It’s summer and there are so many things to do and explore in our wonderful city. But sometimes figuring out the what, where, and why can mean you don’t get anywhere at all but back to your local park!

This summer, Kids in the Capital has put together a summer fun list to give you a reason to explore the city - and WE HAVE PRIZES!!

Here’s the deal: get out and explore the city with the ideas below, and every time you do, post a photo of it on Instagram (tagging @kidsinthecapital and using hashtag #KidsExploreOttawa) OR come and share it on our weekly threads on the Facebook page. For each picture you post, you’ll be entered to win prizes from the National Gallery of Canada, Altitude Gym, Eco-Odysée, Funhaven, Pirate's Adventures, the Diefenbunker, Parc Omega, Flying Squirrel and Saunder's Farm. We’ll be doing prize draws throughout the whole summer, so you can post any time until Labour Day weekend for your chance to win (contest ends September 2, 2019.)

Browse through the following list and start snapping those perfect summer shots!!

Science and technology museum lighthouse

🔲 Visit Maman outside the National Gallery of Canada and then head inside to visit their exhibitions. Sign up for a full year of fun! Two adults and up to six children have free unlimited access to exhibitions, activities and all family programing. Kids in the Capital readers get 15% off a family membership with code: NGCKIDS19* (You will be prompted to enter it at the end of your checkout.)
*Promotion is only available online and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions. Offer is valid for a 1-year Family Membership. Promo code expires August 31, 2019.

🔲 Hop on a train or visit the lighthouse on St Laurent by the Science and Tech museum

🔲 Take a silhouetted sunset photo somewhere in our beautiful city - we always love taking them by the water, but anywhere with a gorgeous sunset background makes for a very cool photo of the kids. Get them jumping to make the funniest shapes with their bodies possible!

🔲 Snap a shot at the historic Bate’s Island

🔲 Check out the the rock sculptures at Remic Rapids - these rock sculptures have been erected every spring since 1986 by artist John Felice Ceprano.

🔲 Eternal Flame - there’s lots to see when you’re visiting Parliament Hill, but don’t forget a photo by the Eternal Flame with the Parliament buildings in the background.

🔲 If you’re at Parliament at 10AM, grab a shot of the Changing of the Guard ceremony too!

🔲 Oscar Peterson statue - Join Oscar at the piano for a fun photo opp.

🔲 Rideau Canal - World Heritage Site - Whether you’re standing on the bridge overlooking the canal or you’re up close and personal, snap a picture of this beautiful World Heritage Site!

Visit the train by the Science and Tech museum on St Laurent

🔲 Mooney’s Bay Giver’s Park - take a tour of Canada at one of the largest playgrounds in Canada.

Travel back in time at the MacKenzie King Estate

🔲 Millennium Park - Get a photo with the dragon in the splash pad, on the pirate ship or on the Parliament buildings at Millennium Park in Orleans.

🔲 MacKenzie King Estate - always a fun jaunt to go for a hike or to explore the different ruins across the property (while exploring the estate is free, parking does have a fee)

🔲 Strathcona Park “ruins” - a stone and bronze sculpture by Stephen Barthwaite located in the center of the park.

🔲 Get a photo with the Ottawa sign in the ByWard Market (bonus points for getting the Awatto sign too “Where’s Awatto??)

🔲 Watson’s Mill, Manotick - check out this unique 1800’s mill on the shores of the Rideau River

🔲 Pinhey’s Point - get a shot with the nearly 200-year-old manor house and surrounding ruins

🔲 National War Memorial - if you’re doing a tour of the Parliament buildings, head over for a shot of the National War Memorial on Elgin.

🔲 Rideau Hall - grab a picture on the grounds or in the residence of our Governor General of Canada!

🔲 Go for a walk along the canal at Dows lake - if you want an affordable activity nearby, rent a canoe or kayak!

🔲 Visit the Chinatown arches

🔲 Snap a shot somewhere in Little Italy - maybe scarfing a gelato or tasty pastry? Or perhaps a visit to see where the coffee is made at Bridgehead!

🔲 Mud Lake - check out the two-kilometre trail through deciduous swampland. Many picture perfect moments along the way!

🔲 Mer Bleue - grab a shot somewhere on the boardwalk trail at the bog, or if you’re lucky, a picture of a tiny chickadee landing on your hand!

🔲 Visit the Carbide ruins in Gatineau Park, and then head for a quick dip in Meech Lake. Trail is rocky, and probably best for kids 5+. Pay parking at lot P11.

🔲 Also in Gatineau Park, Drive or bike up to the Champlain Lookout for a beautiful lookout shot. Be warned: the bike up to the top is HARD!!

🔲 Find the Tin house in the Byward Market

🔲 Sound and Light show - the picture may be dark, but snap a shot of the Sound and Light show on Parliament Hill. Running now through September 8th (times get earlier as the days get shorter!)

🔲 Take a picture in front of the historic Chateau Laurier

🔲 Take a picture in front of the falls at Hog’s back falls (this pairs perfectly with a visit to the 150-themed playground!)

🔲 Visit Petrie Island and take a picture on the trails, on the beach - anywhere!

🔲 BONUS ENTRIES: We love how creative our followers are, so we’re super happy for you to post your own scavenger hunt locations - maybe it’s another public art display or statue. Or perhaps your favourite summer park. As long as it’s around Ottawa, free, and fun for kids/families, we will accept i!

Don’t forget that every picture counts as an entry! HAVE FUN!!