Family-friendly activity suggestions around Ottawa…
We’ve reached out to our team for family-friendly activity suggestions around Ottawa! Here are some of their favourites:
Visit the Museum of Nature’s New Arctic Gallery!
If you’ve yet to explore the Museum of Nature this summer, their recently-added Arctic Gallery is definitely worth a visit (240 McLeod St)! This chillingly great new exhibit covers Canada’s unique Northern environments, filled with impressive wildlife and rich culture. The gallery brings fun additions to the museum including an activity zone with a giant inflatable polar bear, an interactive explorer’s tent, and a basking corner where young ones can rest and read books about life in the Arctic.
Take a Road Trip to the Historic SDG Jail!
This summer, our team partnered with the Historic SDG Jail to host an ongoing escape experience in a decommissioned county jail that is now considered to be one of the oldest public structures in Ontario. Built in 1833, the Historic SDG jail is 34 years older than the Dominion of Canada. In addition to our escape, the jail offers guided tours suitable for children of all ages, and offers a unique perspective on the history of law and justice in Ontario.
The Historic SDG Jail is conveniently located at 11 Water Street in Cornwall, Ontario, across from parks and water (great for a picnic) and just around the corner from the Cornwall Community Museum and a variety of restaurants and independent shops on Pitt Street.
See 40 HUGE Plant Sculptures in Gatineau!
Montreal’s Mosaïcultures has brought their plant sculpture festival to Gatineau’s Jacques-Cartier Park! This year’s theme is MOSAÏCANADA 150: 150 years of Canadian history, culture and art. Their exhibit features 40 different giant plant sculptures and tours a kilometre-long walking path—a typical visit takes about 90 minutes. MOSAÏCANADA 150 is free and will be running until October 15th.
Explore The Diefenbunker!
The Diefenbunker was commissioned by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker during the Cold War, to allow the government of Canada (and the CBC) to operate underground for up to 30 days in the event of a nuclear attack on Canada. The site was completely decommissioned in 1994, and has been painstakingly restored by volunteers from Carp. The Diefenbunker, now Canada’s Cold War Museum, hosts group tours, a Spy Camp for kids, exhibits about life in the bunker… and is home to the world’s largest escape room in their 100,000 square foot underground facility.
These are our favourite family-friendly activities, but we're curious to hear about yours! Feel free to comment below or leave us a message on Twitter or Facebook!