Best Things to Do in Ottawa with Kids

A guide from locals in Ottawa

View of Parliament buildings from Plaza Bridge Ottawa during sunset

3 Kid-Friendly Activities to Do in Ottawa

Ottawa welcomed over 11 million tourists in 2017 alone. And there’s a good reason why!

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is packed with educational, cultural, and unique things to do. Whether you already live here or you’re just visiting, it can be hard to pick the best activities that your whole family will enjoy.

Luckily, we’re here to help! Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Ottawa with kids.

1. Catch an Outdoor Movie

Do you remember going to drive-in movies as a kid? You can share this experience with your family while enjoying the beautiful weather by catching an outdoor movie.

Every Friday and Saturday night during the summer, Centretown Movies hosts movie nights in Dundonald Park. The admission is “pay what you can”, and you can feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, making this a really affordable option. Don’t forget to bring your own folding chairs or blankets, too, since these are not provided.

2. Visit Parliament Hill

If you want an activity that’s both fun and educational for your kids, you can’t miss a trip to Parliament Hill. You can take a walk around the gorgeous grounds or go inside for a free guided tour.

To get an amazing view of Ottawa, go up to Peace Tower’s observation deck. Just make sure you make it back down in time to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony which takes place every morning. During the summer, there’s a sound and light show accompanying the ceremony which uses projected images and music to tell the story of Canada.

If Parliament Hill is a far drive, consider renting a limo to give your kids a truly unforgettable experience. You can rent it just for a ride to Parliament Hill or splurge a bit for an all-day rental to really feel like royalty.

3. Explore the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

When you live in a city, it may seem hard to experience a leisurely day on a farm. But the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Ottawa.

Here, you can explore barns, see all the animals, and attend a daily demonstration, such as cow milking, baking with chocolate, or Meet the Ducklings. There’s even a Sheep Shearing Festival that takes place every May!

The Ornamental Gardens and Dominion Arboretum surround the museum. So, when you’re done seeing the animals, you can take your time exploring all the different species of flowers and trees.

Get out with your kids in Ottawa!

Don’t settle for binge-watching TV this weekend. Now that spring is almost here, take the opportunity to explore the city! Whether you want to watch an outdoor movie in the park, learn a little something at Parliament Hill, or see farm animals at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, there’s no shortage of wonderful things to do in Ottawa with kids.

Do you want to discover the best companies in Ottawa? Then check out our local guide today!