23 Best Things to Do in Ottawa with Kids (2024)
Looking for things to do in Ottawa with kids? You’re in the right place.
Ottawa has a lot of family-friendly things to do; both indoor and outdoor.
Being a mid-sized city serving as the country’s capital, Ottawa is surrounded by historical buildings, natural beauty that can be enjoyed in all four seasons, and exciting museums that are suitable for the whole family.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist in Ottawa, you’ll find that Ottawa is very family-friendly, which is part of what makes it one of the best places to live in Ontario.
As an Ontario mom, I’ve been to Ottawa quite a few times – with and without kids. I’ve crafted a good Ottawa itinerary that can be done with or without kids.
There is more to see and do in Ottawa than I could possibly fit into one trip. I want to show you what your options are for things to do in Ottawa with kids so that you can narrow down the best ones for your family, based on your interests, kids’ ages, and temperament.
So, let’s jump in – the best things to do in Ottawa with kids!
Things to Do Indoors with Kids in Ottawa
Whether you’re looking for indoor toddler activities in Ottawa, or the weather just isn’t cooperating, there’s still lots of things to do. Here are the best things to do with kids indoors in Ottawa
1. Canadian Museum of Nature
Recommended age group: 5+
The Canadian Museum of Nature is a great place to get kids interested in science and living things. There are real-life looking animals, fossils, plants and a dinosaur exhibit.
Kids and adults could spend hours in this museum, learning all kinds of interesting things. It’s a fun learning-in-disguise experience for the whole family.
A movie is included with admission, and offered in both English and French.
The museum looks like a castle from the outside, and is almost worth visiting just for the heritage building itself.
You can bring a lunch or snacks to the museum if visiting with kids, but there’s also a Nature Cafรฉ onsite that serves healthy food and is strives to be environmentally friendly.
The Canadian Museum of Nature is located a bit outside of the downtown core, about a 15-20 minute walk depending on where you’re staying.
Its open from 9:30-4:30 every day except for Tuesday.
2. Canada Science and Technology Museum
Recommended age group: 3+
At Canada’s Science and Technology Museum, you can learn about Canada’s science and technological heritage through visual displays and interactive exhibits. Its very popular with families with kids.
There are lots of efforts to engage young visitors here, including a Zoom room which is a hands-on interactive play area for young children to explore their curiosity. It’s perfect for if you’re traveling with a toddler or if you live in Ottawa and are looking for things to do with young kids.
The Science and Technology museum is in the Sheffield Glen neighbourhood, about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Ottawa.
3. Play games at Funhaven
Recommended age group: 6+
Funhaven is the ultimate one-stop shop for things to do with kids in Ottawa. It has arcades, laser tag, escape rooms, and even bumper cars!
It’s very popular for birthday parties. I know people who have hosted parties for school-age kids here.
So if you’re looking for something to do with older kids on a rainy day, you can drop in to Funhaven to kill some time.
They also have a restaurant on site, which makes it easy to spend hours there.
4. Canadian Children’s Museum
Recommended age group: 1- 12 years old
The Canadian Children’s Museum is located right inside of the Canadian Museum of History, and you have access to both museums when you buy a ticket!
The Canadian Children’s Museum is located just over the river from Ottawa, in Gatineau, Quebec. (10 minute drive from downtown Ottawa.)
If you’re in Ottawa with a toddler, its good to know that the Children’s Museum isn’t the most stroller friendly, and there are many hiding spots so it can be hard to keep track of little ones.
Get your tickets to the Canadian Children’s Museum + IMAX movie and entrance to CMH here
5. Burn off some energy at an indoor playground
Recommended age group: 1- 12 years old
Ottawa has a number of indoor playgrounds where kids from ages 1-12 can run around, burning off energy and having a blast.
It makes a great indoor toddler activity in Ottawa, or perfect for a rainy day for kids of all ages up to 12.
One important thing to know about most indoor playgrounds in Ottawa is that most of them are located in the outskirts of the city, so you’ll need a car in order to get to most of them. You could also take an Uber.
Here are some of your indoor playground options in Ottawa:
- Little Monkeys – open every day, in the Blossom Park suburb
- Cosmic Adventures – east of the Vanier neighbourhood, completely cashless so you’ll need card
- Bubblesea Adventures (although its indoor, it looks like you’re in a swimming pool!)
