In partnership with
Stop fighting over homework every single night
They don't understand it. You try to explain it. They get frustrated. You get frustrated.
Someone ends up in tears. And you both go to bed feeling terrible about it.
Acadia Learning gives families unlimited tutoring for $40/month so homework stops being the thing that damages your relationship.
Your kid gets help that actually makes sense to them. You get to be a parent instead of a homework referee.
10,000+ families already use it to get their evenings back.
Book your first session by the end of the month and get 50% off your first month.
Help us reach our weekly goal
We are so thankful for the support of this community. Our goal is to welcome 10 new VIP members this week to help keep our local resources growing.
Thank you for being part of OttawaParents.ca
Monday, February 2
Family Storytime/ Contes en famille (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Toddlertime (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Les lundis des tout-petits (Series) at 10am 📍Peter A. Herrndorf Place
EarlyON Baby Playgroup (Series) at 1:30pm 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Teen Exam Cram | Période d'examens pour ados (Series) Multiple Time and Locations
Cercle de Lecture (en français seulement) (Series) at 4pm 📍OPL Alta Vista
Chess club / Club d'échecs (Series) at 6pm 📍OPL Greenboro
Homework Help / Club de devoirs (Series) at 6:30pm 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Starry Night Storytime (Series) at 6:30pm 📍OPL Nepean Centrepointe
SoulRhythms (Series) at 7pm 📍Peter A. Herrndorf Place
Tuesday, February 3
Teen Exam Cram | Période d'examens pour ados (Series) Multiple Time and Locations
Parenting in Ottawa (Series) at 1:00pm 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Babytime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Toddler Tuesdays (Series) at 10am 📍Peter A. Herrndorf Place
Toddlertime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Activities for Teens at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Family Storytime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Homeschool Hangout (Series) at 10am 📍OPL Greely
STEAM Storytime (Series) at 10:30am 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Homework Help / Aide aux devoirs (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Chess Club D'échecs (Series) at 3:30pm 📍OPL Blackburn Hamlet
STEM club (Series) at 4pm 📍OPL Nepean Centrepointe
Afternoon Storytime (Series) at 4pm 📍OPL Cumberland
Livres et Lego (Series) at 6:30pm 📍OPL Beaverbrook
Wednesday, February 4
Family Storytime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Babytime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Toddlertime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Parent and Tot Drop In (Series) at 9:30am 📍2 Stonehaven Drive
Stay & Play | Jouons à la biblio (Series) at 11:05am 📍Elmvale Acres
Parenting in Ottawa Drop-in (Series) at 1pm 📍OPL Beaverbrook
Centrepointe Infant In-person Playgroup (Series) at 1:30pm 📍Centrepointe Child Care Services
Homeschool Happenings (Series) at 1:30pm 📍OPL Cumberland
Chess Club (Series) at 4pm 📍OPL Main
Crafternoon / Brin d’brico (Series) at 4pm 📍OPL Sunnyside
Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples at 5pm 📍Kanata Store 87 📍Ottawa Store 131📍Barrhaven Store 225📍Orleans Store 158📍Kingston Store 133
Homework Help / Aide aux devoirs (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Thursday, February 5
Family Storytime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Babytime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Toddlertime at the OPL (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Centrepointe In-person Playgroup (Series) at 9:30am 📍Centrepointe Child Care Services
Homeschool Social Club (Series) at 2:15pm 📍OPL Hazeldean
Youth Chess Club (Series) at 3:30pm 📍OPL Orléans
Homework Help / Aide aux devoirs (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Friday, February 6
Gaming Drop-in for Teens / Jeux vidéo pour ados (Series) at 3:30pm 📍OPL Cumberland
LEGO Party - Fête en blocs (Series) at 3:45pm 📍OPL Vanier
Fractured Fairytale Fridays (Series) at 4pm 📍OPL Beaverbrook
Winter Olympics Watch Party: Opening Ceremonies 📍OPL Blackburn Hamlet at 1pm 📍OPL Carlingwood at 1:30pm 📍OPL Main at 1:30pm 📍OPL Cumberland at 1:30pm 📍OPL Rockcliffe Park at 1:30pm 📍OPL Nepean Centrepointe at 1:30pm
Shiverfest 2026 Program and Schedule (Feb 6-7)📍Manotick Village & Community Association
Saturday, February 7
Animal Tracking on Snowshoes (Series) at 10am and 1:30pm 📍Gatineau Park Visitor Centre
Family Storytime/ Contes en famille (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Stay and Play/ Jouons à la biblio (Series) at 10am 📍OPL Sunnyside
Let's Play at the Library (Series) at 10am 📍OPL Rosemount
Saturday Family Storytime and Stay & Play (Series) at 10:30am 📍OPL Carp
Sensory Storytime (Series) at 2pm 📍OPL Ruth E. Dickinson
Video Gaming / Jeux vidéo (Series) at 2pm 📍OPL Greenboro
Lego Block Party (Series) at 2:30pm 📍OPL Emerald Plaza
Shiverfest 2026 Program and Schedule (Feb 6-7)📍Manotick Village & Community Association
Sunday, February 8
Animal Tracking on Snowshoes (Series) at 10am and 1:30pm 📍Gatineau Park Visitor Centre
Stay ‘n’ Play | Jouons à la biblio (Series) at 10:30am 📍OPL Main
Family Storytime/ Contes en famille (Series) Multiple Times and Locations
Fisher Park Winter Carnival at 12-4pm 📍Fisher Park
Winter Fun Day at 1-3pm 📍Lynwood Village
Riverview Park Winter Carnival at 2-4pm 📍Balena Park
Join the club and get cool merch
Become a supporter and receive an exclusive Ottawa Parents T-Shirt, early access to giveaways, and special perks made just for our community.
