Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Winnipeg For Families

Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Winnipeg: For Families

Winnipeg is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, with clear and sunny skies for over 300 days a year. Unfortunately, the remaining 65 days can bring clouds and rain, drenching any hope of outdoor fun.

Thankfully, our city still has a lot to offer indoors where it’s warm and dry. So when it starts pouring, keep the fun soaring with this list of things to do in Winnipeg when it rains.

1. Visit museums and galleries.

Rainy day or not, visiting one of Winnipeg’s museums or art galleries is a fun way to learn and spend time with your family.

Winnipeg is home to some of the most impressive museums and galleries in the country, with the Manitoba Museum and WAG Qaumajuq as prime examples of Manitoba’s rich culture.

Meanwhile, the Children’s Museum is a great place to keep kids engaged for hours on end.

MuseumAddressKey Features/ ActivitiesOpen HoursContacts
Manitoba Museum190 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg-Museum Gallery

-Science Gallery

-Planetarium

Tuesday to Sunday; 10 AM to 4 PMPhone: (204) 956-2830

Fax: (204) 942-3679

[email protected]

Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg-Qaumajuq Vault

-Rotating exhibits

-Art collections

Tuesday to Sunday; 11 AM to 5 PM(204) 786-6641

[email protected]

Children’s Museum45 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg-12 hands-on galleriesDaily, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PMPhone: (204) 924-4000

Fax: (204) 956-2122

Manitoba Museum

Manitoba Museum
Address190 Rupert Avenue, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesMuseum Gallery, Science Gallery, Planetarium
Open HoursTuesday to Sunday; 10 AM to 4 PM
ContactsPhone: (204) 956-2830

Fax: (204)942-3679

[email protected]

Standard Rates
Museum GalleryAdult

Senior

Child (3-17)

Child (0-2), Member, or Indigenous Person

$15

$13

$9

Free

Planetarium or Science GalleryAdult

Senior

Child (3-17)

Child (0-2), Member, or Indigenous Person

$8

$7

$6

Free

All AttractionsAdult

Senior

Child (3-17)

Child (0-2), Member, or Indigenous People

$23

$20

$15

Free

The Manitoba Museum is the province’s largest non-profit center of culture and heritage and is a must-see attraction featuring a variety of exhibits that cover everything from the fur trade to the solar system.

Manitoba Museum
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manitoba_Museum_exterior.jpg

The museum has an emphasis on Manitoba’s history, wildlife, and geology. It also features a planetarium and science gallery, making it perfect for sating kids’ curiosities.

Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq

Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq
Address300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesQaumajuq Vault, rotating exhibits, art collections
Open HoursTuesday to Sunday; 11 AM to 5 PM
Contacts(204) 786-6641

[email protected]

Standard Rates
All galleriesAdult

Senior

Minor, Member, or Indigenous People

$18

$15

Free

WAG-Qaumajuq is a museum comprised of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, founded in 1912, and Qaumajuq, which opened in 2021. Together, they are home to an impressive collection of over 27,000 pieces of historical art from around the world.

Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Winnipeg_Art_Gallery.jpg

Qaumajuq itself – pronounced “KOW-ma-yourk” which translates to “it is bright, it is lit” – is of particular interest. It is the largest public collection of Inuit contemporary art in existence.

Children’s Museum

Children’s Museum
Address45 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg
Key Features12 hands-on galleries
Open HoursDaily, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
ContactsPhone: (204) 924-4000

Fax: (204) 956-2122

Standard Rates
All attractionsNon-members

Members

$12

Free

The Manitoba Children’s Museum is a fun interactive museum that’s perfect for kids of all ages (and their parents too). This museum features twelve hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play.

Children's Museum
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manitoba_Children%27s_Museum_at_the_Forks_in_Winnipeg,_Manitoba.JPG

Each exhibit is designed to support children’s learning, from mathematics and science to arts and social studies.

2. Play at indoor playgrounds and activity centers.

For outdoor folk trapped inside by the rain, Winnipeg has a number of indoor playgrounds and activity centers to choose from. 

As fun as museums and galleries can be, some people, like me, have more energy to burn than even interactive exhibits can handle. Indoor playgrounds allow these guests to engage in physical activity from under a roof.

