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50 Family-Friendly Things To Do This Fall

Posted: September 25, 2025 | Author: Brenna Holeman | Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

With mild temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, it’s no wonder so many people consider autumn to be their favourite season. Thankfully, Manitoba is filled with things to do in fall that are suitable for all ages, so there’s no shortage of activities to keep you and the whole family busy throughout the autumn months. Read on for some of the best family-friendly things to do in Manitoba this fall.


1. ’Tis the season for corn mazes! This quintessential fall activity is a blast for all ages. Head to Deer Meadow Farms (RM of Springfield), Secord Corn Maze (Dauphin), A Maze in Corn (Saint Adolphe), King Korn Maze (Notre Dame de Lourdes), Boonstra Farms (Stonewall), Autumn Adventure (Portage la Prairie) or Pembina Threshermen’s Museum (Winkler) to try to find your way through one of the mazes. Bonus: many of the locations have other kid-friendly activities on-site, such as hayrides and petting farms.

2. You can’t talk about fall in Manitoba and not mention Halloween. From October 3-31, head to Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, where the brand new Spookyville is the site of fall festivities and spooky scenes. Make sure to wear your costume!

3. There’s nothing like seeing the leaves turns to vibrant fall colours of red, orange and yellow. Spend time with the family in some of Manitoba’s most beautiful autumnal vistas such as Whiteshell Provincial Park, Paint Lake Provincial Park, Pembina Valley Provincial Park or Assiniboine Forest.

4. Harry Potter fans will love watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 at BMO Night at the Movies, hosted by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Hear a live symphony orchestra bring Alexandre Desplat’s music to life and experience all the action as the film is projected onto a giant screen on October 2-4.

5. Make your way to Red River Exhibition Park in mid-October to attend Witchy Wonderland, a “not-so fright fest”. This all-ages Halloween event includes kids’ rides, food vendors, costumed characters, fireworks and more.

6. Manitoba is famous for its prairie skies. Make the most of it by going to one of FortWhyte Alive’s annual Sunset Goose Flights, where you can witness thousands of birds landing on Lake Devonian at sunset. Don’t forget the blankets and the hot chocolate!

7. What better place to take a family photo than in one of the province’s pumpkin patches? Wear your coziest fall sweater and head to Schwabe Pumpkins (Saint Andrews), Sheepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch (Portage la Prairie), A Maze in Corn (Saint Adolphe), Deer Meadow Farms (RM of Springfield) or Pierson Pumpkin Patch (Pierson).

8. Looking for an unforgettable family holiday? Autumn is the prime time for polar bear viewing in Manitoba. Travel to Churchill for a memorable family adventure that’s sure to be talked about for years to come.

9. Similarly, fall is a fantastic time to see the polar bears at Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Journey to Churchill. The cooler temperatures mean the bears are more active, giving people a chance to see them play. Kids will love to see them splash and spar in the water!

10. Souris is home to Scarecrow Days, this year running from September 26-28. Enjoy contests, yard sales, movie viewings, face painting and more throughout the community. While you’re in the area, walk across the Souris Swinging Bridge, Canada's longest swinging bridge.

11. Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean hiking is over, too! In fact, fall is one of the best seasons to hike with little ones. Some of the best beginner trails around the province include the Ancient Beach Trail in Grand Beach Provincial Park, the Seine River Greenway in Winnipeg, La Barrière Park Loop in La Barrière Park, the Lighthouse Trail on Hecla Island and the Grace Lake Boardwalk and Boreal Trail near The Pas.

12. Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by spending time at The Forks this fall, including shopping for Indigenous goods at stores like Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique and Manitobah; learning about Indigenous tourism and history at Explore Indigenous and the Agowiidiwinan Centre; and joining the 5th Annual Orange Shirt Day Healing Walk and Pow Wow starting at Oodena Circle on September 30. Admission to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is also free that day.

13. There’s something about the cooler temperatures that brings people together. Join one of the province’s many fall suppers, where all ages are welcome. From Emerson to The Pas to Poplarfield, you’ll find delicious food and community spirit come alive across Manitoba.

14. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba’s only national park with road access, is just as magnificent in autumn as it is in any other season. Head there with the kids to explore the outdoors along numerous family-friendly hiking and biking trails. The Ominik Marsh Trail in Wasagaming is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and you can rent a “Scavenger Hunt/Marsh Kit” from the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park that will make the walk a highlight of your trip. They also provide fat bike rentals all year round.

15. If you’ve never tried ziplining in Manitoba, now’s the season to do it. Head to Hywire Ziplines for a high-flying adventure over Pembina Valley, known for its jaw-dropping fall foliage (available through October).

16. Held from October 29th to November 1st, the Manitoba AG EX in Brandon is a family-friendly cattle show that’s famous for its competitions and learning experiences. Moomania is a hands-on educational experience for students in Grades 3-5, sure to delight the future farmers in the family.

17. Disney on Ice is back at the Canada Life Centre! Join Mickey and pals from November 7-9 for an event the whole family will enjoy.

18. It’s the perfect time of year for a weekend getaway. Head to one of the province’s many hotels that have a pool so that the kids have just as much fun as you do! Examples include the Canad Inns locations in Portage la Prairie or Brandon, both of which have Splasher’s waterparks. Or check out Winnipeg’s Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, where the Dino Beach Pool and Waterslide is sure to be a hit with the little ones.

19. Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet at Assiniboia Downs on Sunday, October 12. This festive family feast serves hearty classics such as roast turkey and carved ham.

20. Pineridge Hollow offers plenty of fun fall activities for the family, including shopping, dining and visiting the petting zoo. It’s an ideal way to spend an autumn afternoon.

21. Want a night of Halloween delight? Head to the Halloween Howl at the Children’s Museum on October 25 for spooktacular activities that include crafts, souvenir family photos and a dance party.

22. For many people, the fall season means one thing: hockey’s back! Check out the Manitoba Moose or Brandon Wheat Kings for some on-ice action that will have the entire family cheering, or score tickets to one of the Winnipeg Jets’ preseason or regular-season games.

23. On select dates from September 19 until October 31, bring the kiddos to the Kids Fun Zone at Shelmerdine in Headingley. Enjoy rides, a bouncy castle, snacks and a hay bale maze.

24. Rainy day? No worries! Head to one of two Activate locations in Winnipeg, where you’ll have to work together as you jump, climb, problem solve and laugh your way through the active gaming facility.

25. Diner and drive in season isn’t over just yet! Many iconic diners and drive ins around the province stay open until mid or late October. Hit the road in search of some of Manitoba’s best burgers and shakes, including stops such as Syl’s Drive Inn in Carman, Charley B’s in Winkler and Cedar & Main in Oakbank. Just make sure to call or check their social media for updated fall hours.

26. The Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, about an hour’s drive northeast of Winnipeg, is home to a wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly boardwalk trail with signposts in both English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe). Enjoy a family stroll through the trees and wetlands and learn about the ecological system that has thrived here for centuries.

27. When weather permits, Thunder Rapids Fun Park in Headingley is open! Have fun with mini golf, batting cages and go-karts well into the fall season.

28. Enjoy onstage performances at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People this fall, including Gather (October 3-26) or The Mush Hole (November 1-9).

29. Bundle up and head to the Princess Auto Stadium to cheer on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with the football fans in your family. The stadium is also hosting the 112th Grey Cup on November 16th!

30. Shop for locally made items at one of the provinces’s many fall craft markets, where there’s sure to be something for everyone in the fam.

31. Always wanted to try rock climbing? Why not try it indoors this autumn at Central Plains RecPlex in Portage la Prairie or Vertical Adventures or The Hive in Winnipeg (both of which have family discount packages).

32. Snag your tickets for a few special October events on the Prairie Dog Central Railway. This unique family excursion includes a meal, entertainment, contests and more, all while aboard the iconic steam locomotive.

33. Winnipeg Comiccon is back! This October 24-26, meet your favourite actors and characters at the RBC Convention Centre.

34. Explore stunning Delta Marsh on the south shore of Lake Manitoba for an outdoor family adventure. Located approximately 25 kilometres north of Portage la Prairie, this open marsh provides excellent opportunities to view migrating birds in the fall season.

