The zoo also offers various educational programs and events, such as the Zoo Camp, which our children have thoroughly enjoyed in the past.
These programs provide hands-on experiences with animals and conservation-related activities, making learning both fun and memorable.
- Hours – Daily 9am – 5pm
- Admission fees – Adults – $23.5, Seniors – $20.5, Students – $20.5, Children (3-17) – $13.25, children under 2 – Free.
The Forks
The Forks, a vibrant riverside attraction, is a must-visit for families in Winnipeg.
With its rich history and bustling atmosphere, there’s always something new to discover. One of our family’s favorite spots is the Children’s Playground, complete with wooden play structures that ignite the imagination. The adjacent Skatepark is a great place for older kids to practice their skills while making new friends.
The Forks Market is another popular attraction, offering a diverse range of food options and unique shopping experiences.
We love to grab a bite to eat on the outdoor patio while enjoying the beautiful river views.
In the summer, we highly recommend taking the Splash Dash River Tour, which offers a guided boat ride along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. This tour provides a fascinating insight into Winnipeg’s history and landmarks, all from the comfort of a charming water taxi.
During the winter months, The Forks transforms into a snowy wonderland with the Arctic Glacier Winter Park and the Canopy Skating Rink. Our family loves bundling up and gliding along the picturesque skating trail, taking in the magical atmosphere under the twinkling lights.
Kildonan Park
Kildonan Park, a verdant retreat in the heart of Winnipeg, is the perfect spot for families to unwind and connect with nature, and of the great parks our city has to offer.
With its ample picnic areas, playgrounds, and a large outdoor pool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Our children adore the elaborate play structure, which features slides, climbing walls, and swings for hours of entertainment.
Kildonan Park is also home to the Witch’s Hut, an enchanting storybook-themed attraction inspired by the famous Grimm Brothers’ tale. This whimsical landmark sparks the imagination and offers a delightful photo opportunity.
During the summer months, the park hosts a variety of theatrical performances at the Rainbow Stage, Canada’s largest and longest-running outdoor theatre. These productions provide an excellent opportunity for families to experience live theater in a captivating outdoor setting. We’ve created lasting memories while enjoying performances under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of Kildonan Park.
Another attraction our family loves is the beautiful Peguis Pavilion, which houses a cozy restaurant and offers stunning views of the park. On warm summer evenings, we enjoy dining on the patio, relishing the delicious fare while taking in the scenery.
In winter, Kildonan Park is equally charming, with groomed cross-country ski trails and a popular tobogganing hill that our family loves to tackle together, followed by a steaming cup of hot chocolate to warm up.
FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive, an environmental education center, offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and hands-on learning experiences that our family cherishes.
The self-guided Bison Safari is a must-do, as it provides a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Our kids are always eager to join the guided nature walks, where they learn about the local flora and fauna while exploring the picturesque trails.
The wetlands at FortWhyte Alive provide endless fascination for our children, who love dipping their hands in the water to catch tadpoles and other aquatic creatures.
The interpretive center and the sod house offer intriguing glimpses into the lives of early settlers and indigenous peoples, providing valuable educational opportunities.
The bird-watching opportunities at FortWhyte Alive are also exceptional, with over 160 species spotted throughout the year.
In the winter months, FortWhyte Alive transforms into a snowy playground, with activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and even a thrilling toboggan run. We’ve enjoyed participating in the annual Great Escape, a family-friendly snowshoe race that offers an exciting and active way to embrace the winter season.
St. Vital Park
St. Vital Park is a fantastic destination for families seeking outdoor fun and relaxation.
Our kids love the fully accessible playground, which boasts swings, slides, and a climbing wall to keep them entertained for hours.
For a more leisurely experience, we often take leisurely strolls along the picturesque walking trails, admiring the lush greenery and abundant wildlife. In the fall, the park’s trees put on a spectacular display of colors, making it an ideal spot for family photos and picnics.
In the winter, St. Vital Park becomes a winter wonderland, with groomed cross-country ski trails and a popular tobogganing hill.
Our family loves spending chilly afternoons zipping down the slopes, building snowmen, and making snow angels. After a day of frosty fun, we often warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate from the park’s Duck Pond Canteen.
Living Prairie Museum
The Living Prairie Museum is a hidden gem within Winnipeg that offers families an opportunity to connect with nature and learn about the prairie ecosystem.
This 13-hectare tall grass prairie preserve is home to over 160 species of wildflowers, grasses, and a diverse range of wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and small mammals.
Our family loves exploring the nature trails, where we can observe the vibrant wildflowers and the abundant wildlife that thrives in this unique habitat.
The interpretive center is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and displays, offering a wealth of information about the prairie ecosystem and its conservation.
Our children particularly enjoy the hands-on activities, like the touch table, where they can examine animal pelts and bones.
Throughout the year, the Living Prairie Museum hosts various events and workshops, such as the family-friendly Prairie Planting Workshop, where we’ve learned about native plants and their role in supporting local wildlife. In the winter, the snow-covered prairie landscape is equally captivating, providing an opportunity for snowshoeing and wildlife tracking.
Don’t forget to check out our list of the must-see museums of Winnipeg.
Tinkertown Amusements
Tinkertown Amusements, located on the outskirts of Winnipeg, is an amusement park designed especially for kids and the young at heart. With a wide array of rides and attractions, it’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled family day out.
Our children absolutely love the exciting rides, like the roller coaster, the carousel, and the mini Ferris wheel, which cater to various age groups and thrill levels.
The park also features an interactive bumper boat pool, where our family enjoys splashing and bumping into each other on warm summer days.
For a more leisurely experience, the Tinkertown Express train ride offers a relaxing tour around the park, complete with charming scenery and a narrated history of the area.
In addition to the rides, Tinkertown offers various games and activities that keep our kids entertained for hours. They enjoy testing their skills at the mini-golf course and the arcade, where they can win fun prizes. The park also has plenty of green space and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a family meal together.
Tinkertown Amusements provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children to explore and create lasting memories with their loved ones.
With its kid-friendly attractions and engaging activities, it’s a must-visit destination for families in Winnipeg.
Just keep in mind that park is only open through May-June. so make sure you save the date.
- Hours – The park is open May-June on weekends only 12pm-6pm.
- Admission Fees – $22
As you can see, Winnipeg is brimming with fantastic outdoor activities that cater to kids and families alike.
Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, thrilling adventures, or simply a chance to unwind and connect with nature, our beautiful city has it all.
So, gather up the family, venture out, and explore these delightful destinations together. We’re sure that you’ll create lasting memories while discovering the hidden treasures of Winnipeg, just as our family has. Enjoy the fun and happy exploring!
