Great Things to do in Ottawa for New (and Not-So-New) Parents

Last Friday, I talked about some free service for new parents that really helped me out when my son was really young. Today I thought I’d let you know about some fun activities to get you out of the house and out of the malls during the winter. Of course, right now Winterlude is on so that is a MUST. Even if it’s with baby in a backpack to check out the sculptures and have a Beaver Tail. With Family Day weekend coming up it may be a bit crowded but it’s kind of fun to be among crowds again after being couped up all winter either at home or the office.

As a new parent, if you are mourning the loss of your date nights and miss going to the movies, you can go on a date with your baby to either Movies for Mommies or Stars and Strollers. The sound is turned down so as not to upset tender eardrums and the lights are left dimmed so you can still see around you. They have stroller parking and changing supplies and sometimes free baby food samples and other goodies. Best of all, no one will glare at you if your baby start hollering or if you need to breastfeed or walk up and down the aisle if your little one wants to stay on the move.

Want something a little more active? My son loves the water so check out the City of Ottawa’s recreation guide for information on swimming lessons and public swim schedules. Trips to museums and the National Gallery of Canada (free admission for children 12 and under) are great when baby is still happy in the stroller.

When they get a little older they’ll have fun exploring things on their own. The Canadian Children’s Museum is fantastic. Another fun one is the Canadian Museum of Nature. Did you know it’s free on Saturday mornings! Bonus! The Aviation Museum has a play room full of toys for kids and who doesn’t love the crazy kitchen in the Canada Science and Technology Museum. My son also loves all the big steam engines there. Once the weather warms up, bring them to see farm animals at the Canada Agriculture Museum and they can see for themselves what goes Moo.

Finally, I recently took my son to Cosmic Adventures and he was a little scared with the big kids playing tag and practically running on top of him so I’d recommend the upstairs section for ages 3 and under the first time you go. Careful! I heard kids get addicted to this place and it isn’t all that cheap!

Did I miss anything? Please tell me about anything other great activities in the Ottawa area. I’ve never taken my son to Gymboree or Star Gymnastics or some of the music classes I know are out there so I’d love to know what you thought of their programs.