Good to Know: If driving or taking an Uber isn’t possible, then the closest thing to an indoor playground downtown Ottawa is the Children’s Museum, or the Science and Technology Museum. Both of them offer the interactive play, and the ability for children to run free playing and exploring.
6. Do a family-friendly tour of Parliament Hill
Recommended age group: 6+
Visiting Ottawa is an opportunity for kids to learn about Canadian history. Being able to show them the buildings where the prime minister works, where the laws are made, and where world leaders meet to make decisions.
It gives kids, especially those who live in Canada, to learn more about how the country is run.
Tours of Parliament Hill are free of charge and range from 45 to 90 minutes. There are a few different tour options, which you can view by visiting their website.
Pro Tip: If you don’t think your child will do well on a guided tour (such as if you’re in Ottawa with a toddler or something – I get it.) In that case, I’d recommend the self-guided parliament “Immersive Tour” which includes a tour of the Centre Block, an exhibition and a 360ยฐ multimedia show. The Immersive Tour is 45 minutes, and free of charge. So, if your kids are bored, then you haven’t lost anything. Click here for info and to book.
7. Canadian Aviation and Space Museum
Recommended age group: All ages
If you have older children interested in space, then the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in downtown Ottawa would be a real treat.
It’s a wide, open area with a lot of visuals to look at, so its perfect for any age – even if your kids are too young to understand space.
You can see full-sized airplanes and even a space shuttle up close. The museum is located at 11 Aviation Pkwy, Ottawa which is just a 15-minute drive from the downtown core.
The cost is $12.43 for youth (3-17 years of age), and $18.46 for adults. Tickets can be booked online in advance here.
8. Grab some bites at the Byward Market
Recommended age group: All ages
The ByWard Market is a large farmer’s market with local vendors selling fresh produce, other food products, as well as crafts. Its a great place to shop for locally produced artisan products, and buy unique Canadian souvenirs.
The neighbourhood surrounding the ByWard market is completely car-free, which makes it a leisurely place to take a stroll with family in the summertime.
Stop by the Market to grab some snacks, and then go for a walk. There are a few parks with play structures within walking distance of the market. In addition, the famous OTTAWA sign is nearby where you can get family photos.
Good to Know: The ByWard Market area is touristy during the day, but turns into a bit of a club/partying scene at night. It is a much nicer, more family-friendly place to be during the daytime.
9. Do a free tour of Rideau Hall
Recommended age group: All ages
Rideau Hall is the Canadian residence of the governor-general of Canada. They offer free guided tours for all ages, and there are also family-friendly events happening throughout the year.
The inside of Rideau Hall is like a castle, full of art and Canadian history.
Before or after your visit to Rideau Hall, you can take a leisurely stroll or sit outside in the landscaped gardens outside. There are different trees planted that are gifts from different leaders around the world. There’s also a playground on-site that the kids can play on.
Guided tours to Rideau Hall need to be booked online in advance (but are free of charge.) However, you can drop by to enjoy the gardens and playground anytime without a booking. There’s free street parking nearby.
Things to Outdoors with Kids in Ottawa
If you want to appreciate the outdoors and spend time outside, then Ottawa has lots of family-friendly options. Here are the best things to do with kids in Ottawa, as well as the intended age group and time of year to go
10. Try Ottawa’s Private Investigator Exploration Game
Best time to go: Anytime throughout the year
Age group: 5+
With with Private Investigator Exploration Game, you get to explore Ottawa’s historical landmarks while solving puzzles.
During the game, you’re given a story with clues, and as you solve challenges, you’re brought from different locations, including some of the most Instagrammable spots in Ottawa.
The PI Exploration Game is perfect for families to work together on a project. Kids as young as 5 can participate in helping older family members solve some of the puzzles.
It takes around an hour to complete (sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less.)
But if you’re hoping to explore the landmarks as you visit them, then budget for closer to 2 hours. After you book, you receive a link to download the game onto your phone.
If you’re not super interested in booking this, then there’s also the option of making your own scavenger hunt (Ottawa-related or not) as a fun challenge to keep the kids busy.
Book the Private Investigator Exploration Game in Ottawa here
11. Go mini-golfing
Best time to go: May through October (closes for the year after Thanksgiving)
Age group: 5+
Mini Golf Gardens is a great place to teach kids how to golf in an outdoor setting. There are 18-hole mini-golf courses, and suitable for all ages and ability levels.
