The Ultimate List of Indoor Fun with Kids in Ottawa

Beaverbrook Library. Photo: Doublespace Photography

This post was inspired by my family - I often wonder what to do with kiddos when I don't feel like doing crafts at home or just simply need to get out. Unfortunately, no online blog/source encompasses a full list.

Here is the list of places to go and things to do with kids under 10 when the weather is not permitting or you just don't feel like being outside.

Activities marked with SAVE$ are free or almost free. Enjoy!

• Kindergym at select City of Ottawa Recreation Centres

Schedule can be found under Gymnasium schedule for each RC.
SAVE$: drop in $2.30 per child.

• Family or Open Swim at Ottawa Pool

• Ottawa Public Library

SAVE$: Children's area with books and puzzles/games or free drop-in program such as Babytime, Toddlertime,  or Family story time.

• Chapters

SAVE$ Enjoy Starbucks coffee and stay to read or play with trains and other toys.

Check with stores for specific program times.

Chapters Pinecrest
Monday to Friday - 10:30 am, Storytime

 Chapters Kanata, Kanata Centrum

Monday to Friday -10:00 am, Storytime

Indigo Barrhaven, RioCan Marketplace
Monday to Friday - 10:30 am, Storytime

• Bayshore Shopping Centre - Lifestyle Lounge

SAVE$. Relax and recharge inside Bayshore's Lifestyle Lounge, located on level 3 by Moxie's. Enjoy kiddie rides, colouring pages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and massage chairs. With comfortable seating and room for strollers it is the perfect place for you and your family to unwind. 
Open Monday – Sunday, 9:00am-8:00pm.

• Carlingwood Mall 

Zazazoo plush animal rides ($5.65 for 10mins); SAVE$ animal farm toddler play area (free, for kids under 4).

• Hazeldean Mall 

SAVE$. Free Story Time is held every Monday in the empty unit next to Razzor Sports at 10am. Come join other families and enjoy some stories and sing-a-longs. Story time does not operate on Snow Days and runs throughout the year. 

• Brookstreet Hotel

Saltwater pools, Starbucks cafe, Zone 525 games room.
Drop-in during our regular season is $15 (plus tax) for adults and $4.42 (plus tax) for kids aged 5 & under per visit.

SAVE$: Join our Activities partner in Zone 525 for free family weekend activities  Each week we have a different selection of activities including; cookie decorating, science experiments, treasure hunts, crafts, movie nights and more. Check with our guest services team when you arrive for the latest schedule.

• IKEA

SAVE$: Free Smaland playroom up to 1 hour - must be toilet trained, socks; ability to understand basic English/French.Budget friendly meals at IKEA restaurant.

• Ottawa Museums - Our Favourites:

Canadian Museum of Nature

Children' Museum at Canadian Museum of History

Canadian War Museum

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Not completely indoor - but there are many indoor exhibits.

Canada Science and Technology Museum (re-opens in Fall 2017)

SAVE$: On Thursday evenings, admission to the permanent exhibits of the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature is free from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is also free at the Canadian Museum of Historyand the Canadian War Museum from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• McDonalds PlayPlace 

At participating locations.

SAVE$ Enjoy free play structure and coffee or a meal.

• Kids Kingdom

From the indoor playground to the parents lounge, every aspect of Kids Kingdom is designed with comfort and safety in mind.

Adults: $3
Kids 3-12: $16
Kids 1-2: $8
Kids 0-1: $5 – unless accompanying an older sibling
Mondays: Parents FREE!
Thursdays: 1/2 price ADMISSION! (ages 3-12)

• Funhaven

Toddler area, jungle gym, climbing wall, mini golf, etc.

SAVE$: FREE FOR CHILDREN AGED 0-3 YEARS

$12.99 admission to Jungle gym for kids 4+.

• COSMIC ADVENTURES

0-11 months: FREE

​ 12-23 months: $13.99

​ 2-3 years: $16.99

​ 4-12 years: $19.99

​ 13-17 years*: $19.99

​ Adults - $8.99

• XTREME TRAMPOLINE PARK

·        30 minutes:     $12.39+tx = $14

·        60 minutes:     $17.70+tx = $20

·        90 minutes:     $22.12+tx = $25

·        120 minutes:    $24.78+tx = $28

·        Kids (4yo and under) 30 minutes:   $7.08+tx = $8 (kids are only allowed in Kiddie Kourt)

Am I missing a fun place? Please let me know in comments!

