Workshops & Classes
Assiniboine Park is a beautiful, natural location with an abundance of high-quality facilities, that allow us to offer a diverse range of classes and workshops for people of all ages and interests. Browse our selection here or download our current Programming Guide.
Pre-School
Nature Tots for 3’s and 4’s
Join us for songs, crafts, snacks and loads of fun activities! This program is for children 3 and 4 years of age plus an adult partner. Children and adults will explore the Park and natural world through games, crafts, stories and puppet shows! Our 2012 Nature Tots schedule includes weekday classes at the Qualico Family Centre and Saturday classes at the Zoo and Conservatory. Space is limited, so book early.
Sign up for a monthly block!
- $40 + GST per month for members ($44 for non-members)
- $30/$50 + GST per short/long month for members ($33/$55 for non-members)
- $15 + GST for a single week session
Click here for information on how to register.
Winnie Kids (ages 3 - 5)
Join us for songs, stories, crafts and fun learning activities. This special program is designed around Winnie the Bear and his beloved friends.
- Dates: first Wednesday of each month, from March 7 to December 5
- Times: 9:30 to 11:00 am
- Location: Acorn Activity Room (at the Qualico Family Centre)
- Fee: $10 + GST (members), $11 + GST (non-members)
See our 2012 Park Programming Guide for full Nature Tots and Winnie Kids schedules.
Click here for information on how to register.
Elementary
Children's Workshops
Get creative and crafty, stretch your imagination, get your hands dirty and make a mess ... it's all part of the fun! Our upcoming children's workshops will educate and entertain!
Ukrainian Egg Decorating
Thursday March 22 | 7 - 9 pm | Qualico Family Centre (Acorn Activity Room)
Spend a fun afternoon learning the traditional art of "Pysanky" or Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating, as well as its symbolism and meaning. For children ages 9 to 12.
Fee: $15 + GST (materials included)
Easter Egg Decorating
Saturday April 7 | 10 am - 12 noon | Qualico Family Centre (Acorn Activity Room)
Join artist Janet Carroll and learn to create a variety of unique and unusual designs using natural materials that are easy to recreate at home. Then make a pyramid shaped box with decorative paper and ribbon to hold your specially dyed egg. For children ages 6 to 9.
Fee: $15 + GST (materials included)
Veggie Container Gardening for Children
Saturday May 12 | 1 - 2:30 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Vegetables are amongst the easiest plants for children to grow and great fun to harvest, prepare and eat. Learn to create colourful, whimsical containers that overflow with peppers, eggplants, radishes, tomatoes and more. For children ages 5 to 9.
Fee: $29 + GST (materials included)
Gourds Galore
Thursday October 25 | 7 pm - 8:30 pm | Qualico Family Centre (Acorn Activity Room)
Learn fun and easy carving techniques for creating one of a kind glowing pumpkin creations. For children of all ages; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $15 + GST (materials included)
Gourds Galore
Saturday October 27 | 10 - 11:30 am | Qualico Family Centre (Acorn Activity Room)
Learn fun and easy carving techniques for creating one of a kind glowing pumpkin creations. For children of all ages; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fee: $15 + GST (materials included)
Click here for information on how to register.
Children's Sunday Nature Adventure Series
Join us for fun and exciting weekend workshops designed for children ages 7 to 11! These themed workshops provide great opportunities for children to learn something new in a fun-filled environment that encourages creativity, exploration, and imagination.
- Dates: the last Sunday of each Month, from February 26 to December 9
- Times: 1 to 3 pm
- Location: Acorn Activity Room (at the Qualico Family Centre)
- Fee: $10 + GST (members), $11 + GST (non-members)
- Wonderful Worms | Sunday, April 29
Discover nature's top soil scientists as you create your own worm bin. Learn about vermi-composting and why we cannot live without WORMS! Bins not provided - bring your own bin or purchase one for $5. Worms are provided.
- Sunday, May 27
Postponed to the fall due to the Teddy Bears Picnic. Details to follow
- Clay Day (Natural Sculpting) | Sunday, June 24
Celebrate International Mud Day (June 29th) as you get your hands dirty learning about soil and creating natural sculptures out of clay!
- Gardening Basics | Sunday, July 29
Get back to basics as you explore the gardens of Assiniboine Park, learn important gardening techniques and discover how gardens are important sources of food and artistic inspiration.
- I Spy a Butterfly | Sunday, August 26
"I've got to go; I've got to go to Mexico!" The Monarch butterfly has the longest and largest migration of any North American insect; traveling more than 3000 km! Join us to create a butterfly rearing enclosure and learn more about this fascinating species.
