Winnipeg Parents: Your Child Could Play with Robots and Toys for Free—Here’s How!

Name: Movies in the Park at Assiniboine Park 2026
Start: 2026-08-07T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-08-07T23:00:00-05:00
Location: Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park

Have You Heard About This Amazing Kids’ Play Study in Winnipeg?

Hey parents, I just came across something super cool that I had to share! If you’ve got a kiddo between 3 and 8 years old, there’s a really interesting study happening right here in Winnipeg, and I think it’s worth checking out. It’s all about comparing conventional toys to robots to see which one works better for kids during playtime.

Now, I’m not officially part of this study or anything, but as someone who’s always interested in fun, educational opportunities for kids, I couldn’t resist spreading the word.

What’s the Study About?

Basically, the folks at the University of Manitoba are diving into how kids interact with traditional toys versus robots. They’ll even let your child pick out a robot and customize it! How cool is that? Plus, they’re including sessions with regular toys, so it’s a mix of both worlds.

This isn’t just for typically developing kids either. If your child has a physical disability, they’re totally welcome to join, which makes this study super inclusive.

The article continues below

Have You Heard About This Amazing Kids’ Play Study in Winnipeg?

Hey parents, I just came across something super cool that I had to share! If you’ve got a kiddo between 3 and 8 years old, there’s a really interesting study happening right here in Winnipeg, and I think it’s worth checking out. It’s all about comparing conventional toys to robots to see which one works better for kids during playtime.

Now, I’m not officially part of this study or anything, but as someone who’s always interested in fun, educational opportunities for kids, I couldn’t resist spreading the word.

What’s the Study About?

Basically, the folks at the University of Manitoba are diving into how kids interact with traditional toys versus robots. They’ll even let your child pick out a robot and customize it! How cool is that? Plus, they’re including sessions with regular toys, so it’s a mix of both worlds.

This isn’t just for typically developing kids either. If your child has a physical disability, they’re totally welcome to join, which makes this study super inclusive.

What’s In It for You?

First off, it’s free (because, let’s be real, that’s always a bonus). On top of that, participants get a small honorarium—a nice little thank-you for being part of the process. But more importantly, it sounds like a fun way to bond with your child and maybe even learn something new about how they play and learn.

Oh, and parents are invited to join in on the play sessions, so it’s not one of those “drop your kid off and leave” kind of deals. You get to be part of the experience too!

When and Where?

The sessions are flexible, which is always a win for busy families. Here’s how it’s set up:

8 sessions at your home (yep, they come to you!).
3-4 sessions at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children on Notre Dame Avenue or possibly at your child’s school.

It’s spread out over eight weeks, so it’s not a huge time commitment.

Why Should You Care?

Aside from the fun factor, this study could really help shape how we think about toys and play. Are robots the future of playtime? Or do good old-fashioned toys still hold their own? It’s pretty neat to be part of research that might answer those questions—and your family gets to play a role in it (pun totally intended).

Movies in the Park returns to Assiniboine Park this August with free outdoor movie nights, double features, and family-friendly fun under the stars on the Lyric Lawn.

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