This summer, we're featuring an amazing collection of road trips that will help you explore every corner of Manitoba.

Manitoba’s capital is a family-friendly city, with enough fun to last at least a week. There are tons of great hotel options with terrific pools for the kids, most notably Canad Inns Destination Centres with its Splashers Waterpark. After you’ve checked out some of Winnipeg’s most visited places suggested in our Winnipeg day trip and weekend getaway (like kid top pick, Assiniboine Park Zoo featured in our 48 Hours in Winnipeg trip) extend your exploration of Winnipeg with some of these options.

Part 1: Let's make some fun

If you’re planning to spend some time at The Forks, the riverside dining and shopping destination, families with younger kids should definitely plan a visit to the Manitoba Children’s Museum. Kids love the museum’s different hands-on activities and exhibits, like the Lasagna Lookout climbing structure, the watery fun in the Splash Lab and the chance to be the conductor inside a locomotive.

Part 2: Spend time outside in South Winnipeg

FortWhyte Alive is now a four-season natural oasis, literally minutes away from some of the city’s best shopping at Seasons of Tuxedo (home to Outlet Collection Winnipeg, IKEA and Cabela’s).

FortWhyte has seven kilometres of trails that take you through prairie, aspen forests, around the lake and across boardwalks. Rent a canoe to explore the area from a different perspective. Or bring your bikes and hit the multi-use Bison Butte Recreational Trail. Cruiser bike rentals are available.

Kids also love dip netting, as they find critters and crawlers in the marsh. In addition to loads of insects, FortWhyte is a great place to see animals like deer and a variety of species of birds and waterfowl.

For more market fresh options, check out the Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, Manitoba’s largest. Every Wednesday and Saturday over the summer vendors from around the province come together to sell produce, proteins, baking, artwork, jewelry, plants, crafts and more. Local food trucks - which are often found lining Broadway in downtown Winnipeg during the week - make their way out to the market on Saturdays.

While you’re in St. Nobert - one of Winnipeg’s Francophone neighbourhoods - check out the ruins of the Trappist Monastery. This provincial heritage site dates to 1892 and was gutted by fire five years later. The ruins are a peaceful place for an afternoon stroll. Or take a self-guided or guided tour through the St. Norbert Heritage Park, where three log homes showcase the evolution of the community through Métis settlement and the immigration of Québec families.

Part 3: History and nature just beyond city limits

Just north of Winnipeg, about 20 km from the city centre, is one of Manitoba’s most important heritage sites. Lower Fort Garry sits on the banks of the Red River and features original buildings dating as far back as the 1830s. Lower Fort Garry is where Treaty 1 was created and signed by the Crown, the Anishinaabe and the Muskegon Cree peoples in a historic event that is commemorated each year.

About 20 km west of Lower Fort Garry is Oak Hammock Marsh, a reclaimed wetland home to 25 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds. Check out the activities inside the interpretive centre, including a cool diorama of life in the marsh, before heading out to explore the trails. There are over 30 kilometres of trails through the wildlife management area, with some kid-friendly options near the interpretive centre that include floating boardwalks. You can also explore the marsh by canoe, as rentals are available. So too are guided programs, like the unique Bird in the Hand tour where visitors help naturalists conduct important research by banding a live bird after learn why the marsh is an important path on its migration path.

Part 4: Leave the kids with the grandparents

If you are visiting family or friends, then may we suggest you take advantage of the babysitters and spend some quality time with your partner?

While there are lots of great family dining options (may we recommend Across the Board, a board game café?), Winnipeg’s dining scene may be better appreciated sans minors. Especially when you want to sample the tasty brews at a local microbrewery or sip on craft cocktails. For a complete guide to where to eat and drink in Winnipeg, check out Peg City Grub, Tourism Winnipeg’s official food blog.

Another option for a night out is a visit to the Casinos of Winnipeg. Club Regent Casino in eastern Winnipeg and McPhillips Station Casino on the west side offer high-end gaming, dining and entertainment options. In downtown Winnipeg, the Shark Club is a Vegas-style gaming centre that is a favourite post-Winnipeg Jets game destination. Across the street is Hargrave Street Market, quickly becoming a favourite trendy food hall. The Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market takes place outside on the plaza of True North Square on Thursdays.

Part 5: Stay active and stay sharp

For a last blast of fun before your vacation comes to a close, check out one of Winnipeg’s escape rooms. From spooky themes to brain-twisting puzzles, there are several options depending on the size and ages of your family. Combine the brain power of an escape room with the physicality of being in a real life video game at Activate Games. Games here require you to think, but also jump, throw, crawl and hide as you attempt to rack up points and beat the clock. This is a super fun activity for families with kids ages 10 and over. Other active options for active gaming include an indoor trampoline park, laser tag, VR gaming, axe throwing and some good old fashioned bowling! Or, plan your visit to overlap with the home games of a local professional sporting team: Winnipeg Blue Bombers football, Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball or Valour FC soccer.