What to Do with Kids - Fall Edition

This is a continuation of my seasonal posts on family and children's activities. Fall is so much fun - the colours like no other season - warm hues of orange, yellow, and red. The season inspires me to bake (with cinnamon, hello baked apples or pies) and prepare homy meals to cozy up the family during somewhat cooler days. I even compared fall to autumn flowers in my last year's post.

VIA

Fall brings out and marries perfect combinations of rain,  puddles, and rain boots; chilli and rice; butternut squash, pumpkins, and pies; baked apples and vanilla ice cream.

So what are family favourite bucket things to do?

OUTSIDE

1. Visit Canada Army Run - Kids zone and equipment display - the interactive area will be filled with fun activities for kids and families.
Saturday, September 20 – 9 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
Sunday, September 21 – 7 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

2. Richmond Fair - Sep. 18-21, 2014

3. Carp Fair - Sep. 25-28, 2014

4. Apple Picking at a local orchard - check out this Agritourism Guide for Ottawa

5. Pumpkin Picking at a patch

6. Pumpkin Festival at Proulx Farm October

7. Haunting Season at Saunders Farm Sep. 27 - Nov. 2

8. Jump in the leaves

9. Visit local ranch for some horse or pony rides - Captiva farms

INSIDE (for those rainy days)

1. Sign up for Fall or Halloween themed cooking class with PC Cooking School

2. Create any fall related fall craft - just google "easy fall craft kids"

3. Make a pumpkin or apple pie

4. Take crayons and some of your favorite leaves and layer the leaves between pages of paper. Rub on the pages with a crayon to see the leaf pattern emerge..

5. Indulge in some seasonal coffee at Starbucks

6. Attend a library or free program at OPL

7. Enjoy an indoor pool

 

 

And here are a great list of:
FREE things to do in Ottawa with kids.
Mostly free family fun ideas

 Enjoy the season!

2014 Summer Family Events Attractions Coupons & Discounts

Hey Fab Mamas. In search for family events online, I stumbled upon this site. Check out AttractionsOntario for some amazing deals and ideas for family outings this summer.

VIA

Free Family Summer Fun - Dragon Boat Festival June 19-22, 2014

When I stumble upon free family activities, I want to share them with the world!

Check out this year's Tim Horton's Children's and family area at the Dragon Boat Festival June 19-22, 2014.

Enjoy!

Summer Family Activities and Coupons (as Usual)

VIA

So back at the beginning of April I posted about Spring activities, but lately weather has been really taking its summer personality. So I think we are officially done with spring and now can get onto planning our short and sweet summer.

Last June, I already posted this great LIST.

And here is my list for this year.

1. Take every opportunity to be outside. This past long winter made me realize that we should not take warm days for granted, even if it is raining. So I encourage my family to get outside every weekend, and every weeknight, be it in the park, playground, by the lake or in our backyard.

2. Plan fun summer. And there are plenty of ways to make it such - water parks, zoos, splash pads, picnics, day trips to other close cities, forests and trails.

3. Get in touch with the countryside. We are so urbanized and store reliant, that we lose sight of where it all really begins. I want my children to appreciate and to learn that most of our food comes from hard working people on the farms. Hence visits to berry and vegetable farms, local produce markets, and animal farms.

4. Unleash your freedom. I want to do something completely liberating, like running with kids in the fields, watching air planes, water hose fights, or star gazing at night.

5. Savour pure and fresh. Summer foods are at their best in the summer! Watermelons, peaches, nectarines, cherries, local cukes and tomatoes, herbs, farm berries, and corn will be on or menu while in season. We must overload on them now, there will be no more of this goodness in colder months.

6. Read and reflect. I want to read something breezy but philosophical this summer.

PS. Check out Ontario Fun Pass with load of activity coupons (it will be updated for 2014 in June), Ottawa Summer Fun Guide, and great Groupon for a rainy day at the Museum of Nature.

What are your summer plans?

