Upcoming activities for Kids in Ottawa - April 2023

We’ve been getting and seeing all kinds of activities and opportunities for kids coming in to our inbox lately so we thought we could put together a grouping of them here for you to check out!

Art classes

SPACE themed Drawing & Painting class at the Ottawa School of art in Orleans, Ages 9-12 | Wed 6pm-8pm, start date: 04/19/2023 !

They still need at least 1 more kiddo signed up for the class to run.

P23SC02C: Art in Space: Drawing and Painting Strange New Worlds (Ages 9-12)

Wednesdays, 6pm-8pm

10 sessions

April 19-June 28 (No Class May 10)

Summer Camps

Many summer camps are already sold out for the season - check out these options that as of writing this, still had available spots!

ASNY (Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet) has spots left in their Magic Treehouse musical theatre summer camp July 17th - 28th. Everything we’ve heard about the ASNY programming has been wonderful and a great chance for any musical kids to be a part of a production!

Math camp: If you have a math enthusiast, the Canadian Mathematical Society is running a camp July 24-28 out of Carleton University! There will be 3 age groups available:  Grades 4-5, Grades 6-7, Grades 8-9 and if there is enough interest they may open up the next week for camps as well.

City of Ottawa: The City has openings left in some of their camps, but they’re filling up fast so a good idea to check out what’s still available sooner than later!

Earth Day

The Nature Museum is opening for free on April 22 for Earth Day, so it’s a great day to visit the museum! They’ve also included a Nature Trek Scavenger Hunt worksheet on their website you can download and bring with you for your visit!

Children’s Business Fair

This event will showcase youth entrepreneurship in the community!

The fair will host 50 youth-run businesses on April 30, 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Lansdowne Horticulture Building. This event is free and open to the public! Children create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/ottawa

Have anything you’d like to see added to the list. Email kidsinthecapital.@gmail.com!

Sledding with Kids in Ottawa

We’re about to get a lot of snow! We wanted to share some of the places to go sledding with the kids, along with some tips to keep your kids safe.

We polled our community to ask where some of their favourite spots for sledding are and some of the favourites are:

• The NCC’s Green’s Creek + Bruce Pitt

• Lansdowne Park - nice and central and close to lots of restaurants and other ammenities

• Apollo Crater - 600 Apollo Way, Orleans (this is also an off-leash dog park so not a great choice if you or your kids are uncomfortable around dogs and a great bonus if you’d like to bring your dog with you)

If you’re looking for even more ideas, the city of Ottawa has a map on their web site that shows all of the city spots that are designated for sledding.

Safety tips parents with small children: 

While sledding is a fun winter activity it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips provided by the City of Ottawa that are good reminders.

·            Protect your brain – wear a ski/snowboard or hockey helmet.  

·            Check out one of the approved City of Ottawa sledding hills at ottawa.ca/sledding

·            Avoid a hill that is steep and make sure there is plenty of room at the bottom to stop. 

·            Watch for hazards – like other sledders, icy areas, trees, rocks, fences and rivers.

·            Avoid sledding head first or on your back. Sit or kneel on your sled.  

·            Watch the weather and avoid icy conditions.

·            Choose a sled that is easy to control, avoid inner tubes and plastic discs. 

Any other tips or spots to share - we’d love to hear them in the comments!

Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos in Ottawa

By “Auntie” Jenn Hayward

I was in a mall the other day and I heard what I thought was a tragedy, but was in fact just a child taking a photo with Santa.  This tradition of taking our children to a stranger in a red suit to make Christmas gift requests and take some photos continues with the new generation of parents. 

There is just something about the spirit of Santa - I’m not sure if it’s his gift giving or his stealth judgment on good and bad without taking all mitigating factors - that people are drawn to, but not every child can handle visits to busy malls or a stranger who doesn’t personalize their visit. 

Back in my parenting days, we all sympathized with the parent of the screaming child but even though the child screamed, they still forced the picture!  They didn’t want to miss out on this parenting rite of passage, and crying photos with Santa were thought of a cute and amusing. Nowadays parents understand that a crying child is NOT a good thing.  (Apologies, no one taught us GenXers that! )

Now parents understand some children cannot handle the crowds and for many reasons, the visit to Santa can be a traumatic event.  Some kids can’t handle the noise, some can’t handle the lights, and some need more than the 2 minutes allotted when there is a long line up of kids waiting for their turn for a quick snapshot.

