Planning a family trip to Ottawa? Let me save you some time. Ottawa surprised me in the best possible way. I expected history and government buildings.

What I didn’t expect was how ridiculously easy it is to explore Ottawa with kids, or how quickly Mia, Caius, and I filled our days with water slides, pirate battles, hands-on museums, and far too many sweet treats from ByWard Market. This city somehow manages to balance big-ticket attractions with relaxed family fun, which means parents get culture while kids get adventure.

From watching the Changing of the Guard at Parliament Hill, to running wild through interactive exhibits at the Canadian Children’s Museum, splashing through one of Canada’s best waterparks, or simply wandering the streets in search of the next snack, there are so many things to do in Ottawa with kids that three days barely feels like enough.

Whether you’re planning a 3-day Ottawa family itinerary, searching for indoor activities when the weather turns, or looking for outdoor adventures the kids will actually remember, this guide covers our favourite family-friendly experiences in Canada’s capital.

Where to Stay in Ottawa with Kids – Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Ottawa quickly became one of my favourite destinations in Eastern Canada. If you’re planning a family trip to Ottawa, the first thing to decide is where to stay with the kids.

My top pick? Fairmont Château Laurier in Lower Town, central Ottawa. It’s walking distance to Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, and the Rideau Canal, making it perfect for families who want to explore Ottawa with kids without relying on taxis.

Family rooms currently start around CAD 650 per night in 2026, which includes fabulous amenities and handmade sweet treats for the kids on arrival. Stepping into this castle-inspired hotel feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale – and that alone makes the stay extra special.

 

10 Things to do In Ottawa With Kids

With only 3 days in the city, I squeezed every bit of adventure into our visit. Below is my ultimate list of things to do in Ottawa with kids, split into indoor and outdoor activities, so you can plan a 3-day Ottawa family itinerary packed with fun.

Indoor Activities in Ottawa for Families

What to do in Ottawa with kids in winter or a hot summer.

1. Canadian Children’s Museum – Hands-On Play and Culture

Address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8
Price: Adults CAD 23, Kids (3-15) CAD 14, Under 3 free (2026)
Age Recommendation: 3-12 years
Season: All year, perfect for winter or rainy days

Mia and Caius were completely absorbed as they performed on stage, explored exhibits representing countries around the world, and built giant Lego towers. Hands-on, educational, and full of laughs, it’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in Ottawa. Book online to skip long queues.

 

2. Fairmont Château Laurier Self-Guided Tour – Castle Adventures

Address: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7
Price: Free, iPad app or hotel-guided tours available
Age Recommendation: All ages (kids love the pastry kitchen!)
Season: All year
Tickets: Check discounted prices here.

Exploring our castle-inspired hotel was half the fun. Mia and Caius were thrilled with the pastry kitchen tour, where freshly baked cookies practically jumped into their hands. I highly recommend the maple butter crepes at breakfast – forget calories, just eat them!

3. Calypso Waterpark – Canada’s Biggest Splash

Address: 850 Calypso Street, Limoges, ON K0A 2M0
Price: Adults CAD 45, Kids (3-12) CAD 37, Under 3 free (2026)
Age Recommendation: All ages, toddlers to thrill seekers
Season: Summer only (May-September)

This park blew our socks off. With 35 waterslides, a 500-metre jungle river ride, and heated pools at 27°C, it’s perfect for a day of family water fun.

One of my favourite aspects of Calypso is they allow you to bring in your own food and drink, unlike Le Ronde in Montreal and Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto. The park was dotted with countless picnic tables and grassy areas for a family picnic. So bring along your travel cooler!

The kids play area was well-equipped and a convenient spot to set up camp. Water fountains and toilets were always nearby. The 52,000 square foot concrete pool is one of the largest in North America. And we discovered new slides that we’d never seen in any waterparks.

