Saturday, January 3, 2026
Event Title | Time | Get Directions |
9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | ||
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | ||
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | ||
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | ||
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | ||
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ||
5:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Event Title | Time | Get Directions |
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | ||
Museum of Nature Free Admission to visitors up to 17 years old | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | |
Children's Museum Free Admission to visitors up to 17 years old | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | |
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ||
Science & Tech Museum Free Hour and free to visitors up to 17 years old | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
5:30 PM – 11:00 PM |
Highlights for Your Family Weekend
Experience the magic of winter at Lansdowne Park
The outdoor refrigerated rink offers a smooth surface for skaters of all levels.
The Aberdeen Pavilion hosts the indoor Farmers' Market on Sunday, providing a warm place to explore local crafts.
Canadian Museum of Nature / Musée canadien de la nature
Discover the wonders of natural history at the Canadian Museum of Nature Click to open side panel for more information , where the building itself is as fascinating as the exhibits.
Reviewers often mention the impressive dinosaur galleries as a top highlight for children.
Remember that free Sunday admission requires a timed-entry ticket, which should be booked online in advance.
For an interactive educational experience, visit the Canadian Museum of History
The museum features a "world-travel" theme where kids can explore global cultures through hands-on play.
The Grand Hall provides breathtaking views of Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Visitors highly recommend the "Crazy Kitchen" for its mind-bending perspective shifts.
The museum also features a massive locomotive hall where kids can see full-sized trains up close.
Rideau Hall Directions Opens in a new window
Take a stroll through the official grounds of Rideau Hall Click to open side panel for more information , the home of the Governor General.
The historic skating rink provides a charming, traditional skating experience.
The estate is perfect for a winter walk amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and heritage buildings.
Ottawa Public Library - Main
For a focused literary or creative break, stop by the Ottawa Public Library - Main Click to open side panel for more information in the heart of downtown.
The branch offers dedicated children’s programming like storytime and LEGO club on Saturdays.
The large children's area is well-equipped with puzzles and toys for self-guided play.
Parliament Hill - End your evening with the Parliament Hill
The 15-minute looping multimedia show tells a winter story through lights and sound.
Confederation Boulevard is beautifully illuminated with hundreds of thousands of lights for a scenic walk.
A Weekend Survival Tip
The "One-for-One" Strategy: For every hour spent at a high-energy indoor event (like the Science and Tech Museum), try to schedule 20 minutes of "quiet transition" time—whether it’s a car ride with a podcast or a calm walk through the Rideau Hall grounds. It helps prevent the dreaded "post-fun meltdown" by giving their overstimulated brains a chance to reset.
A Quick Planning Tip
Pre-Book Your Sunday: If you are planning to head to the Museum of Nature or the Museum of History on Sunday, remember that "Free" doesn't always mean "Walk-in". Check their websites on Saturday evening to snag your timed-entry tickets so you don't arrive to a "Sold Out" sign.
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"At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents."
