Cheap Things To Do This Summer in Ottawa

Jul 21, 2011 by Natasha

Now that school is out and summer is at full swing, we ask ourselves: how do we keep the kids occupied without spending a lot of money?  I have a done a little bit of research and learned that you can do a lot in Ottawa without breaking the bank.

• Mont Cascade Waterpark Located 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Waterpark has  several water slides for kids of all ages. Admission is $12.99 per person, with free admission to children 2 years of age and under.

Tip: Pack a lunch if you’re planning on staying the whole day. There are many great picnic areas that are open to you.

• Ottawa Public Libraries – The library is the one place that will have something for everyone. There is no shortage of great resource, information and exploration for children and their parents. It’s a cheaper alternative to buying or renting educational DVDs too, so make sure your family has a card for the library that can be used at any branch.

Tip:  Several branches have various activities running throughout the week.  Contact your local branch to find out.

• The Children’s Museum They have 30 permanent exhibits that help children explore the world. There are several interactive activities that children can do.

Tip: Admission is free on Thursdays from 4 to 8pm. Children under the age of 3 are admitted for free (hey that rhymes!).

• The International Buskers Festival The festival begins on July 28 and goes till August 1. There are a variety of Buskers that perform all along the promenade at the Sparks Street Mall. It is great entertainment for all ages and the location enables you to partake in some great activities around downtown (like the item next).

Tip: Bring some spare change to tip performers.

• Beach Day Ottawa has four great beaches to enjoy across the city. Pack a lunch and a few sand toys to make sure that your little one is enjoying him or herself without hurting your wallet. If you are not a beach person, there are several toddler wading pools and splash pads around the city which are free and a great way to cool off on a hot day.

Tip: Make sure you go early to get a good spot.  The beaches and pools can fill up quickly on a hot summer day.

• Changing the Guard It takes place every day on Parliament Hill at 10 a.m. After the show, you can walk around the Byward Market that has many great little shops and restaurants.

Tip: During hot summer days, bring an extra bottle of water, shades and a hat. It can get really really hot when you’re standing outside and waiting.

• Experimental Farm Pack a lunch, walk around the Arboretum, visit the Canada Agriculture Museum and animals. If your kids are anything like Baby H, they will absolutely love to see all of the animals. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for kids (3-14), $6 for students and seniors; $16 for families and children under 3 are free.

Tip: Pick up a schedule when you first arrive so you do not miss any of the daily  activities.

• Valleyview Little Animal Farm We recently took Baby H here and he loved it. It is a great little animal farm in Barrhaven, that charges $8 per person and allows free admission for children under 2.

Tip:  Pack a lunch to have a family picnic once you have finished visiting the animals.

• Alcatel-Lucent Sunday Bikedays is a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday morning with your family. You can ride you bike, roller blade or walk, it’s free with a spectacular view of the Nation’s Capital.

Tip: Pack lots of water and sunscreen for the extra hot days.

• Picnics with the Family -You can organize a play date or a family outing to one of the beautiful parks around the City and around the Valley.  All you need is some food, outdoor toys, SPF, hats, a blanket or straw mats, and some great company.

Tip: It’s best if you spend more time in the sun before noon and after 5 p.m., when the sun rays are not as bad as the peak-hour period.

• Movie day at Rainbow Cinemas They feature entertaining newly released movies at 10am for $3.00, regular admission is $5.  You cannot beat those prices.

Tip:  If you go on Tuesdays, the admission charge is a toonie.

• Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo -They have over 250 animals on display.  Its a fun and educational way for your children to learn about reptiles.  Admission is $10, a family pass (4 people) is $38 and kids 2 and under are free.

Tip: Your kids will be touching lots of reptiles so make sure you pack some hand sanitizer or wipes.

• RCMP RockcliffeStables – You can tour the stables, walk through the tack house, meet the horses and browse through the Mountie Shop.

For more money saving options you can check out  Attractions Ontario, which has discounts for several activity spots and museums. We will be going to some of the places I’ve listed above during my week off. If you have any ideas and tips for a cheap family outing in the area, please share it with me.

If you have any more ideas, please share!

Have a great low-budget summer!