Free photo with Santa - emailed to you!

There are lots of places you can bring your camera and take pictures of your kids with Santa, but now Kildonan Place Mall will email you a photo FREE!

Find more details and lots of other fun stuff to do around Winnipeg at KidFriendlyManitoba.com

new site!

Please come visit us at kidfriendlymanitoba.com to find family friendly events and activities in Winnipeg and around Manitoba!

Thanks!

Winnipeg first Canadian city to stage Ciclovia

It’s time to take to the streets Winnipeg! On Sunday, September 13 from 8am until 6pm, the entire north side of Broadway will be closed to motorized vehicles from Main to Osborne connecting Assiniboine Park to The Forks for Ciclovia.

What's Ciclovia?
Ciclovia, meaning “bike way,” began in Bogotá, Colombia, where every Sunday major roads are blocked off and millions of people fill them running, walking, biking while enjoying free outdoor fitness classes like yoga and aerobics.
Ciclovia events have been held all over the world, but have yet to hit Canadian streets until now. Although talks exist for a Vancouver Ciclovia, Winnipeg will be the first!
Numerous organizations are hoping to make this a regular event in Winnipeg, and are hosting this pilot project to gauge public interest.

The event features a hay maze, a farmers’ market, street vendors, a kids’ zone, buskers, horse drawn wagons, outdoor fitness classes and other non-motorized fun. The band Oh My Darling wraps up the event with a special concert at The Forks’ Oodena Circle at 4pm. The goal is to promote physical activity, community building and the environmental benefits of using non-motorized forms of transportation.

Click here for a map and program of events!

Wasps! Here's a way to trap them.

It's that time of year, wasps are everywhere! We used this recipe last summer after trying many different concoctions, this one was amazing! Wasps were attracted immediately and it trapped a lot. Plus it's easy enough to throw away and start a new one.

You need:
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 banana peel
1 empty 2 liter pop bottle

-boil water and add sugar, stir until dissolved
-cut the top off the pop bottle so you have a funnel (you need the whole thing so don't wreck the bottle!)
-put the sugar water, vinegar and banana peel in the bottom of the pop bottle and put the top back on upside down. you want the spout facing down to the bottom of the bottle (but not touching the liquid)
-poke holes and tie it shut or use duct tape and then hang your new trap from a tree or place it somewhere out of reach of your kids

If you have recipes like this you want to share, join our message board today!

Corn Mazes are open!

I really want to take my boys to a corn maze this year. I've checked their sites and Amaze in Corn is open! They are located 10 minutes south of the Perimeter Hwy on St. Mary’s Rd and hours are weather permitting. It also sounds like it's muddy there because of all the rain.
Along with the maze, you will find a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides and a hay bale pyramid. If you get hungry you can visit their Snack Shack and enjoy homemade French fries, hot dogs, smokies, popcorn, ice cream, chips, chocolate bars, and various drinks at the picnic tables provided.

AUGUST
Open 7 days a week.
Sunday to Sunday 11:00am - 10:00pm
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Monday to Friday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Group bookings are available during the day
Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11:00 am – 10:00 pm


Murray's Maze opens Sept. 4 and they have a Micheal Jackson tribute. I will post more information closer to their opening date.

Aug 24 to 29

A very quiet week this week! Hopefully this weather holds out and we can enjoy the rest of summer! You can always head out to a wading pool or spray pad. Tinkertown, Thunder Rapids, and Grand Prix are still open. Or why not visit Assiniboine Park and the Zoo?

Stars and Strollers - Playing this week: Julie and Julia
Silver City St. Vital Mon, August 24, 1pm – 3pm
Silver City Polo Park Wed, Augus 26, 1pm – 3pm
Have a baby and still want to see a new movie once in a while? Why not check out Stars and Strollers at Silver City Polo Park and St. Vital. They dim the lights, lower the volume and have a change table available.

Coming up:

FREE Trial Classes- Fit 4 Two Stroller Fitness
Friday September 11, 2009, 10:30-11:30am Earl Grey Community Club, 340 Cockburn North (meet at lane doors) Class size is limited. Reserve your spot by contacting aileen@fit4two.ca or 452-5000
You can see Aileen's website for more details: http://www.fit4two.ca/

July 26

This week:

Stars and Strollers - Playing this week: Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince

Silver City St. Vital Mon, July 27, 1pm – 3pm

Silver City Polo Park Wed, July 29, 1pm – 3pm

Have a baby and still want to see a new movie once in a while? Why not check out Stars and Strollers at Silver City Polo Park and St. Vital. They dim the lights, lower the volume and have a change table available.

