23 Swindon Way
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
R3P 0W2

Winnipeg Parent's Top Ten For Winter Break Family Fun

Winter Break brings a wonderful opportunity to enjoy quality family time together. The weather can be the determining factor in making the choice to go outdoors or hibernate inside. Fortunately our city offers fun for everyone, indoors and out, free and not so free. Enjoy!

1. ENJOY WINTER AT ITS BEST. Pack up the kids, the toboggan, the skates, some hot chocolate and snacks and head to the closest park or community centre with toboggan slides and a rink. Sunshine, fresh air, and winter activities that cost nothing but your energy are the ones that make memories that last forever.
   
   
2. Every one loves the glitter of HOLIDAY LIGHTS. Head to Portage la Prairie's Island of Lights running Nov 25-Jan 7, 6-10 pm nightly . In Winnipeg visit the Red River Exhibition Park for Canad Inns Winter Wonderland Drive through Light Show. An incredibly exciting experience as you drive through the displays and listen to holiday music. Take a ride on the miniature train of the Assiniboine Valley Railway and ride through the Taylor's private property decorated with dazzling light displays. Located at 3001 Roblin Blvd.
   
   
3. The LIBRARY is filled with adventure after adventure for every member of the family. Call your local branch for special Winter Break activities or head downtown to the Main branch for an exciting library experience. Magazines, videos, books on tape and more are available to check out with your FREE library card.
   
   
4. Enjoy LIVE FAMILY Entertainment.
   MTYP presents THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER where the entire theatre will be transformed into the world of Winnie-the-Pooh, including the Hundred Aker Wood. Superb music, puppetry without strings and a children's choir complete this irresistible winter-holiday treat! Sold out but shows added on December 27-30, 1:00 & 4:00 PM, Canwest Performing Centre, The Forks; 942-8898 or visit them online.
   
   Prairie Theatre Exchange presents THE THREE MUNSCHKETEERS, December 21- January 5. The show features a mix of old favourites: We Share Everything, Where is Gah-Ning? and Wait and See, as well as newer stories: Just One Goal! and Moose! And of course there's always some fun audience participation to get everyone involved. At PTE, 3rd floor Portage Place; 942-5483 or visit them online.
   
   
   The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents the NUTCRACKER, Dec. 21-28, Centennial Concert Hall; 956-2792.
   
   
5. HEIGHTS ARCHERY offers an inexpensive and unique activity for the whole family. What kid doesn't want to shoot a bow and arrow at a target? They even have glow archery. Located at 2281 Portage Ave; 832-4421
   
   
6. SUMMER VACATION in the middle of winter at your local indoor swimming pool. The Rady Jewish Conmmunity Centre at 123 Doncaster and Pan Am Pool at 25 Poseiden both have the terrific toddler areas. Elmwood/ Kildonan pool has an exciting waterslide for older kids to wear themselves out. Take a drive to the Steinbach Aquatic Centre for something new and exciting! Even parents can get in on the fun...if their kids let them.
   
   
7. STONY MOUNTAIN SKI AREA is a great place to take the whole family to learn to ski or snowboard. It's just north of Winnipeg on Hwy #7 and you can even ski/snowboard at night. They will rent you everything you need so just come dressed for the weather and they will take care of the rest!
   
   
8. Visit a MUSEUM!
   The MANITOBA CHILDREN'S MUSEUM offers daily theme based activities throughout Winter Break and don't forget about visiting Eaton's Fairytale Vignettes(Santa's Village) now until January 8th. You can have breakfast with Santa on December 3rd, but you must register at 924-4000 .
   
   The MANITOBA MUSEUM presents family shows at the Planetarium as well as wonderful displays in the galleries.YOu will want to try out the 24 Interactive exhibits of CIRCUS, Science under the Big Top! You can enjoy the Touch the Universe Science Centre too!
   
   
9. Head to the ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO and check out the winter life of the zoo animals. The Zoo has many indoor galleries to enjoy. While at Assiniboine Park, visit the Conservatory to enjoy a magical tropical plant experience. A great way to take a summer vacation on a Winterpeg day! Enjoy skating on the pond, tobogganing and more in Assiniboine Park. There is a brand new family centre to warm up in and have something to eat!
   
   
10. Plan a NOTH'IN BUT FAMILY DAY whether it be indoors, playing games, doing puzzles, watching movies, creating crafts, baking cookies, or fixing up the kids rooms . You can enjoy outdoor activities too depending on the weather. Go for a walk, or go tobogganing, snowboarding or skiing if there is any snow left.