It has all the right ingredients: clear signage, smart park layout, reasonably-priced food, plenty of shade and seating, and of course oodles of slides that will please toddlers up to thrill seekers.

Overall, it was one of the best waterparks we’ve been to anywhere in the world. Right up there with our beloved Waterbom. I wish we could have stayed longer than the 6 hours we spent there. Make sure you devote an entire day and evening to the park – you won’t regret it.

 

4. Saunders Farm – Hedge Mazes & Outdoor Play

Address: 6360 Perth Street, Munster, ON K0A 3B0
Price: CAD 20 per person (2026)
Age Recommendation: 4-12 years
Season: Spring-Fall; October for Halloween fun

The world’s largest collection of hedge mazes is a barrel of laughs.

From the tractor ride to jumping on hay bales, sliding down long slides, to jumping on giant inflatable pillows, this place is a picnicking parents’ paradise. There are loads of hedge mazes to get lost in, each designed to test your perseverance and problem-solving skills.

Our favourite was the finger maze. As we wandered through the maze, there were 5 colours of paint to dip our fingers in. At the end of the maze, there was a board with 120 different character traits based on the ordering you added colour to each finger. Mia scored “creative genius,” Caius “wisdom,” and I got “witty.” Perfect for active families looking for outdoor exploration near Ottawa.

 

5. Bank of Canada Museum – Money Games for Kids

Address: 30 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5B9
Price: Free admission (2026)
Age Recommendation: 5+ years
Season: All year

This isn’t your ordinary museum. You can design your own banknotes, learn how coins are made, and race through interactive touch-screen games. It’s educational, fun, and perfect for rainy days.

6. Funhaven – Indoor Entertainment Hub

Address: 1050 Baxter Rd, Ottawa, ON K2C 3P1
Price: Pay-as-you-play, packages CAD 30-55+ (2026)
Age Recommendation: 5+ years
Season: All year

Need an indoor energy dump? Funhaven has arcades, laser tag, bumper cars, escape rooms, and even a mini indoor roller coaster. We didn’t have time to visit, but it’s a top Ottawa indoor activity for families.

Outdoor Activities in Ottawa for Families

Top things to do in Ottawa with kids outdoors.

7. Parliament Hill & Changing of the Guard – Iconic Canadian Ceremony

Address: Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
Price: Free (tours require booking)
Age Recommendation: 6+ years
Season: May-September

After a leisurely breakfast buffet at our castle, I mean hotel, we walked the 2-minute journey to Parliament House for a free tour. Whilst free, you still have to book the tour in advance. The kids didn’t find this the most stimulating of tours, but they had been warned that the morning was a “mummy and daddy activity”.

Built between 1859 and 1927 this neo-Gothic and Gothic structure is a beautiful piece of Canadian history. My favourite feature happens to be the only original portion that survived the 1916 fire – The Library of Parliament. If I ever stop travelling the world it will be because I want a library like that. Guerrilla yoga is also available in summer on the lawn for a quirky family moment.

We rushed out of our Parliament tour to the lawn in front of Centre Building to watch the Changing of the Guard, modeled on the similar spectacle at Buckingham Palace in London, England. The troops march up Elgin Street, to arrive on the Hill at 10am. After the ceremony our kids got to pat the “kitty” hats (as they call them) and meet one of the guards.

Also on Parliament Hill is the Lights and Sound Show, starting at 10 pm. It’s a super fun way to get a crash course in Canadian history, with narration, laser lights, and animations projected right onto the Parliament building – basically, history meets a light show, and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds.

The show has been running since 1984 and is now in its 6th edition. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with people lounging on the grass or in lawn chairs. Full disclosure: Mia and Caius didn’t make it past the first few minutes – late-night history can be a tough sell for little ones – but if your kids can stay awake, it’s a magical experience that will leave them (and you) quietly impressed.

