It doesn’t matter if you decide to stay close to home or venture further out and explore our province, there’s always a lot to do when school is out. Here are just a few ideas about how to keep everyone busy and entertained during Spring Break.
Royal Manitoba Winter Fair (RMWF)
It wouldn’t be spring without the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair! This signature event is held annually in Brandon. The RMWF is one of Western Canada’s largest and most prestigious agricultural events and is a ton of fun for the entire family. You’ll get to experience show jumping, heavy horse competitions, livestock displays, live entertainment, yummy food, theme days and much more. It’s a bit of a drive, so plan to stay the weekend. If you’ve never been, you’ve been missing out!
The Slush Cup
The annual Slush Cup at Asessippi Ski Resort is back! The Slush Cup is a hilarious way to say goodbye to the ski season and welcome back the warmer months of spring and summer. Watch as costumed skiers and snowboarders speed down a run and try to skim across a pool of water without getting soaked. Stick around for the prizes, which include best costume, best trick and many more entertaining categories. There’s a beer garden and BBQ. It’s happening on April 4 and starts at 12:30 pm. Don’t miss it!
High tea Bridgerton-style
Calling all fans of Bridgerton! The theme for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Winnipeg is “Unmasked”, inspired by the popular Netflix show. With two seatings every Sunday, this popular experience is perfect for anyone who loves a touch of Regency elegance. The service features delicately crafted pastries and savouries, complemented by the refined aromas of premium Lot 35 Fairmont teas. Children can attend at a discounted rate. Reservations required.
Canadian Fossil Discover Centre
If dinosaurs are a hit in your household, consider taking a drive to Morden.
Dinophiles will adore the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, home to the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada including our own celebrity Bruce, the largest publicly displayed mosasaur in the world. Also, discover the prehistoric marine reptile statues scattered around town for some fun family photo ops. The museum is open seven days a week, so you have plenty of opportunities to check it out.
FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and offers tons of activities to keep families busy during spring break, including hiking, cycling
and wildlife viewing. Alive in the Woods, a line-up of self-guided experiences, allows families to take part in nature inspired games, crafts, activities and more held on March 28 and April 4. There’s also a Bonfire Marshmallow Roast on March 28 and a Guided Family Snowshoe on March 29 with snowshoes available to rent. Nature-inspired activities are offered all year round.
It’s game time!
Enjoy some games and a pile of laughs at one of the province’s many arcades, recreation rooms or bowling alleys. For a few ides, check out The Game Room in Thompson, T-Birds in Brandon, The Rec Room in Winnipeg or VB’s Entertainment Centre in Winkler. Love family board game nights? Head to Across the Board Game Café in Winnipeg’s Exchange District for a bit of friendly competition.
Splashdown!
So many hotels around Manitoba have indoor pools and even waterparks, making them the perfect getaway with your kids. Check out Canad Inns locations in Brandon or Portage la Prairie for Splasher’s, an onsite waterpark. If you don’t want to drive too far, many hotels right here in Winnipeg have waterparks as well. The Steinbach Aquatic Centre is another great option. The Lakeview Hecla Resort and also the Elkhorn Resort are also both solid choices for an indoor pool and waterslide.
For the active kid
If your kids don’t like to sit still, try indoor rock climbing at Central Plains RecPlex in Portage la Prairie or Vertical Adventures or The Hive in Winnipeg (both of which have family discount packages). You can also enjoy the many biking trails of Manitoba. Family-friendly cycling paths include the Ironwood Trail in Pinawa and the Kildonan Park Loop in Winnipeg, while more advanced riders will love the paths of Riding Mountain National Park and the Atikameg Trails in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park.
For the little shopper
If your little ones are less mobile but still enjoy getting out, head to The Forks. There really is something for everyone there, with incredible dining options, local shops, lively events and a lot to explore both inside and outside. The Forks is also the location for the Children’s Museum. Pineridge Hollow in Birds Hill is always a hit as well. Enjoy multiple dining options, unique shops featuring local products and a petting zoo. Check out their website for pop-up markets and their super-popular kids’ workshops over spring break.
Spring Break camps
There are quite a few camps available to kids during spring break. Here’s just a few:
• The Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf camp is open to children ages 6 to 12, and you can register for a single day or for the entire week. This camp aims to bring kids closer to nature, so activities range from behind the scenes with polar bears to meeting some of the smallest but mightiest creatures at the zoo.
• Oak Hammock Marsh near Stonewall also has a fantastic spring break program with daily themes that are sure to engage budding nature enthusiasts. Creepy Crawlies is a guaranteed hit! Open for ages 6 to 9.
• The Winnipeg Art Gallery is hosting a spring break camp that is perfect for emerging young artists aged 7 to 11. With a theme of Cardboard Sculpture Creations, kids will use their imaginations to transform ordinary cardboard into extraordinary creations.
• Brandon’s YMCA offers an interactive spring break camp for kids aged 5 to 12, with activities ranging from swimming to crafts and everything in between. Many YMCA’s in Winnipeg offer spring break options as well.
• For many kids in Manitoba, spring break means Mini U at the University of Manitoba! With numerous spring break camp options for kids from ages 5 to 11, children can learn new skills, make new friends and have a lot of fun.
• Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) hosts a spring break camp from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. from March 30 until April 2. Open to kids aged 5 to 14, there are a variety of classes to choose from, including Story to Stage, Play Making and Musical Theatre.
• For kids who love hockey, Camp Manitou is an excellent spring break camp option. Open for children in grades one through six, children can enjoy four fun-filled days of skating, tobogganing, bannock making and many more activities.
• Kids who love animals will enjoy the Winnipeg Humane Society’s Spring Kids Camps. Held March 30 to April 2, the camp offers children ages 6 to 12 a behind the scenes look at the shelter while learning about compassion and responsible animal care through crafts, games and special guest visits.
• Camp Awesome in Selkirk offers a nature-based spring break day camp for children ages 6 to 11. Inspired by Forest School philosophy, campers spend their days exploring outdoors, taking part in creative play and enjoying
activities that encourage curiosity, movement and a connection with nature for endless Spring Break fun!