12 Fun Things to do with Kids in Winnipeg during Summer

by Bea Cińska
Winnipeg

Are you looking for some fun things to do with kids in Winnipeg during summer? If you live in Winnipeg, you already know all the places I mention but if you are visiting you might be surprised about how many awesome activities this Canadian prairie city has to offer.

I only mention 12 things to do in this post but there are so many more. Winnipeg may be known for its harsh winters, but our summers, although short, are beautiful, hot and sunny. That’s when Winnipeggers love to be outside as much as possible before the return of the much dreaded and long winter. So what do most families like to do in Winnipeg? Keep on reading to find out.

12 Fun Things to do With Kids in Winnipeg During Summer

Some of the things on our list are outdoors and free or almost free of charge. Others on the list are indoors which makes them perfect for a rare rainy summer day. I include links to all for hours and pricing. Without further delay, here is our list of fun things to do with kids in Winnipeg during summer:

Kids summer activities Winnipeg

OUTDOOR Fun Things To Do with Kids in Winnipeg during Summer:

When the weather is nice in Winnipeg, it would be a travesty to hide inside. Here is a list of our favourite outdoor activities:

Nature Garden Streuber Family Children's Garden Winnipeg

Nature Playground & Streuber Family Children’s Garden

2595 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6, Canada

Our son was little when this Nature Playground first opened up. I can’t tell you who was happier to be in it, him or me. Believe me, this place is beautiful and magical. I know the kids love the playground, the amazingly long slide, the fabulous climbing structures. But I love the garden aspect of it. I love the shrub frogs. Sometimes these frogs are dressed as musicians playing instruments, sometimes I’ve seen them dressed as hockey players. And I love the snake made of intricately pleated branches.

Cost: Free of Charge

Splash pads, spray pads Winnipeg

Splash Pads

Several locations

When the heat strikes and you’ve got no pool to dunk it, take your kids to any of the splash pads around the city. A lot of them are free of charge. Click here for complete list of splash pads in Winnipeg so you can choose one closest to where you’re staying.

Cost: Varies, Many Free of Charge

Variety Heritage Adventure Park, Winnipeg

Variety Heritage Adventure Park

75 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4Y3, Canada

Located at the Forks and completely free of charge, this fun playground is a great place to learn some Manitoba history, make new friends and even cool off in a splash pad on a hot day.

Cost: Free of Charge

The Forks, Winnipeg

The Forks

1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L9, Canada

This is a must see for any new visitors to Winnipeg. This is where the Assiniboine and the Red rivers meet. In fact, this historical site has been used as a trading post for millennia by the First Nations people. You can stroll through the gardens, enjoy the play grounds, go for a walk by the river. And if you’re hungry you’ll find some of the most delicious restaurants in the city here. Also, you can enjoy buskers showcasing their talents. And if you are lucky, there might be a festival happening when you visit. For a calendar of events at the Forks click here

Cost: Free of Charge (to see & walk around)

Winnipeg parks

The Parks

Several locations

Winnipeg has no shortage of parks, one more beautiful than the next. You have Assiniboine Park which contains the zoo, beautiful gardens, the Streuber Family Children’s Garden, an outdoor theatre stage, you name it.

But there are many other beautiful parks, like St Vital Park, Kildonan Park, and so many others. Here is a list of Winnipeg parks.

Tinkertown, Winnipeg

Tinkertown

621 Murdock Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2C 2Z3, Canada

Tinkertown is an awesome amusement park for kids of all ages. Open daily during summer months, this place is a must see in Winnipeg. We can easily spend an entire day enjoying the rides, friends and snacks.

Cost: Check Tinkertown’s website for current hours and prices.

Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg

Assiniboine Park Zoo

2595 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3R 2N7, Canada

What kid doesn’t love animals? I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been to this zoo. We have seen it grow from a not so exciting, “just another zoo”, to a fabulous one complete with a polar bear display. Basically, this zoo has rebranded itself to be in tune with the climate that it’s in. It represents the northern spirit of Manitoba very well. Find out why we love the Assiniboine Park zoo here.

Cost: Check out Assiniboine Park Zoo’s website for hours and pricing.

Fort Whyte Alive, Winnipeg

Fort Whyte Alive

1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9, Canada

Fort Whyte is one of the most beautiful nature preserves I have ever been to that is located in a city. You can do tours, go paddling, see bison, participate in a day camp and so much more. A definite must see for kids and adults alike. 

Cost: Free of Charge for Kids under 2 years of age; for regular pricing and hours check out Fort Whyte’s website.

Manitoba beaches

The Beaches

Several locations

OK, I know this isn’t really in the city. But Manitoba is all about its lakes. If you are visiting Winnipeg, do yourself a favour and head a couple hours north to any of our beautiful lakes. We have some amazing lake beaches. Here’s a great guide to Manitoba beaches there’s a lot). 

Cost: Free of Charge (other than the gas to get there)

Rain drops on window

INDOOR Fun Things To Do with Kids in Winnipeg during Summer:

Yep, it happens. Sometimes it rains in Winnipeg during the summer . This doesn’t mean you have to stay at home or in your hotel room. Instead check out these awesome indoor activities you can do with your kids:

The Legislature inside, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Manitoba Legislature Building

450 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1S4, Canada

Did you know you can do a free tour of the Mantitoba Legislature? This is perfect for a rainy day. A few years ago we did a tour with our then 9-year old. He loved it! As a matter of fact, he asked a ton of questions which provided some additional entertainment to our group. 

