Moving To Ottawa With Kids? Family Activities To Explore After Relocation!

Are you moving to Ottawa with kids, or already moved? If so, you’re probably searching for fun places where your little ones can laugh, play, and explore. You will find below a complete list of family-friendly attractions that everyone will enjoy. From lively parks and fascinating museums to exciting outdoor adventures, the city offers something for every child. To help you settle in, we’ve rounded up the best family activities in Ottawa that will keep kids entertained while making your new city feel like home.

Before we dive into fun activities for kids, let’s go over some helpful tips for making the move easier.

Tips For Settling In With Kids

A successful move with children is about more than unpacking. Working with the best movers in Ottawa can make the relocation smoother, giving you more time and energy to help your family adjust. These steps can help families settle in smoothly:

• Join Ottawa Parent Child Resource Centre programs – free playgroups and support for families.
• Check out local YMCAs – many offer childcare, sports, and parent-child programs.
• Visit schools and daycares early – meeting teachers and classmates helps children feel comfortable.
• Balance old routines with new adventures – keep bedtime and mealtime consistent while exploring your neighbourhood.
• Stay connected through community centres like Dovercourt Recreation Centre, which hosts family events and sports programs.

These small steps make moving to Ottawa with kids less overwhelming while building strong family routines.

Best Family Activities In Ottawa When Moving With Kids

1. Explore Ottawa’s Iconic Outdoor Spaces

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Fresh air and open spaces are some of the easiest ways for kids to adjust after a move. Ottawa has plenty of well-known outdoor parks and playgrounds where families spend weekends together:

• Major’s Hill Park – located downtown with lawns for play and stunning views of Parliament Hill.
• Andrew Haydon Park – features a pond, walking trails, picnic spots, and a popular playground.
• Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach – famous for one of the largest playgrounds in Canada, and a sandy beach for swimming.
• Rideau Canal Skateway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest skating rink in winter.
• Lansdowne Park – a central spot with green space, play structures, and weekend markets.
• City splash pads – favourites include Brewer Park Splash Pad and Walter Baker Park Splash Pad.

These locations are always highlighted when families search for kids’ parks in Ottawa or family-friendly outdoor activities.

2. Educational Experiences For Kids

Ottawa has museums and cultural centres that make learning fun while giving kids hands-on experiences:

• Canadian Museum of Nature – dinosaurs, geology, wildlife, and interactive displays.
• Canada Science and Technology Museum – discovery rooms and hands-on science exhibits.
• Canadian Children’s Museum (inside the Canadian Museum of History) – cultural play-based exhibits designed for kids.
• Canada Agriculture and Food Museum – a working farm in the city where kids can meet animals and learn about farming.
• Ottawa Public Library – branches across the city host kids’ programs like story time and craft sessions.

If you’re planning a move, hiring a residentialmover in Ottawa can make transitioning to your new home near these educational spots much easier.

These destinations are perfect for families looking for educational and fun experiences in Ottawa, helping kids feel at home while exploring their new city.

3. Fun Indoor Activities for Rainy Days

When the weather isn’t ideal, Ottawa has plenty of indoor attractions that keep children engaged and active:

• Funhaven Family Entertainment Centre – arcade games, jungle gym, bumper cars, and mini bowling.
• Laser Quest Ottawa – indoor laser tag games for older kids and families
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park – wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, and foam pits.
• Altitude Gym Gatineau (just across the river) – kid-friendly climbing walls and bouldering.
• Shenkman Arts Centre – offers art classes, pottery, and creative workshops for children.
• Nepean Sportsplex – with an indoor pool, skating rinks, and recreation programs.

Families often look up indoor activities for kids in Ottawa or rainy day fun for families, and these spots are always at the top.

4. Seasonal Festivals and Events for Families

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Ottawa’s year-round festivals keep families busy no matter the season. Some of the most loved events include:

• Winterlude Festival – featuring ice sculptures, snow slides, and the famous Snowflake Kingdom.
• Canada Day Celebrations – downtown Ottawa lights up with concerts, parades, and fireworks.
• Ottawa International Children’s Festival – theatre, puppet shows, and performances designed for kids.
• Ottawa Bluesfest –a music festival with family-friendly zones.
• ByWard Market Christmas Lights and Holiday Market – festive decorations and family activities.
• TD Ottawa Jazz Festival – includes family concerts and open-air performances.

These events make it easy for newcomers to enjoy family festivals in Ottawa and feel part of the community.

5. Sports and Recreational Activities

Sports help kids stay active and meet new friends. Ottawa has many well-known programs and centres to choose from:

• Ottawa Internationals Soccer Club – youth soccer programs.
• Gloucester Cumberland Ringette Association – popular among kids who want to try this uniquely Canadian sport.
• Nepean Skating Club – figure skating and learn-to-skate programs.
• Ottawa Swim Club – swimming lessons and competitions.
• Altitude Gym Gatineau – climbing for children and teens.
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park – combines fun with fitness.

Parents searching for sports for kids in Ottawa or recreational activities will quickly find these names recommended.

6. Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

A great part of living in Ottawa is how close families are to amazing destinations just outside the city:

• Gatineau Park – offers hiking, biking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.
• Saunders Farm – well known for pumpkin season, mazes, and themed family festivals.
• Parliament Hill – guided tours and the evening light and sound show are family favourites.
• Rideau Canal – boat cruises in summer and skating in winter.
• Valleyview Little Animal Farm – a petting zoo with play areas and farm demonstrations.
• Upper Canada Village – a historical site where kids can explore 19th-century life.

These attractions are perfect for weekend plans when families search for day trips with kids from Ottawa or family attractions near Ottawa.

Conclusion: Making Ottawa Feel Like Home

Moving to Ottawa with kids brings exciting opportunities to explore the city’s parks, museums, play centres, and festivals. Whether your family is enjoying a sunny day at Mooney’s Bay Beach, visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature, or taking a day trip to Gatineau Park, there is always something new to discover.

Of course, before you can enjoy all these experiences, the moving process itself has to go smoothly. Partnering with the best movers ensures your belongings are handled carefully so you can focus on your children’s needs. A reliable residential mover in Ottawa can save time and energy, making it easier for your family to settle in quickly.