Rushing River

Located just east of Kenora...only 2 hours away from Winnipeg, is a beautiful provincial park called Rushing River. We had gone out for the day to visit friends who were camping. What a lovely spot it is.

We had spent the day on the beach, but they have so much more including a play ground and hiking trails.

Despite getting a little sunburnt, we thoroughly enjoyed our day, and highly recommend checking it out.

Free Bowling

Last week, we started off by going bowling with some friends. That is, 4 kids all 6 and under and 2 moms. Needless to say we were out numbered. The kids had a blast (most of the time). One game took almost 2 hours. Here's where we made our crucial mistakes.
1. We went in the afternoon. Our young kids would have done much better in the morning.
2. We only had one lane. Next time, (and there will be a next time) we will book 2 lanes.

Now, for those who don't know, you can sign up for FREE bowling coupons. Just go to kidsbowlfree.com and pick the lanes you would like to go to. The coupons are emailed right to you, every week of the summer. All you have to pay for is the shoe rentals.

So learn from my mistakes and go bowling!

Playground on River and Donald

What a morning! OK. So, we were supposed to meet up with friends at the playground on River. Not exactly sure where I was going I headed north through Osborne to get to River. On the way, I had two realizations. First, I was almost out of gas. Second, I forgot my purse. (But remembered our picnic lunch)

So after back tracking I finally made it to River. Spending most of my times in the suburbs, one tends to forget the maze created by one-way streets and perpetual construction. A friendly pedestrian directed me to the playground but found myself, once again, swearing at the one-way sign, while pointing at the playground crossing the Donald Street Bridge.

Once again, I am heading in the right direction, but an dangerously low on gas. I stop, fill up and go on my way and FINALLY make it to the park, albeit, 20 minutes late.

The park was nice. It has a playstructure, a set of big and baby swings, sandbox, and see-saw. There was a bit of graffiti, but all in all, not bad. The boys had a lovely time and we enjoyed a picnic lunch.

As it turns out, this was NOT the park I was supposed to go to. Buy, hey; who it's up for a little adventure once in a while.

St. Norbert Farmers' Market & Assiniboia Downs

We started off the week with a trip to the St. Norbert Farmers' Market. Here, local produced can sell their fares. There are all sorts of fruits, vegetables and plants but, there is also all sorts of crafters as well; from jewellry, to furniture.

The kids enjoyed walking around watching the variety of buskers located throughout the grounds, and we even got a balloon from Floyd the Clown. We grabbed lunch at one of many of the food carts and sat at the picnic tables at centre stage.

While there, visit the historic St. Norbert Place, and for the kids, behind parking lot 2, there is a playground and on a hot day, you can visit the splash pad at the St. Norbert Community Centre.

Website: www.stnorbertfarmersmarket.ca

On Canada Day, we had our annual trip to Assiniboia Downs, located at Portage Avenue and the perimeter highway. Our tradition includes the buffet in the restaurant in the upper level. Besides an assortment of delicious food, you get tableside betting.

On the main level, there are all sorts of family friendly things to do. On holidays and a selection of Sundays, there are a petting zoo, inflatables and pony rides. The shaded play structure is an added bonus.

Sunday post time is 1pm.

Website: www.asdowns.com

Introduction

Well, here we are. Summer is almost here and the kids are almost out of school. Like most parents, you may be wondering what you are going to do with the kids for the next 2 months.

Hopefully, I can help. I am a proud mother of two boys, 5 (almost 6) and 3. Over the course of the summer I hope to experience some of the fun things Winnipeg (and perhaps surrounding area) has to do for families. I will share my experiences, and maybe even post a tip or two to make the summer a little less stressful.

Today, after lunch, I took the boys to the playgroud at St. Vital park. We brought a blanket and a snack and let them go. There is a big playstructure, several swings, a smaller playstructure or the little ones and a sandbox. Oh yeah...and a bathroom.

Of course, St. Vital park has much more to offer. There is a duck pond, fitness trails, picnic areas, flower gardens and lots of trails.

Here's my first tip. Have a bag prepacked. I think one of the large reuseable grocery bags would work fine. Keep in it a blanket, sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer. I may even keep mine in the back of the car. If your kids need some sand toys, keep a few of them too. All you need is a snack or picnic lunch and you are ready to roll!