CenterAddressKey Features/ ActivitiesOpen HoursContact
Fun Park Amusement Center1175 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg-Trampolines

-Laser tag

-”Ninja” obstacle course

-Playground equipment

-Rock climbing

Monday to Thursday; 11 AM to 9 PM

Friday to Saturday; 10 AM to 10 PM

Sunday; 10 AM to 9 PM

(204) 417-7275

[email protected]

U-Puttz Amusement Center423 McPhillips St, Winnipeg-Blacklight Mini Golf Course

-Laser tag

-”XD Extreme” 3D ride

-Bumper cars

-Arcade

Monday to Thursday; 2 PM to 10 PM

Friday; 2 PM to 11 PM

Saturday; 10 AM to 11 PM

Sunday; 10 AM to 10 PM

(204) 582-2166

[email protected]

Hide n’ Seek WinnipegUnit 100, 305 Fort Whyte Way, Oak Bluff, Winnipeg-Playground equipment

-Children’s arcade

-Cafe

-Toddler playroom

Sunday to Thursday; 10 AM to 7 PM(204) 504-0577

[email protected]

Fun Park Amusement Center

Fun Park Amusement Center
Address1175 Wilkes Avenue, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesTrampolines, laser tag, ”ninja” obstacle course, playground equipment, rock climbing
Open HoursMonday to Thursday; 11 AM to 9 PM

Friday to Saturday; 10 AM to 10 PM

Sunday; 10 AM to 9 PM

Contacts(204) 417-7275

[email protected]

Standard Rates
1-hour Funpark PassAdult

Child

$20

$10

2-hour Funpark PassAdult

Child

$30

$15

1-hour Jumping and Climbing PassAll$25
1-hour Rock Climbing PassAll$7.50
All-day Jump PassAdult

Child

$40

$20

All-day Jump and Climb PassAll$45
All-day Rock Climbing PassAll$10
10-Pack Family PassFamily$175
10-minute Laser TagAll$9.99

Fun Park Amusement Center is probably best known for its massive multi-level jungle gym featuring an assortment of slides, tunnels, and climbing structures. It also features a lot of trampolines.

Fun Park Amusement Center
Source: Google Street View

When we say a lot, think classic trampolines to dunk challenges, to trampoline dodgeball. Of course, all-time favorites such as wall climbing and laser tag are available too.

U-Puttz Amusement Center

U-Puttz Amusement Center
Address423 McPhillips St, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesBlacklight Mini Golf Course, laser tag, ”XD Extreme” 3D ride, bumper cars, arcade
Open HoursMonday to Thursday; 2 PM to 10 PM

Friday; 2 PM to 11 PM

Saturday; 10 AM to 11 PM

Sunday; 10 AM to 10 PM

Contacts(204) 582-2166

[email protected]

Standard Rates
Mini GolfAll ages$8.50
Laser TagAll ages$8.50
XD XtremeAll ages$8.50
Bumper CarsAll ages$5.50
Bundle of 2All ages$16 ($21 with Bumper Cars)
Bundle of 3All ages$22.50 ($31 with Bumper Cars)
Bundle of 4All ages$28 ($32 with Bumper Cars)
Bundle of 5All ages$32.50 ($36 with Bumper Cars)
Bundle of 6All ages$36 ($39 with Bumper Cars)

The U-Puttz Amusement Center offers activities for every definition of “fun” one might have. Bumper cars and laser tag facilities entertain more competitive guests, while the arcade caters to people looking to play games and win prizes.

U-Puttz Amusement Center
Source: Google Street View

The highlights of the center are the XD Extreme, which features a selection of 10 3D experiences, and the glow-in-the-dark Blacklight Mini Golf Course, famous for its underwater and prehistoric themes.

Hide n Seek Winnipeg

Hide n Seek Winnipeg
AddressUnit 100, 305 Fort Whyte Way, Oak Bluff, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesPlayground equipment, children’s arcade, café, toddler playroom
Open HoursSunday to Thursday; 10 AM to 7 PM

Friday to Saturday; 10 AM to 8 PM

Contacts(204) 504-0577

[email protected]

Standard Rates
All facilities1-3 Years Old

4-14 Years Old

15+ Years Old (Adult)

$12.60 + tax

$16.60 + tax

$3 (One adult is free with each child admission)

Hide n Seek Winnipeg is our playground of choice for younger kids. It’s spacious and safe, and the parent’s lounge and café offer a chance for grown-ups to unwind while children have fun.

