Free Activities | Tourism Winnipeg

ASSINIBOINE PARK

Established in 1904, this year-round playground is one of Winnipeg’s finest attractions. Explore the animal kingdom at the Assiniboine Park Zoo; experience the wonders of plants at The Leaf, journey through the winding paths outdoors in the English Garden; let loose at the Nature Playground; admire art in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and the Pavilion; delight in the concerts and special events; rent a tandem bicycle; and picnic and barbecue in the wide-open green spaces. In winter, cross-country ski, skate and toboggan throughout the park. 

ASSINIBOINE PARK ZOO

Journey to Churchill, the zoo’s award-winning northern species exhibit, brings you nearly nose to nose with playful polar bears, seals and other Arctic animals. Highlights of the exhibit include the Sea Ice Passage — underwater tunnels that offer incredible views of swimming polar bears and seals, the Tundra Grill — a casual restaurant that overlooks the largest polar bear enclosure, and the indoor Polar Playground. 

And there’s more to do at the Zoo! With over 80 park like acres to explore, the zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to interact with animal species from all corners of the globe. Explore Toucan Ridge, an indoor tropical oasis featuring plants and animals from South and Central America. The new Aunt Sally's Farm inspires awe and wonder, featuring goats, pigs, and llamas. The McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre — home to magnificent Percheron horses — connects visitors with Manitoba’s rural and agricultural roots. 

Assiniboine Park Zoo is accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As an accredited, modern zoological organization, Assiniboine Park Zoo focuses on meeting and exceeding the ever rising standards of animal care and welfare, safety, and veterinary programs and as well as demonstrating a commitment to education, conservation and research.

Open daily, year-round: 

Summer: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Winter: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

2595 Roblin Boulevard

www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca 

THE LEAF

The Leaf is a spectacular indoor horticultural attraction where visitors journey through four distinct biomes: the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Display House, and the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden. 

At the Leaf, visitors experience a stunning showcase of natural diversity expressed through plants that shape our lives here in Manitoba and across the globe, including towering palms, aromatic flowers, stunning succulents, and more. Canada’s largest indoor waterfall helps create a humid, warm environment in the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome. 

The indoor biomes at The Leaf are open year-round and accessed with paid admission.

The Leaf is surrounded by approximately 30 acres of public gardens and greenspace – known collectively as the Gardens at The Leaf – that evolve and change with the seasons. The Gardens at The Leaf are open year-round and do not require an admission ticket.

Open daily, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. 

145 The Leaf Way

ENGLISH GARDEN

The winding paths and free-form beds of the English Garden are a feast for the senses and provide an approachable view of nature. The Boy with the Boot statue and Queen Victoria Monument are located in this colourful floral garden that is open free-of-charge. 

Located adjacent to the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. 

Open daily, 8 a.m. to dusk 

375 Assiniboine Park Drive 

LEO MOL SCULPTURE GARDEN

The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden showcases a magnificent collection of bronze sculptures by internationally recognized Ukrainian-Canadian Dr. Leo Mol that is open free-of-charge. The Leo Mol Gallery houses paintings, ceramics and other artwork, while the Schoolhouse Studio shows a National Film Board video on his works. 

Open year-round. 

Garden: daily, 9 a.m. to dusk. 

Gallery and Schoolhouse: Easter to late October, 9 a.m. to dusk 

375 Assiniboine Park Drive 

LYRIC THEATRE  

The Lyric Theatre - a large outdoor stage - is home to the Summer Entertainment Series which features free performances for every taste and age, including jazz, symphony, Ballet in the Park, and the highly popular Movies in the Park. 

NATURE PLAYGROUND

Run, jump, climb, and play! Explore the sand and water play area, slithering slide, sky-high crow’s nest, basket swings, willow tree tunnels, net bridges, and the Streuber Family Children’s Garden — all of which blend into the park’s natural surroundings. 

Did you know Winnie the Pooh was named after Winnipeg? The Winnie the Bear statue and plaque, originally unveiled on August 6, 1992, is located here commemorating the story of Lt. Colebourn and Winnie the Bear, the inspiration for the children’s storybook character. 

PAVILION  

The Pavilion houses collections by three renowned Manitoba artists: Ivan Eyre, Clarence Tillenius, and Walter J. Phillips. Through a partnership with the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), visitors enjoy free entry to expertly curated exhibitions drawn from The Pavilion’s collections as well as the WAG’s vast holdings. The Pooh Gallery, located on the second floor, features a rotating selection of Winnie the bear artifacts and memorabilia. 

QUALICO FAMILY CENTRE

Designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, the centre features The Park Café restaurant, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Riley Family Duck Pond, located in front of the centre, is transformed into an outdoor skating rink in winter with a heated shelter located nearby. 

330 Assiniboine Park Drive 

The Park Café is open for dine-in guests from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The treats window is open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm daily.

GARDENS AT THE LEAF

The Gardens at The Leaf are located in the south-east corner of Assiniboine Park and are comprised of six unique spaces to explore: The Indigenous Peoples Garden, Kitchen Garden, Seasonal Garden, Sensory Garden, Performance Garden, and The Grove. Over the weeks, months and years to come, the gardens will evolve as they mature and change with the seasons, welcoming visitors to return and relish their beauty over and over again.