IT turns out that a grand place to take the kids for some good old fashioned fun in the snow is where two frozen rivers meet.
"By the end of this week, we will own the title of the longest naturally frozen skating trail in Canada at nearly 8.5 kilometres" says Paul Jordan, chief executive officer of The Forks. "With any luck, we may also be on our way to a Guinness World Record."
Dress warm and enjoy all that Arctic Glacier Winter Park and the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail have to offer. Oh, and I should mention, everything is free.
Arctic Glacier Winter Park
"Arctic Glacier Winter Park is the largest urban facility of its kind in the country and it's created for the enjoyment of families of all kinds" says Jim August, CEO of The Forks North Portage Partnership.
A professionally designed Snowboard Fun Park, a cool toboggan chute and pristine skating trails make this winter park a family magnet.
And until March 2, Arctic Glacier Winter Park offers the following programming every Sunday afternoon:
* Horse-drawn wagon rides
Meet by the Explore Manitoba Centre and tour The Forks site in style. Wagons seat up to 40 people and run continuously every 15 minutes. Noon-4 p.m.
* Great-West Life snow sculpting workshops
Pick up your tools at The Forks Market Plaza and learn how to carve your own original creation into the white stuff. "It's environmentally minded," says instructor Jodi Pratt. "Part of the beauty is that it melts away and doesn't impact the Earth." 1:30-3:30 p.m.
* Investors Group teepee story telling and art program
Look for the giant teepees and settle in to learn all about these portable shelters while cooking your own bannock over an open flame. Instructors will guide you through building a themed memento using canvas and wooden skewers. Guest drummers perform this weekend. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
* Snowboard clinics
The Snowboard Fun Park will be hopping and a trained instructor will be on hand to set kids off on the right foot. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
For more information about Arctic Glacier Winter Park, including daily skating conditions, or to download a site map, log onto www.theforks.com.
Assiniboine Credit Union river trail
For the 16th year running, Festival du Voyageur pulls out all the stops for families willing to brave the cold in the spirit of winter.
"The Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail is the perfect activity for the whole family, encouraging everyone to enjoy winter at its fullest, promoting good spirits and good health" says Josée Vaillancourt, Festival du Voyager executive director.
Child-centred activities run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here are the highlights:
* River Pond Classic shinny hockey tourney
Although too late to register a team, it's never too late to come out and watch. Sticks and skates only. More than 20 games are scheduled. "It's for the love of the game," says Gary De Pape, founder and organizer of the event. "Anyone from an ankle-bender to an ex-pro can play." Jan. 26 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
* Torchlight skate
Enjoy an enchanted skate along the torch-lit paths that surround The Forks Historic Port and take in a blazing dance show by the Fire Pixies. Fridays from 6-10 p.m. Until Feb. 8.
* The forts and the voyageurs
Mini-forts featuring interpreters bring the history of Manitoba to life through fireside storytelling. Learn all about Fort Bas-de-la-rivière, Fort Rouge, Fort Garry and Fort Assiniboine over bannock and hot chocolate. Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Until Feb. 10.
* Snowshoeing
Learn how to walk on ice wearing authentic voyageur footwear. And despite what your parental instincts tell you, Emili Bellefleur, director of marketing and communications for Festival du Voyageur says, "It's a very safe activity for kids." Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. until Feb. 10.
* Ice painting
Presented by Radio Canada, this event will have all tiny hands on deck to paint the biggest canvas imaginable. "We had about 150 kids here last weekend," says Bellefleur. "We have enough supplies for everyone." Smocks supplied on site. Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Until Feb. 17.
* Quinzee building and hobo stoves
Build a temporary shelter out of snow and cook up something good to eat on your own makeshift barbecue. The Boy Scouts will show you how. Jan. 27, noon-4 p.m.
* Les Baraclowns du Collège Béliveau
What could be more fun than skating with juggling clowns? Saturdays and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. until Feb. 17.
For more information about the Assiniboine Credit Union river trail or to download a complete schedule of events in both French and English, log onto www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca.
Hot Tip of the Week:
Roblin Park Community Club, located at 640 Pepperloaf Cres., hosts Family Fun Day today from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lots of free activities for the kids, including cookie decorating, craft tables, face painting, balloon animals, a magic show and bouncer. For more information, log onto www.roblinpark.mb.ca.
Have an idea for a story? E-mail Demetra at
parentsandthecity@yahoo.ca
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