Mini Golf Gardens is a nice place to spend the day. Along the golf course there are gardens, streams and waterfalls, and plenty of benches in case you want to take a break. There are washrooms and a place to get refreshments and snacks on-site.
Their hours differ depending on the season, but during the summer holidays (June through August) they’re open 7 days a week from 10am to midnight. Kids from 5-12 are $13.50, and adults are $16.50. Reservations aren’t required; simply show up.
12. Step into the past at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Best time to go: May through October (closed during the cold months)
Age group: All ages
At the Cumberland Heritage Museum, kids and adults can explore what life in Ottawa was like in the early 1900s. There’s a train station, a general store, old school house, and homes as they looked in that day in age.
It’s a great place to walk through with kids, getting a feel for what the past was like. There are animals outside in the summer, and you can go inside some of the buildings to check them out. Both kids and adults will learn, and have a great time.
While the Cumberland Heritage Museum is usually closed in the cold months, they host the Vintage Village of Lights on weekends leading up to Christmas. It’s a great way to experience a vintage holiday season with family.
Be sure to give yourself at least 2-3 hours to walk through this heritage museum.
Good to Know: The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is located in Cumberland, which is a 25 minute drive from downtown Ottawa. Children 5 and under are free of charge.
13. See animals at the Valleyview Little Animal Farm
Best time to go: between March- October
Age group: All ages
Valleyview Little Animal Farm is one of the best things to do in Ottawa with kids. It has train rides, puppet shows, and a barn where you can see animals up close.
There are alpacas, geese, sheep, goats, and pigs. You can also visit an old farm museum to learn about the agriculture in the past.
While all ages will appreciate seeing animals somewhat, I’d recommend Valleyview especially for younger children under 8.
Valleyview Little Animal Farm is located near Napean, just a 20 minute drive from downtown Ottawa.
14. Hit the Beach
Best time to go: May 20 – September 4th
Age group: All ages
With its location right on the Ottawa River, Ottawa is surrounded by beaches. The beaches in Ottawa are sandy, and most of them have plenty of shade, and good amenities for a day out during the summer months.
If you have young children, some of the most family-friendly beaches are the Petrie Island Beaches. There are three beaches in total on Petrie Island, which is 21 minutes from downtown Ottawa. They life lifeguards, a play area for small children. Parking is $2.
Aside from Petrie island, the City of Ottawa also has three other beaches:
- Brittania Park and Beach (15-minute drive from Ottawa, free parking, lots of amenities)
- Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach (15-minute drive, paid parking )
- Westboro Beach (10-minute drive, no lifeguard)
For updates to the City of Ottawa beaches, including water quality and openings, click here.
15. Learn about maple syrup at the Vanier Museopark
Best time to go: March and April for sugar shack season
Age group: All ages
The Vanier Museopark is located near the Vanier neighbourhood in east Ottawa. Its the only francophone museum in the Ottawa area, so it might be a good way to get exposure to learning a new language. (But you absolutely don’t need to speak French in order to visit Vanier Park)
You can learn all about the history of maple syrup production. There’s a sugar shack, and a sugar festival held in March, as well as other special events throughout the year.
Sugar shacks are very popular throughout Ontario, but its unusual to find one in a city centre, such as this one. Vanier Museopark is a piece of nature in the middle of the city.
Best of all? Children under 17 are free of charge to the museum and adults are only $6.50. On Thursdays, admission is free for everyone.
16. Celebrate the holidays at Saunders Farm
Best time to go: During special events only
Age group: All ages
Saunders Farm is family owned, 100-acre farm that has been open since 1976. You can grab food at the Cider House, shop in the Farm shop,
Depending on when you visit, there are special events happening throughout the year, such as Pumpkin Fest during the Thanksgiving season, and Fright Fest close to Halloween. Visit during weekends from June to August for summer maze days. Check out your visiting options on their website here.
Saunders Farm is a 35 minute drive southeast of Ottawa.
17. Indulge in winter activities
Best time to go: Between December and March
Age group: Any, depending on the activity
Ottawa is one of the best places in Ontario for a winter vacation. There are ski hills nearby, toboggan hills within the city, and skating in nearby forest trails.
When the Rideau Canal is open, you can skate for free on the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.