Spring Family Activities, Toy Rental & Coupons

 

Spring Activities
Here is an excellent collection of outdoor activities for kids this spring April-June.

My favourites are:

- Events at the Canada Agriculture Museum
- The Canadian Tulip Festival
- Touch a Truck June 1, 2014

Just Play Toy Rental

Have you considered renting toys instead of buying? Just Play Toy Rental will even deliver and pickup right from your home. I think it's a brilliant idea, especially if your space at home is constrained.

 

Family Coupons

And here are some free printable COUPONS for baby and kids products from groceryalerts.ca.

 

Enjoy and let me know how and where do you go outdoors in spring?

Kids & Company Ottawa Mad Science Breakfast & Workshop April 13, 2014

Kids & Company will be hosting Mad Scientist workshop on Sunday April 13th. Get all the info and tickets HERE.

Ottawa International Children's Festival May 9-14, 2014 Discount

If you have never been, this year is the time to check out OICF.

Discounts apply of $1.50 off per ticket with the purchase of 3 or more tickets, OR $2.00 off per ticket with the purchase of tickets to 3 or more separate shows. Eligible discounts will be applied automatically during checkout. Tickets are $13 and available HERE.

Log Farm Sugar Bush Visit March Break

When Canadian winter presented a perfect opportunity (+3C) in early March, we jumped on it and visited a local Log Farm Sugar Bush. We try to make it an annual family activity, fun for adults and kids. This was our first time at this location and we were pleasantly surprised.

I used a COUPON ($1 off each breakfast) that blogged about recently. The total cost for buffet breakfast and sugar bush was $40 for our family of four.

As I have read somewhere online, Log Farm is REALLY a hidden Ottawa gem. Things that I enjoyed:

- the actual gorgeous property set in a huge forest-type setting
- beautiful long trails, you actually have to walk a bit to get to the maple taffy
- breakfast buffet, it was simple but very comforting food (with excellent service)
- the farm house - OMG, 11 people lived in a tiny (what seems now) two bedroom home
- preserved buildings from 1854, and beautiful horses
- smell of burning wood when they were heating up maple syrup

I highly recommend to visit in March.

If you go:
The Log Farm
670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean
(613) 843-8090
Open weekends through March and daily for March Break, 9:00 am to 2:00
$9.50 for adults, $7.50 for kids over age 3

 

 

Have you visited a Sugar Bush this winter? 

Sugar Bush Time in March - Coupon

If you plan to have a fun family time at this Log Farm Sugar Bush, present this flyer and get $1.00 off their breakfast buffet (daily 10am - 2pm in March).

Enjoy.

 

28 Things to Do in February

I really enjoyed this cute compilation because it feels so unintentianl and honest. This list brings back enjoyment of simple things in life. It is surprising, but I already did #1, 10, 11 (who did not?), 13, 22, and 28.  My favourite items to do would be  #5, 6, 9, 15, and 17(!!!).

What about you? Do you plan anything this month?

VIA

Winter Activities - January, February, March

VIA

If you dread long winter, you may begin to get into gloomy state once holiday season season is over and all the sparkly things are gone. But it does not have to be. Some of my cheerful thoughts are that the days are finally getting longer after winter Solstice on December 22nd. When I leave work, it is actually light outside. Yay!

 

On the other hand, living in Ottawa means another 3-4 months of cold, slushiness, and salt everywhere. And those strong winds.

 

After compiling a list of ideas for activities in winter and described what we actually did here, I thought it was time to revisit the topics almost two years later. I personally find that if I plan out activities, the winter time goes by that much funner and faster.

 

Outside

• Skates and syrup on Ottawa Canal
• Ottawa Winterlude Festival - February
• Cross-country and downhill ski - Gatineau Park, trails or other ski resort in nearby area
• Tubing, if you have not tried, now is the time
• Tobogganing
• Sleigh (or Wagon) rides - try here 
• Visit Maple Syrup Sugar Bush - March (here is a listing)

Inside

I want to be a sane mama, so my inside activities include "me time"

• Relax in a bath with Kimono Rose Bubble Bath
• Cozy up with a book and herbal tea
• Do-it-yourslef pedicure - my favorites are Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice and China Glaze Winter Berry polish
• Good movie and wine - my recent likes were Inception and The Great Gatsby - accidentally both starring Leo DiCaprio

March Break

• Great ideas for the whole family
• Activities and camps

What are your thoughts? Do you ever plan activities or go with the flow?