- Bird Discovery |Sunday, September 30
Discover the amazing world of birds as you learn about bird migration, identification and create bird feeders in preparation for the winter months ahead.
- Gourds Galore (Pumpkin Carving) | Sunday, October 28
Learn fun and easy carving techniques for creating one of kind glowing pumpkin creations. Pumpkins provided. *Children must be accompanied by an adult for this class.
- Natural Holiday Ornaments | Sunday, November 25
Spend a fun afternoon crafting items for the holiday season and sipping hot chocolate. Cones, baubles, branches, and berries will all be crafted into unique ornaments for the tree.
- Winter Solstice Celebrations | Sunday, December 9
Celebrate winter as you participate in an adrenaline pumping scavenger hunt! Afterwards head inside to warm up with hot chocolate and decorate tasty gingerbread treats to adorn your house during the holiday season.
Click here for information on how to register. Register for one or register for them all!
Teen
Exciting new programs for teens are being planned.
Adult & Senior
Foodie Series
Enjoy food samplings prepared by local chefs sprinkled with horticultural, historical and cultural tidbits, and topped off with expert pairings from the Manitoba Liquor Marts. You will be consuming alcoholic beverage samples, so we strongly suggest that you arrange a ride to and from these events. Participants must be 18 years or older to attend.
- Dates: Tuesdays, January 10 to March 20
- Times: 7 to 9 pm
- Location: MLCC Madison Square
- Fee: $45 + GST (members) | $49 + GST (non-members)
- Lovely Local Food and Wines! | Tuesday, April 17
Considerable attention of late has focused on the local foods movement. Join us as we discover the plethora of delightful local foods available fresh from the farmer’s field.
- Glorious Gluten Free | Tuesday, April 24
Learn tips and techniques for creating tasty gluten free meals with and which libations partner well.
- Tantalizing Thai | Tuesday, May 8 - FULL
Thai food is aromatic and unique in its flavours, incorporating a delightful combination of ingredients from sweet to salty to sour. Taste and experience of some of the earth’s most aromatic and unique ingredients such as Kaffir lime, chillies, turmeric and Galangal.
- Easy Summer Appetizers | Tuesday, May 22 - FULL
Appetizers, starters or simply a “finger feast? Edible little bits of business have taken the country tables and restaurants by storm. Smaller portions, savoury spices and a grand selection from which to choose from is now very common.
- Savouring Local Foods | Tuesday, September 4
Join us as we discover the wonderful variety of local Manitoba foods, available fresh from the farmer's fields. This is a perfect fall harvest class.
- Warming and Wonderful Soups | Tuesday, September 11
Warming and fragrant soups herald the autumn season. Learn about the herbs, spices and plant-based ingredients that have found their way into international soup pots for centuries.
- Chillies Gone Wild! | Tuesday, September 18
Guaranteed to blow the roof of your mouth off! Well, at least a little. Explore some of the spiciest foods, culinary concoctions that topple the Scoville scale and that take their heat from the capsicum.
- Savoury and Sweet | Tuesday, September 25
During the hectic holiday season nothing is more pleasant than a few savoury appetizers partnered with dessert and a bit of bubbly. Learn to take the guess work out of your next holiday cocktail party with tips for some tasty appetizers and delicious desserts.
- The Joy of Tarts | Tuesday, October 2
Tantalizing tarts can run the gamut from savoury to sweet in culinary traditions throughout the world. Our chef takes the guesswork out of creating picture perfect pastry in all its delicious forms.
- Comfort Food | Tuesday, October 9
Everyone has their own version of comfort food – warm and familiar foods that soothe the psyche by reminding us of an earlier time. Join us for an evening of homey starters and nourishing fare; all like "Mom" used to make.
- Home for the Holidays | Tuesday, October 16
From tantalizing appetizers to main courses that inspire "oohs and aahs", our talented Chef will provide culinary inspirations to reduce some of your stress during the holiday time along with perfect wine and spirit pairings.
Click here for information on how to register.
Fit 4 Two
Join us for Fit 4 Two® postnatal fitness led by a Certified Pre & Postnatal Fitness Specialist.
Stroller Bootcamp includes a variety of drills that focus on strength, power, agility, balance, cardio and core. Women must be 8+ weeks postpartum and have been exercising regularly (cardio and strength training) for 6+ weeks.
Stroller Fitness classes include intervals of power walking, functional strength training and cardio drills followed by postnatal-specific core work and flexibility. Women should be 4+ weeks postpartum (6 weeks for caesareans). All fitness levels welcome. Please bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. You do not need a jogging stroller.
All classes meet at the shelter at the Duck Pond, Assiniboine Park Drive.
