Top Attractions for Children in Ottawa

Ottawa is a children’s playground with numerous outdoor activities and, in the case of summer showers, some of the best museums in the country. Here are the top attractions for children in Canada’s capital.

Travel the World at the Children’s Museum

Located in the equally child-friendly Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian Children’s Museum is one of the most popular museums in Canada and rightfully so. There are rotating exhibits, but the majority of the museum is made up of the permanent exhibition entitled ‘The Great Adventure’. Children are given passports at the entrance and make their way around the world, from riding in a tuk-tuk in Thailand to loading foam freight onto a cargo ship in Pakistan. The variety of exhibits offers children the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures and environments, with numerous interactive games and informative content relating to different countries. Entry to the Museum of History includes access to the Children’s Museum.

Get Lost in the Country at Saunders Farm

There are few places better to get out into the fresh air in Ottawa than Saunders Farm. Located about 25 minutes from the city centre, this working farm boasts the largest collection of hedge mazes in the world, along with treehouses, puppet shows, and oversized jumping pillows. In addition to being a family favorite during Halloween, the farm also hosts week-long children’s camps and is a fantastic destination for a day out in the countryside.

Hit the Waves at Calypso Water Park

About 30 minutes east of Ottawa, water babies will love Calypso Water Park, the largest theme waterpark in Canada. The park operates during summer from June to September and features rides and activities suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The water is heated, ensuring comfort even on cooler days. A wide variety of restaurants and snack bars are available; however, you are also welcome to bring your own lunch as picnic tables are set up throughout the park.

Learn to Farm at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Full of educational exhibits on Canadian farm life from past to present, the Canada Agricultural and Food Museum acts as a true living museum. The animals are part of a working farm, allowing children to interact with them while learning about farm operations. This insightful and fun environment teaches children where their food originates, and daily demonstrations cover different animals and food-making processes involving farm ingredients.

Eat a BeaverTail and Do Some Shopping at ByWard Market

Although a shopping trip might not resonate with every child, the ByWard Market entices with the sweet promise of BeaverTails, a fried pastry hand-stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail, Canada’s national animal. Children can top the pastry with various sweets, and there are savory options like poutine (a quintessentially Canadian dish made of French fries, gravy, and cheese). The market features numerous clothing and souvenir shops, while festivities from local buskers and performers, especially on weekends, add to the excitement.

Put Your Head in the Clouds at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

If your child has an interest in planes or space, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is the perfect destination. Visitors can explore hundreds of planes, some equipped with stairs for children to sit in the cockpit. Additionally, children have the chance to experience flying over the capital in either a vintage biplane or a closed small plane, catering to young adventurers of all ages. For those not ready for an actual flight, trying the Redbird FMX simulator offers virtual piloting experiences in various settings.

Get Some Exercise and See Ottawa’s Beauty Along the Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal, starting at the Ottawa Locks near the Ottawa River and extending 202km to Lake Ontario, is a fantastic place for a short hike along the canal’s edge. The pathway begins in Ottawa near the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, allowing you to walk 6km down to Dows Lake. Alternatively, you can rent a bike for $10 an hour from Rent-A-Bike at the north end of the canal. The rental includes locks, helmets, and a map, with tours available for those wishing to explore more of the city. Trailers for small children are also offered, making this a versatile family activity.

Learn Without Even Realizing It at the Canada Science and Technology Museum

The recently refurbished Canada Science and Technology Museum is a favored destination for children. It attracts numerous school groups during the summer months, enhancing its vibrant atmosphere. Children particularly enjoy the outdoor train ride, as well as the Crazy Kitchen, one of the original experiences from 1967 that has since been renovated to include more interactive features focused on perceptions and illusions.

iBestTravel has produced this article for Ottawa Tourism. All editorial views reflect our policy of independence and impartiality.