100+ Family Fun Things to Do This Summer in and Around Winnipeg – 2023

1. Summer means the outdoors and music. There are many places where you can hear free outdoor concerts in Winnipeg.
2. Summer means a big carnival! Go to the Red River Ex- there’s no shortage of fun, excitement and a long list of activities that keep you and your little ones engaged for a whole day or more!
3. Experience an up-close encounter with the bisons this summer. Bison safari.
4. Are you ready to sing Happy Birthday Canada? Attend one of the many events in and around Winnipeg during Canada Day and end the day by watching fireworks lit up the sky.
5. Keep cool this summer in a cool new way. Cool Streets is an initiative to transform Winnipeg’s public spaces through art.
   
6. Enjoy Ballet In The Park presented by Royal Winnipeg Ballet in a unique outdoor setting complete with stage, lighting, and costumes!
7. Listen to children’s music at the Chickadee Big Top stage and take part in the family activities during Winnipeg Folk Fest.
8. Come see the 9th largest land animal at its smallest and cutest during Baby Bison Walk. Available on Sundays from 11 am to 12 pm.
9. Explore Winnipeg’s oldest remaining homes and learn about daily life in the 19th century of two Métis families.
10. Time travel by visiting various historic places across Canada. More than 400 sites are waiting to be discovered − find one near you. Canada Historic Places Day
11. Thinking of getting to Calgary for the stampede? Why not enjoy the one closer to home? Visit Morris and enjoy the thrill of watching bronco-busting, tie down roping, bareback riding, and more at Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition.
    
12. Celebrate the sun loving yellow flower and everything Altona with plenty of music, food and entertainment during Manitoba Sunflower Festival.
13. Head to the neighbouring town of Gimli in early August. Be transported to an 800 AD Viking age while you watch actors reenact an old Viking battle Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
14. Relive the Mennonite past of Steinbach, through pioneer activities, steam powered threshing, music and lots of good food during Steinbach Pioneer Days.
15. It’s time for Canada’s largest Multicultural festival. Folklorama is a good time to introduce your child to various cultures.
16. Winnipeg’s popular Japanese anime and pop culture Ai-Kon is back again this year from July 14 to 16.
17. Explore the West End’s culinary scene. Around the World in a Few Blocks is a restaurant walking tour that gives participants the opportunity to sample four superb dishes in the West End.
    
18. If you haven’t experienced India’s colour festival Holi, you are missing out! Come enjoy music, dancing, performances, and participate in the Festival of Colors on June 24th.
19. Enjoy free movies at Transcona Square on select days during summer.
20. Midway is here again with the Fall Fair.
21. Go on a dragonfly safari, catch a dragonfly nymph from the marsh and learn all about the many species in Manitoba.
22. The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, in partnership with the CCFM (Centre Cultural Franco-Manitobain) will be presenting a series of outdoor concerts this summer. June 25, July 23 & August 20, 2023.
    
23. Captivating audiences year after year is the Rainbow Stage. This year is another wonderful production of The Little Mermaid.
24. Spend a Hazy Lazy Day of Summer at the Oak Hammock Marsh.
25. Celebrate downtown Winnipeg’s largest festival Manyfest. There will be food trucks, artisan market, carnival rides, live music, kids activities to keep all entertained.
    
26. Enjoy free family fun and be entertained at the Summer Entertainment Series at the Assiniboine Park. From movies to live concerts, there is something for every member of the family
27. Does the thought of corn on the cob, spread with lots of butter,  make your mouth water? Pack the kids into the car and head to Morden. Free, hot, buttered, Corn-on-the-Cob and the sweetest apple juice is a tradition at Morden Corn and Apple Festival.  If you want more reasons for the drive (90 minutes), there are free entertainment, activities, buskers, parade and much much more!
28. The Gardens at The Leaf are open at all hours daily to the public. The Leaf has six themed gardens that make up close to 30 acres in the southeast corner of Assiniboine Park.
29. Get your tickets to the new summer outdoor concerts offered by Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra in partnership with the CCFM.

