Family Things To Do in Ottawa

Ottawa is one of Canada's most family-friendly cities — world-class free museums, a skating canal, beaches, and parks that fill up every weekend. Whether you're looking for indoor rainy-day options or outdoor summer adventures, here's what Ottawa families love.

Ottawa Family Favourites

Canadian Museum of Nature

Dinosaurs, gems & live animal exhibits — a rainy day classic

Rideau Canal

World's largest skating rink in winter; walking & cycling paths in summer

Gatineau Park

361 km² of trails, swimming lakes & wildlife just across the river

Westboro Beach

Sandy Ottawa River beach with a playground — free all summer

Canadian War Museum

Interactive history exhibits that engage kids of all ages

Ottawa Public Library

Storytime, maker spaces & kids programming at the new main branch

Family Events This Weekend

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Things To Do

2026 Ottawa BlackJacks School Day Game Holding

Wed, May 6

The Arena at TD Place

Things To Do

Ottawa Rapid FC vs. Vancouver Rise FC

Wed, May 6

The Stadium at TD Place

Arts & Culture

Sooshi Mango: The Home Made World Tour

Net Capacity/capacité net: 2035 NOTE: All prices include HST (13%) and facility fee. A portion of the fee is directed to the National Arts Centre Foundation to support creation in the performing arts. NOTA : Tous les prix incluent la TVH (13 %) et les frais d'établissement, dont une partie est versée à la Fondation du Centre national des Arts en appui à la création dans le domaine des arts de la scène.

Sat, May 9

National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts

Ottawa Activity Guides

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