Ottawa with Kids: Everything you need to know
*This post features the best things to do in Ottawa with kids. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
We live just across the river from the city of Ottawa. As a result, we go to Ottawa very often with our children – almost every week! My opinion may be biased, but I firmly believe that Ottawa is one of the best cities to visit with kids in Canada. Ottawa has the perfect balance of outdoor activities, traditional tourist attractions and special events. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Ottawa with kids.
This article covers all aspects of a family trip to Ottawa: what to do, where to eat and where to stay with kids in Ottawa. You’ll also find suggestions for fun activities and family events for every season – there’s something to keep you busy no matter what time of year you visit Canada’s capital!
Mini Guide to Ottawa with Kids
Planning a family trip to Ottawa and don’t want to read a million blog posts? Here is what you need to know before visiting Ottawa with kids:
Main things to do in Ottawa with kids:
– Canadian Museum of Nature: Add this museum to your Ottawa itinerary – a safe bet for families looking for a cool family-friendly activity.
– Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: this is a really fun way to discover the city of Ottawa with kids!
– Canada Parliament: Any visit to Ottawa is incomplete without a stop at Canada’s Parliament. Plan a visit inside – it’s beautiful and you will learn super interesting facts!
– Find out my full list of best things to do in Ottawa with kids.
Where to stay with kids in Ottawa:
– Andaz Ottawa Byward Market: One of the best hotels for families in Ottawa, perfectly located in the heart of the city.
– Delta City Centre: a perfect option for families looking for a family-friendly hotel in downtown Ottawa.
– Fairmont Château Laurier: for a luxury stay in Ottawa, you can’t get any better than the Fairmont Chateau Laurier!
What to do in Ottawa with kids: 16 must-sees
Museums
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum
A visit to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is definitely one of the best things to do with children in Ottawa. You’ll be able to see all kinds of aircraft from different eras. Your children (and even your parents) will be impressed by the aircraft on display in the huge exhibition hall.
There are plenty of interactive activities for children.
A small section on the 2nd floor is reserved for the space. You can learn more about the lives of Canadian astronauts and the rockets and devices used to explore space.
For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
➡️ Read Next: 7 LONG WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAYS IN QUEBEC
The Canadian Museum of Nature
At the Canadian Museum of Nature, you can discover Canada’s natural wonders. Your kids will be captivated by what they see: the impressive size of a complete blue whale skeleton and fossilised dinosaur specimens! There are a number of modern and exciting temporary and permanent exhibitions in place.
You’ll learn more about climate change, plunge into the heart of the Canadian Arctic and discover living exhibits, all in the heart of a magnificent heritage château.
For more details or to buy tickets, visit this page.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
This was definitely my favourite museum to visit as a child. Even today, I love going back there with my children.
You’ll find lots of interesting exhibits that will captivate your kids: technology, steam trains, medicine, food technology, sounds and much more. Some areas, such as the bizarre kitchen (one of the museum’s most popular one, originally created when the museum opened in 1967), are particularly popular with children. This is also true of the Children’s Innovation Zone.
Several workshops and demonstrations (such as the Pyrotechno and Cryo-Genius demonstrations) are offered on a regular basis.
For tickets and additional information, click here.
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum’s LeBreton Gallery houses Canada’s largest collection of military equipment. This gallery bears witness to the human experience of war.
A number of other exhibitions and galleries can also be visited. These cover a wide range of themes related to Canada’s military involvement, in times of peace and conflict.
The Museum is located in a modern building just a few minutes from Parliament Hill.
Click here for more information.
National Gallery of Canada
For families visiting Ottawa with slightly older kids, a visit to the National Gallery of Canada is a great idea.
You can admire many works of art during your visit. Several temporary exhibitions of great renown are frequently on display at the Gallery.
Guided tours, creative activities and talks with artists are also on the museum’s schedule.
The National Gallery of Canada is housed in a magnificent building with a glass tower. It is ideally located, just a few steps from the Byward Market and Parliament.
Take a look at this site for more details.
Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History is not officially located in Ottawa – but it is about a 5-minute walk from the nation’s capital (in Gatineau). As its name suggests, this magnificent museum tells the story of Canada – its people and its land.
You’ll find a host of impressive galleries and exhibitions.
This is also where you’ll find the Canadian Children’s Museum. This museum invites your family to take a trip around the world – you’ll even get a passport that you can stamp as you visit different countries. You’ll pass through the Mexican Kitchen, the Open-air Market and the Ship – all while making a stop on the Pakistani bus. Guaranteed fun for young and old!