- Fit 4 Two: Stroller Bootcamp
June 4 - June 27 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:30 - 10:30 am
$104 + GST (8 classes). No drop in.
Free trial on Friday, May 25 at 9:45 am. RSVP to aileen@fit4two.ca or 452-5000.
- Fit 4 Two: Stroller Fitness
June 4 - June 27 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 10:45 - 11:45 AM
$88 + GST (8 classes) | $44 + GST (4 classes) | $13 (drop in).
Free trial on Friday, May 25 at 11:00 am. RSVP to aileen@fit4two.ca or 452-5000.
- Fit 4 Two: Stroller Bootcamp
July 9 - August 1 | Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:30 - 10:30 am
$104 + GST (8 classes). No drop in.
- Fit 4 Two: Stroller Fitness
July 11 - August 29 | Wednesdays | 10:45 - 11:45 AM
$88 + GST (8 classes) | $44 + GST (4 classes) | $13 (drop in)
Click here for information on how to register.
Classes & Workshops for Adults
Exercise your green thumb, release your inner artist, or get crafty and creative. From watercolour painting classes to growing an indoor garden, we offer classes and workshops for all interests throughout the year.
Water Colour Classes: Session 2
Thursdays, February 9, 16, 23 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Artist Estelle Reiger presents basic background on working with watercolour, colour theory, composition and design. For those who have completed the beginner class or with basic experience.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Stunning Containers for Spring
Wednesday, March 28 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Join Sharlene Nielsen as she helps you create a fresh new arrangement for early spring. There will be a selection of seasonal materials as well as an insert pot and planting medium. You are welcome to bring along a photo reference to help with your design choices and gloves would be an asset. Materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Hanging Baskets - FULL
Wednesday, May 9 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
There is little wonder why this course is so popular: you laugh, you learn and you go home with a stunning hanging basket. Join our designer as you are guided through the basics of making a spectacular hanging basket, offered hints, help, and always oodles of plants. All materials included.
Fee: $44+ GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Stunning Containers for Sun -- FULL
Wednesday, May 16 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
The Assiniboine Park Conservatory creates stellar container gardens. Learn how to create your own. All materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Stunning Containers for Shade -- FULL
Wednesday, May 23 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
The Assiniboine Park Conservatory creates stellar container gardens. Learn how to create your own. All materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Hanging Veggie Baskets
Wednesday, June 6 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
This hands-on workshop teaches both the beginner and seasoned gardener the best choices for growing veggies in a confined space so you can munch on produce all summer long. Materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Spectacular Fall Planters
Wednesday, September 19 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Extend the gardening season and create your own fall planter for your front door or deck with an assortment of colourful foliage plants in this informative hands-on presentation. Materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Painting in Paradise
Thursdays, September 20, 27, October 4 | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
In this 3-week water colour course, we will present basic background on working with watercolours, colour theory, composition and design. These half-day workshops are suitable for beginners.
Fee: $49 + GST for members | $55 + GST for non-members per session
Needle-felt Workshop: Painting with Fleece
Sunday, September 23 | 1 - 4 pm | Acorn Activity Room (Qualico Family Centre)
Explore texture, colour and design in a whole new way through the art of needle felting in which strands of coloured fleece are applied to a woollen fabric background using a special barbed needle. Your new skills can be used to decorate clothing and accessories, to embellish quilts, and to create your own unique fibre art. Materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members.
Jams and Jellies
Saturday, September 29 | 1 - 4 pm | Madison Square MLCC Teaching Kitchen
The Canadian prairie ritual of preserving the harvest is alive and well. Learn the methods, tricks and lessons from others on the ways to enjoy your garden in the dead of winter.
Fee: $19.50 + GST
Paper Marbling with Janet Carroll
Sunday, October 28 | 12:30 - 4 pm | Acorn Activity Room (Qualico Family Centre)
Paper Marbling involves floating inks on a tray of thickened water, swirling the colours to make a pattern, then picking up the resulting image with a piece of treated paper. Learn this fascinating craft and make several unique prints. Wear a smock or apron! Materials included.
Fee: $49 + GST for members | $54 + GST for non-members
Painting in Paradise
Thursdays, November 8, 15, 22 | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
In this 3-week water colour course, we will present basic background on working with watercolours, colour theory, composition and design. These half-day workshops are suitable for beginners.
Fee: $49 + GST for members | $55 + GST for non-members per session
Stunning Winter Containers
Wednesday, November 21 | 7 – 9 pm | Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Winter is the ideal time to plant stunning holiday containers resplendent with boughs, branches and berries. Learn how in this informative hands-on workshop. Materials included.
Fee: $44 + GST for members | $49 + GST for non-members
Click here for information on how to register.
