Family activities in Ottawa: affordable fun for all ages

Ottawa is one of Canada’s most welcoming cities for families — safe, lush, and full of exciting things to do together. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a mix of generations, Ottawa makes it easy to explore on your schedule and your budget.

Things to do in Ottawa with kids

Looking for family activities Ottawa visitors love? The city is packed with attractions designed for kids and adults to enjoy together. Here are local-recommended options, organized so you can plan your perfect holiday!

Year-round fun for families

No matter when you visit, Ottawa is ready for adventure. Here’s what to do with kids in every season:

Spring

Don’t miss the Canadian Tulip Festival, visit newborn animals at the Experimental Farm, or take a day trip to Parc Omega for wildlife sightings.

Summer

Summer is packed with outdoor concerts, family-friendly events, and beach days. Explore cycling paths, city splash pads, and water parks like Calypso and Mont Cascades.

Fall

Take a family hike in Gatineau Park during Fall Rhapsody, see the leaves from a helicopter ride, or enjoy downtown parks as they transform with colour.

Winter

Skate the Rideau Canal, go tobogganing, try snow tubing, or warm up indoors at the Canadian Children’s Museum.

Free & affordable things to do

Ottawa is budget-friendly with plenty of free activities for kids and families.

Free attractions

Tour Parliament Hill, explore the ByWard Market, and visit museums on free admission days.
Free swimming & parks

Take advantage of free swims at City of Ottawa pools, splash pads, and playgrounds in every neighbourhood.
Free festivals & events

From the Ottawa Children’s Festival in spring to Winterlude in February, many of Ottawa’s best family events are free or low-cost.

Places to eat with kids in Ottawa

Ottawa’s food scene has something for every palate – even the pickiest eaters! Check out some top picks for restaurants in the city. Zak’s Diner, Tucker’s Marketplace and The Works are classic spots to bring kids. Grab BeaverTails in the ByWard Market or enjoy ice cream from one of Ottawa’s small-batch scoop shops.

Learn more

Ottawa is a great spot for families – inside and out!

Indoor family activities in Ottawa

Rainy day? No problem! Dive into hands-on museums like the Canadian Children’s Museum, bounce around at Bubblesea Adventures, or try glow-in-the-dark mini putt. Bowling, pinball, and VR games keep kids (and parents!) smiling.

Family cycling on the Rideau Canal in downtown

Outdoor family activities in Ottawa

Cycle along family-friendly paths, relax at Petrie Island Beach, explore the Dominion Arboretum, or take a white-water rafting tour suitable for all experience levels.

Plan your family trip to Ottawa

Parliament of Canada – Guided Tours

Discover Parliament, the centre of Canadian democracy, with four free visitor experiences!

More
Parc Omega

Less than an hour’s drive east of Ottawa at Parc Omega, you can see bears, deer, elk, bison, caribou, wolves and other Canadian wildlife on a self-drive safari, all year round.

More
Calypso Waterpark

Calypso Theme Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Canada. This gem of a park will leave you breathless.

More