WINNIPEG – If you don’t want to put on a bathing suit to get a free Slurpee Tuesday, don’t worry, there are lots of other freebies in Winnipeg this week.
Yup, that’s right – 7-Eleven is throwing a beach party Tuesday, and anyone who wears a bathing suit to any of the Winnipeg locations will get a free large Slurpee. Take a photo of you, your Slurpee and your bathing suit and tweet, Instagram of Facebook it @7ElevenCanada with the hashtag #SlurpeeBeachParty and you could win a $50 gift certificate as well.
Slurpees and bathing suits in sub-zero temperatures not your style, even if you do live in the Slurpee capital known as Winterpeg? Here’s a list of other free options for you and your family:
1. Find fun at Assiniboine Park
The zoo is now far from free (we’re old enough to remember no admission cost in winter), but there’s still lots to do at Winnipeg’s biggest park that won’t cost a dime. The Nature Playground, which inspired the Fred Penner song In the Children’s Garden, offers plenty of fun for kids even when the water feature is turned off, and brave picnickers not bothered by cool weather should have no trouble finding a spot in the shelter. The Pavilion Gallery Museum, where the most famous exhibit is of Winnie the Pooh art and memorabilia, is also free, as is the Palm House at the Conservatory. (The exhibit space at the conservatory carries an admission fee during the orchid festival.) Or you could grab your bike and ride the trails, go for a walk next to the duck pond or take part in that time-honoured Winnipeg tradition – playing Frisbee in the field next to the pavilion.
2. Play the fool at The Forks
There’s always plenty to do for free at The Forks – browse the market and other shopping opportunities, walk the trails (although the riverwalk is closed – checking the river water levels is also a time-honoured tradition), enjoy the Oodena circle or wander over to the Esplanade Riel – but during spring break, it’s even better. The Festival of Fools features circus workshops, trapeze workshops, performances, clowns and facepainting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday at The Forks.
3. Check out a book – and more
Winnipeg public libraries are hosting a variety of events across the city during spring break. From performances to book-inspired games to crafts, libraries across the city will have special events. To see more about what’s happening near you, visit the Winnipeg Public Libraries page on the city website.
4. Catch up with history
While you have to pay to get into most museums, the Transcona Historical Museum is free and will have special crafts and activities this week from 1-4 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Visit them at 141 Regent Ave. W. or learn more on their website.
5. Electrify yourself
Speaking of free museums, don’t forget the Manitoba Electrical Museum on Harrow Street near Pembina Highway. It features interactive displays and is open from 1-4 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
6. Get cultural at Oseredok
The Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre features an art gallery and museum. Cultural displays will let you know more about Ukrainian traditions and there’s also an exhibit about current events in Ukraine, which is involved in a war along its Russian border. The current art gallery exhibit focuses on Ukrainian artist, poet and writer Taras Shevchenko to honour the 200th anniversary of his birth.
7. Take a dive
Get into your bathing suit in a more comfortable environment than 7-Eleven – Winnipeg’s indoor pools host regular free swim times. Check the schedules on the City of Winnipeg website.
8. Go to the mall
Shopping costs money, but there are a bunch of free spring activities at St. Vital Centre this week. On Monday afternoon, the Let’s Talk Science crew will visit from the University of Manitoba. On Tuesday, Manitoba Conservation Districts host a water festival at the mall. Balloon artists will make one creation per child at Centre Court on Wednesday afternoon. And on Thursday, the Canadian Red Cross hosts Bullying Stops Here. For more information, go to the St. Vital Centre website.
9. Enjoy free Parks & Rec fun
Some of Winnipeg’s recreation facilities host free events for children and youth during spring break. Children aged 6 to 12 can play at River Osborne Community Centre, Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre and the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre; youth can drop in at the Marlene Street Resource Centre, Winakwa Community Centre and Archwood Community Centre. North Centennial Recreation Centre has free gym time for all ages. To find out times and locations, click this link and scroll down.
10. Did someone say free Slurpee?
Don’t forget your bathing suit when you go to 7-Eleven on Tuesday. Come on, you’re a Winnipegger – you know you want to do it.
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