Best Things to Do with Kids in Ottawa

Ottawa is one of the most family-friendly cities in Canada. The national capital has world-class museums designed for kids, working farms, outdoor spaces, and — unusually — many of its best attractions are free or have free admission windows.

This guide covers the best things to do with kids in Ottawa, organized by what works best for different ages.

Best for Young Kids (Ages 2–6)

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is a working farm in the heart of Ottawa. Kids can visit cows, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, and rabbits in their barns. Staff are often available to answer questions and let kids get close to the animals.

The museum is especially popular in spring (late March through May) when baby animals are born — seeing newborn lambs, piglets, and chicks is a highlight for young children. Seasonal tractor rides are available.

Ages: Best for ages 2–8
Cost: $12.25–$ 14.50 (under 2 free). Free daily 4–5 PM
Location: 901 Prince of Wales Drive

Canadian Children's Museum

The Canadian Children's Museum inside the Canadian Museum of History is one of Ottawa's best destinations for young kids. It's an immersive space where children explore cultures from around the world through role-play, costumes, and interactive exhibits — a marketplace, a Pakistani bus, a Japanese house, and more.

Access is first-come, first-served. On busy days (weekends, holidays, March Break), arrive early to avoid waiting.

Ages: Best for ages 2–10
Cost: Included with Museum of History admission ( $17–$ 24). Children 17 and under free. Free Thursday 5–7 PM
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Rideau Hall Grounds

Rideau Hall has a playground, picnic area, and 32 hectares of open grounds for kids to run around. The gardens are well-maintained and far less crowded than downtown parks. In winter, there's a free outdoor skating rink.

Ages: All ages
Cost: Always free
Location: 1 Sussex Drive, Rockcliffe

Best for Older Kids (Ages 6–12)

Canada Science and Technology Museum

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is built for hands-on exploration. Exhibits are designed to be touched, pulled, and experimented with.

The Zoom children's innovation zone lets kids build, solve challenges, and experiment with engineering concepts. The Crazy Kitchen — a tilted room that plays tricks on your balance — has been a favourite for decades. Older kids will enjoy the vintage locomotives and the transportation gallery.

Ages: Best for ages 4–12
Cost: $12.25–$ 19 (under 2 free). Free daily 4–5 PM
Location: 1867 St Laurent Blvd

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is where kids go to see dinosaurs. The Fossil Gallery has full skeletons including a Daspletosaurus, and the Water Gallery features "Tallulah" — a complete blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The Bird Gallery (450+ Canadian species) and Arctic Gallery round out the experience.

The building itself — a heritage sandstone castle with a modern glass tower — is impressive to kids on its own.

Ages: Best for ages 4+
Cost: Free for ages 0–17. Adults $12–$ 24. Free Thursday 5–8 PM
Location: 240 McLeod Street

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum has over 130 aircraft — biplanes, fighter jets, helicopters, and the original Canadarm. Kids can climb into cockpit replicas and see the nose section of the Avro Arrow. The open-hangar layout makes it easy for kids to move between exhibits.

Ages: Best for ages 5+
Cost: $11.50–$ 19 (under 2 free). Free daily 4–5 PM
Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Rockcliffe

Free and Outdoor

Bank of Canada Museum

The Bank of Canada Museum is always free and surprisingly interactive. Kids can design their own banknotes, launch a rocket ship to learn about inflation, and use a personalized wristband that tracks their progress through the exhibits. It's small enough to see in about an hour.

Ages: Best for ages 6+
Cost: Always free
Location: 30 Bank Street

Dow's Lake Paddleboats and Kayaks

In summer, Dow's Lake Pavilion rents paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Paddleboats are great for families — kids love steering around the lake. In winter, the pavilion rents skates for the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Ages: All ages (paddleboats and canoes are family-friendly)
Cost: Canoes ~ $15/hour, paddleboats ~$ 13/hour
Season: Mid-May to Labour Day

Major's Hill Park

Major's Hill Park is a big green lawn in the heart of downtown with views of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal locks. Kids can run around freely, and in summer the seasonal Tavern on the Hill serves food and ice cream. It's a natural stop between the ByWard Market and the National Gallery.

Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Location: Mackenzie Avenue at St. Patrick Street

Rideau Canal Pathway

The Rideau Canal pathway is flat, wide, and stroller-friendly — a great cycling or walking route with kids. In winter, the 7.8 km Skateway is the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink. Skating is free; bring your own skates or rent at Dow's Lake.

Tips for Families

Museum of Nature is the best deal — Free for ages 0–17, all year. No timing tricks needed
Free daily 4–5 PM — The three Ingenium museums (Aviation, Science & Tech, Agriculture) are free every day from 4–5 PM. One hour is tight but doable with focused kids
Pack a lunch — Museum cafeterias are expensive. Most have seating areas, and there are parks nearby
Thursday evenings — Museum of History (5–7 PM) and Museum of Nature (5–8 PM) are free on Thursdays. Great for an after-school museum visit
Spring tip — Visit the Agriculture Museum in April/May for baby animals, and Major's Hill Park or Commissioners Park in May for tulips
Stroller-friendly — All national museums have elevator access and stroller parking. The Rideau Canal pathway is fully paved