March Break Family Fun in Ottawa - Ottawa Family Photography
As a Mom myself, I’m always on the hunt for fun (and free) family activities to do around the city throughout the year. I come from a family that loved to travel, explore and try new things and now that I have my own children, I carry on that tradition.
I have mixed feelings about March break if I’m fully honest. Winter is not my most fav time of year and I could live in perpetual summer fairly easily. On the other hand, there are some things unique to our Canadian winters that I’ve come to enjoy and want my own children to appreciate, as well. And if I’m being honest again, I’ll take a typical Ottawa -20 celsius day with 5 feet of snow on the ground over a -2 damp, slushy Halifax winter every single time (my Haligonian fam and friends, I’m sorry…no I’m not, I don’t miss the Winters and I said what I said).
And with that said, let’s make the most of March and March Break! There’s only a couple of weeks left until Spring!
March Break Activities in and around Ottawa
This list comprises events or activities for various ages. Click the links for more details.
Outdoors
Skating
What’s more synonymous with Canadian winters? The Ottawa area is blessed with lots of places to make it fun, as well. The City of Ottawa maintains several outdoor “refrigerated ice surfaces”, such as the Rink of Dream outside City Hall or Landsdowne, that are less dependent on weather conditions than some of the smaller, volunteer-led community rinks. Rinks are free for public use. There are also a few beautiful wooded ice trails in the region, such as Patinage en foret in Lac-des-Loup, QC, which is my personal fav. Sadly both RiverOak Skating Trails in Russell and Icelynd Skating Trails in Stittsville are reporting that they’re closed for the 2023 season.
Cabane à sucre/Sugar Shack
Every single year, we make our way to la Cabane à sucre. Pretty sure my franco-ontarien husband would find it sacrilegious if we didn’t. Not that I need my arm bent to feast on maple syrup. There are certainly no shortage of these in the area but we can personally vouch for Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm in Edwards, Ferme Proulx/Proulx Sugar Bush and Berry Farm in Cumberland, as well as slightly outside the city is Ferme Drouin in Casselman (when only the best orielles de crisse will do).
Parc Omega
Take a little scenic drive up to Montebello to Parc Omega and be rewarded with caribou eating carrots right out of your hand as you roll on through with your car. Also spotted were wolves, moose, bison and bears. The kids had an absolutely blast when we did this last year (as did we). You can event rent cabins, right in the heart of the wolves den, and stay the night.
Head to the Byward Market
There are always things to explore in the Byward Market. Wander the historic sites, grab a Beaver Tail and relax on a horse and buggy ride from Cundell Stables (pick up on York & Williams Streets).
Indoors (‘cause you’re over cold weather, amirite?)
The Ottawa Library
TOL offers various special programming for free, for all ages from babies to teens, throughout the week of March Break on different days, times and at many of its branches throughout the city. Take part in events like Lion Hunting, a visit from the chickens, pirate adventures and more! Most of these are by drop-in and pre-registration is not required.
Indoor Parks and Playgrounds
When the kids need to just run around and burn their energy. Thank god for indoor playgrounds! We’ve been known to frequent Fun Haven in Nepean, Cosmic Adventures in Ottawa east, and where you’ll often find us, Kids Kingdom in Orleans. Flying Squirrel trampoline park is also a huge fav in our house (be forewarned - it can get ridiculously busy holiday afternoons so not recommended for those who might be easily over-stimulated or are claustrophobic). When the kids were toddlers, we really loved Little Monkeys in Ottawa south.
Reptiles!
My oldest just went to a birthday party featuring Little Ray’s Reptiles Nature Centre. That was 2 weeks ago and she’s still talking about it. The obsession with chameleons and baby crocodiles, which are technically caimans I’m told, is in full force in our household. Little Ray’s has grown to be somewhat of a tale to fame in Ottawa, with good reason. They care deeply for their animals and share that openly with the public. They’re located in Sarsfield.
Museums
Our pretty city has a treasure trove of museums that offer their amazing regular programming, as well as hosting special exhibits. We plan to head to the Museum of Nature to see their newest exhibition, Wolves! Shapeshifters in a Changing World.
Hockey games
Both the Ottawa Senators and the Ottawa 67s have home games March Break week to check out and cheer on. The Sens play against Colorado Avalanche on the Tuesday and the Leafs on Saturday March 18, while the 67s play Oshawa on the Wednesday.
Escape Rooms
Have you been? If not, do it! Escape Manor Junior in Barrhaven is geared towards with families and kids and offers six interactive escape games to choose from. If you and your teens are looking for something with a bit more of a challenge, I recommend Jigsaw Escape room. It’s downtown above Zak’s Diner - stop in for a milkshake afterwards.
March Break Fun Zone at Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Every day during March Break Carlingwood Shopping Centre offers fun and free activities for everyone to enjoy, including shopping. No, I’m kidding (well, not really but…). There will be live music, magic shows, birdhouse painting, a Frozen party with Elsa and Olaf, and more, in addition to their soft play area.
Adults - Need a Break?
Kids with the grandparents? Registered at a day camp? Old enough to stay home alone? Take some time off work and do a little something for yourself. Some of these are family-friendly too but you need to unwind, I got you.
Check out a musical or play
The musical Aladdin at the NAC has several performances at the NAC, both evenings and matinees during the week. We saw the equivalent on our Disney Cruise recently and it was fantastic! I’m dying to try out the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, which I’m told will leave you in hysterics while serenading you from the likes of Celine Dion, Justin Bieber and the Barenaked Ladies, as well as feeding you full of its all-Canadian meal favourites. Soupe aux pois, anyone?
Wine time
Did you know there’s a winery in Ottawa? There sure is. Domaine Perrault in Navan. They offer different wine tastings to choose from (please indulge responsibly).
Spa break!
Get a massage, float in an underground salt water echo chamber, sweat it all out in a sauna. Yes, please! Le Nordic and Koena Spa are both fabulous. Go early for more quiet time.
Fire & Ice Festival
And finally, what do you get when you mix culture, food, music, “fiery” street illuminations, and the winter? You get the Fire and Ice Festival on downtown Bank Street in Ottawa. 3 days of incredible and interactive sound and light shows over 5 city blocks, culminating by dancing to a silent disco. What’s a silent disco? Guess we’ll need to go to find out.
Whew! Is there something there for you? Don’t forget the old standbys such as the movie theatre, hiking trails, bowling, etc. This list certainly isn’t exhaustive. Have any other great ideas? Let me know! I’d love to add more.
