Summertime is in full swing in the nation’s capital, and if your kids aren’t in camp full-time, it can sometimes be challenging to find something different to do every day, besides swimming in the pool or visits to the park. Here is what I like to do with my kids to keep cool—and busy—in the city during these hot months.
Rideau Canal
One of the city’s oldest landmarks, Rideau Canal is well known during the winter months, since it becomes the world’s longest skating rink. But it’s also quite the attraction in the summertime, too.
Bring kids to the canal for walks in the summertime to take in the beautiful scenery and look at the different boats in the water. It’s a great way to spend the evening!
Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature, or the “dinosaur museum”, as it’s often called, is a favourite destination year-round and most definitely a family favourite.
The Canadian Museum of Nature recently went through a major renovation, and now the old Victorian museum has an added modern feel and look to it. From the gems and jewels, to the bird and mammal galleries, there is always something new to learn and something exciting to see.
There are a lot of things for the kids to do: they can get hands on in the bird gallery, explore fossils up close through a magnifying glass, and explore the deep blue sea in a submarine.
Hog’s Back Falls
Can’t make it to Niagara this summer? Not to worry, Ottawa has its very own falls! Hog’s Back Park is a great place to go for long bike rides, or walks through the many paths, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch in the summertime.
You can eat under the infamous “umbrella” that is attached to a cantina (now a Lone Star—so you can eat chips and salsa!). The kids can enjoy an ice cream treat, too, as they walk and stare in awe at the thunderous falls.
Petrie Island
Petrie Island is an island in the Ottawa River, located in the east end of Ottawa. The beautiful public beach is a great place to bring the kids to cool off and swim, and you can also play volleyball, go hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.
Calypso Park
Ready for a day trip? Pack your sunscreen, swimsuit, and energy, and head to Calypso Park, Canada’s biggest water theme park. You’ll need an entire day to take it all in, and by the end of the day, you (and the kids) will be exhausted, but will already be planning your next visit.
Calypso has something for everyone, from toddlers to teens. Water slides, a rover rim, and Canada’s largest wave pool, Calypso is quite the wet and wild experience!
Gatineau Park
A day spent swimming in the lake at Lac Philippe in Gatineau Park is a great time. A popular place for families to go camping, Lac Philippe is just a short drive out of Ottawa and the perfect place for swimmers of all ages to take a dip and enjoy the beautiful views.
Pirate Adventures
Here’s an exciting adventure for your little ones: spending the day aboard a 50-foot pirate ship armed with 12 water cannons! Pirate Adventures on the Rideau will be an unforgettable experience for the kids, where they’ll discover a treasure map, solve its secrets, and dress up like pirates!