    Le Patio 340

30. After a two year hiatus, September Dragon Boat Festival is taking place again on September 9th.
31. Journey 6000 back to the past on this self-guided tour. Now a bustling urban city, Winnipeg has a rich history which is evident in the many historic sites that are still present. The tour goes through eight historic sites in Winnipeg.
32. Go back in time and explore what Winnipeg was like in the older days with a tour of the Dalvanert Museum. Visit the home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald and his family and get a glimpse of our city’s past. This year, the museum is providing ‘Homeland of the Métis Nation‘ Walking Tour every Saturdays at 10 am  throughtout summer. This is your chance to learn more about Métis Nation.
    
33. Winnipeg’s Exchange District is known for its history, galleries, shops, studios, eateries and their well-planned guided tours. Sign uo for one of their tours and know more about this historic site.
34. Want more? Other unique historical tours you can try are the tours by ‘On This Spot‘ app which allows users to compare present photos with past ones.
35. Enjoy a game of mini-golf, batting cages, bumper boats, and go-karts at the Thunder Rapids Amusement Park. Thunder Rapids Amusement Park is open daily from 12 pm to 8 pm.
36. Send your kids on a time-travelling adventure this summer! Sign up for the Lower Fort Garry Adventurers’ Day Camp taking place this July and August.
    
37. Take your kids to visit one of Manitoba’s most important historic and archaeological sites at the Lockport Provincial Heritage Park. Hike the Gifts of the Red self-guiding walk to learn more about the area’s long history of use by Indigenous Peoples. Visitors also come here to enjoy fishing, see pelicans, and picnic.
38. This summer experience The Monster, the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course boasting 40 unique challenges that will test every challenger! August 4 – 7, 2023 at IG Field.

    The Monster

39. Sign up for summer art classes or workshops at Winnipeg Art Gallery. There are classes for both young and old at all levels. WAG Studio
40. Learn how coins are made at the Royal Canadian Mint.
41. Plan a trip to Morning Sound Farm. Enjoy pony rides, fed farm animals, and more. Open Fridays, Saturdays and select Thursdays.
42. Canada’s longest-running country music festival runs Canada Day weekend. John Fogerty, Dierks Bentley, Walker Hayes, Tenille Townes and many more are coming to serenade you under the stars.
    
43. Get outdoors and move your body with downtown fitness providers on your lunch break. Fitness in the Park runs Monday to Friday.
44. On Saturday, June 24, enjoy a day filled with music, entertainment, and fun in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
45. Wear your home team colours, get down to Investors Group Field and cheer Winnipeg Blue Bombers!
46. Go on a drive with your family to Miracle Ranch for horseback riding fun. Beginners can take riding lessons. Enjoy a trail ride.
47. The water park at the Forks is for the kids to have fun!
48. Don’t forget to explore Aunt Sally’s Farm this summer! The farm is home to little pigs, a herd of goats, and four llamas. You can also find donkeys, miniature horses, and llama.
49. Explore Old Pinawa townsite. This short hike is an extremely informative one as it was the people of Old Pinawa who constructed and operated the first hydroelectric plant. And what a tremendous achievement that was! It helped Winnipeg become an industrial centre. Granite markers mark points of interest in the Old Pinawa self-guiding trail.
50. Stop by 2088 Wellington Avenue to see the newly renovated Royal Aviation Museum.
    
51. Enjoy an evening of bowling at a nearby bowling alley.
52. Weaving through the rich cultural heritage of the community of St. Norbert are 9 km of the St Norbert Heritage trail. This great trail traverses three provincial parks, Manitoba’s largest outdoor summer market, and follows St. Norbert’s primary dike.
53. Use an old Winnipeg map to explore today’s Winnipeg and see how the city has changed with time. The map features many architectural features from 1884.
54. Does your little one like birds, frogs, butterflies, wetland animals? Go on nature surveys at the Oak Hammock Marsh.
55. Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience behind the scenes at Assiniboine Park Zoo! Guided by Zoo educators and animal care professional, this is a wonderful opportunity to have closer interactions with your favouirite animals.
    

