Family outings in Ottawa
Ottawa is an easy capital to visit with a family, with several large national museums designed with kids in mind, bike paths along the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill as a backdrop. In winter, the canal becomes an immense skating rink when the ice allows, and Winterlude enlivens the region in February. Gatineau, just across the river, adds the Canadian Museum of History and Gatineau Park.
Must-do activities
Canadian Museum of Nature
Dinosaurs, mammals, minerals and a gallery of live animals; a museum kids love.
Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation
Interactive exhibits, locomotives and hands-on experiments.
Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau)
With the Canadian Children's Museum inside, designed as a trip around the world.
Rideau Canal
Walks and cycling in summer; a giant skating rink in winter when conditions allow.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Aircraft from every era in an immense hangar.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
At the Central Experimental Farm: cows, horses and farm animals in the middle of the city.
Free parks and playgrounds near Ottawa
- 🌳 Parc de Val-d'Oise
- 🛝 Jeux d'eau Marcel-Gladu
- 📚 Bibliothèque Guy-Sanche
- 🌲 Parc de la Baie
- 🏖️ Plage du lac Leamy
- 💦 Fisher Park, Water Park
- 🌳 Parc Émile-Nelligan
- 🛝 Jeux d'eau Laflèche
- 🌲 Réserve naturelle de l'Île-Kettle
- 🏖️ The Pond Beach
- 🌳 Parc Polyvalente Le Carrefour
- 🛝 Jeux d'eau Édouard-Mercier
Making the most of Ottawa as a family
Whether you live in Ottawa or are just visiting for the weekend, there is no shortage of family outings: parks, playgrounds, libraries, museums and seasonal events are often free or low cost. FamiSwipe gathers these ideas in one place so you can stop searching.
To choose well, think about your children's ages, the weather and the travel time. A park with a splash pad suits hot days, while a library or community centre saves rainy or freezing ones. Pack a snack, water and a change of clothes.
Tip: swipe through the suggestions in the app, keep your favourites and share the shortlist with the other parent. Free activities are perfect for trying something new without pressure, and short trips close to home spare everyone a long car ride.
Bookable activities in Ottawa
Tours, attractions and tickets in and around Ottawa, often with free cancellation.
See activities on GetYourGuide →See experiences on Viator →
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Family outings not to miss
→ Discover activities in Ottawa on FamiSwipe
Combine with this trip
To get out of the city: Collingwood and Huntsville for the outdoors, Prince Edward County for its beaches and farms, London, Ontario for a family stop.
FAQ
What can kids do in Ottawa when it rains?
The national museums are ideal: Nature, Ingenium, Aviation and Space, and the Canadian Children's Museum in Gatineau.
What are the free family activities in Ottawa?
Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal paths, the parks and, in winter, skating on the canal. Some museums offer free time slots; check their websites. FamiSwipe shows the parks around you.
When can you skate on the Rideau Canal?
Usually between January and February, depending on the weather. Opening depends on ice thickness and is announced by the National Capital Commission.
How many days should we plan in Ottawa with kids?
Two to three days let you see two or three museums, Parliament Hill and the canal, with a side trip to Gatineau.