Special Spring Break Events and Performances

1. It wouldn’t be spring break without the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair! Held annually in Brandon, RMWF is one of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events and is a blast for the whole family. Experience show jumping, heavy horse competitions, livestock displays, live entertainment and so much more.

2. Do you have a Paw Patrol fan at home? Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure is taking place April 4th at Winnipeg’s Centennial Concert Hall. Watch as Chase, Skye, Marshall and the whole gang save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers.

3. For older children and teens who love all things Tolkien, check out The Music of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit & The Rings of Power in Concert at the Centennial Concert Hall on March 31st. The performance includes a guest star and the most memorable music from the films, from the menacing soundtrack of Mordor to the beautiful melodies of the elves.

4. 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 the warmer weather. Watch as costumed skiers and snowboarders go down a run and attempt to skim a pool of water. Stick around for the prizes, which include best costume, best trick and many more fun categories.

5. Cheer on the home team this spring break! Catch the Manitoba Moose versus the Grand Rapids Griffins on April 3rd and 4th.

6. Calling all fans of Bridgerton! The theme for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Winnipeg during spring break is “Unmasked”, inspired by the popular Netflix show. With two seatings every Sunday, the artfully arranged experience is perfect for kids who love a bit of opulence. Children can attend at a discounted rate, and all dietary requirements can be catered to with notice including gluten free and vegetarian requirements. Reservations required.

Museums, Culture and Hands On Learning

7. The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada offers special spring break programming every year. This year’s theme? Astronauts! Also check out Storytime with a Pilot held at 11 a.m. on April 2nd.

8. Spend an afternoon at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Take your time in the exhibitions and enjoy their special spring break programming. The museum is ideal for older children who are ready to have conversations about history and civil rights.

9. Check out your little one’s favourite museum this spring break! Head to the Children’s Museum or the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg, which have specific spring break programming.

10. Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq is a fabulous place to spend a few hours. Discuss your favourite works of art and bring sketchbooks to create some art of your own.

11. If dinosaurs are big in your household, take a trip to Morden this spring break. Dinophiles will love the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, home to the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada including Bruce, the largest publicly displayed mosasaur in the world. Also check out the prehistoric marine reptile statues around town for some fun photo ops.

12. The Royal Canadian Mint holds tours that aim to be both entertaining and educational, making it a perfect activity for the whole family. Family admission rates are available.

13. Spend the week learning more about Indigenous heritage in Manitoba. Visit Explore Indigenous at The Forks and take a walking tour with Turtle Tours. "Those Who Made the Winter" runs until March 31st. Afterwards, eat at Promenade Brasserie, Feast Cafe Bistro or Bistro on Notre Dame.

14. Gimli is perfect for a spring break vacation. Families can dress up like Vikings at the New Iceland Heritage Museum, hike the nearby trails in Camp Morton Provincial Park, shop at H.P. Tergesen & Sons (the oldest operating general store in Manitoba), try to get a strike at Bowlers and eat at family friendly restaurants such as Interlake Brewing Co. or Brennivins Pizza Hüs. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, fishing may also be an option.

15. Your local public library is open this spring break! All ages are sure to find something inspiring to read. Check for free event programming, such as a Family Art Afternoon.

16. Visiting Assiniboine Park is always a fantastic time for the entire family. Spend time at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf to learn about flora and fauna from around the world.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature Experiences

17. With 93 provincial parks in Manitoba, there’s no shortage of outdoor exploration to be had during spring break. Explore a provincial park you’ve never been to before… who knows, it might become a family favourite!

18. FortWhyte Alive is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and offers plenty 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 various nature inspired games, crafts, activities and more held on March 28th and April 4th. There’s also a Bonfire Marshmallow Roast on March 28th and a Guided Family Snowshoe on March 29th snowshoes available to rent.

19. The spring migration is beginning! Hundreds of species of birds are returning to Manitoba as the snow thaws. Pembina Valley is known as the province’s Raptor Highway, and thousands of red tailed hawks, eagles and other raptors will pass through this spring. Delta Marsh is another exceptional birding spot at this time of year, especially for waterfowl and songbirds. Grab the binoculars and head out on a family adventure to see how many you can spot!

20. Riding Mountain National Park is an excellent spring break destination. Explore the outdoors along numerous family friendly hiking and biking trails, including the Ominnik Marsh Trail in Wasagaming which is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Friends of Riding Mountain National Park provides rentals such as fat bikes or a Scavenger Hunt Marsh Kit, perfect for families.

21. Hiking trails may be slushy, but that just adds to the family fun! Bask in the warmer weather and hit the trails across the province. Family friendly trails include the Cedar Bog Trail in Birds Hill Provincial Park, the Boyne Valley Walking Trail in Treherne, the Seine River Greenway in Winnipeg and the Grace Lake Boardwalk and Boreal Trail near The Pas.

