7 Best Shops For The Whole Family

A range of wild, fun, and educational gifts for kids of all ages makes it nearly impossible to leave Assiniboine Park Zoo’s gift shops empty-handed. After seeing exotic animals from around the world in Winnipeg’s world-class zoo, kids love picking out a memento of their favourite animal. Find puppets, elephant poo notebooks and bamboo rain sticks in the Wild Things Gift Shop, and cute polar plushies at Arctic Treasures inside the Journey to Churchill exhibit. All proceeds fund the Park.

Location: 2595 Roblin Blvd, 204-927-6061

Young and old are inspired by games, home décor, Fair Trade fashion items, and more at this gift shop inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Unique educational games for kids teach sign language or the braille alphabet during play. A nice selection of Fair Trade tea and chocolate makes for a feel good treat.

Location: 85 Israel Asper Way, 204‑289‑2005

A mash-up of Canadiana fills the shelves at The Forks Trading Company, a Forks Market shop that sells fun gifts, Manitoba souvenirs, home decor, books and accessories. Check out adorable children’s accessories by Hello Darling, from bow ties to flower crowns. While kids pick out cute plush animals and low-sugar treats, Mom can browse the selection of poured soy candles for relaxation time.

Location: 1 Forks Market Rd, 2nd floor, 204‑949‑1785

This fun toy and game shop at The Forks is a treasure trove of family fun. Test out the games on display in Kite and Kaboodle‘s inviting and playful space. Walls are lined with crafts like build your own LEGO fidget spinners to keep little ones creating and board games perfect for the next family game night. Also stocks books and toys for all ages.

Location: Johnston Terminal at The Forks, 2nd floor, 204‑942‑2800; St. Vital Centre, 1225 St. Mary’s Rd, 204‑257‑4595

Get lost in the written word at McNally Robinson Booksellers, a locally owned book store that promotes Manitoban and Canadian literature. Kids climb a spiral staircase to explore fun toys and picture books while parents tap into nostalgia and rifle through the large selection of music on vinyl. Everyone can agree on superb treats in the pâtisserie case at attached restaurant Prairie Ink.

Locations: 1120 Grant Ave, 204-475-0483; 1 Forks Market Rd, second floor

The not to be missed nature retreat, FortWhyte Alive, carries great gifts for nature enthusiasts at its on-site shop, The Nature Shop. Nature-inspired jewellery, notecards, environmentally conscious wooden toys and kids books, along with local art and handmade treasures all  reflect a love of the great outdoors.

Location: 1961 McCreary Rd, 204-989-8355

Journey through the highway 59 countryside to Pineridge Hollow, a forest hideaway that houses a restaurant and a two-level retail space stocking quirky housewares, gifts, clothing and children’s items. The adorable petting zoo with pigs and goats on the lush grounds will keep the kids busy for hours on end. Once tired of shopping, grab a bite to eat in the sunny restaurant.

Location: East on Garvin Rd to Pineridge Rd, follow signs to Heatherdale Rd, 204-777-3881