John Janzen Nature Centre — Attraction in Riverbend

Went here today for the first time with my mother, my 3 year old, and my 3 month old. Pricing was great! For all of us it was only $11! We then checked out the little nature info room inside which was super cute. We then spoke to a lady that walked in about anything going on today (the sign outside said something at 10:45am, but it was already past noon)... she told us nothing else today because it's too hot (bummer) but then gave us some nets and a bucket to go catch things in the pond. She was so sweet and even showed my mom where to go. That was so much fun! My 3 year old loved it. Then we had a picnic out front with our own food. After that we went back inside to go to the indoor playground. My son spent 2 hours inside there. Even I was able to walk around in it with him which was awesome... not like the other indoor playgrounds that you have to crawl around in and kill your knees. The building was also very clean inside which we appreciated. After that my son was getting cranky so we hit the gift shop where my mom purchased a couple things and we left. The prices vary. Some cheap and some overpriced for sure. All of the above was fantastic. I do however want to complain about the lady working the customer service desk. I'm hoping we may have just caught her on a bad day, but wow was she awful. She talked condescendingly, acted like we should have known everything (our first time so we didn't!), there were only mens socks for us, when we asked questions it's like we were bothering her. Even another guest came in while we were paying and she was short with them as well when all they wanted to know was whether they could use the outdoor space to eat and sit at. Just seemed very distant and again, like we were bothering her for just being there. I would have given 5 stars if...

I booked a ‘fairies and folklore’ birthday party for my 6 year old, and it was amazing! There was an employee (who was so kind, professional, and at the ready for us) to lead the group of kids through games, an outdoor fairy scavenger hunt, and they even had little fairy houses for decor! There was an art activity, books, puppets, and wearable wings for all the kiddos. The indoor playground is incredible, it made me feel like a kid again! It even includes a little acorn gathering/pipe situation as if you were a squirrel, and a small stream with logs and leaves to explore building dams! Then there is a room that includes what looks like interactive and educational displays of different animals, and the cutest little gift shop with unique games and gifts etc. we will be visiting...

The John Janzen Nature Center is a great place to host a child's birthday party!

Some things we loved about this location:

very large birthday rooms with counter space for food / cake / drinks. room was prepared for 30 people max with large tables and a table for gifts including a banner large indoor play area we especially enjoyed the educational aspect of the party. There was a discovery box that contained feathers / antlers and other animal artifacts. Nature walk, which included a scavenger hunt and education about what is found during the Nature walk ability to park directly in front of doors to load / unload 2.5 hours for $260 is a great price considering the space/ time / education and set up. I would highly recommend this place instead of indoor...