The best things to do in Ottawa with kids

Ottawa is packed with activities that delight toddlers, teens and everyone in between. With over 1,300 parks, 20+ museums, Canada’s biggest waterpark and unforgettable animal encounters, it’s easy to fill a weekend (or more) with memory-making. Whether your crew includes future scientists, budding artists, high-energy adventurers or picky eaters, Ottawa offers experiences that match your family’s pace, interests and budget. Best of all, most top attractions are centrally located and easily accessible, even without a car.

Free family-friendly activities

Ottawa proves that you don’t need to spend big to have an unforgettable time. Cool off at one of the city’s free public beaches, like Westboro or Britannia Beach, where kids can splash in supervised swim zones. Gatineau Park, just across the river, offers kilometres of scenic hiking trails and wildlife spotting — keep your eyes open for turtles, frogs, and even wild turkeys! Mer Bleue Bog is a favourite for nature walks, thanks to its accessible boardwalks that wind through a peaceful landscape of peatlands and birch trees. The flat, accessible trail makes it ideal for strollers and little legs.

For a dose of history, head south to Manotick and visit Watson’s Mill, a working 19th-century grist mill perched on the Rideau River. Kids can watch the gears in motion, explore the heritage building and enjoy a gentle breeze that drifts in through open stone windows. It’s educational and atmospheric, with enough nooks and crannies to spark a child’s imagination.

Outdoor adventures for active families

If your crew has energy to burn, Ottawa is up for the challenge. Thrill-seekers can head out for a half-day of whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River — a splash-filled adventure that’s both safe and exhilarating for families with older kids. Paddle through rolling rapids, drift past scenic riverbanks, and laugh your way through the twists and turns guided by experienced pros. It’s an unforgettable bonding experience and a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.

Credit: Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort

Back on land, Ottawa’s 800+ km of multi-use pathways make it one of North America’s most bikeable capitals. Rent bikes in Centretown or the ByWard Market and explore scenic routes along the Rideau Canal, through leafy residential neighbourhoods, or across pedestrian bridges with skyline views. Families can also take to the water with a canoe, kayak or paddleboard rental from outfitters along the Ottawa River and Dow’s Lake.

For high-flying fun, head to Interzip in Hull and try the world’s first interprovincial zipline. Soar at speeds of up to 50 km/h across the Ottawa River, from Ontario to Quebec, for an unforgettable family adventure with skyline views and a serious adrenaline rush. For something slower-paced, head east to Petrie Island. This riverfront gem offers sandy beaches, quiet picnic areas and shallow waters where kids can wade and explore. It’s also a great spot for skipping rocks and watching herons glide overhead.

Best indoor activities for rainy days

Credit: Canadian Museum of History

Rain won’t slow you down in Canada’s capital. At the Canadian Children’s Museum in Gatineau, kids get hands-on with exhibits designed to spark global curiosity and imagination. It’s located inside the Canadian Museum of History, which offers plenty for older siblings and parents to explore nearby.

Indoor playgrounds like Cosmic Adventures in Ottawa’s east end and Funhaven in Nepean feature massive jungle gyms, climbing walls, arcades and laser tag. These spaces let kids burn off energy while parents take a breather in the café lounges. Nepean’s glow-in-the-dark Putting Edge mini golf adds a quirky, colourful twist to a classic activity, while downtown, the National Gallery’s Open Studio invites creativity with rotating hands-on stations and inspiration from Canada’s leading artists.

Most of these indoor favourites are easy to reach via OC Transpo buses or the O-Train, so no car is required to keep the day on track.

Best parks for families

Ottawa’s green spaces are designed with families in mind. In the heart of the city, Primrose Park offers colourful play structures, shaded benches, and splash pads in the summer. Families love to grab snacks or sandwiches nearby and make an afternoon of it. Along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River, the National Capital Commission (NCC) maintains picnic-perfect parklands that double as bike paths and event spaces, making them easy to explore by foot, scooter or rental bike. Don’t miss Major’s Hill Park for its skyline views and proximity to Parliament Hill, or head further west to Commissioners Park beside Dow’s Lake — famous for its tulip beds in spring and wide-open lawns throughout summer.

Credit: Fitz Bike Tours Ottawa

Kid-friendly restaurants

Kid-approved eats are easy to find in Ottawa. Zak’s Diner in the ByWard Market is a family staple with retro booths, milkshakes and comfort food served all day. Nearby, visit The Grand for delicious wood-fired pizza with a spacious patio to enjoy people-watching. Mexicali Rosa’s at Dow’s Lake is a great stop for scenic views and nearby activities. House of Targ is a one-of-a-kind place, with wall-to-wall pinball machines, arcade games and pierogies – keep your ears open when the alien calls out your order! Level One is a multi-story video game and board game spot, with hundreds of game options and yummy eats.

Don’t miss the first Beavertails stand in the ByWard Market for flavours you can’t find anywhere else, plus the longstanding and acclaimed gelato from Piccolo Grande, both conveniently located in the ByWard Market.

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

Unmissable experiences for kids

Just a short transit ride from downtown, the Central Experimental Farm is a working farm in the heart of the city, where kids can meet cows, goats and horses up close. It’s home to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, which combines hands-on exhibits with daily animal care demonstrations — a big hit with younger visitors. Upper Canada Village invites kids to step back in time with costumed interpreters, horse-drawn wagons and hands-on heritage demonstrations. Closer to the city, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is a must-see — with a real train you can walk through, the iconic Crazy Kitchen, and kid-friendly exhibits about space, inventions, and locomotion. These destinations offer a change of pace and scenery without straying too far from downtown.

Credit: Photolux Studio

Make the most of your family trip with the Visit Ottawa Pass

Looking to pack even more fun into your visit? The Visit Ottawa Pass is a convenient way to explore some of the city’s top attractions while saving money. This summer only, kids 17 and under get in free with every adult pass — making it an even better deal for families. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to unlock Ottawa’s best experiences, all without needing a car.