. Active Outdoor Fun | Manitoba Parentzone

Active Outdoor Fun

Getting outside and being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. And part of parenting is helping the children in your care to learn how to enjoy being physically active outside. You don't need a complicated plan, just get out there and have FUN!

And being active isn't just fun, it's good for you and your children too. You'll notice your children are happier, sleeping better and feeling better overall!

Plus you'll be happy to know that children who are active in their early years are more likely to be active throughout their whole lifetime.

Three children (two girls and one boy) lying on grass smiling

There are so many ways to have fun being active outside in the summer in Manitoba. From nature walks to family picnics, to cooling off at wading pools and spray pads, outdoor fun doesn't need to be expensive or structured. Whether you plan on camping this summer, going to one of our many festivals or exploring your neighbourhood you are sure to make lasting memories as you show your children how much fun 'doing stuff' outside can be.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Water Fun

Grandmother playing in the sand with middle years child

Spray Pads - list of spray pads in the city, their locations and hours of operation.

Wading Pool Guide - list of wading pools in the city, their locations, hours of operation and safety rules.

Canoeing and Kayaking (Paddle Manitoba) - Winnipeg is home to some great places to go canoeing or kayaking. Web site includes information such as route maps and rentals.

Grand Beach - Extremely popular with beach-goers, Grand Beach is a popular destination during the summer months. Splash in the water, collect seashells - enjoy a mini tropical vacation at the beach!

Walking and Other Outdoor Sports/Games

Mother and son in the woods geocaching

Trails and Pathways - information on Winnipeg parks offering pathways for activities, such as walking, bike riding and rollerblading.

Winnipeg Skateparks - complete list of skate parks in Winnipeg available to boarders of all ages.

Tennis Courts - there are locations throughout the city for those wanting to play a game of tennis. Many schools and or community clubs have one or more courts available for use. Web site has a list of locations to help you find one in your area.

Nature in parks - Winnipeg has many parks with natural areas that provide a place for an afternoon game of football or a wiener roast and picnic, while serving as refuges for our natural forests and prairies.

Geocaching - Geocaching is a modern treasure-hunt kind of game using a GPS (global positioning system). Individuals or organizations set up a 'cache' and share the coordinates (called 'waypoints') on the internet. Participants use these GPS coordinates to find the geocache and then share their experiences online.

Camping and Outdoor Programs

Middle years boy smiling with his arm around another boy

Fort Whyte Alive - Explore all the fun programs and activities Fort Whyte has to offer for the whole family.

Camps for Children & Families - The Manitoba Camping Association accredits children's camps and family camps.

Festivals and Events

Travel Manitoba - Manitoba's Top Festivals & Events

Local Attractions

The Forks - The Forks is one of Winnipeg's most beloved places offering families an array of experiences including local vendors, a park, a spray park, trails and live music.

Assiniboine Park - Assiniboine Park offers year-round entertainment for the whole family with attractions that blend the best of physical activity, sight-seeing, dining and wildlife into one unforgettable experience. Visit the 'journey to Churchill' polar bear exhibit at the zoo, enjoy a fun afternoon at the Nature Playground, take a walk through the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, a ride on the miniature Steam Train or catch some live music at the Lyric Theatre.

Fruit Picking and Farmer's Markets

Prairie Fruit Growers Association - visit a local farm to spend your afternoon picking fresh berries with your children.

Manitoba Farmers' Markets - Check out Manitoba's Local Produce Guide for a listing of farmers' markets, pre-picked market stands, u-pick vegetable gardens and community supported agriculture farms across our province.

More Activities and Fun Programs Offered by the City of Winnipeg:

City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide - A variety of recreation services and opportunities are available for families throughout the City of Winnipeg from the Community Services Department. The Priceless Fun resource lists all the free programs offered by the City.

General Council Of Winnipeg Community Centres (GWCC) - Community centres are a great resource for family friendly programming.

Information on family friendly programming offered outside the city of Winnipeg:

Rural and Northern Recreation Opportunities - Rural and northern communities employ recreation directors to provide a wide range of recreation opportunities to people of all ages in their communities and districts. To find out if your community has a recreation director, call your municipal office or the Recreation and Regional Services office near you.

Recreation and Regional Services Offices:

  • Beausejour 204-268-6018; or 1-800-665-6107
  • Brandon 204-726-6066; or 1-800-259-6592
  • Dauphin 204-622-2022
  • Gimli 204-642-6006; or 1-866-259-5748
  • Morden 204-822-5418; or 1-866-346-5219
  • The Pas 204-627-8213
  • Thompson 204-677-6784