WINNIPEG, MB. – Looking for some thing to do during the holidays in Winnipeg? The Assiniboine Park Zoo is offering free admission for children 12 and under from December 23, 2017 to January 7, 2018.

“Winter is a great time to visit the Zoo,” said Grant Furniss, Sr. Director of Animal Care & Conservation. “Many of our animals thrive and are very active in the colder weather. Plus we have many indoor exhibits where visitors can spend time with some of the more exotic animals while taking a break from the outdoors.”

Here are some of the activities that will be happening during the winter break:

• Winter Adaptation Challenge – Become a Zoo Explorer and take on the Winter Adaption Challenge! Find the animals on the map and learn how their adaptations make them better suited to survive and thrive in the winter! Submit your checklist to Wild Things Unique Gifts located at the Zoo entrance to receive your Zoo Explorer prize. Find the Winter Adaptation Challenge on the map brochure.
• Winter Hay Bale Maze – Find your way out of the fun Winter Hay Bale Maze in the Seasonal Fun Zone all throughout the winter break.
• Polar Playground – Kids of all ages will love this indoor Arctic wonderland of active playtime! The Polar Playground is located inside the Tundra Grill and open during regular Zoo hours.
• Daily Keeper Talks – Learn about our tigers, heavy horses and the cool critters at the Kinsmen Discovery Centre from the keepers that care for them! Keeper talks run daily at 11 am, check website for schedule.
• Winter Craft Station – Come colour a page or two with our volunteers or make a wintery bookmark. Open daily at the Gateway to the Arctic building from 11 am to 2 pm.
• Horse Drawn Wagon Rides – Visit the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre and take a wagon ride in the Zoo. Rides are available from 1 – 3 pm and are $3 / person. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk located at the exhibit. Schedule is subject to change depending on weather and required animal care. Please check for updates at the Zoo entrance upon arrival.

The Zoo is open 9 am to 4 pm daily but will be closed on December 25 for Christmas Day.

The Manitoba Post with Files from Assiniboine Park Zoo

File photo