15 Awesome Things to Do in Winnipeg for Families
Things to Do in Winnipeg for Families
There are so many awesome things to do in Winnipeg for families. Whether you are looking to stay in the city to explore the attractions, or are planning to head out to the surrounding areas for short day trips, you won’t have a problem finding something you and the kids will love.
A Little About Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the largest city in Manitoba and the 7th largest in Canada by population. The name “Winnipeg” is Cree for “Muddy Waters,” which is pretty appropriate seeing as the city sits at the meeting point of some of North America’s largest rivers.
As the capital city of Manitoba, Winnipeg is an awesome destination to explore with kids. Not only are there a ton of museums, but there are so many outdoor adventures to be had as well.
We would recommend staying a few days in Winnipeg just to get a taste of this amazing city. But realistically, you could spend a week here and still have plenty to keep your family busy with!
15 Awesome Things to Do in Winnipeg for Families
We have included all the best things to do in Winnipeg for families on our list. So whether you want to spend the day outside in nature, or are looking for an indoor attraction for a rainy day, we have the perfect suggestion!
1. Tour The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights should definitely be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in Winnipeg for families. Located right next to The Forks, this architecturally stunning building houses one of the best and most unique museums in all of Canada.
Inside, the building reflects the tone of the exhibits, with the entrance going slightly underground into a place of relative darkness. You then make your way up through the museum, until you reach the light-filled Tower of Hope with incredible views of the city.
What makes this museum truly special, is that it is devoted to the human rights challenges of Canadians throughout the years. There are also portions of the museum which are dedicated to some of the more heinous human rights struggles that have occurred around the world.
The museum doesn’t only depict the struggles, however. There are inspirational stories told throughout the exhibits of people who have made a difference, as well as the progression of positive changes through time.
The multi-sensory exhibits are there to both inspire and challenge visitors. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is guaranteed to leave you with much to think about.
2. See The Polar Bears In Assiniboine Park Zoo
Visiting the polar bears was definitely at the top of my list of favourite things to do in Winnipeg for families. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is open all year round with over 80 acres of park to explore.
The zoo is home to over two hundred different species of animals. With over a thousand animals in its care, the zoo has been able to do a tremendous job in wildlife education, conservation, and research.
Be sure to check out all the awesome animals from around Manitoba, such as plains bison, wolves, and foxes. There is also the dinosaur park and the butterfly gardens, which would be especially attractive for the younger crowd!
Of course, out of the many wonderful animal species found at the zoo, the favourite for most visitors is undeniably the polar bears! The Journey to Churchill exhibit is not only award-winning, it is also one of the most comprehensive exhibits dedicated to northern species in the world.
The Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre gives visitors insight into what is being done to preserve polar bears in Canada. However, most visitors are simply mesmerized by the iconic glass tunnel where the bears swim and frolic right above your head!
Don’t forget to take a peek at the other northern animals found in the Churchill Exhibit. Aside from the polar bears, you will also find muskox, Arctic foxes, and wolves.
3. Take a Stroll Through the Forks National Historic Site
Named for the point where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers come together, The Forks National Historic Site has served as an important meeting place for over 6,000 years. The importance of this junction is especially significant for the First Nations, who would use the area to conduct trade.
Today, The Forks National Historic Site is filled with outdoor art galleries, museums, and artifacts. The location continues to be an important meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
With amazing food and drink options, as well as outdoor seating areas, gorgeous greenery and water views, The Forks should definitely be on your list of things to do in Winnipeg for families.
4. Shop for Treasures at the Forks Market
Located in the heart of Winnipeg, The Forks is an incredible place to visit for both the locals, as well as tourists. The Forks Market is filled with unique shops, restaurants, and attractions, and is definitely one of the best things to do in Winnipeg for families.
Once used as horse stables and haylofts in the height of the railway days, the Forks Market is now one of the most popular places to gather and share a meal in the area.