Cost: Free of Charge.

Manitoba Children's Museum, Winnipeg

Manitoba Children’s Museum

45 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T6, Canada

This has to be our favourite place for indoor fun with kids in Winnipeg. Our son practically grew up in the Manitoba Children’s Museum. In fact, we had a membership to this museum for the first six years of our son’s life. There is literally something here for kids of every age.

Cost: Free of Charge if you’re under 1 or over 101 years of age; for other pricing and hours go to the Manitoba Children’s Museum website.

Sky Zone, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Sky Zone

200-400 Fort Whyte Way, Winnipeg, MB R0G 1N0, Canada

This place is perfect for kids and adults alike. On a rainy summer day, head over to Sky Zone in Winnipeg. This is such a fun way to spend a day.

Cost: Prices vary depending on what you want to do there. 

As you can see, there are many fun things to do with kids in Winnipeg during summer. In fact, it is impossible to be bored in this city. Have you been to this prairie city with kids? What activities did you participate in? Or if you live in Winnipeg and have a great summer activity you’d like to tell us about, please share in the comments below.

Catch you later!

P.S. Our love for Winnipeg has been noticed by a Swiss family travel blog. Since I originally wrote this post, I have been interviewed by the lovely traveling moms of the Mini Me Explorer blog in Switzerland. You can read the interview here in English and here in Italian.

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12 Fun Things to do with Kids in Winnipeg during Summer

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18 comments

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Nancy September 7, 2018 - 3:06 am

I haven’t been to Winnipeg before but these are exciting things to do! Pretty cool that there are gardens out there for a quick stroll. I always love checking out zoos – you learn so much from them! Sky Zone looks super exciting. I like how the Children’s Museum is free for people who are older than 101 years old. Thanks for sharing these exciting places!

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BPK
BPK September 7, 2018 - 1:10 pm

Haha! Yes, I love the over 101 years of age free admission! And yes, Winnipeg has a lot to offer.

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Bexa September 3, 2018 - 11:20 am

Wow! There is loads of fun things to do in Winnipeg! I’m loving the sound of splash pads, what a fun idea for children to enjoy in the sunny weather. Also, Fort Whyte Alive is beautiful! Thank you for sharing and your photography is awesome as always! <3 xx

Bexa | hellobexa.com

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BPK
BPK September 3, 2018 - 1:02 pm

Thank you! Yes, there is so much to do. You can’t be bored in Winnipeg, that’s for sure.

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Jasmine September 2, 2018 - 6:39 pm

Winnipeg looks like a lot of fun! I’d love to check out Tinkertown!

Jas xx | thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk

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BPK
BPK September 3, 2018 - 11:00 am

It is a pretty fun town! Tinkertown is definitely one of our favourite places there.

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Alyssa August 25, 2018 - 5:27 pm

I know these are just for kids but Tinkertown, the zoo and Skyzone are calling my name! You son is absolutely adorable and is lucky to have a cool mom like you. Just when I thought Canada couldn’t get any cooler!

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BPK
BPK August 26, 2018 - 5:54 am

Haha! I know, I love those three the best too! Awww, thank you. Just wait till I tell my son he’s got a cool mom, he’ll be rolling his eyes. Hahaha!

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Mateja August 24, 2018 - 12:44 am

I’m so glad you’ve touched on the inside activities as well. Sometimes we need the backup plan for those surprise days. These are all such great ideas, there seems to be so much to explore! Loving that there’s lots of green around the city.

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BPK
BPK August 24, 2018 - 7:33 am

Thanks! Yes, the weather in Winnipeg is usually pretty good during the summer, but we do have some rainy days once in a blue moon.

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AMBER August 23, 2018 - 9:55 am

I think the splash pad will be amazing in the summer heat. This would be such a useful post if I had kids…I am a big kid though so I’m sure I would have fun. Especially with so many free things.

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BPK
BPK August 23, 2018 - 12:59 pm

Exactly! Kids already cost a lot. Free is always good!

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Aireona August 23, 2018 - 3:56 am

I had no idea that there was so much to do there for kids! Lots of these look fun for the adult members of the family as well, so that is just perfect.

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BPK
BPK August 23, 2018 - 7:52 am

Exactly! Fun for the entire family.

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Sarah - Borders & Bucket Lists August 22, 2018 - 10:42 pm

hehe I was reading this and I got to the splash pads and I thought “dang, I wish it was social acceptable for adults to play in them too” lol

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BPK
BPK August 23, 2018 - 7:52 am

Haha! I know, right?! When it’s hot outside, I really want to join in the fun.

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Emily August 22, 2018 - 10:07 pm

So many towns you normally associate with winter are equally lovely in summer. I’ve never been to Winnipeg, but I’d love to spend more time in Canada in the future. I went as a kid with my parents and agree that it’s a great family-friendly destination. Who knows, I might have kids of my own next time I’m there 🙂

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BPK
BPK August 23, 2018 - 7:51 am

You are so right! As we travel the world during the summer, people often ask us: “How cold is it in Canada right now?” And when we say it’s +30 and there’s forest fires raging, they are sometimes surprised. It’s not eternal winter in Canada, that’s for sure.

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