Ottawa has long held a special place in my heart because it’s such an easy, family-friendly city to explore. With a thoughtfully planned layout and excellent public transit, getting around Ottawa—especially in the warmer months—is a breeze. There’s a surprising amount of free outdoor fun waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or catching cultural moments, Ottawa is a city where adventure and learning go hand in hand—perfect for kids and parents alike.

Outdoor Adventures We Love

Most of our favourite memories in Ottawa happen outdoors. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love exploring, biking, and splashing through the city’s green spaces.

A real gem for us is Hog’s Back Park, especially on Sunday mornings when the parkway is closed to vehicle traffic. It becomes a car-free haven for bikes, scooters, and strollers alike. The trails are perfect for little legs, and Hog’s Back Falls, where the Rideau River and Rideau Canal split, is a scenic showstopper.

Just a short walk away, the Hog’s Back Locks offer a quieter, less crowded spot to watch boats pass through. But for a big wow moment, head downtown to see the eight historic locks in action—framed by the Parliament Buildings on one side and the Château Laurier on the other.

Culture, Creativity & Cool Museums

Ottawa’s museums are some of the best in the country, and many are interactive and perfect for curious kids. Here are our family favourites:

Canadian Museum of Nature – A must-visit. From dinosaurs to deep-sea creatures, the kids were wide-eyed the entire time.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum – Let imaginations take flight as your little ones explore planes, helicopters, and rockets.

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum – This is one of my personal faves. I love it just as much as the kids. Who doesn’t love farm animals.

Canada Science and Technology Museum – Hands-on exhibits, a crazy fun sound chamber, and even vintage trains.

Canadian Museum of History – A rich, immersive look into Canada’s roots. The Children’s Museum inside is a highlight.

And don’t forget the Ottawa Art Gallery—always free to enter, with fun family-friendly activities and rotating exhibits. Just check their site ahead of time to see if registration is needed.

Lansdowne & Local Flavour

For food, fun, and a little retail therapy, Lansdowne is the place to be. There’s a huge playground, the weekend Ottawa Farmers’ Market, and often live events and pop-ups happening at TD Place. Grab a bite, let the kids roam, and soak up the buzz of the city.

At night, Lansdowne transforms into a lively scene for grown-ups, too. With places like CRAFT Beer Market, it’s the perfect date-night or moms’-night-out destination.

Where We Ate (and Loved Every Bite)

Dinner at The Grand
Wood-fired pizzas, a bustling patio, and the perfect end to a day exploring downtown.

Breakfast at the Fairmont Château Laurier – Their buffet is a favourite and gets everyone fueled up for the day ahead.

Dinner at Play, Food & Wine – Upscale small plates and a cozy, chic vibe in the heart of the ByWard Market.

Lunch at Metropolitain Brasserie
Classic French fare with a modern twist—great for families and foodies alike.

Dinner at King Eddy’s
Casual, kid-approved comfort food. Don’t miss the fried chicken!

A Day Trip Worth the Drive: Couples’ Escape to Le Nordik Spa

If you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation while visiting Ottawa, a short drive across the river will transport you to one of the most rejuvenating experiences in the region—Le Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Quebec.

This Scandinavian-style wellness retreat is the ultimate adult-only escape. With multiple outdoor hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and quiet zones nestled in nature, it’s the perfect setting to unplug, unwind, and reconnect. Whether you’re floating in the infinity pool overlooking Gatineau Park, dozing off in the hammocks of the relaxation areas, or enjoying a couples massage, every corner of Le Nordik invites serenity.

We took the opportunity for a couples’ day while the teens did their thing, and it was honestly one of the most peaceful parts of our trip. You can stay for a few hours or spend the entire day cycling through the thermal experience, sipping herbal teas, and treating yourself to a meal at their bistro or wine bar.

Le Nordik is a reminder that amidst all the fun of family travel, it’s okay—and important—to carve out time for just the two of you. You’ll leave refreshed, reconnected, and ready to dive back into your next Ottawa adventure.

Where We Stayed: The Fairmont Château Laurier

For our home base in Ottawa, we stayed at the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier—and it was the perfect choice for both comfort and convenience. Nestled right in the heart of downtown, this grand historic hotel offers unbeatable proximity to Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, Rideau Canal, and many of Ottawa’s top attractions.

We especially loved having connecting rooms, which made it easy to stay close as a family while still enjoying a bit of personal space. The kids could unwind with their own downtime while we sipped coffee by the window and soaked in the city views. The rooms were spacious, well-appointed, and full of classic charm.

Of course, the luxury touches you’d expect from the Fairmont brand were everywhere—from the plush beds to the impeccable service. One of the highlights for the kids is the pool, it’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or give the kids some fun downtime between activities.

Whether you’re traveling with teens, younger kids, or planning a couples’ weekend, the Château Laurier offers a stay that’s both elegant and family-friendly—a true gem in the heart of Ottawa.

Ottawa is one of those rare cities that feels both vibrant and manageable. It offers the cultural richness of a capital city with the warmth and ease of a close-knit town. Whether we’re wandering museum halls, relaxing by the falls, or grabbing one more scoop of ice cream, our time here is always meaningful—and fun.

So pack light, bring your sense of adventure, and let Ottawa surprise you with how perfectly it fits your family.