Head upstairs in the main building and you will find a variety of small shops filled with artisanal treasures. Tucked in amongst the food stalls, are places where you can find everything from antiques, to candles, to unique puzzles, kites and ornaments.
And don’t forget to head across the commons to the Johnston Terminal. Once a railway warehouse, this four-storey building is now filled with cool boutiques, stores, antique shops and more restaurants.
The Forks Market is open seven days a week, from 7 am until 11 pm.
5. Ride a Bike Along the River Walk
One of our favourite and most memorable things to do in Winnipeg for families was renting a quad bike and exploring the River Walk. The Bee2gether bike rentals are conveniently located in front of the entrance to the Forks Market.
Our four-seater covered bike had pedals for all of us and was a ton of fun. We chose a one-hour rental for $40, hopped on the trail just across from the rental area, and headed straight down to the River Walk.
Running from Riel Esplanade to the Legislature buildings, the River Walk takes in some of the city’s best views. The quad bike was a perfect way to see the waterfront, get some exercise, and give the kids a unique experience.
We even had time for the kids to stop in at the playground and stretch their legs. If you have some time to spare, we would definitely recommend giving the bikes a try! And they come in different sizes too!
6. Visit The Winnipeg Art Gallery
If you enjoy art, then the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) should definitely top your list of things to do in Winnipeg for families. Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, the WAG is home to an incredible internationally acclaimed collection of almost 24,000 works.
Included in the collection, you will find some of the best local art, some amazing pieces from international artists, as well as the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. WAG-Qaumajuq, a new extension of the museum, is home to 14,000 pieces of Inuit art, including carvings, drawings, prints, textiles, and new media.
Not only can you enjoy the permanent exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, but a variety of touring shows are also brought in. These travelling exhibits feature everything from the Renaissance to Ancient Greece and the best in contemporary photography.
And of course, the WAG also offers a variety of art classes and workshops for both adults and children. With workshops like MakerLabs and ClayMakers or even Paint Parties, there is a lot of fun to be had for the whole family.
7. Cheer On the Winnipeg Jets at a Game
If you happen to be a big sports enthusiast, then catching a game should be high on your list of things to do in Winnipeg fr families. After all, Manitobans take their sports very seriously!
If you are visiting the province during the summer and early fall, you should have no problem catching a Winnipeg Blue Bombers game. This is Winnipeg’s CFL team, and you can catch their home games at the Investors Group Field.
But truth be told, no matter how much the locals love their Blue Bombers, their hearts will always be with ice hockey and the Winnipeg Jets! And despite being one of the smallest franchises in the NHL, the Jets manage to sell more merchandise than almost any other team.
You can find the Jets playing their home games at the Canada Life Centre. The arena is located right in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, making it easy for the whole family to head to a game.
8. Visit the Royal Canadian Mint
Opened in 1976, the Royal Canadian Mint is one of the most unique things to do in Winnipeg for families. Take a tour of the facility where all Canadian coins are made, as well as the tender for 75 additional countries all around the world.
Guides show visitors around the facility while providing a variety of facts about money. If you are lucky, you may even get the chance to hold a $600,000 gold bar and look at the beautiful Olympic gold medals that were made for Vancouver in 2010.
9. Learn About History at the Manitoba Museum
If you are interested in natural history and heritage museums, then you need to add the Manitoba Museum to your list of things to do in Winnipeg for families. The museum is home to a Planetarium, nine permanent galleries, as well as special rotating exhibits.
Spend the day learning about dinosaurs, and the plains of Western Canada, or explore the wonders of technology and illusion in the Science Gallery. Or if you are interested in the night sky, head to the Planetarium for one of the family-friendly shows like Legends of the Northern Sky.
The museum is perfect for families with kids, as it has many hands-on exhibits. Test your creativity at the Animation Station where you can make a stop-action movie, complete with sound effects! Or perhaps test out the Pulley Chairs, where you can lift yourself using the power of simple machines.
