Looking for the best Things to Do in Ottawa With Kids? Well, Ottawa has something for everyone! This vibrant city is full of kid-friendly attractions that the whole family will enjoy.
From exciting museums to beautiful nature trails, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with your kids in Ottawa.
Whether playing at the local park or discovering fascinating historic sites, this Canadian capital truly offers an unforgettable experience for people of all ages.
In this blog post, we’ll share some of our favorite activities and places to explore in Ottawa with kids so you can plan your perfect trip! So strap on your helmets, and let’s go exploring!
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Visit The Museums
Canadian Children’s Museum
The Canadian Children’s Museum is our top must-visit museum for families with kids. Located in Gatineau, just a 5-minute drive from Downtown Ottawa across the Ottawa River, this museum offers a unique and engaging experience for children of all ages.
One of the top attractions is the “Market Bazaar” exhibit, where kids can pretend to be shopkeepers or customers in a market setting. The International Village is also a must-see, featuring various amazing art collections and showcasing cultures from different countries.
There’s even a part where your kids can help unload cargo boxes at the shipping port! Don’t forget to explore the pyramids, get in touch and take photos with the camel, visit the theater, the Pakistani bus, climb aboard a ship, and enjoy the cooking area, perfect for kids who love to cook!
👉🏻 Book your tickets to experience the Canadian Children’s Museum here!
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Located just 5 kilometers from the Prime Minister’s residence, this museum is a dream come true for kids who love planes, space, and everything in between.
Inside the museum, you can find a total of 130 collections of military and civilian aircraft from around the world. Your children will be fascinated by interactive displays and hands-on activities that teach them the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and more. They can even take a guided or self-guided tour to enjoy and fully explore the area.
One of the best activities for kids here, which I’m sure your children will love, is the ‘Life in Orbit’ exhibition, here..they can experience what life is like living in outer space. This exhibition is interactive and educational, giving your kids the chance to experience what it’s like to be an astronaut.
For children aged 12 and up, the Redbird full-motion flight simulator is available for an extra fee and provides a realistic pilot training experience.
Your kids can also witness real planes taking off or landing from Rockliffe Airport, adding excitement to the visit. This well-organized museum is a great way to introduce your kids to the wonders of aviation and space in an interactive and educational environment.
👉🏻 Book on Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour to see the Canada Aviation and Space Museum here!
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Just 15 minutes from Ottawa, the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is a large area filled with farm animals, barns, old machinery, lumber yards, gardens, and buildings from the 1900s. It’s perfect for families looking to step back in time and learn about local history.
The museum offers a unique opportunity for children to explore and learn about what life was like in the 1900s. They can interact with farm animals, visit a blacksmith, explore lumber yards, and see old machinery up close. The open space is perfect for kids to run around and play while parents can enjoy a simple picnic on-site.
Canadian Agriculture And Food Museum
Located in the heart of Ottawa, this historic farm, which has existed for 40 years, is another perfect spot to visit with your kids. Here..they can have fun while learning at the same time about Canada’s agricultural history through museums’s hands-on activities.
At the museum, kids can get up close with farm animals like lambs, pigs, rabbits, and cows that produce milk. They can also try to make butter from scratch and chocolates from cocoa beans in a hands-on demonstration.
Museum Of Nature
My sons absolutely loved their time at the Museum of Nature. They were amazed by the life-sized dinosaurs and couldn’t believe they were able to touch and interact with them. The massive moon display in the Queen’s Lantern was also a big hit for them as they are both fascinated by space. It’s a perfect spot to take some photos.
But the highlight of their visit was definitely seeing a real piece of moon rock on display in the Earth Gallery. They were so excited to learn about rocks from the moon and couldn’t stop talking about it for days after our visit.
They also enjoyed exploring the museum’s butterfly garden and getting up close to all the beautiful butterflies. And, of course, we couldn’t miss out on watching a 3D nature movie at the theater, which was both entertaining and educational.
The museum’s entrance fee is a bit pricey, but they offer free admission tickets every Thursday from 5-8 p.m.
👉🏻 Check Rates and Availability to Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature Admission here!
Top Attractions in Ottawa for Kids
The Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is a fascinating and educational attraction that shouldn’t be missed, especially for families with kids. The mint produces all of Canada’s coins, including circulation and collectible ones.
Visiting the Royal Canadian Mint gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how these coins are made through a guided tour.
During the tour, your family will learn about coin-making, from designing to production to distribution. You’ll also have the opportunity to view unique and valuable coin collections that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
As a special treat, you can even touch and take a photo with an actual gold brick – something your kids will surely be excited about!
Byward Market
The Byward Market is bustling and vibrant in Ottawa, known for its wide variety of fresh produce, local food vendors, specialty shops, and unique boutiques. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, with something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the best things to do with kids in the market is to ride the adorable miniature train that runs daily (except Mondays). The 15-minute ride costs only $8 and is suitable for children under 8.
Another must-do activity for kids in the Byward Market is to take a picture with the iconic Ottawa sign. Of course, a visit to the Market isn’t complete without indulging in delicious gelato ice cream. Head over to Piccolo Grande, a famous gelateria offering a variety of tasty flavors for you and your little ones. If you want to fully enjoy what the Market has to offer, I recommend booking a guided food tour.
