Summer Fun
Posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2014
Ottawa is well known for its vibrant festival culture – and summer is when it’s at its best! Make the most out of your time off by enjoying the city’s culture, arts, sports, and most importantly, food. Many of these have extra perks or special events for children and families, so keep on the lookout for those!
Festivals
Ottawa Chamberfest – July 24 – August 7
Held by the Ottawa Chamber Music Society (OCMS), Chamberfest is an exhaustive series of classical, pop and jazz composers hosted in various churches and cultural sites of downtown Ottawa. The (free!) Bring The Children series are a fun way to explore your kids’ creativity.
Ottawa International Buskerfest – August 1-4 @ Sparks Street Village
Buskerfest showcases a wide variety of world-renowned street performers, fire-breathers, knife jugglers, magicians, and escape artists, hosted in the bustling Sparks Street. These are the kind of shows you don’t see too often!
Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light – August 2, 6, 9, 13, 16 @ Museum of History
The Sound of Light is a series of “pyromusicals” – combining music with beautiful fireworks shooting from behind the Museum of History over the Ottawa River. Free for kids under 11!
Arboretum Festival – August 18-23
Ottawa is not boring. Arboretum Festival celebrates new and progressive music, food, art and culture, hosted in venues that are some of Ottawa’s best kept secrets.
Ottawa Folk Festival – September 10-14 @ Hog’s Back park
Folk Fest is one of Ottawa’s best festivals, complete with a stellar musical lineup (with many free shows!), food trucks, craft beers, and countless artisan vendors. While you’re there, take a break from the shows to check out Hog’s Back Falls!
Museums
Children’s Museum @ Canadian Museum of History
The Children’s Museum “lets them travel the world” by allowing them to explore various cultures through toys, games, exhibitions and hands-on stuff. There are also a bunch of programs that the entire family can enjoy!
Artissimo @ National Art Gallery
The Artissimo Gallery showcases children’s art made at the National Art Gallery. There are so many workshops available to kids to have them explore their creativity and learn about art and art history. The Gallery also provides self-guided family tours that incorporate fun activities while exploring famous pieces of artwork!
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Science is cool. The Science and Technology Museum has a huge assortment of summer camps and exhibitions to explore topics from robotics to space to biology. You can even have a birthday party there!
Outdoor
Ottawa Trails
Ottawa is host to over a dozen beautiful hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties. Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts, pack a lunch and hit the trail!
Beaches – Swimming, Stand-Up Paddling, Yoga
Ottawa is surrounded by beautiful lakes, so spend a day at the beach; pack a picnic, play in the sand, or go for a swim! There are also a variety of new programs to try, such as Stand-Up Paddling and yoga sessions.
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