Splashing around

Pack those towels, that cooler of snacks, the sunscreen and shades, and all the shovels, buckets, water toys, and floatation devices you can jam into your car because Manitoba might as well be called Manitobeach…or Beachitoba…err…never mind…Here’s a list of a few beaches to check out around the province:

Parkland

1. Asessippi Beach, Lake of the Prairies, Inglis
2. Rainbow Beach, Dauphin Lake
3. Clear Lake Main Beach, Riding Mountain National Park

Pembina Valley Central Plains

1. St. Ambroise Beach, Lake Manitoba
2. Delta Beach, Lake Manitoba
3. Colert Beach, Lake Minnewasta, Morden

Eastern

1. Grand Beach, Lake Winnipeg
2. Birds Hill Beach, Kingfisher Lake, Birds Hill Provincial Park
3. St. Malo Beach, St. Malo Lake
4. Falcon Beach, Falcon Lake

Northern

1. Zed Lake Beach, Zed Lake
2. Paint Lake Beach, Paint Lake
3. Sunset Beach, Clearwater Lake

Interlake

Western

1. Minnedosa Beach, Lake Minnedosa
2. Lake Wahtopanah Beach, Rivers Provincial Park
3. Sunnyside Beach, Pelican Lake
4. Adam Lake Beach, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

And if you would prefer your water fun to come without the sand, then here are some water parks to keep you cool:

Splash Island
Portage la Prairie

Splash away with two giant waterslides and a special double wide slide perfect for the littles in your life, along with a pool complete with lazy river, tot area, and awesome wave action.

Fun Mountain
Winnipeg, off Hwy #1 East

While the seven waterslides are of course the main attraction, Fun Mountain also features bumper boats, mini golf, a splash pad, giant hot tub, and smaller slides for smaller kids. Plus all summer long, enjoy 2 for 1 Tuesdays!

Noventis Aquatic Centre
Arborg

See who is the fastest on the twin racing slides or set a new record on the twisting slide. The heated pool also features a preschool area, swirling vortex area, and large, shallow play area.

Winkler Tourist Park
Winkler

This outdoor aquatic centre features two speed slides, a curvy slide, hot tub, splash pad, and kiddie area. Bring a picnic and spend the day splashing away!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Kids love things that go. Why wouldn’t they? They’re big, fast, and fun. Here are some places to check out a range of planes, trains, and automobiles.

Royal Canadian Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Winnipeg

Kids love to wander through the hangar checking out early passenger planes, bush planes, and even an Avro Aerocar. Then head up to the Flight Deck to watch the takeoffs and landings at the Richardson International Airport. Make sure to save time to check out the Skyways Discovery Zone where kids can fly a 4-seater plane and test out the wind tunnel and “lift” machine.

Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum
Brandon

Take the kids to find out why the World War II training aircraft at this museum are painted yellow. You might even get lucky enough to see a volunteer hard at work restoring one of these rare planes located inside a period hangar.

Winnipeg Railway Museum
Winnipeg

The first steam locomotive on the Canadian prairies is found at this museum on tracks 1 and 2 at the historic Union Station. In addition to the Countess of Dufferin, there are also diesel and electric locomotives.

Souris Railway Museum
Souris

A diesel locomotive simulator lets kids see if they have what it takes to become a railway engineer. Step inside a 100 year-old rail car, equipped with an original dispatcher’s phone and a working telegraph key and sounder.

Manitoba Automobile Museum
Elkhorn

This museum is packed with over a hundred vintage and antique cars, including a very rare 1909 Hupmobile – the first car of the museum’s collection.

Jim’s Vintage Garages
Headingley

Fans of Disney’s Cars will feel like they’re visiting Radiator Springs at this fun museum featuring replicas of vintage service stations.

Animal pals

Cute and furry or slithery and slimy, kids and animals go hand in hand. Here are a few places to connect with Manitoba’s furry friends and creepy crawlies.

Assiniboine Park Zoo
Winnipeg

Kids love to make friends with the seals and watch polar bears splash around at the Journey to Churchill Exhibit. They’ll also get a thrill out of walking with kangaroos and butterflies, watching the active cotton-top tamarins, and awww-ing over the red pandas. Also this summer, Dinosaurs Alive is included in the price of admission!

Westman Reptile Garden
Brandon

Snakes, spiders, lizards and crocs, this is the place to go to check out this super awesome collection that is either a dream come true or the source of all your nightmares.

Falcon Beach Ranch
Whiteshell Provincial Park

Head out on the trail through the forest on a horse chosen just for you. The well trained horses and easy terrain make this a good option for kids. Or you can lead your little around a pond on a quiet, friendly pony. Stay for a cowboy cookout and or spend the night in a log cabin overlooking the ranch.

FortWhyte Alive
Winnipeg

See bison, prairie dogs, and burrowing owls, plus birds, deer, rabbits, and fish in this nature preserve on the southwestern edge of the city. Stop by the farm to say hi to the pigs and take some fresh produce or honey home with you.