I often wondered if there was something out there for children who require sensory-friendly sessions to enjoy this experience with little to no trauma, and it turns out there is!

Sarah Stewart Photography has partnered with a professional Santa to create a unique, cozy Santa Photo session with no extra stimuli.  They have been doing this for several years in the Ottawa and have received amazing feedback. (There are even options to sponsor families who may not have otherwise been able to afford a session.)

“Parents who have children who cannot use a public Santa for any number of reasons enjoy the stress free experience”, says photographer, Sarah Stewart. “I have seen children who were so scared but by the time it was done had a magical experience that they cherish forever. Sure I am a good photographer, but this magic is all Nick (yes, there is a Santa with the first name Nick)!  He has a gentle way and a spirit that can calm anyone and takes the time to meet each child where they need and not force an interaction.” 

When my kids were little I really had not heard of this as an option! I immediately thought back to pushing my own son into Santa at a mall before he was ready and wished I had known about something like this when my children were younger.

These sensory friendly sessions are designed to be adjustable for each family and their needs, from lighting, to sound, to music and all of her Christmas sessions includes a room with activities to delight children of all ages. She is also endeavoring to support independent artist by curating a Christmas playlist of local artists and creating a small Christmas Market on site for quiet solo shopping. 

You can find information about These Sensory-friendly Santa Sessions here.

Family Christmas Activities in the Ottawa Area

Our 10 Christmas Experiences in and Around Ottawa


The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re looking for some festive family fun, then you’ve come to the right place! The Ottawa area is a great place to celebrate Christmas, with plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained – from sleigh rides and skating to meeting Santa and marvelling at Christmas lights, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Hopefully, you’ve already checked out some of the awesome parades in the area, and to help you have even more family fun this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 family Christmas activities in the Ottawa and surrounding towns. So, if you’re looking for some great ways to celebrate this holiday season, be sure to check out some of these great Christmas activities in and around Ottawa!

Saunders Country Christmas, Saunder’s Farm

7893 Bleeks Rd A, Ottawa
November 26th – December 18th, 2022. Saturdays & Sundays 10:00am – 4:00pm

Holiday Light Festival -  December 1st – 23rd, 2022

Saunders Country Christmas is a great event for all ages, with a wide variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. There's a tractor-drawn wagon ride to take you around the farm, a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, and even a petting zoo. And of course, no visit to a Christmas farm would be complete without a visit to the Christmas shop, where you can find all sorts of unique gifts and decorations.

If you’re looking for a nighttime activity, don’t miss the Holiday Light Festival! 

Magic of Lights, Wesley Clover Park

401 Corkstown Rd, Nepean

November 27th to January 3rd 6:00pm to 10:00pm (Pitstop hours 5:00-9:00)

Want to enjoy a family Christmas activity from the warmth of your own car? Look no further than the Magic of Lights at Wesley Clover Parks! This event features over two kilometres of festive and vibrant lights displays, all set to the soundtrack of your favourite Christmas tunes. You can drive through the display in the comfort of your own car, or enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride (weather permitting). There are also plenty of photo ops, so make sure to bring your camera!

New this year, Mark Motors Group will host the “Holiday Pit Stop” where guests can explore a winter wonderland full of photo stations before driving the Magic of Lights route. 

Ian's Christmas Park

804 Richmond Rd, Beckwith

Thursday & Friday 1:00-9:00, Saturday & Sunday 9:00-9:00

Located in beautiful Beckwith, Ontario, Ian's Christmas Adventure Park is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. With a huge variety of activities, there’s sure to be something to please every member of the family!

Located on a tree farm, Ian’s offers the opportunity to get a real Christmas tree, with options for pre-cut trees or cut-your-own. In addition to picking out the perfect tree, visitors to Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park can enjoy Santa visits, sledding, skating, mazes, candy cane lane, Santa’s Workshop, and more! This awesome family adventure even has nighttime hours and Christmas movie screenings! 

Christmas Down on the Farm

670 Cedarview Road Ottawa, ON

Weekends until December 18th

Step inside a pioneer home to see how pioneers celebrated Christmas! This year, Christmas Down on the Farm is bigger and better than ever, with a whole host of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy. There will be hayrides, a visit from Santa, a petting zoo, a chance to roast marshmallows over a fire, and much more. 