❄️ Free Winterlude Fun for the Family (Feb 2–8)❄️
Winterlude is in full swing! If you are looking for free ways to get the kids out of the house this week, here is a breakdown of the best no-cost activities happening between Monday, Feb 2 and Sunday, Feb 8.
📍 DAILY SITES (Open Weekdays & Weekends)
Snowflake Kingdom (Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau) The ultimate giant snow playground.
Activities: The famous Tim Hortons Chinook super-slides, snow mazes, obstacle courses, and massive snow sculptures.
Cost: Free admission and sliding.
The Crystal Garden (Confederation Park, Ottawa)
Activities: Walk through the professional ice sculpture display (stunning after dark when they are lit up!).
Cost: Free.
The Rideau Canal Skateway
Activities: 7.8km of skating through the heart of the city. Check the official ice conditions before heading out.
Cost: Free to skate.
✨ WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS (Friday, Feb 6 – Sunday, Feb 8)
The festival kicks into high gear starting Friday evening with some unique free events:
Friday, Feb 6
Giant Karaoke (Confederation Park): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. A fun, high-energy singalong for all ages.
Afterslide Evenings (Snowflake Kingdom): 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Night sliding with DJs and a "retro winter" vibe.
Barbegazi (ByWard Market): Adrenaline-filled freestyle snowmobile shows starting in the evening.
Saturday, Feb 7
Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM. (Top Recommendation) Skate on the historic rink, enjoy free tours of the Governor General's residence, and try traditional winter treats.
Ice-Carving Public Challenge (Confederation Park): 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Watch or try your hand at carving alongside the pros.
DJs Live from the Booth (Sparks Street): 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Music and dancing on the pedestrian mall.
Barbegazi (ByWard Market): Snowmobile stunts at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Sunday, Feb 8
The Nordic Race (Snowflake Kingdom): 10:00 AM. A fun winter race along the Gatineau River—great for spectators to cheer on the runners.
Barbegazi (ByWard Market): Final day for snowmobile performances at 2:00 PM.
🚌 LOGISTICS & TIPS
The Sno-Bus (FREE): Don't worry about parking! A free shuttle runs between the main sites (ByWard Market, Confederation Park, and Snowflake Kingdom) on Saturday and Sunday.
Warmth: Most activities are outdoors. Hand warmers and extra socks for the kids are highly recommended!
Food: While events are free, bring your own hot chocolate/snacks to save, or treat the family to a BeaverTail at any of the major sites.
Stay warm and have a great week!
⛸️ Lace Up: Where to Skate for Free This Week
Ottawa is the skating capital of the world, and this week is the perfect time to enjoy the ice.
Location | Best For... | Public Hours | Pro-Tip |
Rideau Canal | The Full Experience | Open 24/7 (check NCC for daily status) | All 7.8km are currently open! Park at Dows Lake for easier family access. |
Rink of Dreams | Downtown Vibes | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm | Located right at City Hall. The refrigerated ice stays smooth even on "mild" days. |
Lansdowne Court | Shopping & Cocoa | 6:00 am – 11:00 pm | Great for little ones. Bring your own skates and grab a BeaverTail nearby after! |
Rideau Hall | Heritage Magic | 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Weekdays) 1:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Weekends) | Enter through the Princess Gate. It’s a refrigerated historic rink and feels like a movie set. |
February Coloring Pages
Free coloring pages by our local author Basilia Vasileios
Success this week isn't measured by a perfect schedule or a clean house. It’s measured by how many pairs of matching mittens you successfully found before heading out the door. You’re doing a great job, Ottawa Parents, keep leaning into the magic (and the hot chocolate).
Beyond skating, Ottawa has a wealth of free activities that are perfect for saving a bit of money while keeping the kids entertained. Here are a few more "no-cost" ideas to include in your email for January 19-25:
1. The "Play Free" City Program
The City of Ottawa has a fantastic initiative called Play Free.
What it is: Free drop-in swimming, skating, and gymnasium sports every Saturday.
Who it’s for: Children and youth (17 and under) and their accompanying adults.
How to do it: Check the City of Ottawa website for specific schedules at your local community center (like Nepean Centrepointe, Richcraft, or Minto).
2. Parliament Hill & Senate Tours
While the Centre Block is under construction, you can still take the family inside the capital's most iconic buildings for free.
The Senate of Canada Building: Located in the old train station, it’s stunning and very "Harry Potter" for kids.
House of Commons (West Block): See where the laws are made.
Note: You must reserve your free tickets online in advance at visit.parl.ca.
3. Winter Trail Treasure Hunts
Ottawa’s community-maintained winter trails are free to use for walking, snowshoeing, or "fat biking."
Kichi Sibi Winter Trail: Walk along the Ottawa River. Kids love looking for the "hidden" ice formations near the water.
Britannia Winter Trail: Very flat and stroller-friendly, perfect for a short nature walk followed by a hot chocolate at home.
Animal Track Detective: Head to Stony Swamp (Old Quarry Trail). It's a great place to feed chickadees (bring birdseed!) and look for rabbit or deer tracks in the fresh snow.
4. The Bank of Canada Museum
Location: 30 Bank Street.
Why it’s great: It is always free. It’s highly interactive—kids can design their own digital "avatar" on a wristband and play games that teach them about money in a way that feels like a video game arcade.