Coming up this weekend:

The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba - Wonder Shows Midway!

When July 31 - August 3

Where Gimli Manitoba

Jam packed with events for the whole family. The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining interest in Icelandic culture and heritage primarily through the presentation of an annual family oriented celebration.

Pioneer Days

When July 31 - August 3

Where Steinbach, Manitoba

Our biggest event of the year! Four days of pioneer activities, steam power, threshing, milling, horse shows, petting zoo, concerts, food, drama and more!
More Info (links to a PDF document)

Why not check out Thunder Rapids Fun Park this week? They have a lot more than just go carts. You can find Bumper Boats and Mini Golf and a free Jungle Gym.

5058 Portage Avenue (3 miles west of Assiniboia Downs)

204-885-7223

Or if you live in the East Side of Winnipeg, head out to Grand Prix Amusements. They also have Bumper Boats and Mini Golf and a variety of other activies to keep your kids busy!

HWY #1 (Fermor) 4km East of the Mint

204-254-3644

But what if it rains? Why not try some indoor Mini Golf!

The new and improved U-Puttz Black Light Miniature Golf is the newest and most exciting addition to family entertainment to hit Winnipeg in a very long time. This uniquely themed, artistically created 18 hole miniature golf course features realistic props and murals that will take you deep into the sea and back in time!

423 McPhillips Street

204-582-2166

The Golf Dome's 18-hole indoor miniature golf course is both fun and challenging. Both serious and recreational golfers of all ages enjoy the course. And, of course, mini-golf is always a hit with the children!

1205 Wilkes Ave

489-7776

Have a great week!

Sunday:
Leo Mol's Sunday Jazz Series at Assiniboine Park
When Sun, July 19, 3pm – 4pm
Where Assiniboine Park
Assiniboine Park is one of Winnipeg's best parks. With great summer weather and sunny skies soon approaching us, now's the perfect time to grab the family and head on over! A great benefit to taking a walk in the park on a great Sunday afternoon is the Leo Mol Sunday Jazz Series. Every Sunday at 3:00pm, they will be presenting great live performances by Jazz musicians.Check it out for a good Sunday afternoon live show!

Salsa Babies - Free Class
When Sun, July 19, 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Where The Forks, Winnipeg
Free Salsa Babies class at the Forks Market Tower Atrium. Bring your baby carrier!

Manitoba Stampede - LAST DAY!
When Jul 16 – 19 2009
Where Morris, Manitoba
Lots of events, including a petting zoo. www.manitobastampede.ca

Kids Fringe (on all week)
When Sun, July 19, 12pm – 6pm
Where Old Market Square
Free Theatre Activity Centre for Kids and their Families Noon to 6 pm every day Old Market Square • Live music • Magic, workshops and storytelling • Inflatable bouncers and petting zoo for more information: winnipegfringe.com

This week:
Stars and Strollers - Playing this week: Up!
Silver City St. Vital Mon, July 20, 1pm – 3pm
Silver City Polo Park Wed, July 22, 1pm – 3pm
Have a baby and still want to see a new movie once in a while? Why not check out Stars and Strollers at Silver City Polo Park and St. Vital. They dim the lights, lower the volume and have a change table available.

Coming up this weekend:

Sesame Street Live : Elmo's Green Thumb
When Fri, July 24, 10:30am – 11:30am
Where MTS Centre
Tickets available at Ticketmaster for $11.00-$38.00 Friday shows 10:30 am and 7 pm info: www.mtscentre.ca

Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days with the Wonder Shows midway
When Jul 24 – 26 2009
Where Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba
Our annual Boardwalk Days carnival is back featuring Wonder Shows and street vendors. While you are here take advantage of the sun, fun and our beautiful beaches or enjoy a delicious taste temptation from one of our many restaurants and ice cream parlours.
Saturday July 25: The Parade starts at 11am. Kids bicycle decorating contest, prizes for the best bikes and kids can ride their bikes in the parade Face painting from 1-4 by the Winnipeg Beach Day Camp. FIREWORKS AT DUSK by the Winnipeg Beach Fire Department.
Sunday July 26: Pancake Breakfast at the Legion from 8 until noon sponsored by the Winnipeg Beach Fire Department. Face painting from 1-4 by the Winnipeg Beach Day Camp.