     

56. Explore the ruins of the Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park and learn about the lives of the Trappist monks who once lived here. Pack a picnic and enjoy it with family.
57. Located at the beautiful Assiniboine Park is the home of many animal species. Head to Assiniboine Park Zoo to see animals from around the world. From polar bears to camels, the Zoo has many species on display.
58. Spend the night camping at one of the many provincial parks in Manitoba. You may use the campsite vacancy tool to find available locations at Manitoba Parks Campgrounds.
59. Head out to your favourite park and grab your favorite treats for a day of enjoyment.
60. Do you know you can enjoy a quiet afternoon of fishing at the FortWhyte Alive? Catch and release requires only a fishing fee!
61. With an amazing array of games, Lasertropia takes you and your kids on a fun journey. This 4500 square foot arena will sure challenge the gamer in you. Join the summer day camp at Lasertopia featuring laser tag challenges, STEM activities, games, arts and crafts, and more!
62. Explore Winnipeg with family or friends on a Canoe. If you don’t have a canoe, you can always rent one.
63. Want to participate in something unique that will bring out your smile? Sign up for Mud Hero Manitoba where you have mud, obstacles and beer to add to the fun! Choose the 6k obstacle course or the longer 10 k challenge. The shorter 1 km family-friendly kids race will have the little ones smiling and shouting all the way! On July 22, 2023 @ Hilltop Resort, Grand Beach.
    

     

64. Go on a scavenger hunt! Explore Winnipeg through geocaching.
65. Enjoy creative together-time while painting pottery at Crock A Doodle. They have two locations in Winnipeg – at 1765 Kenaston Blvd and at 1605 Regent Avenue W. Choose the ones nearest to you and have some creative fun.
66. Summer is a great time to visit Steep rock. Turquoise waters, steep cliffs, and a beautiful sunset! Steep Rock Cliffs is one of the most instagrammable locations in Manitoba.
67. If you looking to go out for an extremely short walk, try the Pinawa Dam Ruins walk. The Walk tours the old dam site with various signs describing its history, its working, and the people who operated it. And yes, as the name implies, you will be walking over the Dam ruins itself.
68. The Seine River Greenway trail is 1.9 km long and skirts along the Seine River and offers some pretty spectacular views, even if it is in the city. Why not enjoy this fun hike?
69. Located an hour from Winnipeg, the Norris Lake Provincial Park is popular for swimming, fishing, waterskiing. Spend your day picnicking and enjoy yourself at the playground.
70. Tour the French community of St. Boniface. While here, visit the St. Boniface Cathedral, and the St. Boniface Museum. St. Boniface Museum building is the oldest building in Winnipeg and showcases artifacts of Francophone and Métis heritage.
71. Explore the lesser explored regions of the Oak Hammock Marsh on a canoe. How wonderful it would be if you have someone guide you. And that too for a sunset paddle!
72. Heritage houses of Métis families of the fur trade era are located at the St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park. These houses retain the architectural style of the early 1800s and the remnants of their legacy. Plan a short day trip to see these historic architectures.
73. Did you know that there are many things you can do at the Spruce Woods Provincial Park other than seeing the moving sand dunes? Check out what else you can do here.
74. Prairie, aspen forests and lakes, beautiful birds and bison herds, paddling and fishing you can enjoy them all at FortWhyte Alive.
75. If These Walls Could Talk, a new exhibition in the Urban Corridor of the Manitoba Museum, provides a better understanding of the issues facing the 2SLGBTQ+ community over the past 50 years, and the types of activism used to advance and protect rights. The exhibition will be on display until December 3, 2023.
76. The Forks is offering a brand new tour this summer guided by costumed interpreters! Where Our Stories Meet tour is a fun way to learn about Forks history.
77. Who doesn’t enjoy berries? Go for fun-filled strawberry and raspberry picking at Boonstra Farms. Tentative opening date is the first week of July.
78. Explore Manitoba’s largest open-air market St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.
79. The natural history of Lake Winnipeg and its fishing industry as well as the development of New Iceland are the main themes of the New Iceland Heritage Museum at Gimli.
80. Fish with your little ones in the Red rivers or in the Assiniboine rivers.
81. Visit the Children’s Museum in the heart of downtown Winnipeg for a highly rewarding experience in education and entertainment. Their galleries are perfectly suited for young children.
82. Running from Headingly and Cartier to the Beaudry Park is a 10 km trail on an old railway bed. Located right on the edge of Winnipeg, it’s a great way to explore nature and go for a longer hike without actually committing to heading out to a Provincial Park or to driving for hours to find a good trail.
83. Petrofroms are stones laid out in patterns by First Nations people centuries ago. One of the more well-known among them are the Bannock Point Petroforms at the Whiteshell Provincial Park
84. Today let’s enjoy a game of paintball!!! Pre-book your visit to Paintball Paradise.
85. Enjoy pleasant family time in harmony with nature while biking or hiking around Winnipeg.
86. Summers are a great time to enjoy a relaxing evening of canoeing or kayaking. Canoes and kayaks are available at ForWhyte Alive for Paddle Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays, until August 31.
    

