Free summer activities around Winnipeg

Plenty of free options to keep active and entertained this summer

Girls playing in a wading pool with water toys
Our wading pools are free to access.

The warmer weather and summer vacations have many people looking for free, fun activities.

We offer a wide range of options, from library programs to free museum admission, for people of all ages to enjoy.

Spray pads

Outdoor spray pads are a great way for kids to have fun. Most are open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The majority of locations are free to use, with the exception of the ones located at the Transcona Aquatic Park and Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool.

Most of our spray pads are open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Most of our spray pads are open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Parents and guardians are reminded that spray pads are unsupervised. Children should be closely supervised at all times and follow all rules.

Pools

Wading pools are another option for children 12 and under to keep cool. They begin to open for the season on July 1. Children under 7 years of age must have a parent or guardian 12 years of age or older actively supervising them at the pool.

Beginning June 27, you can also cool off at one of our free non-heated outdoor pools. Admission fees apply to heated pools.

Free non-heated outdoor pools open beginning June 27 
Wading pools begin to open for the season on July 1.

If you would rather splash around indoors, there are weekly free swim times during the summer at the majority of our indoor pools.

Library programs

Winnipeg Public Library branches run a wide variety of free programs. The calendar is always being updated with new offerings.

If you can't make it down to a branch to take out a book, you can also explore the digital library.

Drop-in programs

We offer several free drop-in activities, including crafts, at a variety of locations.
We offer several free drop-in activities, including sports, at a variety of locations.

Crafts, games, sports, and outdoor activities are just some of the free activities we offer at various locations around the city. Drop-in at our Children’s Free Play and Youth Action Centre sites. There is no cost and pre-registration is not required.

Check the Priceless Fun Guide or contact 311 for more information.

Living Prairie Museum

Admission is free at the Living Prairie Museum.
See if you can spot the bees at the Living Prairie Museum.

There is no cost to visit The Living Prairie Museum. It features a 13 hectare tall grass prairie preserve, walking trails, and an interpretive centre geared towards educating people of all ages about this endangered ecosystem. It's open Saturdays in May and June. Then open Tuesday to Sunday in July and August.

Monarch Butterfly Festival

A child wearing homemade orange butterfly wings while standing in a field of yellow flowers.
The Living Prairie Museum will be hosting the annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025.

The museum will also be putting on its 17th annual Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. 

The all-ages event will feature displays of live monarchs, crafts, guided hikes, a native prairie plant sale, and more. 

Originally posted on July 8, 2022

Libraries, recreation and leisure

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