For more information and tickets, click here.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum / Experimental Farm
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is well worth adding to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Ottawa with children. When you visit this urban farm, you can observe animals such as cows, horses and alpacas. You’ll learn more about where the food on our plates comes from.
The museum’s focus is on agricultural science and Canada’s farming heritage.
Visit this page for more information.
Canadian politics
As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is home to a host of prestigious heritage buildings. As well as being architecturally magnificent, these buildings are rich in history. Guided tours are available for most of them.
The Parliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada is without doubt the most impressive building in Ottawa – possibly even in Canada. No trip to Ottawa would be complete without a stop at the Parliament.
For families travelling with babies or toddlers, you may want to take a stroll around Parliament Hill and admire the buildings from the outside.
For those visiting Ottawa with older children, various guided tours are available. Entering Parliament and visiting the different sections, including the House of Commons, is a very interesting experience. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Ottawa with kids.
Supreme Court of Canada
The Supreme Court of Canada is another very impressive building – both architecturally and historically. This is where some of the most famous and historic judgments have taken place. Guided tours are available in English and French. We loved our visit and highly recommend it.
Residence of the Governor General of Canada (Rideau Hall)
The Residence of the Governor General of Canada, Rideau Hall, is another must-see when visiting Ottawa with kids. The residence is located in the heart of a 79-acre green oasis just a few minutes from downtown Ottawa.
You can visit the Governor General’s residence, workplace and grounds (including the gardens) all year round.
A few steps away, you can see the Official Residence of the Prime Minister of Canada, located at 24 Sussex.
Tours to discover Ottawa with kids
To give your legs a rest, or simply to discover Ottawa’s main attractions in a different way, there are a few interesting family-friendly options available:
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
Hop-on hop-off bus tours are always popular with families: they allow you to discover the city without worrying about transport logistics. On board, an audioguide, available in French and English, tells you the story behind Ottawa’s main attractions.
The total journey time is 1.5 hours.
Click here for more details or to buy tickets.
Cruise on the Ottawa River
Boat tours are generally very popular with children. This cruise on the Ottawa River is a great way to discover Ottawa with children.
Lasting 1.5 hours, it allows you to admire Ottawa’s magnificent heritage buildings from a different perspective. On board, a bilingual guide (French and English) will tell you anecdotes about the city and its history.
A mix of both: guided tour by amphibious bus
If you’re hesitating between a cruise and a guided bus tour, this might be the best option! It’s a one-hour guided tour in an amphibious bus: a unique vehicle that can move on land and water. This is definitely one of the best activities to do in Ottawa with children.
Outdoor activities
Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Ottawa’s top attractions to visit with kids. There are plenty of family activities available:
- Rideau Canal locks: watch the boats navigate the Rideau Canal as they operate the manual locks.
- Rideau Canal Cruise: discover Ottawa from a different angle on this 1? hour cruise.
- Rideau Canal Skateway: this 7.8 km skating rink runs through the centre of the nation’s capital. In winter, skating on the Rideau Canal and stopping at one of the kiosks set up on the Skateway to enjoy a beavertail and hot chocolate is definitely one of the best things to do in Ottawa with children. You’ll have a memorable time with the whole family! For those who prefer not to put on skates, you can take a leisurely stroll on the ice.
Dow’s Lake
At the Dow’s Lake Pavilion, you can hire a range of sports equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and canoes to enjoy sports on or near Dow’s Lake and the Rideau Canal.
Gatineau Park
Although not directly in Ottawa, Gatineau Park is close to downtown Ottawa and offers hundreds of kilometres of hiking and cycling trails. It’s the ideal playground for families looking for outdoor activities while in Ottawa. Discover the best Gatineau Park hiking trails for families!
In addition to hiking trails, Gatineau Park has several beaches where families can enjoy water sports or play in the sand.
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO IN OTTAWA WITH KIDS
Sporting events
Ottawa is a great destination for sports fans. These sporting events are also great things to do in Ottawa with kids.
Hockey (NHL)
Ottawa is home to a National Hockey League (NHL) team – the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators have a number of family activities scheduled throughout the season. The Senators’ amphitheatre, the Canadian Tire Centre, is located in the suburbs of Ottawa. It’s easiest to get there by car – although you can also take public transit.