     

87. Are your kids bored spending time indoors in summer? Come to Caddy lake and paddle through cave-like tunnels. You can also rent canoes or kayaks from here.
88. The Exchange District’s guided historic walking tours are a must-do. These guided tours led by a knowledgeable tour guide will lead you through different regions of this National Historic Site. You can also go for their self-guided audio walking tour.
89. For fun family time go on a trip to the Deer Meadow Farms. Here, see animals in their pens or go on wagon train rides. Kids can try milking the goat or climb bale towers and tired mountains.
90. Have you ever been to a bog? If not, why not hike the Cedar Bog trail? This is a 3-hour loop trail that traverses a cedar bog located at Birds Hill Provincial Park.
91. Explore the childhood home of Francophone writer, Gabrielle Roy. The museum is only open in the summer months.
92. Journey back in time to this family-friendly Mennonite Heritage Village. Explore Dutch windmill, and an ever-changing list of activities for everyone in the family. At Pioneer Day Camp week you can experience pioneer Mennonite life. Enjoy a fun, safe and experiential week of crafts, baking, making tools, gardening, games and much more.  Various camps are available for children in July and August.
93. Check out Parks Canada’s Xplorer program for the young ones. Designed for children 6 to 11 years old, this program is packed full of exciting activities, fun facts and interesting ways to discover Lower Fort Garry, Riel House and The Forks. They are free with admission.
94. Gather your friends for a friendly competition to the top at Vertical Adventures.
    

     

95. Go back in time to the fur trade era at Fort Gibraltar. There are a lot of things happening in summer – family days, workshops, historical interpretation and more.
96. Visit Lower Fort Garry for fun experiences this summer. They are offering unique workshops daily in July & August for a special fee. Make a candle, ice cream, bannock, chocolate, blacksmithing. It’s going to be fun!
97. This summer, visit the Living Prairie Museum to know more about some of the most endangered habitat in the world. This nature park is a tall grass prairie preserve and home to different grass, wildflower species, and prairie wildlife. The great news is that now you can print out their trail guide and start exploring.
98. Minnedosa is a vibrant community quite near Winnipeg that is accessible on a day trip. Well known for the beaches, visitors here can also enjoy a variety of other activities.
99. Follow along the Whiteshell River Self-guiding Trail for a unique way to discover nature and keep our planet healthy.
100. Participate in the many fun programs and activities held by City of Winnipeg Recreation. Details
101. Show your kids how you can read time from a sundial at the Oodena Celebration Circle. Teach them about aboriginal people and constellations depicted in the armature.
102. Eat out at one of Winnipeg’s Exchange District restaurants with your picky eater. Walk off the extra carbs by touring the district.
103. Explore central Winnipeg neighbourhoods via the 10k Central Winnipeg Bike Loop.
104. Introduce your kids to contemporary art! Explore contemporary art galleries in Winnipeg!
105. Let your child engage in fun farm activities at the Aurora Farm Summer Camp.
106. Refresh and cool down with cool treats. There are many places to get ice cream in Winnipeg. Which is your favourite?
     

      

107. Enjoy a glorious summer day at the beaches in Manitoba Provincial Parks.
108. Discover the beauty of Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive trail. This 2 hour round trip walk showcases the historical and cultural significance of the wetland. The wetland is one of the rarest wetland types of North America known as the calcareous fen.
109. Summer is here, which means WAG’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden is welcoming visitors. With sculptures from the WAG Collection, water fountain, and fresh air this space gives a new dimension to art. Access to rooftop is included with Gallery admission.
110. Have you tried the Falcon Creek Self-guiding Trail and activities? Your kids will love exploring and learning about how time and weather changed the rocks at Whiteshell. For more hiking trails in the Whiteshell, see here.
111. Get ready for Winnipeg Tattoo Convention running from August 11 – 13, 2023. The show will host live tattooing by local, Canadian, and international tattoo artists and will feature suppliers to the industry with a wide variety of local vendors including jewellery, apparel, artwork, piercing, airbrushing, custom painters, and much more.
112. Enjoy getting lost in the maze or get to the top of the Giant Bale Pyramid at A Maze In Corn.  Corn Maze will be open from August to October. Also opening mid-August is the Sunflower Expo when you can wander through 8 acres filled with many different varieties of sunflowers.
     
