Nature Playground

The Nature Playground is located just west of the Assiniboine Park Pavilion and south of the Duck Pond. Click here for current hours of operation.

Adventure Awaits Down the Garden Path

From your first steps down the tree-lined path toward the Nature Playground, you will be transported into a world of wonder that encourages children of all ages to run, jump, climb and explore!

Exercise your body and your imagination while you explore the sand and water play area, slithering slides, a sky-high crow’s nest, willow tree tunnels, basket swings, a giant robin’s nest, ful rubber mountains, net bridges, and a Children's Garden inspired by the classic childhood board game of Snakes and Ladders. These unique features blend with the area’s natural surroundings, which include two acres of trees, gardens, and gently rolling hills.

Natural materials have been used wherever possible, from a larger-than-life robin’s nest constructed of reclaimed, naturally-felled oak to a troupe of topiary frog musicians and a living checker-board guarded by a fearsome or friendly-looking wooden serpent (depending on how you feel about snakes).

Showcasing everything from endless spring tulips to snow-covered hills, the Nature Playground will be a space for families to enjoy throughout the year.

Visit our Photo Gallery to see more pictures of the Nature Playground.

Nature Playground Picnic Shelter

The Picnic Shelter is available for the enjoyment of all visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no cooking allowed under the shelter. Cooking is allowed in the fire pits located in the Hummocks area just beyond the shelter. When using the shelter, we ask that large groups only take one table, so there is room for as many visitors as possible. If you have a large group and want to be assured of a designated spot for your gathering, we suggest you reserve a picnic site in the Park.

Nature Playground Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of the children, and all our visitors, the following rules apply in the Nature Playground:

• No smoking
• No dogs
• No skateboards
• No roller blades
• No bicycles
• Adult supervision required

We thank you for helping us keep the Playground a safe and fun place to play!

Winter at the Nature Playground

Parts of the playground - namely the hummocks area, the swings, and the toboggan runs - are designed for year-round enjoyment. In winter, the hummocks, an open green space dotted with rolling hills at the back of the Playground area, becomes a great space for playing in the snow. The basket swings remain open as well, and the toboggan hill offers endless thrills. For safety reasons, some structures and areas of the Nature Playground will remain closed and will not be accessible during the winter months. The washroom facilities located at the Playground will also be closed throughout the winter. Visitors are encouraged to use the facilities at the Duck Pond shelter or the Pavilion.