👉🏻 Check Rates and Availability of the Ottawa: Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour here!
Activities In Ottawa For Kids
Explore The Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a beautiful waterway that runs through the heart of Ottawa, connecting the city to Kingston and Lake Ontario. It’s definitely one of my favorite parts of the city because there’s so much to do with kids here!
During the summer, you can hop on a Rideau Canal cruise and take in the sights while learning about the history of this famous canal. For more outdoor fun, you and your family can go fishing, spot wildlife, or explore the many parks along the canal. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also opportunities for hiking and cycling.
But my absolute favorite time to visit the Rideau Canal is during the winter when it transforms into one of the world’s longest skating rinks! You can rent skates and glide along the frozen canal, enjoying stunning city views. There are also opportunities for skiing or snowmobiling in the area.
👉🏻 Check Rates and Availability of the Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise here!
Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony in Ottawa
Another activity that your kids should try when visiting Ottawa is to witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Parliament Hill. This daily event occurs every morning, starting from June to late August.
At 10 in the morning, you can start to witness a grand display of military precision as soldiers in bright red uniforms and iconic bearskin hats march to the beat of military music. This tradition has been upheld for many years, making it a significant part of Canadian history.
If you want to have the best experience, I suggest arriving 15-30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. And don’t forget to bring a hat and some bottled water if you’re visiting during the summer, as it can get quite hot and crowded.
This ceremony is a must-see for families with kids, offering a unique educational experience about Canadian culture and history. It’s also a great way to witness stunning military displays and take memorable photos with your little ones.
Head to the Ottawa’s Beaches for Some Fun in the Sun
Ottawa may not be known for its beaches, but this city has hidden gems perfect for families with kids. Along the Ottawa River, you can find several sandy beaches that offer a variety of activities and amenities suitable for children.
One of our favorites is Britannia Beach. Here at Britannia, your little ones can enjoy playing in the sand or on the playgrounds while you relax on the shore. The beach is spacious, so there’s plenty of room for families to set up their area and have a picnic.
Petrie Island Beach is another excellent spot for kids, with shallow waters perfect for swimming and splashing around.
For those staying in downtown Ottawa, Westboro Beach is a popular choice. It may not be as big as other beaches, but it’s conveniently located downtown and has lifeguards on watch. Plus, there are nearby cafes where you can grab a bite after a day at the beach, and the sunset in this area is pretty amazing!!
Funhaven Entertainment Center – Indoor Fun for Everyone
For those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you’re looking for a break from outdoor activities, head over to Funhaven Entertainment Center.
Funhaven offers a variety of games and entertainment that are best for kids, including bumper cars, laser tag, climbing walls, mini-bowling, and more. Here, everything is supervised perfectly so parents can relax while their kids are enjoying!
They also have a restaurant with free Wi-Fi. Just keep in mind that it can get busy during peak times like weekends, especially on holidays. So plan your visit very well.
Spend a day at Gatineau Park
After indulging in all of Ottawa’s fun activities, it’s sometimes nice to take a break and connect with nature. The best place to do this is at Gatineau Park. This stunning park is just a 15-minutes from Downtown and offers over 361 square kilometers of green space for families to explore.
Several kid-friendly hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds are scattered throughout the park.
These are my 3 recommended hiking trails for families with young children at Gatineau Park. The Pioneer Trail is an easy 1.3km path that takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The Sugarbush trail is also great for toddlers. With a picnic area and stroller accessibility, it’s super easy and takes only 30 min to complete. Lastly, the Des Fées Lake trail is another easy option that takes 1 h 15 min to complete.
Take a tour around Rideau Hall
For a glimpse into Canadian history and tradition, take a tour of Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s official residence. This beautiful estate offers guided tours that allow visitors to see where Canada’s Head of State lives and works.
The free tour allows you to explore the interior of this iconic landmark and learn about Canada’s governors general and their contributions to the country. Your kids can also play on the playground and admire the well-maintained gardens and trees surrounding the hall.
Throughout the tour, your guide shares stories about each governor-general and their family members, including their hobbies, accomplishments, and more. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, giving your family enough time to explore a few rooms inside the building.
With knowledgeable guides explaining this historic site’s significance, it’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about Canadian culture interactively.
Exploring Ottawa’s Farmers Markets
For families who love fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and other artisanal products, visiting one of Ottawa’s many farmers’ markets is a must-do activity. In the summer months, you can find several markets in different parts of the city.
One of our favorite markets is located in Orleans. It has a variety of vendors selling delicious goods and is perfect for families looking to stock up on healthy snacks for families and ingredients for meals. Another popular market is Landsdowne Market, the best market for fresh food and baked goods and many more!
Final Thoughts: Best Things To Do In Ottawa with Kids
From exploring the breathtaking nature at Gatineau Park to admiring the art and architecture of Parliament Hill, there’s something for everyone in Ottawa.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, your kids will never forget all the unique and enchanting experiences.
Take some time to explore local attractions and discover all that makes Canada’s capital magical. Even if you don’t have kids, you can still enjoy everything Ottawa offers. Discover this vibrant city’s beauty by participating in the many activities available throughout the year.
Experience everything Ottawa offers, from its rich history to its interactive education programs — Things to Do in Ottawa With Kids will never cease to surprise and awe! ; )
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.