Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/806790
In LaserTopia's 10,200 sq. ft. facility, kids can set their phasers to fun as they zap it up in a giant, two-level laser tag stadium. Escape rooms like Enigma Escapes, The Real Escape, and Codebreakers allows the whole family (10 and up) to cleverly navigate through puzzles, codes, and clues to reach freedom from a thematic adventure room. At Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park kids can jump around for some fun exercise, while the rock climbing walls of Vertical Adventures offer uplifting, muscle- building times for kids 10 and up. If your children are under 12, bring them to Great Big Adventure, a sprawling 12,000 sq. ft. indoor park featuring a mammoth 3,000 sq. ft. play structure, games and a nifty section tailored specifically for toddlers. Families can test their swings at The Golf Dome where you can grip it and rip it in the driving range, play some of the world's best courses in virtual golf, or practice putting at the always-delightful mini-golf. MISSION MUSEUM At The Forks is where you'll find the Children's Museum, where hands-on, colourful, inventive exhibits provide a perfect diversion for rambunctious young- ones (nine and under) looking to spark their creative energies. The Manitoba Museum offers kids a chance to run their own experiments in the Science Gallery, journey through the cosmos in the Planetarium, hop aboard a life-sized replica 17th century ship (which actually traversed across the Atlantic) and see gigantic fossils in the main galleries. The ever-climbing exhibits of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) bring families on an empathetic journey through past, present and future human rights issues. Several of the interactive galleries demonstrate how kids have made a difference in the world, providing an inspirational model for your young ones. A tour at one of the most visually striking buildings in the city, the Royal Canadian Mint, will have families touching gold bars and Olympic medals, while also witnessing how millions of coins are produced for countries around the world. TRUST ME, IT'S FREE! Many of Winnipeg's museums and attractions are free- of-charge, including all Parks Canada historic sites and parks this year in celebration of Canada's 150th, so put away your wallets and dive in to discover the city's history and culture. The Manitoba Electrical Museum and Education Centre's hands-on exhibits detail our hydroelectric history; Riel House is a Parks Canada National Historic Site that commemorates the life of the "father of Manitoba," Louis Riel, while the interactive historic inhabitants of Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site will bring you back to the 1830s. IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, IT'S… FAMILY EVENTS The 35th Annual Kidsfest: a four-day festival at The Forks featuring some of Canada's best children's performers along with countless games and educational activities (June 8–11). Red River Exhibition: you name it, the Ex has it, from amusement park rides, to food stalls serving up some "out there" creations, to agricultural shows, to nightly concerts from some of the region's hottest acts (June 16–25). The 30th Annual Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival: a slew of live theatre from local and international performers comes to town July 19–30, transforming Old Market Square and the Exchange District into one big theatrical experience. Folklorama: the world's largest and longest-running multicultural festival takes over Winnipeg from August 6–19 featuring song, dance, cuisine and teachings from every corner of the globe. www.tourismwinnipeg.com 39 WINNIPEG ITINERARIES Great Big Adventure: Gabrielle Touchette Photography Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park