Early June brings a mix of free family programming, museum experiences, storytelling sessions, dance workshops, and even a magical nighttime forest adventure near Ottawa. If you’re searching for things to do in Ottawa with kids, this week’s lineup includes free toddler activities downtown, indoor kid activities Ottawa families can enjoy regardless of weather, and educational experiences for curious children. Whether you’re looking for free things to do in Ottawa with kids or planning a family outing after school, this guide has you covered.
Top things and events in Ottawa for kids this week
These are the standout family-friendly events happening in Ottawa between June 8 and 12.
1. Wild Colour
One of the most visually engaging indoor experiences currently running in Ottawa, Wild Colour explores how animals, plants, and minerals use colour to communicate and survive. Created by Chicago’s Field Museum and enhanced with Canadian specimens, it’s packed with photo-worthy displays and science-focused learning for children of all ages.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
💵 Cost: $17
2. Les lundis des tout-petits
A longtime National Arts Centre family program, this free French storytelling session invites toddlers and caregivers to enjoy interactive stories led by Luana. No registration is required, making it one of the easiest free things to do in Ottawa with kids on a Monday morning.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 10:00 AM
💵 Cost: Free
3. Powwow Workout with Amanda Fox
This free drop-in session combines movement, dance, and Indigenous cultural teachings in an accessible format for all ages. Families can participate together while learning through movement in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
💵 Cost: Free
4. Oniro: Magical Forest Walk
Just outside Ottawa in Montebello, this immersive nighttime forest experience follows the story of wolf cub Oniro through illuminated scenes, projections, music, and storytelling. The 60-minute walk offers a memorable evening adventure for families with older children.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Parc Omega, 399 Route 323 North, Montebello, QC
📣 When: Friday–Saturday, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💵 Cost: From $29
All things to do in Ottawa with kids (also for adults) this week (June 8 to 12)
If you’re planning activities throughout the week, these are the family-friendly events in Ottawa worth considering.
1. Les lundis des tout-petits
A free French storytelling program designed for toddlers and caregivers at the National Arts Centre. The welcoming drop-in format makes it a reliable Monday morning activity for young families.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 10:00 AM
💵 Cost: Free
2. Wild Colour
Explore the science of colour through animal, plant, and mineral specimens in one of Ottawa’s newest major museum exhibitions. Ideal for curious children looking for indoor things to do in Ottawa with kids this week.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
💵 Cost: $17
3. Powwow Workout with Amanda Fox
Families can join this free Indigenous-led fitness session that incorporates Powwow-inspired movement and dance. No registration is required.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
💵 Cost: Free
4. SoulRhythms
This free weekly Afro-Caribbean dance workshop welcomes all ages and experience levels. The 45-minute session offers an active and engaging evening activity for families.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, 7:00 PM
💵 Cost: Free
5. NAC Free: Toddler Tuesdays
A free drop-in program created specifically for toddlers and caregivers at the National Arts Centre. It’s a simple way to add a family outing to your Tuesday morning schedule.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Tuesday, 10:00 AM (estimated)
💵 Cost: Free
6. Hidden Ottawa City Tour
Families with older children can discover unusual stories from Ottawa’s past, including tales of mutant squirrels, maple syrup heists, and hidden messages throughout downtown. The 90-minute walking tour offers a humorous perspective on the capital.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 46½ Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, From 7:00 PM
💵 Cost: From $27.99
7. Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
This guided tour explores hidden areas of one of Ottawa’s most recognizable landmarks, including passageways, historic meeting rooms, and stories from the hotel’s past.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, From 5:30 PM
💵 Cost: From $27.99
You’re halfway through the week’s activities, and the final options offer some of the most memorable experiences for families interested in history and immersive storytelling.
8. Ghosts of the Bytown Museum Tour
Older children interested in Ottawa history may enjoy this evening tour exploring stories connected to the Rideau Canal and one of Ottawa’s oldest buildings. Departure times should be confirmed directly with the organizer.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Downtown, 1 Canal Lane, Ottawa, ON
📣 When: Monday, Time to be confirmed
💵 Cost: From $27.99
9. Oniro: Magical Forest Walk
This immersive nighttime forest trail features 17 illuminated scenes combining projections, music, narration, and nature. The experience lasts approximately 60 minutes and begins at sunset.
Good to Know
⚽ Where: Parc Omega, 399 Route 323 North, Montebello, QC
📣 When: Friday–Saturday, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💵 Cost: From $29
Plan your Ottawa week right
Families looking for indoor kid activities Ottawa offers during unpredictable weather should prioritize Wild Colour and the free programming at the National Arts Centre.
For toddlers, the combination of Les lundis des tout-petits and Toddler Tuesdays provides two free opportunities to enjoy age-appropriate programming downtown.
If you’re searching for things to do in Ottawa with kids this weekend, Oniro at Parc Omega delivers an immersive evening experience that combines storytelling, nature, and technology.
Browse everything happening in Ottawa this season: Ottawa Events Calendar
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