Football (CFL)
Ottawa is home to a Canadian Football League team: the Ottawa Redblacks. You can watch Redblacks games at TD Place, right next to the Rideau Canal.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants on site and in the surrounding streets.
Baseball (Frontier League)
Baseball fans are not left out: you can attend the games of the Ottawa Titans, a team in the Frontier League.
Hot dogs, candyfloss and popcorn are all on the menu! There’s plenty for sports-loving kids to enjoy on a family trip to Ottawa.
Amusement centres
Ottawa has a number of amusement centres where kids can have fun and burn off energy. Among the most popular are the Flying Squirrel and Cosmic Adventures.
Shopping
If you’re tempted by a shopping spree during your family trip to Ottawa, there are several options open to you, including the Rideau Centre (a shopping centre located in the heart of downtown), the boutiques of the ByWard Market, the Tangers Outlets and the Bayshore Shopping Centre.
When is the best time to visit Ottawa with kids?
You can visit Ottawa all year round – there’s no one time that’s better than another. It all depends on what you’re looking for: the type of activities you want to do during your family trip to Ottawa will help determine the best time to visit Canada’s capital.
In winter, the mercury plummets and can sometimes reach -20 degrees Celsius. Snow is also an integral part of the weather in this part of Canada in winter. So, if you want to discover Ottawa in the snow and take advantage of the activities and special events that take place during this season, winter can be an excellent time to visit Ottawa.
On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy cruises and family picnics on Parliament Hill, spring and summer are better options.
Here’s a list of events taking place in Ottawa, depending on the season.
➡️ Read Next: Ottawa with Kids in Winter: 9 Absolutely Amazing Activities
Things to do in Ottawa with kids in winter:
Ottawa is pretty magical in winter. Many activities and festivals are organized for families during winter.
Winterlude
Winterlude is the highlight of the winter season in Canada’s Capital. There’s something for all the family: tubing, zip-lining, ice sculptures, hot chocolates, concerts, children’s entertainment and much more. Every year, an average of 600,000 visitors take part in the activities on offer. Winterlude’s mascots (nicknamed the Ice Hog Family) have become part of the region’s imagination. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things to do with kids in Ottawa in winter.
Rideau Canal Skateway
As mentioned above, the Rideau Canal Skateway is a must for families visiting Ottawa.
Parliamentary Sound and Light Show
Winter Lights Across Canada is a sound and light show that illuminates the Parliament of Canada. It’s a great activity to do with the whole family on a trip to Ottawa with kids.
Christmas lights
A number of areas will be transformed as the festive season approaches. For a magical family moment, head to the west of the city to discover a trail lit up with Christmas lights – the Magic of Lights. Every year, we return to do this activity with our children.
Given the popularity of this activity, we strongly advise you to buy your tickets in advance and get there as soon as it opens to avoid the long queues.
Things to do in Ottawa with kids in spring:
In spring, the city of Ottawa transforms itself and puts on its most beautiful colours. Every year, we’re treated to a colourful spectacle during the Tulip Festival. In spring, nearly a million tulips adorn Ottawa’s gardens and parks. Our favourite places to admire the spring colours are Major’s Hill Park (near the Byward Market and Parliament) and the shores of Dows Lake.
Stop off for a walk or a family picnic at the Dominion Arboretum to admire the trees in bloom. It’s the perfect place for little ones to run around freely and have fun while their parents admire the scenery.
Things to do in Ottawa with kids in summer:
Ottawa comes alive in summer! A host of activities and events are organised for the whole family.
Canada Day
There’s no better place in the country to celebrate Canada Day than the nation’s capital. On July 1, the city comes alive with festivities. In Ottawa, a number of activities are planned each year. Among the activities frequently organised are an air show by the Snowbirds (Canadian military aircraft), concerts on Parliament Hill and grandiose fireworks displays at the end of the evening. Downtown Ottawa and the ByWard Market are buzzing with tourists and locals alike celebrating Canada!
The Casino Lac-Leamy Fireworks
Every year, the Casino Lac-Leamy Fireworks illuminate the skies over Gatineau and Ottawa. Although the site of the fireworks show is in Gatineau (at the Canadian Museum of History), you can watch the fireworks from Ottawa. Major’s Hill Park and the area around Parliament Hill are excellent places from where to watch the show.
To find out what’s on, click here.
Canada on the March
Canada on the March is an activity presented by the Parliamentary Ceremonial Guard. It takes place every day during the summer.