8. Pirate Adventure Cruise at Mooney’s Bay – Treasure & Water Fun

Address: 1001 River Road, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7
Price: CAD 25 per child, CAD 35 per adult (2026)
Age Recommendation: 3-12 years
Season: Spring-Fall

Mia and Caius donned pirate outfits, applied face paint, and spent an hour battling water-cannon-wielding pirates and hunting treasure. Parents can relax, join the fun, or take photos – everyone wins! As much fun as the one in Toronto.

 

9. ByWard Market – Strolling, Shopping & Treats

Address: 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3
Price: Free to browse; meals CAD 10-30 per person
Age Recommendation: All ages
Season: All year, best in summer
Tour: Check discounted tour prices here.

One of the oldest farmers’ markets in Canada, it’s perfect for a family-friendly Ottawa outing. We grabbed pizza at The Grand Pizzeria and a sweet treat at BeaverTails – delicious fun for kids and adults alike.

10. Fortissimo: Beating Retreat Ceremony – Military Music Spectacle

Address: Parliament Hill, Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9
Price: Free
Age Recommendation: 6+ years (long show, bring snacks)
Season: Limited annual schedule (check dates)

Mia and Caius were mesmerized once the cannons and drums kicked in. Grab a spot early on the grass or VIP seating for the full Ottawa family experience.

 

Other Ottawa Attractions

If you’ve still got energy after our main itinerary, Ottawa has so many more family-friendly activities to explore.

Check out the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a quiet but powerful stop that gives kids a glimpse of Canadian history.

Art lovers in the family will enjoy the National Gallery of Canada, where giant sculptures and interactive exhibits make the experience engaging for kids.

History buffs can spend a few hours at the Canadian Museum of History, while curious minds will be wowed at the Canadian Museum of Nature or the Museum of Science and Technology, where hands-on exhibits make learning playful.

For aspiring pilots and astronauts, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is a must-visit, with planes to climb in and space gear to marvel at.

Don’t forget the Royal Canadian Mint and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Ottawa truly is packed with indoor and outdoor attractions for kids, perfect for building your own unforgettable family adventure.

Ottawa 3-Day Family Itinerary Recap

• Day 1: Calypso Waterpark → Fairmont Château Laurier → Dinner at La Terrasse
• Day 2: Parliament Hill tour → Changing of the Guard → Pirate Adventure Cruise → Children’s Museum → ByWard Market → Fortissimo ceremony
• Day 3: Fairmont Château Laurier self-guided tour → Saunders Farm Hedge Maze → Bank of Canada Museum → Funhaven → Depart

Where to Eat with Kids in Ottawa

• The Grand Pizzeria, ByWard Market: Kid-friendly pizza and salads. The Grand is located in a stunning historic building dating back to the 19th century and serves traditional Napoletana Pizza, amongst other delights (like a scrumptious beet salad).

 

• La Terrasse at Fairmont Château Laurier: Stunning views, kids’ meals, cocktails for parents.

 

• Beaver Tails, ByWard Market: Sweet Canadian treats.

Maybe you’d like to do an Ottawa food tour?

Google Map of Ottawa Family Attractions

Explore With Erin Wrap Up

After three action-packed days, Mia, Caius, and I can honestly say that Ottawa with kids is one of the most fun family destinations in Canada. From thrilling slides at Calypso Waterpark to pirate adventures, hands-on museums, and historic walks around Parliament Hill, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities in Ottawa.

Whether you’re planning a 3-day Ottawa itinerary for kids, looking for indoor things to do in Ottawa on a rainy day, or exploring the best outdoor attractions for families, Ottawa delivers unforgettable memories for every age. Pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to discover the capital city’s top kid-friendly attractions, fun dining, and hidden gems – your ultimate family adventure in Ottawa awaits!

For things to do near Ottawa, check out our other articles in Canada – we have been to every province!

17 Best Things To Do In Toronto With Kids

13 Fun Things to Do in Montreal With Kids This Summer

10 Reasons NOT To Visit Niagara Falls