HELLO PARENTS 💕

Check out these awesome free family events happening around Ottawa! From outdoor fun to hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

June 16, 2025

TODDLER TUESDAY at the NAC

The mid-morning energy boost every parent needs.

On Tuesday, June 17 at 10 a.m., head to the bright Peter A. Herrndorf Place and watch your little one join a swirl of singing, dancing, shaker-shaking fun—perfect for kiddos 18 months – 5 years (and completely FREE).

OrKidstra End-of-Year Concert

When: Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 PM
What: A lively concert featuring over 150 young musicians—great for introducing kids to orchestral music.

Imagine 150+ Ottawa kids - violins, brass, drums, and big proud grins - filling the beautiful Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre with music that makes you want to cheer.

June 17: OrKidstra Centre Hub End-of-Year Concert! - OrKidstra

Experience the magic and music of OrKidstra LIVE this spring, featuring over 150 talented young musicians onstage! Join us on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM as the Ottawa community comes together to celebrate the joy of music at our annual Centre Hub End-of-Year Concert at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (355 Cooper Street).

orkidstra.ca/events/upcoming-events/june-17-2025-centre-hub-concert

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

When: June 21–22 (includes this upcoming weekend)
What: Cultural performances, interactive arts and crafts, Indigenous culinary experiences and a Pow Wow - great for kids to learn and enjoy interactive workshops.  

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival - Summer Solstice Festivals

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (SSIF) helps Canadians of all walks of life to recognize the enormous contributions that Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples have made to Canada.

summersolsticefestivals.ca

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

When: June 20–22 (this weekend!)
What: Exciting dragon-boat races, free concerts, and a lively park atmosphere—fun to watch and explore with the whole family.  

Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival

The Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival is a Dragon Boat Canada Race Series Event and promises to be one of the most exciting summer events in Ottawa and a premier dragon boat festival on the North American dragon boat calendar.

dragonboat.net

Museum Free Hours & Tours

Ingenium Museums (Science, Agriculture, Aviation): free daily from 4–5 PM .

National Gallery / War Museum / Nature Museum: free Thursday evenings (5–7 PM/8 PM) .

 Bank of Canada Museum: free admission daily, hands-on exhibits .

🌳 Outdoor & Nature Spots

Dominion Arboretum: free access to beautiful gardens and shaded pathways—perfect for an afternoon stroll. 

 Mooney’s Bay Park: beach, playground, picnic areas, and family spaces—free to enter.

Lansdowne Park: open green spaces, skate park, splash features, and recreational zones to explore.