It’s time for adventure, time for exploration and time to reconnect with the wilderness that exists in our backyards. This Spring Break let the kids discover the power of nature or get out as a family for an outdoor adventure you won’t soon forget.

Both Oak Hammock Marsh and Fort Whyte Alive have Spring Break programming that combine learning with fun.

Every day is a new theme at Fort Whyte Alive’s spring camp March 28 to April 1. From learning about water and how to protect it, to how Aboriginal people lived 200 years ago to the mysteries of meteorology, kids will have fun with activities, crafts and games for the entire week. For more information call 204-989-8358 or go to www.fortwhyte.org. 

At Oak Hammock Marsh, kids will have the chance to be bug, a scientist, a planet superhero and a marsh detective. Every day, kids will learn about a new environmental topic, while having fun with games, crafts and scavenger hunts. For more information go to www.oakhammockmarsh.ca or call 204-467-3300. 

Head to Brandon between March 28 to April 2 for the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events.  Designed with city slickers in mind, the Fair is a great place to learn about agriculture in Manitoba, with over 300 exhibits and loads of ag-tivities. See show jumping and visit the barns to see the animals up close. “Drive” a tractor, milk a “cow” and pay a visit to the Royal Petting Zoo.  Live entertainment includes a magician, musicians, clowns and everyone’s favourite – the Superdogs!  For more information, go to www.brandonfairs.com. 

It’s that invigorating time between winter and spring – the sun is warm and the air is fresh. So get out and soak it all up at Riding Mountain National Park. 2011 is Parks Canada’s 100^th anniversary so the timing couldn’t get any better to celebrate the incredible park system across Canada. Depending on the weather enjoy outdoor fun like hiking or cross country skiing. Hop on a horse to get a new perspective of the diverse landscape. Be sure to stop by and say hello to the resident bison herd.  

Plan to stay at the Elkhorn Resort, nestled right next to the park’s boundaries. Between March 25 and April 3, take advantage of the Resort’s Spring Break Special (applicable from Sunday to Wednesday) and the family-friendly events planned for the whole week. For more information go to www.elkhornresort.mb.ca and www.pc.gc.ca/riding.