 

PS. did you watch Wolf of Wall Street? DiCaprio was nominated for Oscar's Best Actor.

Canada Day Berry Muffins

So what did you do this past weekend? My daughter was sick, and I promised to surprise her after she wakes up from her nap. After a little googling around and looking through my fridge and freezer, I decided to make berry muffins with black chokeberries (for odd reason my husband bought them) and raspberries. She woke up from from the sweet smell and asked: "mama is this pie in the oven? No, it's cupcakes!"

These are not just any muffins. They are über healthy and delicious. I try to bake without eggs, dairy, sugar, and gluten if possible. These, however, were with whole wheat, almond milk, and blue agave syrup. 

BEFORE - ready to go into oven:

AFTER - yummy and ready to eat:

Oh Yes, It's June!

Photo credit

Long evenings, warm air (well maybe not so warm lately in Ottawa area), and lots of fresh cherries.
I am in love with all the ripe summer fruits that the nature gracefully gifts us every single year. Juicy watermelons, honeydew, farm strawberries, and more. So you ask, what do kids and I plan to do this month?

Here is a small list. Would you like to try some of these?

1. Walk, run, and ride bikes. Take every opportunity to be outside during this gorgeous weather.

2. Exercise. I know, sounds not so much summer thing, but it has got to be done. My husband and I worked on a plan so that we both can go to the gym and spend some family time each week.

3. Play in the backyard and front yard. Water, bubbles, hose, picnic, play kitchen, everything goes.

4. Read The Spark: A Mother’s Story of Nurturing Genius by Kristine Barnett. It’s an amazing true story about the power of hope and a mother’s ability to find the true potential that lies within every child.  I placed a hold at the library today, guess what number I am? 292 on 14 copies. Crazzzy. But really want to get my hands on this book.

5. East ice cream. The title says it all.

6. Rejuvenate with my husband for a whole day at the spa. No kids allowed.

7. Add summer radiance by putting on facial bronzer. We all know tanning and UV rays age your skin, especially on the face. I had always used one by Yves Rocher, but this year I decided to try Honey Bronze Gel for Face by Body Shop. My order shipped today, an I am so anxious. Did I mention I am in love with Body Shop? I should probably work for them. More on this later :)

8. Go strawberry picking to one of the local farms, IF the weather cooperates and we get some warm sunshine for a few weeks.

What are your thoughts? Anything planned for this month?

Spring is Almost Here

And I don't mean that spring is here because of the weather. In Canada, survive 3 months of winter, and get the 4th for free! It still feels like winter (although the forecast is showing some milder temps by end of the week, +8, i'll take that).

Spring is here, because the days are getting longer, and we are changing the clocks 1 hour ahead this weekend. Woohoo, even lighter evenings. My favourite time, period. Everything awakens.

And yes, it is time to think about:

1. Gardening and planting plans (i.e. what are you going to get at the nursery in April?)
2. Spring activities (finally) OUTSIDE  and inside with kids
3. Fun spring long weekend plans (Easter weekend and Victoria weekend), maybe even BBQ?
4. Shopping for new clothes for kids (if they had outgrown their last year's wears) AND for yourself
5. Summer vacation plans!

Spring Break at Chapters

Mark your calendars!  Chapters/Indigo is hosting free kids events during Spring break!  Here are the activities your kids can participate in:

• Monday:  Hats off to Dr. Seuss
• Tuesday:  Inside Out
• Wednesday:  Ready, Set, Lego
• Thursday:  A Royal Party
• Friday:  Get Creative

The event dates depend on what province you’re in. Each event starts at 11am. Click here for the list of event dates and more details!  Contact your local store to sign up to participate!

February To Do's (Chocolate Lovers Beware)

For some, February is the most depressing month of winter. Especially if you are not hitting south any time soon. So how to break up this cold ? Are you wondering what to do with children on evenings or weekends? Here are some ideas:

1. If you are in Ottawa area, definitely hit the Winterlude. It is filled with activities for all, including skating on the world's largest skating rink, ice sculpture competitions and North America's largest snow playground.