So bundle up and head on down to the Log Farm for a Christmas adventure the whole family will remember! You can even pick up a fresh Christmas tree to take home. 

Lansdowne Christmas Market

1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON

Fridays to Sundays, Hours vary

Take a stroll through Lansdowne Park and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional European Christmas market. With over 80 chalets selling everything from holiday decorations to handmade gifts, there's something for everyone. 

And be sure to grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors while you're there, step into the many selfie stations, and take in some live entertainment, visit Santa’s Workshop for free crafts, or go see Santa himself for a photo op! 

Stanley's Christmas Village

2452 York's Corners Rd, Edwards

Monday to Friday: 10am - 4pm, By Appointment Only

The magic of Christmas is alive at Stanley’s from beginning to end! Your adventure begins with greetings from an elf and a sleigh ride to the Christmas Village. There you’ll find games, songs, bonfires, and some of Santa’s toy-making friends. Another sleigh ride will take you to meet the big man himself, finishing off this one-hour outdoor adventure.

Finish off your visit by saying hello to the animals, checking out the Farm Shop, or picking out a fresh cut Christmas Tree.

Light Up the Night Almonte

14 Bridge St., Almonte

 December 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Although only a one-day event, it promises to be a festive and musical night in the quaint and Christmassy town of Almonte. Enjoy a festive evening as the streets come alive with holiday lights and live music for one of the largest outdoor Christmas shows in Canada! With 2022 marking the 30th year of Light Up the Night, there will be extra special guests and an extended Christmas market full of exciting vendors.

See The Snow Queen, Twinkle Fairies, and Santa himself, as well as a stunning fireworks display to top off the night. 

Vintage Village of Lights, Cumberland

2940 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland

Friday-Sunday, 3:00-9:00

Step back in time as you enter a 1920s and 30s village on foot and make your way through shining light displays and historic buildings at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Your visit includes live demos, gramophone music, wagon rides, and even visits with Santa.

The festivities can continue at home with take-away cookie and crafting kits and an online playlist interwar-years holiday music!

Advance registration is required for some slots, so be sure to consult the booking link.

Clow's Christmas Trail, Brockville

2224 Hallecks Rd W RR 3, Brockville

Friday-Sunday, 6pm-8:30pm

This family run light display will transport you back to childhood with 1.5km of walking trails through the woods, taking you by a variety of Christmas displays including winter sports lane, the Candy Shop, Elves Lodge, the North Pole post office, and Santa’s toy shop. Keep your eyes peeled, as there are sometimes surprises of special visitors along the trail! 

Make sure to dress for the weather, as this activity takes place entirely outdoors. 

With so many exciting family Christmas activities in the Ottawa area, there's sure to be something to delight every member of the family, so get out and make some awesome holiday memories! 

Do you have a favourite holiday activity in the Ottawa area?
Let us know in the comments!

Ottawa Christmas Parades 2022 - Ottawa Area Santa Claus Parades

Christmas parade season is in full swing,  but if you missed the first few, don’t despair - there is plenty of the jolly season left to go and multiple parades to enjoy for weeks to come! Check out some of the Parade of Lights, Christmas Parade, Santa Claus Parade events throughout Ottawa and the surrounding area!

Aylmer Santa Claus Parade

https://www.facebook.com/paradehohoho/

Saturday, November 26, 6pm
Starts at Rue Principale, near Rue Front

This year marks the return of the traditional Aylmer Santa Claus Parade, pivoting from the previous year’s stationary parade. Running since 1994, especially with the addition of the Christmas Market in 2014 for the 20th anniversary of the parade, which still runs today!

Santa’s Parade of Lights

paradeoflights.org

Saturday, November 26th, 2022 @ 6:00 PM
St-Joseph Blvd. Orleans

Hosted by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, you can catch this glowing display along St-Joseph, Blvd. in Orleans. Toys and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Santa’s Parade of Lights and there will be on-site entertainment at the judging site (St-Joseph & Orleans Blvd) leading up to parade time.