In addition, the parliament and heritage buildings downtown are extra pretty covered in snow. One particularly special time to visit in winter is during Winterlude, Ottawa’s winter festival where you can play games, eat delicious comforting snacks and see ice sculptures.
For ways to have a blast in Ottawa with kids in winter, read my guide on Ottawa in Winter.
18. Take part in the Tulip Festival
Best time to go: May
Age group: All ages
Ottawa’s tulip festival is the largest tulip festival in the world. It has historic roots coming from the tradition of Netherlands giving tulips to Canada as a thank-you for liberating Holland. It has been running for over 70 years.
You can simply walk around, getting beautiful family photos among the tulips. There are over 100 different varieties of tulips and other flowers.
There are also food trucks and vendors, and some special events like moves in the park, a sound and light show, and tulips after dark.
The festival takes place in several different places around the city. The vast majority of the tulip gardens are in Commissioner’s Park on Dow’s Lake, but there is also some on the Hill and Major Hill’s Park.
In 2024, the tulip festival will be taking place between May 10th -20th. The flowers differ each day depending on the weather and how ‘bloomed’ they are. You can use the tulip metre to determine the best time to go.
Good to Know: On weekends, the festival can be very crowded with thousands of people wanting to get their photo with the tulips. Get there early if possible.
Things to Do in Ottawa with Teenagers and Older Kids
In addition to museums and outdoor activities here are some fun things to do in Ottawa that are ideal for older children and teens
19. Ride the first intro-provincial zip line
InterZip is a 1,400 foot zip-line starting in Gatineau, Quebec and allows you to sail over the Ottawa river into the city of Ottawa. Its the first zip-line located between two Canadian provinces, and gives you incredible views as you sail across.
On InterZip, you’re sailing at 50 km (31 miles) per hour at 50 feet high, and it takes a total of about 40 seconds to sail across the entire line.
There is no age requirement for the zip-line, so kids of any age can try it – but the weight requirement is 70 lbs. A parent will need to sign a release form for the participation of any children under 18.
InterZip only runs during the summer months, from June to September.
Pro Tip: It’s highly recommended to book InterZip advance, especially if you’re planning for a Friday or Saturday. You can book the zip-line online here.
20. Do a haunted walk
Going on the Ottawa ghost tour allows you to see the downtown area of Ottawa at night, and learn about Ottawa’s dark past. During the walk, you’ll hear about all about some of the mysteries, crimes and accounts of paranormal activity in Ottawa.
Ottawa has a lot of historic, Victorian buildings which go well with a ghost tour and bone-chilly tales.
The minimum age to participate in Ottawa’s haunted walk is 10 years old, as some of the stories might be scary for younger children.
Book your haunted walk in Ottawa here
21. Put your brain to the test at an escape room
Escape rooms have been growing in popularity in popping up in many Canadian cities, and Ottawa is no exception.
Escape rooms are good for all ages, but a lot of the puzzles can be pretty challenging to figure out (even for adults who aren’t used to escape rooms) so . That being said, I’ve brought my pre-teen daughter to an escape room and she enjoyed it.
Here are your options for escape rooms in Ottawa:
- Room Escape Ottawa –open daily until 10pm
- Escape Manor – three different Ottawa locations
22. Take a class at the Heritage Museum
Although the museum is closed during the colder months, there are special classes offered year round, such as leather-working and hand quilting. Its a great way to learn some old-fashioned skills and lost arts.
Check the heritage museum special classes page here to see upcoming workshops and events.
23. Visit a real cold war bunker
The Diefenbunker (also known as Canada’s Cold War Museum) was built during the Cold War to protect Canada from a potential nuclear war.
Everything at the Diefenbunker looks as it did 50 years ago. Everything down to the maps, notes and the way it was kept looks the same. It is well preserved and a great way to experience Canadian history.
You have the option of a guided or self-guided tour at the Diefenbunker. I would set aside about 2 hours, regardless of which option you choose.
The Cold War Museum is best for kids over the age of 12, unless they are truly fascinated by history. However, adults and teenagers interested in history will love it, as its unlike anything else you can find in Canada.