You can watch the regimental bands of the Ceremonial Guard march from the drill hall in Place Cartier to Parliament Hill. They then give a concert from 10am to 10.30am.
You can also watch the Ceremonial Guard at Rideau Hall, where they stand sentry duty.
This is a great activity to do in Ottawa with kids – they’re sure to be impressed by the bands’ costumes.
Beaches
A day or afternoon at the beach is usually a very popular activity with children! There are several family beaches in the Ottawa area (both right in the city and in nearby towns).
Some of Ottawa’s best beaches for kids include Mooney’s Bay Beach (where you’ll find one of Ottawa’s best children’s playgrounds), Philippe Lake Beach, Britannia Beach, Meech Lake and Petrie Island Beach.
Things to do in Ottawa with kids in fall:
In autumn, many farms offer pick-your-own activities – apples, squash and pumpkins. It’s a fun activity that kids will love!
Saunders Farm is definitely another great place to visit in Ottawa with kids in fall. You’ll find lots of family activities, including giant mazes, pumpkin picking and Halloween activities.
You can also head to the Gatineau Park for a hike to admire the beautiful fall colors.
Where to eat in Ottawa with kids
Downtown
- OCCO Kitchen is a great option for families in downtown Ottawa. The restaurant serves fresh produce – everything in their kitchen is made from local ingredients. The American-style menu is varied and reasonably priced. The kids’ menu includes several favourites: poutine, mac’n’cheese, and fish’n’chips!
- Les 3 Brasseurs is an ideal microbrewery for families. The relaxed atmosphere, menus and reasonable prices will appeal to families. The restaurant is ideally located, just a few steps from Parliament.
ByWard Market
The ByWard Market has several interesting options for eating out with children:
- Zak’s Diner is a typical American diner. You’ll find burgers and poutines. This restaurant is known for its atmosphere and traditional look. If you’re visiting Ottawa with children, you absolutely must stop off at Zak’s Diner to enjoy one of their famous milkshakes! To note, kids 10 and under eat free from Sunday to Thursday between 5 PM and close time.
- The Grand is a great pizzeria in the heart of the Byward Market. It’s one of my favourite restaurants to eat at with my kids in Ottawa. In summer, their terrace is beautiful: filled with colourful flowers.
- Heart and Crown is a traditional Irish pub in a great location. The menu is interesting and the prices are reasonable.
- If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, make a stop at Oh So Good, which serves an array of desserts as well as hot and cold beverages.
In addition to these recommendations, you’ll also find some interesting options in Little Italy, Chinatown and near TD Place (including Joey Lansdowne and Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill).
Where to stay in Ottawa with kids
For a luxurious experience, the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market Hotel is a great option for staying in Ottawa with kids. From the terrace at the top of the hotel, you’ll have a magnificent view of the city of Ottawa. The Fairmont Château Laurier is another excellent option in the luxury category. The reputation of this five-star hotel is well established.
The Lord Elgin is a 4-star hotel in a great location – steps from Parliament, the Rideau Canal and the Byward Market. The hotel is housed in a magnificent heritage building and has an indoor swimming pool.
Finally, the Delta City Centre and the Courtyard Ottawa East are two other great options for staying in Ottawa with kids. The Courtyard Ottawa East is more affordable, but a little further from the city centre (it’s right next to the Ottawa Titans baseball stadium). A car is required to visit the city from this hotel.
I hope this guide helps you plan your next family trip to Ottawa!
Conclusion – Ottawa with Kids
Taking your child on their first flight can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable experience. From packing familiar snacks and toys to making sure you’ve got the essentials like a change of clothes and comfort items, being organized is key. Don’t forget to prepare for the airport experience, too, with extra time for security checks and plenty of patience.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to stay calm, flexible, and go with the flow. Every child reacts differently to flying, so having a few tricks up your sleeve—like favorite shows, snacks, and games—can make all the difference. With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle that first flight with confidence and turn it into an exciting new adventure for your family!
Planning a family trip to Ottawa? Read these posts next:
– Ottawa with Kids in Winter: 9 Absolutely Amazing Activities
– The 6 Best Ottawa Museums to Visit with Kids
– 7 AMAZING LONG WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAYS IN ONTARIO
– BEST HIKING TRAILS IN GATINEAU PARK FOR FAMILIES
– 7 LONG WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAYS IN QUEBEC