Hide n Seek Winnipeg
Source: https://www.hidenseekwinnipeg.com/gallery

Facilities include ball pits, trampolines, slides, and a massive jungle gym. It’s affordable too, as each child booking also comes with a free pass for one accompanying adult.

3. Escape from an escape room.

Some people enjoy more mind-bending activities rather than physical ones. On a boring rainy day, these puzzle lovers are sure to have a blast at one of Winnipeg’s many escape rooms.

While a relatively lesser-known indoor activity, escape rooms are some of the most fun adventures in the city. 

Rules are simple: players are locked in a room and must solve a series of puzzles and clues within a set time limit to escape. Escape rooms often come in themes, turning them into neat indoor mini-adventures.

CenterAddressKey Features/ ActivitiesOpen HoursContacts
Enigma Escapes980 Lorimer Blvd Unit 4, Winnipeg

1120 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg Inside the mall. Across from Shopper's Drug Mart

25 Keenleyside St, Winnipeg

-4 rooms for Grant Park location

-4 rooms for Lorimer location

-4 rooms for Keenleyside location

Monday to Thursday; 12 PM to 9 PM

Friday; 1 PM to 11:30 PM

Saturday 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Sunday 10:30 AM to 7 PM

(204) 219-0014

[email protected]

The Real Escape Canada3137 Portage Ave, Winnipeg-8 puzzle rooms

-6 “beginner version” rooms available

Sunday; 9:30 AM to 10 PM

Monday to Saturday; 10 AM to 10:30 PM

(204) 615-7717

[email protected]

GET OUT! Escape Rooms420 Des Meurons St, Winnipeg-3 roomsFriday to Saturday; 1 PM to 11:30 PM

Sunday to Thursday; 1 PM to 10 PM

(204) 231-4903

[email protected]

Enigma Escapes

Enigma Escapes
Address-980 Lorimer Blvd Unit 4, Winnipeg

-1120 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg (Inside the mall. Across from Shopper's Drug Mart)

-25 Keenleyside St, Winnipeg

Key Features4 rooms for Grant Park location, 4 rooms for Lorimer location, 4 rooms for Keenleyside location
Open HoursMonday to Thursday; 12 PM to 9 PM

Friday; 1 PM to 11:30 PM

Saturday 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Sunday 10:30 AM to 7 PM

Contacts(204) 219-0014

[email protected]

Standard Rates
1 Room2-3 players

4+ players

$100

$25 per player

Enigma Escapes is often regarded among the – if not the – best escape rooms in Winnipeg. It has three locations, each with four unique escape room puzzles catering to players of all skill levels.

Enigma Escapes
Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1169977669768308&set=a.639062647582525

Enigma’s offered scenarios are mysterious and challenging without being scary. The exceptions perhaps are What Happened in Raven Woods and The Butcher of the Catacombs, so horror lovers watch for those!

With puzzles designed for participants aged 12 and up, Enigma is a great choice for you to take the kids for some family fun.

The Real Escape Canada

The Real Escape Canada
Address3137 Portage Ave, Winnipeg
Key Features8 puzzle rooms, 6 “beginner version” rooms available
Open HoursSunday; 9:30 AM to 10 PM

Monday to Saturday; 10 AM to 10:30 PM

Contacts(204) 615-7717

[email protected]

Standard Rates
1 room2-3 players

4+ players

$100

$25 per player

This escape house focuses on solid stories and narratives to draw in guests. The Real Escape’s 8 challenges include settings ranging from 40’s noir hotel rooms to medieval castles, with plenty of immersive themes and challenges.

The Real Escape Canada
Source: https://www.therealescape.ca/

It’s difficult to talk about The Real Escape without spoiling their experiences. We can confidently say, however, that they have stories for just about everyone, and are worth checking out.

GET OUT! Escape Rooms

GET OUT! Escape Rooms
Address420 Des Meurons St, Winnipeg
Key Features3 rooms
Open HoursFriday to Saturday; 1 PM to 11:30 PM

Sunday to Thursday; 1 PM to 10 PM

Contacts(204) 231-4903

[email protected]

Standard Rates
1 room2 players

3 players

4+ players

$35 per player

$30 per player

$25 per player

Get Out might not have as many rooms as our other two recommendations, but it makes up for lack of quantity through quality.