10. Go For a Hike at FortWhyte Alive
If you are looking to spend some time outside enjoying nature, look no further than FortWhyte Alive. This 640-acre nature park is one of the best things to do in Winnipeg for families.
FortWhyte Alive is home to trails, lakes, wildlife, guided tours, as well as a cafe and gift shop. Go sailing, kayaking, or canoeing, birdwatch or admire the bison, or enjoy a quiet stroll on one of the many hiking trails.
Surround yourself in the prairies and forget the city as you make your way through the park. Learn how bison influenced the history of Manitoba and the role they played in the lives of Indigenous peoples and pioneers.
If you happen to be visiting during winter, FortWhyte Alive is perfect for snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. Just a quick note, FortWhyte Alive does rent out some equipment. But be sure to check the website before heading to the park.
11. Check Out the Street Art
If you love street art and murals, head to the Exchange District. This Canadian National Historic Site is where you will find some of Winnipeg’s most popular restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and street art.
The Exchange District encompasses a unique 20-block area and is where you will also find the Old Market Square. This park is one of the most popular meeting places in the Exchange District and features musical performances and festivals.
12. Visit the Center of Canada Park
The Centre of Canada Park is located right along the Trans Canada Highway and is a fun roadside attraction you don’t want to miss. The park can be found at the exact longitudinal (east-west) center of Canada.
Sitting at 96° 48’ 35” W, this spot is situated in the town of Tache, Manitoba, which is just 30 minutes from Winnipeg. While some argue that this really isn’t the EXACT centre of Canada, we thought it was a fun attraction to visit.
The park consists of the main sign and smaller interpretive plaques, as well as a couple of large Muskoka chairs. It’s a pretty Instagrammable spot (usually with tons of flowers – though we visited during a dry spell), so expect crowds during peak times.
13. Tour the Manitoba Legislative Building
One of the most interesting things to do in Winnipeg for families is to head to the Manitoba Legislative Building and take the Hermetic Code Tour. This 1.5-hour guided tour takes you through the legislative building and uncovers the clues concealed in the building’s unique architecture.
Dr. Frank Albo, the academic inspiration behind The Hermetic Code. He will be your guide as you explore all the hidden hieroglyphic inscriptions, numeric codes, and Freemasonic symbols that have escaped historians and visitors for nearly a hundred years!
The Hermetic Code Tour, which is one of the only tours internationally promoted by Destination Canada, will cost you $41.80 per person.
14. See the Trains at Johnston Terminal
As we mentioned earlier, the Johnston Terminal was once a railway warehouse. Located just steps away from the main Forks site, be sure to head to the Historic Union station if you are interested in railway history.
There, you will find the Winnipeg Railway Museum with two restored rail cars. Take photos of the Countess of Dufferin, which is the first steam locomotive on the Canadian Prairies, or peruse the vintage rail cars and cabooses.
15. Take a Selfie with the Winnipeg Sign
Installed for the 2017 Canada Summer Games, the Winnipeg sign has become an iconic place to take a selfie in the city. The sign, which is 53 feet wide and 8 feet high, is located at the Forks near the Festival Stage.
Grab a pic with it during the day, or come back at night when the sign is illuminated in various colours. Be sure to go for a walk or have a picnic in the park after getting that perfect photo.
Getting to Winnipeg
If you are travelling to Winnipeg, you have a variety of options depending on where you are coming from.
By Plane
If you are coming from a distance or travelling internationally, your best bet is to fly into Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. Winnipeg’s airport is the 7th busiest airport in Canada and serves roughly 4.5 million passengers each year.
The airport is located only 15 minutes from the downtown area, making it easily accessible by either car or by public transit.
By Car
Winnipeg is also easily accessible by car via the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1), if you are coming from the east or west. Highway 75 will take you from the US border north into the city, and Highway 6 will take you south into Winnipeg from the northern reaches of Manitoba.