While you are in Winnipeg Beach, visit The Breakwater for some ice cream and gourmet coffee!

Stars and Strollers - Playing this week is Public Enemies
Show time is 1 pm Wednesday at Silver City Polo Park

Cinema City - featuring Monsters vs Aliens
Show times vary, we are heading to this one tomorrow!

Kids Fringe - Free Theatre Activity Centre for Kids and their Families
Noon to 6 pm every day July 15 to 26
Old Market Square
• Live music
• Magic, workshops and storytelling
• Inflatable bouncers and petting zoo
for more information: www.winnipegfringe.com/kids.html

Peguis Treaty Days featuring Wonder Shows midway.
July 13 to 18

Manitoba Stampede in Morris
July 16 to 19
Lots of events including a petting zoo.
www.manitobastampede.ca

{kid} friendly stuff the second weekend of July

Around Winnipeg

Leo Mol's Sunday Jazz Series
3 pm Sunday
Assiniboine Park is one of Winnipeg's best parks. With great summer weather and sunny skies soon approaching us, now's the perfect time to grab the family and head on over! A great benefit to taking a walk in the park on a great Sunday afternoon is the Leo Mol Sunday Jazz Series. Every Sunday at 3:00pm, they will be presenting great live performances by Jazz musicians. Dave Lawton will be performing this week. Check it out for a good Sunday afternoon live show!

Smooth Jazz Series - Assiniboine Park Lyric Theatre
7 pm Sunday
The fastest growing genre of music in North America has found an audience of all ages. With its roots in jazz, pop and funk, smooth jazz is making an inroad to Canadian audiences.

The Manitoba Reptile Breeders Expo
ONE DAY ONLY!! Over 1000 REPTILES under one roof!
Sunday, July 12 2009
Canad Inns Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Ave
10:00 am - 5:00 pm VIP access at 9:00am
Adult admission: $5.00
Kids 12 and under: FREE
VIP passes: $10:00
This event will have local reptile breeder vendors, pet stores, Westman Reptile Gardens reptile zoo, and out of province vendors . Many different Reptiles from snakes, geckos, bearded dragons, spiders, and more, and all the supplies you would need for all these pets! Many deals on all products and animals. Fun for the whole family!

What's happening at The Forks this weekend?
Saturday, July 11
Winnipeg Fish Festival
Manitoba Music Free Concert series
Sunday, July 12
Salsa Babies

FREE Slurpee day at 7-11 July 11! Once again we drink more Slurpees than anywhere else so 7-11 is rewarding Manitoban's with 1000 free Slurpees per store. Get there early!

Tinkertown is located between Fermor, (Hwy #1), and the South Perimeter Hwy. Kids can ride all they want for $13.90 (check the Yellow Pages for a coupon!)

Tinkertown is an outdoor amusement park with over 20 rides and attractions —the place for fun in the summer! Our friendly youthful staff makes you feel welcome. Cool off with Water Wars, or take a relaxing half mile ride on the Train. Play some Games. Try a round of Miniature Golf. Have a picnic or enjoy our wide variety of food and tasty treat items...and don't forget the Candy Floss and Giant Pickles!

Around Manitoba

Carman Country Fair July 9 to 11 - with Wonder Shows midway and carnival rides

Winnipeg Folk Festival July 8 to 12 - Kids performers include Alphabet Soup, Gustavo the Impossibilist/Green Fools Theatre, Mr. Mark, The Kerplunks, and Fred Penner!

Splash Island in Portage La Prairie is always a great time. Pack a lunch and spend the day. Cheap too, for a family of 5 (max. 2 adults) only $18.00!

Take a wild ride down our giant waterslides the “Splash Attack” or “Funnel Tunnel”. Younger children may wish to try the kiddie slide “Bubble Gum Run” and a fun spray area. There are aesthetic fountains and mini geysers, a relaxing bubbler bench situated near a miniature waterfall all surrounded by the natural beauty of Island Park. The water park also features three 25 meter swimming lanes, a lazy river, decorative non-slip decking and a zero-depth beach-like entry. We invite you to experience Portage la Prairie’s newest recreation facility! It is sure to be a Splash!

Splash Island is located on the City’s beautiful Island Park, which is home to many recreation and sport facilities and annual special events. There are newly renovated tennis courts, playground areas, picnic sites, a hedge maze, a self-guided arboretum, a scenic duck pond, washroom facilities, a deer and a bird pen, and a fantastic 18 hole golf course. The addition of Splash Island makes Island Park a significant recreational asset to the community.

