Visiting the National Gallery of Canada with Kids

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I remember visiting the National Gallery of Canada when my daughter was just nine months old. I wandered the halls while she slept peacefully in her stroller, getting some much needed “me time” appreciating arts and culture. Once she reached toddlerhood I worried that the Gallery would be too difficult to manage with her, and I filed it away as an activity to do when my kids were older.

Little did I know how much programming has been introduced in the past ten years at the Gallery to make it a super FUN and engaging place for little ones. Plus, the bonus? Kids under 11 are always free!

This past weekend I got a chance to revisit the NGC with both my kids, who are now 7 and 10. We spent three hours there, and could have easily stayed longer. In fact, we had such a great time we’ve decided to buy a family membership (2 adults and up to 6 children) so that we can return many more times!

This was THE highlight of the visit for both my kids. Artissimo studio is located on the ground floor, with easy access to the washrooms and a place where you can enjoy snacks/drinks (no food or beverages allowed in the studio!) Each month features a new project to create and take home, and the projects are thematically linked to artworks on view at the NGC.

It was basically a child’s dream come true - bins and bins full of art supplies, such as yarn, cardboard, buttons, tins, string, paper: you name it, they’ve got it! There are smocks provided and helpers are there in case kids need assistance with paints or glue guns. I got right into the activity along with my kids, and noticed most other parents creating beautifully elaborate works of art. This is where we spent most of our time, and my kids are already asking to go back. It’s inspired me to create my own “imagination station” at home, where kids can use different materials to create what they want!

Artissimo

Artissimo also spreads out around the Gallery, and you can find activities at the Artissimo Kiosk and the Fred and Elizabeth Fountain Garden Court on weekends and holidays. My girls had such a great time doing an art scavenger hunt, by feeling hidden objects in a box and trying to locate those objects on paintings (lots of hints are provided so your little ones will find the answers!)

There was also some dress-up time, and we went on a hunt to find this girl in a painting:

Family Sundays

Family Sundays are held at various times throughout the year, and you’re in luck, because the next one is THIS Sunday February 9th! The theme is The Future is Art! Begin with a tour of the contemporary art exhibition Àbadakone | Continuous Fire | Feu continuel, where you’ll see amazing works by Indigenous artists from around the world. There will be an art buffet, where you’ll choose materials to bend, twirl, twist, fold, cut, and shape into a hanging sculpture. Take part in a hoop-dance workshop with traditional hoop dancer Theland Kicknosway, then enjoy a live performance in glowing colour!

Check the website for a list of all the activities taking place - you don’t want to miss it!

Summer Day Camps

Registration for summer camps opens on February 24th - these are popular, so make sure to register early! There are art camps and photography camps, and members pay a lower fee.

The Food

I normally stay away from gallery or museum cafeterias because I find the food is usually gross and pricey. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the updated menu at the NGC - dishes are made to order and there’s a tasty salad bar. They use real dishes/cutlery, so they got lots of eco bonus points from me for that!! Plus, you can eat the glass rotunda or (in summer) on their patio, which offers a beautiful view of Nepean Point, the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.

If you’re looking for a nice date day/evening out with your sweetheart, there is also the 7 Tapas bar with wine and a small plates menu.

And for you sleep deprived parents? Second Cup opened up at the Gallery, so you can get yourself a cuppa before you head inside!

If you go

A few things to note:

  • You can’t bring any food or drink into the Gallery, so you’ll have to eat your snacks (and drink that much needed coffee) on the ground floor before you head in.

  • They require you to check any larger sized bag, so I would recommend bringing a small purse so that you can carry around essentials

  • If you’re touring the galleries, you will need to remind your children not to touch the artwork (unless, of course, there is a display that specifically says you can touch) Although there is plenty to do for kids 3+, I do think you’d be better off with your tiny toddler in a stroller or carrier. You don’t even have to bring your own stroller, as they have some on site!

  • While we spent most of our time doing Artissimo, my kids are at the age where they do have some appreciation for art and we had a wonderful time visiting the galleries together. It sparked a lot of great conversation!

When’s the last time you visited the Gallery with your kids?

Disclaimer: The National Gallery of Canada is a Kids in the Capital sponsor. An adult ticket was provided free of charge for this visit, but all opinions are our own.