Where to go and what to do in Ottawa with kids

My son and I have been traveling to Ottawa from Toronto for over a decade and it’s one of our favorite places to visit. Located along the Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada’s charming capital city is packed with adventures and we always find somewhere new to explore. Kids of all ages love visiting the top attractions and it’s the perfect destination for families. Here are some of our favourites.

Put the pedal to the metal

Spring weather means cycling season is back and we loved exploring Ottawa by bike with Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals. Conveniently located on popular Sparks Street, a cute pedestrian promenade with shops, they offer fun bike tours for families. After meeting our friendly guide and being fitted with bikes and helmets we pedaled towards the Ottawa River Pathway, a pretty multi-use trail at the edge of the Ottawa River below Parliament Hill. (Perfect photo op!) Bike tours are a great way to soak up the sun and fresh air while getting exercise and our guide provided history lessons about Ottawa’s famous attractions, Sussex Drive, and Parliament.

Wet and wild on the river

Craving a wilderness adventure? When visiting in warmer weather (May to September), head to Ottawa City Rafting at Britannia Beach for a thrilling guided tour along three sets of rushing rapids. Wearing matching yellow helmets and life vests, we happily glided and bumped along the Ottawa River during the two and half hour excursion. There are three sets of cliff jumps on the route and my son leapt off a 22 foot cliff into the water. Younger kids can choose two lower cliff jumps or happily watch from the raft like I did. The tour ends with a leisure float along the natural lazy river with views of Parliament.

The city of museums

Ottawa, known as the city of museums, has seven national museums and we’ve toured most of them. Canada Aviation and Space Museum celebrates Canada’s space achievements and the astronaut program – be sure to check out the first Canadarm!  The Royal Canadian Mint offers tours for all ages and fascinating information about the coin making process including a ‘million dollar coin’. Although technically in Gatineau, Canadian Museum of History is part of the capital region and the perfect place to learn about history and culture of Indigenous Peoples through original art and personal stories. Kids can travel the world at the Children’s Museum exhibit where inquisitive youngsters can explore a cargo ship, pyramids, and authentic markets. Save money with an Ottawa Museums Pass with one or three day options.

Get political at parliament’s multimedia show

Kids will be captivated by Parliament: The Immersive Experience and it’s a unique way to learn Canadian history. This free 45 minute multimedia show takes you on a journey of the Parliament Building using visual effects and large-scale video projections of important spaces in the Parliament Building including the Senate, House of Commons, Library, and Peace Tower. It’s a great way to learn about Centre Block that has been under extensive long term renovations since 2019. After the tour that’s located on Sparks Street, I suggest walking over to the real Parliament Buildings to admire the Peace Tower and Centennial Flame.

Sleep in a former prison

Take your kids to prison and sleep in a real cell block. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is centrally located in the heart of Ottawa, and although they added comforts like linens, towels, electric outlets, and ceiling fans, the original old stone walls, window bars, and heavy iron doors are over 150 years old and steeped in history.  Accommodations include private cell rooms (perfect for teens), and shared rooms with options of four, six, eight, or ten beds. The authentic bunk beds are perfect if traveling with younger kids. Guests of the hostel can enjoy free breakfast in the mornings and I recommend taking the jail tour to learn about Canada’s Criminal Code, stories about former prisoners, and spooky secrets of the past. Exclusive guided jail tours are open to the public and free for hostel guests.

Eat, drink, and be merry

Get your Canadian groove on and devour a Beaver Tail, a truly iconic and delicious pastry treat. There are several locations in Ottawa including George Street in the Byward Market, one of Canada’s oldest public markets dating back to 1827.  After exploring Byward Market’s unique shops for treasures and souvenirs, fuel up with a healthy juice from Pure Power Juice Bar or enjoy a refreshing handmade gelato or sorbet from Amore Gelato. The friendly owner creates decadent flavours on site including dairy free options. Another family owned business for an enjoyable meal is The Green Door, a vegetarian buffet with vegan and gluten-free options. Kids can pick their favorite dishes and payment is by weight to avoid food waste. I love their local food focus that shifts with the seasons and my son loves their incredible chocolate cake!