Arnprior Santa Claus Parade

http://www.arnpriorlegion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SANTA-PARADE-FLYER-2019.pdf

Saturday, November 26, 6:00
Starts at No Frills Parking Lot

After two years of a drive-by Santa event, the Arnprior Santa Claus Parade is back in full swing! With an estimated 50 floats taking park and volunteers on foot to hand out treats to spectators, this family event is well worth the drive from Ottawa! Following the parade, Santa will visit the legion to say hello to all of the children and even hand out treat bags!

Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade

https://carletonplace.ca/whatsnewc4.php?t=2022%20Santa%20Claus%20Parade&command=viewArticle&ID=1632&currentFeed=1
Saturday, November 26th at 5 pm
Starts at Carleton Place High School

With this year’s theme of  “Movies of Christmas”, floats are sure to delight children of all ages and fill the streets with nostalgia! Because of construction on Central Bridge, the parade will take a different route than usual, so be sure to check the website for the updated route as well as a list of municipal parking sites for those who are not close enough to walk. 

Russell Santa Parade

https://www.facebook.com/events/1191133161746759

Sunday, November 27, 1:00
Starts at St Thomas Aquinas CHS

The Russell Fire Department and the Russell Lions Club team up for this annual spectacle and will collect food and cash donations for the Russell Township Food Bank. The parade has a new ending location this year, so expect Mr. & Mrs. Clause to enter Russell High School following the parade.

Stittsville Parade of Lights

https://www.stittsvilleva.com/parade/

Saturday, December 3rd at 6 pm to 8 pm
Stittsville Main St. 

A community favourite in Stittsville, this parade attracts thousands of spectators each year, so make sure you arrive early if you have little ones who might need a front row seat! Following the parade and the arrival of the man in red, head on over to the Village Square Park for the annual lighting, hot chocolate, cookies, and even a visit with Santa himself!  

Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade

http://richmondvillage.ca/event/santa-parade/

December 3, 2022, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Richmond Fairgrounds, 6121 Perth St, Richmond

This year, Richmond continues the new tradition of a drive through parade at the Richmond Fair Grounds. Floats will remain stationary as spectators drive through the fairgrounds, so bring your hot cocoa and Christmas music to enjoy as you roll through this alternative parade!

Pakenham Santa Claus Parade

https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/pakenham-santa-claus-parade-and-celebration/

Saturday December 3, 1:00-2:00
Stewart Community Centre & Grounds
112 McFarlane Street, Pakenham

During this Christmas Movie themed parade, The Pakenham & District Civitan Club will be collecting donations for the Lanark County Food Bank enroute. Floats start their route at the Steweart Community Centre and loop twice through the downtown core. As an added bonus, the Civitan Club will also provide hot chocolate and hot dogs to parade-goers!

Almonte Christmas Night Parade

https://www.facebook.com/events/660563028884728

Sunday, December 4th, 5:30
Beginning at the John Levi Community Centre on Bridge Street

Make your way to Arnprior as they light up the night with glowing Christmas movie floats! The Almonte Scouts will be on hand, collecting donations of cash and non-perishable food for The Hunger Stop. Plan for tasty treats as well, as Almonte Lions Club will provide hotdogs and hot chocolate!

Carp Santa Claus Parade

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HuntleyCommunityAssociation

December 10 6:00pm
Parade route starts at The Diefenbunker, 3911 Carp Road, and follows Carp Road.

Moving to a nighttime parade instead of their traditional afternoon parade, Santa and friends will make their way down Carp Rd from the Diefenbunker, this time with lights! Thanks to the hard work of the Huntley Community Association, dozens of floats will participate and volunteers will be on hand to collect donations for the West Carleton Food Access Centre.

Lanark Village Santa Claus Parade

https://lanarkcountytourism.com/events/lanark-village-santa-claus-parade/

Sunday, December 10 1:00-2:00pm
Lanark & District Civitan Club

Following its traditional route, beginning at the Lanark & District Civitan Club, this year’s Lanark Village Santa Claus Parade will be made up of floats with a ‘The Night Before Christmas’ theme. Following the parade, you can make your way to the Maple Grove Public school gym for a meet and greet with Santa! 

Help Santa Toy Parade

http://toyparade.ca/
One of Ottawa's most popular Christmas parades, this spectacle has firefighters collecting donations of toys and cash along the parade route for families. In need. Although the parade has already passed for this year, you can still make donations via the Toy Parade website or at any Ottawa Fire Station until mid-December.