22. Geocaching is an activity the entire family can get into. This spring break, hit up some of Manitoba’s favourite geocaching locations, including Whiteshell Provincial Park and Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Forest.

23. Manitoba’s rivers and lakes are starting to thaw, which means that waterfalls are beginning to flow in full force again. Take a road trip to visit Rainbow Falls, Pisew Falls or Wekusko Falls, all of which are easy to access from the parking lot or road.

24. Oak Hammock Marsh is an amazing place to experience nature this spring break. Visit the discovery centre, walk the nature trails and try to spot the many migrating birds that are returning to the wetlands after winter.

25. Pack some snacks and head out on a nature walk. Explore the Brandon Riverbank, the Millennium Trail in Thompson or Flinty’s Boardwalk and Trail in Flin Flon. How many different plants and animals can you see along the way?

26. Budding astronomers will love a trip to a dark sky preserve. Head to Spruce Woods Provincial Park to spot as many falling stars as you can.

Active and High Energy Fun

27. Enjoy a few games and a lot of laughs at one of the province’s arcades, recreation rooms or bowling alleys. 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.

28. Plenty of hotels around Manitoba have pools and even waterparks, making them the perfect getaway with kids. Check out Canad Inns locations in Brandon or Portage la Prairie for Splasher’s, an onsite waterpark. The Lakeview Hecla Resort is another solid choice for an indoor pool and waterslide.

29. 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).

30. 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 provided the snow and ice have melted, of course.

31. Take advantage of free kids’ programming in the province at local community centres, including swimming and free play. While some centres are closed during spring break, there are many that remain open. Head to the City of Winnipeg’s website for the leisure guide to find listings of activities and contact information for individual centres in Winnipeg.

32. There’s nothing like an afternoon at the movies. Catch a flick at your local cinema some Cineplex cinemas offer Family Favourites programs on Saturdays.

Worth the Road Trip

33. Don’t know how to fill an afternoon? Head to The Forks. There truly is something for everyone in the family here, with incredible dining options, local shops, lively events and a lot to explore both inside and outdoors. One suggested activity? Try to locate as many public artworks as you can.

34. Pineridge Hollow is always a hit with children of all ages. Enjoy multiple dining options, shops featuring local products and a petting zoo. Keep an eye out for pop up markets and kids’ workshops over spring break.

35. Souris is home to Canada’s longest swinging bridge. Walk across the 184 metre pedestrian footbridge and then head to nearby Victoria Park, where you can explore the playgrounds, Looking Tower and Heritage Tree (the "new" Old Oak Tree, which is estimated to be approximately 440 years old).

36. Kids will love road tripping to spot as many landmarks around Manitoba as possible. Choose your own adventure by searching for landmarks such as the World’s Largest Coca Cola Can in Portage la Prairie, Happy Rock in Gladstone, Sunny the Banana in Melita or Sarah the Camel in Glenboro.

37. For a spring break trip the kids will never forget, book a geodesic dome. Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect way to connect as a family. Try Glamping InStead, Moonlit Canopy or Wild Skies Resort.

38. Turtle Mountain Adventure Huts are open all year round! Enjoy the blossoming spring weather with a stay in one of the locally designed huts, complete with nearby hiking and biking trails. Just don’t forget to pack the marshmallows for an evening campfire.

39. While many provincial park campgrounds may not be open yet, there are plenty of year round lodges within or near parks that allow you to explore the surrounding area. Head to Elkhorn Resort, Falcon Trails Resort or Paint Lake Lodge.

Food Experiences

40. Take a culinary adventure around the world without leaving the province. Trying new foods together as a family is a great way to make memories and discover new favourites! Try Mexican restaurants in Winkler, Indian cuisine in Brandon or head to The Exchange District in Winnipeg and count how many international dishes you can try.

Spring Break Camps and Drop Off Programs

41. Spring Break Camp is back at Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf! Open to children ages 6 to 12, you can register for a single day of camp or for the entire week. Aiming to bring kids closer to nature, activities range from behind the scenes with polar bears and their caregivers, learning about the various fauna from around the world and meeting some of the smallest but mightiest creatures at the zoo.

42. Oak Hammock Marsh near Stonewall 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.

43. The Winnipeg Art Gallery is hosting a spring break camp that is perfect for 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. Held from March 30th until April 2nd.

44. 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.

45. 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 to boot. Registration for spring break camps opens on February 4th.

46. Manitoba Theatre for Young People 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.

47. 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.

48. FortWhyte Alive offers a spring camp for kids aged 6 to 11. Children can learn what Manitoba plants and animals are doing throughout the spring season and why spending time outdoors is so beneficial for our health!

49. 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.

50. 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 connection with nature.