35. Take advantage of the less crowded highways and head out on a road trip to spot as many of Manitoba’s roadside attractions as you can. Kids are sure to love finding such icons as Gladstone’s Happy Rock, Portage la Prairie’s World’s Largest Coke Can, Selkirk’s Chuck the Channel Cat, Komarno’s Mosquito and more.

36. As the temperature drops, it’s the perfect time to explore some of Manitoba’s best indoor museums. Kids will especially enjoy the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden and the Children’s Museum and Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada in Winnipeg.

37. Now with extended fall hours, Oak Hammock Marsh near Stonewall is an incredible spot to witness the migration of geese, ducks and shorebirds. Immerse yourself in nature with the little ones as you learn about Manitoba’s flora and fauna.

38. Enjoy Culture Days with the kids! From September 19 until October 12, celebrate arts and culture across the province at a series of events, workshops, festivals and more.

39. Spend a day at the Manitoba Museum to explore the Museum Galleries, Science Gallery, and Planetarium. Head there on October 26 or 27 for the Halloween Takeover, where you’ll find plenty of fun-filled Halloween activities throughout the museum (including the EW!-ology Scavenger Hunt).

40. Birds Hill Provincial Park is a fall lover’s dream! Feel the leaves crunch underfoot as you explore numerous family-friendly hiking and biking trails such as Cedar Bog Trail, Chickadee Trail and Nimowin Trail.

41. Autumn is one of the best seasons for fishing in Manitoba, with fewer crowds and scenic fall foliage. Not only that, the reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures stimulate fish to move into shallower areas to feed and prepare for the cold months ahead. Take the kids along to fish for catfish on the Red River, greenback walleyes on Lake Winnipeg or lake trout on Lake Athapapuskow. Some fishing lodges throughout the province also offer family packages.

42. Kids will love finding out about how money is made at the Royal Canadian Mint. Tours are aimed to be fun and educational for all ages, and there’s a special family admission available (so you can save a few coins while finding out about how coins are made, how cool).

43. Breathe in the fresh autumn air as you and your family spend time horseback riding. Ranches such as Falcon Beach Ranch offer rides for all ages and all skill levels.

44. Gone are the summer crowds and summer traffic, making it an ideal time for a family day trip. Hit the highway and check out amazing fall day trip destinations such as Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, Red River North or Big Valley Park.

45. Toddler Tuesdays at the Leaf are back for another season! Enjoy music, dance, drama and more in the Mediterranean Biome, free with admission to the Leaf from September 16 until November 4.

46. Fall weather calls for warm drinks and being cozy. Why not check out a cat café for an experience the kids will never forget? Sip hot chocolate and get to know adorable (and adoptable) kitties at spots such as Annie’s Attic or Cleopatra Cafe, both in Winnipeg.

47. For older children who love Halloween, try the Daytime Ghoul Haunt at Six Pines Haunted Attraction. Running on four select dates in October, this afternoon experience is a much milder version of their regular event. Similarly, check out the Haunted Forest at Lucky Break Ranch & Tack in Rivers from October 16-19 for their “no scare hours” from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.

48. Plenty of mountain biking trails stay open well into the fall season. Head to the HyLife Back Forty Multi-Use Trail Park in Neepawa, the Northgate Trail system just outside Dauphin or Squirrel Hills Trail Park in Minnedosa.

49. For the ultimate family fun, head to one of the province’s arcades and/or bowling alleys. Make your way to Uptown Alley in Winnipeg, The Game Room in Thompson, or T-Birds or Fun n’ Games HQ in Brandon.

50. Ho ho ho! Santa’s on his way to Winnipeg again, making his appearance at the Manitoba Hydro Santa Parade on November 15. Established in 1909, the parade is the city’s longest running free community event.

About The Author

I'm Brenna, a travel writer who proudly calls Winnipeg home. After years of living & travelling abroad, I moved back to Manitoba only to fall in love with it even more than before. My favourite things are prairie sunsets, breweries & my son’s laugh.

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