By Bus
There are a few options if you are thinking of taking a bus into the city. Ontario Northland will get you into Winnipeg from various points in Ontario. And Maple Bus Lines will get you into Winnipeg from other parts of Manitoba.
Your best bet is to try searching Busbud to see availability and options for bus transportation.
Getting Around Winnipeg
Winnipeg has a ton of options for getting around the city, including public transit, taxis, and rideshares.
Public Transportation
Winnipeg has a pretty decent public transit system. Although there are no subway lines, there are plenty of buses that will take you around the city.
Winnipeg even has a free transit system for the downtown area. This is perfect if you are looking to explore the city, without having to deal with the headache of finding parking.
You can check the website for more schedules and further details.
Taxis
When it comes to Taxi services, there are a ton of options available in Winnipeg. Some companies include Blueline Taxi, Dignity Taxi, Duffy’s Taxi, and Unicity Taxi.
Rideshare
There are several rideshare companies that operate in Winnipeg. Try Uber or ReRyde if you are looking to get around the city without the hassle of driving yourself.
When is the Best Time to Visit Winnipeg?
The best time to visit Winnipeg is definitely during the warmer months from May to October. This is when you will be able to enjoy all the outdoor attractions, as well as the countless festivals that happen during the summer months.
Summer in Winnipeg can get really hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 40°C. Regardless, summer is when you will see the city come alive with people out walking the streets and waterfront pathways.
Both locals and tourists will flock to the waterways for boating, and there will be a ton of people hitting the beaches just outside the city.
Winter, on the other hand, is not a great time to visit unless you are specifically looking to participate in winter activities. Affectionately known as ‘Winterpeg,’ the city is one of the coldest places in Canada. With temperatures often reaching -40°C, winters can be brutal and definitely not for the faint of heart.
Where to Stay in Winnipeg
Depending on your budget, there are a ton of great places to choose from for your stay in Winnipeg. During our Epic Northern Ontario Road Trip, we chose mostly budget-friendly hotels to keep our costs down.
We really enjoyed our stay at the Homewood Suites. The hotel had a decent pool for the kids, plenty of free onsite parking, and included a great hot breakfast.
We found the rooms to be clean, modern and comfortable. The hotel was located in the more industrial part of town, so, unfortunately, was not very walkable. There were, however, a ton of restaurants, grocery stores, and fast food places all within a 5-minute drive of the hotel.
Another budget-friendly hotel that we stayed at, was the Holiday Inn Express. This hotel was also located in the industrial part of town (close to the airport).
This hotel was not quite as modern, but the suites were large, clean, and had full kitchens. This would be perfect if you were staying for more than an overnight visit.
XXX also had a pool, an included hot breakfast, and plenty of free onsite parking. Once again, the hotel is not walkable, but very close to restaurants, fast food places and grocery stores.
Find a complete list of Winnipeg accommodations here.
Where to Eat in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has a great food scene, so no matter what you like to eat, you are sure to find it! One of our favourite places to grab a quick bite was The Forks Market, located in the heart of the city.
Once a horse loft and hay stables, the Forks Market is now home to a vibrant and eclectic food hall. Not only can you find the best in local offerings, but there are also some pretty cool shops up on the second floor if you want to do a little shopping.
While in Winnipeg, we returned to The Forks Market a few times to try out a few of the places. The kids enjoyed hot dogs from Wienerpeg (they tried them just because of the name!), gyros from Zorba’s, and frozen yogurt from Fro-Gurt’s.
Hubby and I tried some really great curry from A Taste of Sri Lanka, as well as some enchiladas from Habanero Sombrero. We also bought some incredible treats from Tall Grass Prairie Bread, which we would highly recommend!
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Winnipeg for Families
With so many cool and interesting things to do in Winnipeg for families, we are sure you will have a hard time deciding what to see first! But whatever you decide, this vibrant city is sure to leave a lasting impression on you!
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