113. Head to this outdoor amusement park with over 20 rides and attractions – the place for fun in the summer! Tinkertown is located at 621 Murdock Road and will be open weekends in June and from Thursdays to Sundays in July & August from 12 – 6 pm.
114. Take the kids to Winnipeg Goldeyes ball game.
115. Ride the train with family and enjoy the entertainments abroad at the Prairie Dog Central Railway.
116. Encourage your young ones in learning about respect, inclusion, co-operation and fairness. See the stories on human rights and freedom at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
117. Go back in time to the fur trade era at Fort Gibraltar.
118. Gear up for the excitement only racing can provide! Includes mini-golf, bumper cars, and boats, batting cages, water balloons, space ball, shooting gallery, and more!
119. Are the kids tired of playing outdoors? Take them indoors to a fun-packed play centre.
120. Want to head out of town? Why not see the Boissevain Outdoor Art Gallery?
121. Satisfy your inner Katniss and have a la Hunger Games fun at Heights Archery Range.
122. Can you make it out on time? Let your teens and tweens help you escape the locked rooms. Take their help in finding the Lost Jewel of Zanzibar or the treasure in Grandma’s Attic.
123. Hike to the Top of the World! This 4km moderate hike is worth undertaking because it is one of the most beautiful lookouts in Manitoba. The trailhead is located at the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes Parking Lot. For more details, see Must Visit Scenic Lookouts in Manitoba.
124. Which kid doesn’t love seeing aircrafts? Visit the Air Park and Museum.
125. Cool off at spray parks around the city.
126. Perfect for people of all ages is a 4 km loop located right in Winnipeg. The trail is great for families who are looking for a lovely enjoyable afternoon walk. Can you guess where it is?
127. Manitoba Electrical Museum is the best place to teach your kids about the safe use of electricity. Learn all about electricity generation and get ready for some hair-raising time.
     
128. Enjoy mini-golf with your little one at The Golf Dome.
129. Teach kids about sustainable farming, seasonal produce, get them to spot exotic vegetables, and the importance of supporting local farms by visiting the farmer’s markets in and around Winnipeg.
130. Pinawa trail is a great trail to take your kids to. The trail stretches from the Pinawa Dam Provincial Park to the Seven Sisters Generating Station. The whole length of 28.47 km might be a bit long for younger kids. But if you have older kids it’s worth going the whole distance as one can see the old Pinawa Dam, 4-metre Pinawa Suspension Bridge, and the Seven Sisters Causeway and Generating Station on this trail.
131. Why not head out today to see white-tailed Deer? Located at Birds Hill Provincial Park is the White-tailed Deer Self-guiding Trail with a return distance of 1.5 km. There is a viewing tower midway along the trail. Go by dawn and dusk as that’s when there’s a greater chance of viewing them. For trails at the Birds HIll see here.
132. Plan a spend a day at La Barriere Park. This expansive park is a perfect place to bring your family for hikes, fishing, insta-worthy photos, and more.
133. Explore Hansel and Gretel’s Witch Hut in the Kildonan Park . Open Thursday -Monday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM during summer.
134. Looking to head somewhere this summer? Splash Island in Portage la Prairie is an amazing adventure water park for all ages. The park has a number of features including giant waterslides, spray area, kiddie slide, fountains, mini-geysers, swimming lanes. There is even a miniature waterfall where one can relax on a bubbler bench while enjoying the beauty of the Island.  Located within an hour from Winnipeg, so if you haven’t been to there yet why not check it out this summer?

Still have no idea what to do during the summer holidays, why not be a tourist in Winnipeg or plan a Manitoba Road Trip.

Self-Guided Tours To Do in Winnipeg

Getaways from Winnipeg