Where to Stay in Ottawa with Kids
Here are the most kid-friendly accommodations in Ottawa that bring you close to the family-friendly Ottawa attractions
- Budget: Byward Inn -offers a 2 bedroom suite and delicious free breakfast, located right downtown
- Mid-range: Capital’s Retreat – cozy home with lots of space
- Luxury: Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown – indoor swimming pool, free breakfast and on-site restaurant right downtown
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for somewhere kid-friendly to stay in Ottawa that is super budget and don’t mind a few downsides (being far from the downtown, and living in someone’s basement) then I stayed at this Airbnb with my daughter during a trip to Ottawa and felt comfortable and enjoyed our time
Things to Do Near Ottawa (All Ages)
There are a lot of fun things to do in Eastern Ontario, and many charming small towns to visit, such as Bath, Pembroke, Perth, and others.
If you’re willing to drive up to an hour or two, you’ll find lots of nature-based things to do as a family, including animal sights, hiking and ways to spend time outdoors.
1. Drive through Parc Omega
Distance from Ottawa: 1 hour
Parc Omega in Quebec is a 12 km (7.5-mile) safari where drive through to spot Canadian wildlife from your car. You’ll see animals like wolves, bears, beavers, and lots of birds.
If you’ve ever been to the African Lion Safari near Toronto, Parc Omega is very similar except the wildlife here is Canadian native animals.
Theres also a 1 km (0.6-mile) trail on-site where you can hike in the warm months, or snowshoe in the cold months. You can do this before or after your drive through the park.
2. See aquative life at the Brockville Aquatarium
Distance from Ottawa: 1 hour, 10 minutes
The Brockville Aquatarium is another great place to bring kids to see animals near the Ottawa area. There are mostly aquatic animals like beavers, turtles, fish and also some birds in a realistic-looking indoor habitat.
There are also places for kids to play, such as an interactive water table.
The Brockville Aquatarium is open from 10am -4pm from Fridays to Mondays only. You can book online, or simply buy your tickets at reception upon arrival.
4. Go hiking in Algonquin Provincial Park
Distance from Ottawa: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Algonquin Park is the 3rd largest provincial park in Ontario, and also the oldest; having opened in 1883. Its very large, at over 7,000 km sq feet.
It’s a great place to get out and experience incredible nature – most of the lakes are free of motorized boats. You can go canoeing, hiking, and even camping.
Algonquin is especially beautiful (and popular) in the fall season, when the leaves change colour.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a scenic drive from Ottawa. This can be done in a day trip, or you can stay in the park or nearby overnight.
Things to Do in Ottawa with a Baby
There are a number of things to do in Ottawa with a baby, or even young toddlers. There are parks, playgrounds, beaches, splash pads, indoor playgrounds and family-friendly museums.
So depending what season you’re visiting Ottawa, there are lots of ways to get you out exploring the city with your baby in tow, whether they’re a newborn or toddler age.
- Go on a stroller-friendly walk outside. If St-Laurent by the mall, head west to the Rideau River paths. If near Manor Park, head to the Ottawa River pathways. If South, head to Lynda Lane Park.
- Visit one of the indoor playgrounds
- Visit one of the city splashpads, beaches or swimming pools. Info on the city website here
- Walk through a museum. The Museum of Aviation or the Canadian Nature museum would both be eye catching and interesting for kids and babies alike
Ottawa with Kids: FAQs
Here are the most commonly asked questions about visiting Ottawa with kids
Does Ottawa have an aquarium?
Ottawa does not have its own aquarium like the Ripley’s in Toronto or the Aquarium du Quebec in Quebec City. However, there is the Brockville Aquatarium which is just over an hour from Ottawa.
Is Ottawa kid friendly?
Ottawa is definitely a kid-friendly city. The downtown core is very safe and walkable. Regardless of the season you visit, there’s a good mix of interactive museums, outdoor activities, and heritage landmarks to explore and learn about as a family.
Does Ottawa have a zoo?
Ottawa doesn’t have a zoo with exotic animals, but there is a farm which operates as a petting zoo just outside the city, as well as an aquarium just 1 hour away. There’s also Parc Omega, which is a drive-through safari where you can see native Canadian animals in their natural habitat.
Final Thoughts: What do Do in Ottawa with Kids
By now, you know of some of the best things to do in Ottawa with kids of all ages. Whether you’re in Ottawa with a toddler, or teenager, there’s a lot of family friendly things to do in the Canada’s capital.
While Toronto has the largest museum in Canada, Ottawa has the most variety, and kid-friendly museums. It has more family-friendly museums with interactive exhibits that interest children than anywhere else in Canada, and it has great outdoor activities for kids of all ages, year round.