The warmer weather and summer vacations have many people looking for free, fun activities.
We offer a wide range of options, from library programs to free museum admission, for people of all ages to enjoy.
Spray pads
Outdoor spray pads are a great way for kids to have fun. They are open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The majority of locations are free to use, with the exception of the ones located at the Transcona Aquatic Park and Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool.
Parents and guardians are reminded that spray pads are unsupervised. Children should be closely supervised at all times and follow all rules.
Pools
Wading pools are another option for children 12 and under to keep cool. They begin to open for the season on July 1.
Children under 7 years of age must have a parent or guardian 12 years of age or older actively supervising them at the pool.
You can also cool off at one of our four, free non-heated outdoor pools. Admission fees apply to heated pools.
If you would rather splash around indoors, there are weekly free swim times during the summer at the majority of our indoor pools.
The free swim times are designed as an opportunity for safe activities for people of all ages. You can find the free swim windows by checking the facility schedule of the pool you want to visit.
Library programs
A wide variety of free programs are running all summer long at Winnipeg Public Library branches.
Children up up 5 years old can take part in our Early Literacy programs with a caregiver. They include Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time, and Family Story Time and programs designed for 3 - 5 year olds, like Art Adventure, Books We Love, Dinosaur Roar!, and Impossible Pets.
Family programs are geared towards children up to 12 years old. Celebrate the diverse languages spoken in Winnipeg with a series of family story times including Punjabi, Ukrainian, Tagalog, and Mandarin. School Age programs are offered for different age ranges, including ages 5-8, ages 6-12, and ages 9-12.
Teens in Grades 7-12 can checkout several programs, including the Teen Comic Workshops with local artists GMB Chomichuk and Sonya Ballantyne.
Several programs are also offered in French. If you're interested in taking part in any of the programs, make sure to register in advance online or by calling or visiting your local branch.
Children up to 12 years old can also register for the TD Summer Reading Club. Once registered, they will receive a free bilingual reading kit and have the chance to win prizes. Older children can take part in the bilingual Teen Summer Reading Challenge.
You can also checkout a StoryWalk® at a branch near you.
Drop-in programs
Crafts, games, sports, and outdoor activities are just some of the free activities we offer at various locations around the city. Drop-in at our free Children’s Free Play and Youth Action Centre sites all summer long.
Check the Priceless Fun Guide or contact 311 for more information.
Living Prairie Museum
There is no cost to visit The Living Prairie Museum. It features a 13 hectare tall grass prairie preserve, walking trails, and an interpretive centre geared towards educating people of all ages about this endangered ecosystem.
Monarch Butterfly Festival
The museum will also be putting on its 15th annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. It runs 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day.
The all-ages event will feature displays of live monarchs, crafts, guided hikes, a native prairie plant sale, and more. The popular milkweed plant giveaway will also be held, while quantities last.
World Police & Fire Games
The World Police & Fire Games runs July 28 to August 6, 2023. Over the 10 days, athletes from around the world will compete in over 60 sports. Events will be taking place at multiple venues in and around Winnipeg, including many of our facilities. Admission is free to all events.
Originally posted on July 8, 2022