If you’re looking for things to do with the family this summer, why not spend some time in nature at the Living Prairie Museum.

The rare piece of land off Ness Avenue offers a glimpse of what the prairies looked like in the past. It spans 12 hectares and features an interpretive centre that highlights our ecosystem. There’s no cost to visit and plenty to do.

Family Theme Days

Every Thursday morning until August 21 the museum hosts Family Theme Days. They’re designed for kids between 5 and 12 years old. Adults also get in on the fun as supervision is required. Each day features activities based on a different theme.

• July 17 – Marvelous Microbes
• July 24 – Who Grows There – Beginner flower ID
• July 31 – Storms on the Prairies
• August 7 – Flower Art and Science
• August 14 – Eager Beavers
• August 21 – Bison

It’s free to take part but registration is required by calling 204-832-0167 or emailing prairie@winnipeg.ca. You can sign up for the August dates starting on July 28.

Guided walks

Explore the tall grass prairie with a Living Prairie Museum naturalist. You’ll spend an hour getting up close to the grasses, flowers, and animals that live on the site.

The walks take place every Friday at 11 a.m. and select Saturdays. You don’t need to register. All ages are welcome, just be prepared to navigate flat wood-chipped trails outside.

Monarch Butterfly Festival

The popular Monarch Butterfly Festival is back for its 17th year. Stop by the museum on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the free family-friendly event.

It will feature live butterfly displays, crafts, guided hikes, a native prairie plant sale, and more.

Explore at your own pace

You are welcome to explore the self-guided trails at your open pace. They are open every day. We just ask if you bring your dog to keep it on-leash and clean up after it.

The interpretive centre is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of August. It’s then open Saturdays through September.