GET OUT! Escape Rooms
Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1086879134792859&set=a.466697075464900

Unique challenges include the Drunken Bar Heist, which reverses the traditional escape room scenario and has you break into a room to recover your passport… without getting caught by the police!

As of writing, Get Out Escape Rooms also has three more puzzles in the works. They also offer a more flexible rate than our other recommendations.

4. Watch a movie.

Sometimes, people just want to sit down and be entertained, so it’s a good thing Winnipeg has no shortage of cinema theatres to choose from.

Everyone has their favorites, but you’ll usually find that movie buffs argue for either Cineplex or Landmark. Still, local cinema chains are available for less mainstream film connoisseurs.

CenterAddressKey FeaturesOpen HoursContacts
Cineplex-Scotiabank Theatre, 817 St James St, Winnipeg

-Smartcentres Winnipeg, 2190 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg

-Kildonan Place, 1555 Regent Ave W, Winnipeg

-Northgate Shopping Centre, 1399 McPhillips St, Winnipeg

-1225 St Mary's Rd, Winnipeg

-Wide reach with 5 branches across Winnipeg (including subsidiaries)

-Superior audio quality

Varies with branch

See showtimes here:

Scotiabank Theatre

Junxion Kildonan Place

Odeon - McGillivray

Cinema City Northgate

SilverCity

Scotiabank: (204) 774-1001

Junxion: (204) 663-2166

Odeon-McGillivray: (204) 269-9981

Northgate: (204) 334-6234

SilverCity: (204) 256-3901

Landmark-Grant Park Shopping Centre, 1120 Grant Ave, Winnipeg-Superior comfort and premiere experience

-Central location in Winnipeg

See showtimes here(204) 453-4536
Flicks Cinema319 1 St E, Stonewall-More affordable option

-Good comfort, audio, and video quality.

See showtimes here(204) 467-8401

Cineplex Cinemas

Cineplex Cinemas
AddressScotiabank Theatre, 817 St James St, Winnipeg

Smartcentres Winnipeg, 2190 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg

Kildonan Place, 1555 Regent Ave W, Winnipeg

Northgate Shopping Centre, 1399 McPhillips St, Winnipeg

1225 St Mary's Rd, Winnipeg

Key FeaturesWide reach with 5 branches across Winnipeg (including subsidiaries), superior audio quality
Open HoursVaries with branch

See showtimes here:

Scotiabank Theatre

Junxion Kildonan Place

Odeon - McGillivray

Cinema City Northgate

SilverCity

ContactsScotiabank: (204) 774-1001

Junxion: (204) 663-2166

Odeon-McGillivray: (204) 269-9981

Northgate: (204) 334-6234

SilverCity: (204) 256-3901

Standard Rates
Adults$10.99-$12.99
Children$7.99-$8.99
Seniors$8.50-$10.50

Cineplex has a history of amazing audio quality for its feature films. As a result, many people will choose it over its competitors by default. 

We can’t really blame them either. Surround sound really does make you feel like you’re in the middle of whatever is happening on screen.

Cineplex also has the advantage of reach, with five theatres (including Scotiabank, SilverCity, and Cinema City) scattered around Winnipeg. This means when it comes to Cineplex, you’re unlikely to run out of seating or screening options.

Landmark Cinemas

Landmark Cinemas
AddressGrant Park Shopping Centre, 1120 Grant Ave, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesSuperior comfort and premiere experience, central location in Winnipeg
Open HoursSee showtimes here
Contacts(204) 453-4536
Standard Rates
Adults$13.99
Children$9.25
Seniors$9.99

Landmark used to have two branches in Winnipeg, but with the closure of Towne Cinema, only the Grant Park branch remains. But based on quality alone, it only really needs one.

While many will swear by Cineplex for its audio, these guests will do the same for Landmark’s comfort. 

The Winnipeg branch sadly does not have the Premiere Seats found elsewhere, but from our experience, even standard seats are comfortable enough to fall asleep in.

Not that you’d want to fall asleep when watching a good movie, of course. We just genuinely find them that comfortable.

Landmark allows free reserved seating, so you don’t have to worry about driving in the rain only to find out you can’t get a seat when you arrive.