Have you seen the lantern garden?

2. Do some easy Valentine's Crafts with kids.

3. Indulge in some good quality chocolate. This is the best part about V-Day!

4. Surf Songza. It has hundreds of playlists depending on activity and environment you are in.
5. Go to Chinatown Lunar New Years Celebrations.
6. Check out Disney on Ice Rockin Ever After.
7. Get outside - skating, downhill or cross-country skiing, snow play, sledding, nature walks, and more! Follow outside activity with warm hot chocolate, yum.

I hope you enjoy this month! What are you planning to break up the winter season?

Well Rounded Kids

I am a true believer in doing activities with your children. I once read in one parenting book that the more things you do with your child and the more different environments you experience with them, the more well rounded he/she will become.

Here is what we have done and been to in the past three months - with costs.

September:
Visited Omega Park with our daughter for the first time. If you have not been, you should go. Fun place to go with kids starting age 2-3 or so. (Cost - gas to the park; entrance: Adult $18, child $7).

October:
Went to Valleyview Animal Farm for Thanksgiving celebrations, train ride, and pics among oodles of pumpkins. (Cost - $8 per person).
Participated in a charity event Operation Christmas Child where we packed  a backpack filled with toys/goodies for a 3-5 year old girl in a less fortunate family in Latin America. (Cost - $20).

November:
Went to Gatineau Hills for picturesque panoramas and walks. (Cost - gas)
Went for a walk on Trans-Canadian trail and a detour in the forest (Cost - Free).

December:
Attended and decorated Christmas Gingerbread House workshop at SuperStore PC Cooking School. (Cost - $20).

Here are some ideas on what to do during the winter months. What did you enjoy recently?

Winter Blah's (What to Do With Kids)

I love winter because it gives something no other season can give - sparkling snow, playing and making snow angels outside, frosted windows and trees, ice, skating, and more. Even hot chocolate tastes just that much better. The only thing I dislike is cold weather and getting dark too early. I mean what's up with that? I would love to go for a walk in the evening, but not when it is pitch dark. 

I find that this fact forces us to stay home or hit the stores (and spend, spend, spend). I found this amazing collection of ideas on what to do with your children during the winter. And many activities are FREE.

Here are some of my favourites from the list.

Indoors (Ottawa):

1.Early Years Centre: Perfect for ages 0-6yrs.  Also perfect for nursing mothers who have 2 children.  The older one can play with sand tables, water tables, toys galore, and crafts while there are chairs for nursing.  There are 3 in west area: Carp, and 2 located in Kanata. Keep in mind if it starts at 9am, you need to be there 15min in advance so it doesn't fill up.  The drop in's are free

http://www.wocrc.ca/Libraries/General_Brochure_languages/Fall_Regular_Program_Schedule.sflb.ashx

2. Starr Gymnastics - has a great drop in, think loud crazy music/children running everywhere, and balls flying.  Want to wear off excess energy or chocolate this is the place.

http://www.starrgymnastics.com/schedule.cfm

3. Funnhaven.  Located behind the massive new Ikea, the feedback so far has been thumbs up.  It features lots of flavours of frozen yogurt and hours of fun.

http://www.funhaven.com/public/visitus/index.cfm

4. Gouldburn Recreation centre.  Located in Stittsville, there is an open play gym on sunday evenings. The gym is filled with plasma cars, balls, parachutes, and hockey nets. 1 person can stay home and make dinner, and other person can take children here. Draw straws to see who does what!

5. Crafts: Pinecones with glitter, peppermint playdough, gingerbread cookies or house, wreaths.

6. Dress up with different hats/coats/old halloween costumes

7. For a quiet moment, paint faces with water and paintbrushes.

Source

Outdoor:

1. Nature walks - Jack pine trail is great for feeding birds-located off Moodie dr. Keep in mind it doesn't loop around.

2. Ice skating - canal and indoors

3. Snowmen, and the whole family - snowcat, snowdog, and fish..

4. Toboggan hill - One located by Kanata leisure centre/off Terry Fox, or Bruce Pit as well

5. Snow angels

6. Family shoveling time...sneaky ;)

How so you have fun with family in the cold weather? What do you do to make winter months seem shorter?