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Family Fun Winnipeg is the perfect destination for a family vacation — a plethora of options keep the entire crew entertained, while making memories too. Begin by heading to Manitoba's number one tourist destination, The Forks. Explore this 54-acre site's attractions, special events, dining, shopping and green space that make this a must-visit spot year round. In summer, stroll the Riverwalk and tree-lined trails, check out the Cool Garden installations and grab a water taxi to see the best of the city along the Red and Assiniboine rivers. If you have thrill seekers in tow, don't miss the world-class skate park where Bam Magera and Tony Hawk have skated. When the temperature drops, The Forks transforms into a winter wonderland. Rent a pair of skates and glide down one of the world's longest skating trails. Don't forget your phone — there are plenty of photo ops at architect- designed warming huts (tag snaps with #onlyinthepeg) dotting the trail. Finish with a horse-drawn carriage ride and warm up inside The Forks Market with a bag of mini donuts, while parents can savour local pints at The Common kiosk. Pick up souvenirs in the market's second floor shops, and then head over to Kite & Kaboodle in the Johnston Terminal to hunt down the latest kids toys, puzzles and games. Also on-site at The Forks is the Children's Museum. Unlike your typical museum, kids are strongly encouraged to get hands-on with 12 permanent galleries that spark creativity and learning for little ones 12 and under. Budding thespians can sit back at the neighbouring Manitoba Theatre for Young People, which hosts productions from October to April. Just a short walk over, Oodena Celebration Circle plays homage to the area's 6,000 years of Indigenous history through sculptures and interpretive signage. Of course, you can't miss the spectacular architecture of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights while at The Forks. This is the world's first and only museum dedicated to human rights education and awareness. Take a guided tour for a general overview of the galleries before heading up the Tower of Hope for panoramic views of Winnipeg. Parents can use age-specific self-guided tools on the museum's website to find appropriate content about inclusion, respect, cooperation and fairness. For more edutainment, explore the nearby historic Exchange District (historic walking tours are offered in summer), where the Manitoba Museum is located. Life- sized dioramas along with replicas of the sea serpents, dinosaurs and giant mammals that once walked this very land are sure to make jaws drop. The interactive Science Gallery and Planetarium make learning cool for the kids. Head outdoors by visiting some of Winnipeg's most popular attractions. FortWhyte Alive is a 640-acre urban oasis located in the city featuring trails, lakes and an on-site farm. This is the spot to get up close to North America's largest land animal by taking in a bison safari. Get active by renting a canoe, rowboat, bikes, or try snowshoeing in winter. Anglers can rent fishing equipment, while self-guided family adventure bags provide endless fun. Make your way to Assiniboine Park and Zoo, Winnipeg's green gem. The zoo's newest exhibit, Journey to Churchill is the world's premier northern species exhibit. Get nose-to- nose with polar bears and watch them perform underwater bear ballet in the Sea Ice Passage. You'll also view muskox, snowy owl, Arctic fox, caribou and other northern animals. Little ones can burn off energy at the indoor Polar Playground as part of the adventure. Continue on to the rest of the zoo featuring more than 200 species. Stroll over to the park to discover the miniature train and Nature Playground for kids. Admire art in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, learn about Winnipeg's connection to Winnie the Pooh in the Pooh Gallery inside the Pavilion Gallery, relax beside the tranquil duck pond, rent novelty bikes and savour delicious casual fare inside the picturesque Park Café. Photo Courtesy of the Manitoba Museum FortWhyte Alive: Kristin McPherson 16 2018 OFFICIAL VISITOR'S GUIDE WINNIPEG