Flicks Cinema Stonewall

Flicks Cinema Stonewall
Address319 1 St E, Stonewall
Key FeaturesMore affordable option; good comfort, audio, and video quality
Open HoursSee showtimes here
Contacts(204) 467-8401
Adult$8.00
Student (age 13-17)$7.25
Child (age 12 and under) and Senior$6.25

Located in Stonewall, a little outside of the city itself, Flicks Cinema is our choice for those who want to catch a movie without having to deal with the hustle of downtown.

As a smaller cinema compared to the first two options, Flicks offers a somewhat “homier” feel and far cheaper prices than its competitors. It has developed quite a following on its Facebook page as a result.

5. Have a warm drink out at cafés.

Finally, it might be nice to slow down and unwind while the rain pours outside. Winnipeg has an amazing selection of cafés where you can spend a rainy afternoon enjoying good food and hot drinks.

There’s something about rain and coffee that just makes them go well together. A meal and some conversation is sometimes all it takes to make a day, so to that end, here are our recommendations.

CafeAddressKey Features/ ActivitiesOpen HoursContacts
Across the Board Game CaféUnit 105-211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg-Board games and activities

-Scheduled game events

Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday; 11 AM to 10 PM

Friday and Saturday; 11 AM to 12 MN

(204) 691-3422
L’Arche Tova Café119 Regent Ave West, Winnipeg-All-day breakfast

-First-class sandwiches and burgers

-Part of L’Arche Community

Tuesday to Saturday; 8 AM to 2 PM(204) 421-9388

[email protected]

Café Postal202 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg-Excellent coffee selection

-Good menu

Monday to Saturday; 7:30 AM to 4 PM

Sunday; 9 AM to 2 PM

(204) 414-3654

[email protected]

Across the Board Game Café

Across the Board Game Café
AddressUnit 105-211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesBoard games and activities, scheduled game events
Open HoursSunday, Tuesday to Thursday; 11 AM to 10 PM

Friday and Saturday; 11 AM to 12 MN

Contacts(204) 691-3422

With plenty of food and an extensive library of tabletop activities, Across the Board Game Café is a popular hangout spot regardless of the weather. 

We’ve spent hours here with our friends just eating, chatting, gaming, and overall having a great time.

Across the Board Game Café
Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=5258631900827004&set=a.484267937038923

The café hosts regular events and tournaments, turning into a place where gamers can make new friends or establish rivalries. 

So if you have a competitive side but don’t like the physicality of our previous recommendations, this place might be for you.

Reservations are not technically required. However, they may be advisable on busy days of the week.

L’Arche Tova Café

L’Arche Tova Café
Address119 Regent Ave West, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesAll-day breakfast; first-class sandwiches and burgers; part of L’Arche Community
Open HoursTuesday to Saturday; 8 AM to 2 PM
Contacts(204) 421-9388

[email protected]

Perhaps the most heartwarming fact about this café is that it is founded as a social enterprise. As a part of the larger L’Arche community, the café is staffed by individuals with intellectual disabilities alongside those without.

L’Arche Tova Café
Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=493698119435100&set=pb.100063847478650.-2207520000.&type=3

L’Arche Tova Café not only serves good food but is a community hub where individuals of all abilities can share a slice of life and belonging. 

And let’s face it, good company indoors can be just as fun on a rainy day as a sunny day outside.

Café Postal

Café Postal
Address202 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg
Key FeaturesExcellent coffee selection, good menu
Open HoursMonday to Saturday; 7:30 AM to 4 PM

Sunday; 9 AM to 2 PM

Contacts(204) 414-3654

[email protected]

A minimalistic coffee shop at St. Boniface, Café Postal is a local favorite for cappuccino and hot choco lovers alike… which is excellent for warming up when it rains. 

It sports a simple menu to go with its drinks and is particularly good with its croissants.

Café Postal
Source: https://www.facebook.com/Cafe.Postal.Winnipeg/photos/pb.100063609968226.-2207520000./4691664104287539/?type=3

It’s quite cozy inside too, though with limited space, so you will have to go down a flight of stairs to get a table. Handicapped customers might need assistance.

Still, a lot of people would say this inconvenience is worth it for good coffee. If you need a place to kick back, relax, and warm up until the sun comes back out, we cannot recommend Café Postal enough.