Fit 4 Two® Stroller Fitness – FREE DEMO

9:30am – 10:30pm at The Forks, Under the Canopy

Get a full body workout and still attend to your baby’s needs. Rain or shine. Please bring a yoga mat, water and any weather specific needs. No jogging stroller required. Class size is limited, so please reserve your spot by emailing fit4twowinnipeg@mts.net

Leo Mol

Leo Mol passed away at the age of 94. You may not recognize his name, but if you live in Winnipeg, you have seen his art. We spend a lot of time in his Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park.

Stars and Strollers

Have a baby and still want to see a new movie once in a while? Why not check out Stars and Strollers at Silver City Polo Park and St. Vital. They dim the lights, lower the volume and have a change table available.

SilverCity St. Vital Mondays at 1:00 PM
SilverCity Polo Park Wednesdays at 1:00 PM

This week's feature: My Sister's Keeper

Happy Canada Day!

I've been a bad blogger, I'm sorry! It's been crazy around here. But it's Canada Day! Lots going on today, CanadInns Picnic in the Park at Assiniboine Park and things to keep you busy all day at The Forks. Don't forget fireworks in both locations tonight. Osborne Village is having their annual street party today too.

Hope you have a great one!

T-Rex at Polo Park!

We had fun seeing the baby T-Rex! It's amazing how real he looks! I think we need to see the big show again this summer.

Baby T-Rex on the loose!

Visit Polo Park shopping mall on Saturday May 23 at 1pm to see the Walking With Dinosaurs baby T-rex!

Free Tim Horton's Iced Latte

This was just emailed to me by a friend! Thanks Kim! It's not kid related, but should make some Mom's happy! You can see the details HERE

Enjoy a FREE Tim Hortons Iced Latte!* Thursday, May 21, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Drop by participating Tim Hortons stores on Thursday, May 21, 2009, and enjoy a small Iced Latte for FREE!* Tim Hortons Iced Latte is made with freshly ground espresso and served over ice.

*No purchase necessary. Offer valid at participating Tim Hortons locations in British Columbia and Manitoba. Limit one small Iced Latte per customer.

Assiniboine Park Zoo Free Day Correction!

I just received an email from the Zoological Society of Manitoba:

Correction:
Important notice to all ZSM members.

We previously announced that June 7th, 2009 would be a free-day at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The correct free-day at the Zoo
is July 1st, 2009 - CANADA DAY!

Sorry for the inconvenience!

Free Salsa Babies Class

There's a free Salsa Babies class at the Forks Market Tower Atrium on May 19 and 26 at 11 am. Bring your baby carrier!

Are you afraid of snakes?

Now is the perfect time to head out to Narcisse to see the snake pits! You don't need to be afraid, garter snakes are harmless. You and your kids will be fascinated by the amount of snakes that congregate here.

carnival season! ready to ride?

Wonder Shows are bringing their rides, games and carnival food to the Rona Kenaston Common, Kenaston and Wilkes May 8 - 10 and the next weekend (May 15 - 18) they will be at the Annual Buffalo Barbeque on Sturgeon 1 km north of Ness.

Tinkertown opens May 9!

Things to do in Winnipeg this week

Winnipeg Parent's Family Fun Fair & Learning Fair
Sunday, April 26th, 10 am - 4 pm
@ The Rady Jewish Community Centre
123 Doncaster Street
Admission: $2.00 per person, Babies under 2 Free

Events of the day:
Ryan Price Magic @ 11 am
Dora & Diego 11 am to noon
Story Telling noon to 3 pm
Meet Bob the Builder 1 pm to 1:45 pm
Meet Spiderman 2 pm to 2:45

Activities:
Face painting and balloon animals
Indoor Wall Climbing
Indoor Inflatable Bouncers
X-Rcade Games
Weather permitting there will be a petting zoo and pony rides

Assiniboine Park Zoo
This is a great time to visit the Zoo, the weather is great and the animals are active!
Open Daily: 10 am - 4 pm
Adults: $4.78
Child: $2.52
Family: $16.80
note: Special Mayor's Day free admission is on June 7 this year.

Need some entertainment?

I've added a map of places to take your kids in Winnipeg! I made it last summer, so it's mostly spray pads and wading pools at the moment. I will add more places so it's easy to find something to do!

Keep watching this blog, I'm going to keep it updated with interesting things to do with your kids around our city!