Summer Activities for You and the Kids

Can you believe that July has come and gone? As sad as it may be to think that summer is half over, I prefer to think that there is still half of summer left to enjoy! And boy oh boy, have we been enjoying it! Most days I feel as though I have to utilize every sun filled hour to do and see everything there is to see right here in our own backyard. If you’re interested in exploring Winnipeg, here are a few things we’ve discovered this summer and some sights that are still on our summer bucket list!

1. U-Pick Fruits and Vegetables - Even though most of the berry picking has closed for the season, someone recently introduced me to Floodway Gardens. The Floodway Gardens is a U-Pick Vegetable Garden that has naturally grown vegetables! You can check their website to see what veggies are currently available and you pay by weight. It is such an amazing place and I love teaching my kids about local produce and the farm to table concept.

2. Assiniboine Park Steam Train - This is our second year going and it is such a fun ride for the kids! I also like to bring a picnic because there is an open grassy area close by, which is a perfect spot for a picnic and the kids can continue to watch the train go around!

3. Splash Dash Boat Tours - This is a beautiful boat tour of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. This summer, due to COVID, they are taking one family on the boat at a time and it is such a beautiful way to see and learn more about our city! They run from 10am until sunset and its a half hour ride. It’s $80 for the tour but if you invite grandparents and other family members along the cost per person is pretty reasonable.

4. Beaches- Our family has been loving the beaches this year (because the kids are at a great age to enjoy the sand and water)! We’ve been lucky enough to go to a few beaches but my favourite is St. Malo. I may be biased since I grew up going there but the water is warm, the sand is nice, there are picnic tables shaded by trees and you can even rent paddle boards! What more could you ask for?

5. Farms/Petting Zoos - With little kids, farms and petting zoos are a must see! Some of our go-to farms are closed for the season however, A Maze In Corn has a great one that is open!

6. A Maze In Corn - This is such a fun place, with so many things to do for all ages! There is the Corn Maze, of course, which takes roughly 45 minutes to go through. There is also the petting zoo and hay bale pyramid to check out. And you can’t forget the Sunflower Expo that will be open August 8th, which is the most beautiful place for pictures!

7. BDI - The infamous Bridge Drive In on Jubilee that serves the most delicious soft serve ice cream!

8. Splash Pads - We’ve had quite a few hot days this summer, and running through water is the best way to cool off!! We have been to the fountains in Bridgwater Trails multiple times this summer and have all had a turn running through! But there are so many amazing splash pads around Winnipeg that we have plans to try out!

9. St. Norbert's Market - If you’re looking for local produce, flowers, fresh baking and other locally made products, you should definitely check out St. Norberts Market. They are open Wednesdays from 3pm-7pm and Saturdays from 8am-2pm. It‘s also a great place to take the kids, pick up some goodies or even eat lunch/dinner at one of the food trucks!

10. Flower Picking- I just learned about a couple of flower farms surrounding the city that host workshops or schedule visits for you to pick flowers. While you aren’t able to bring your kids to the workshops, you can bring your kids to Miss Millie‘s Flower Farm and they in have a child size bucket to fill! They are pretty low on spots however, if you watch their social media, more spots sometimes open up!

Assiniboine Park Steam Train

Splash Dash Boat Tours

St. Malo Beach

A Maze In Corn

Floodway Gardens

Have fun exploring and stay safe!