Comments on: 40 (mostly) free family fun ideas

By: Seven days of free family fun in Ottawa! — Postcards from the Mothership

Seven days of free family fun in Ottawa! — Postcards from the Mothership — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:17:32 +0000

[...] It’s been about three years since I wrote what was to become one of my most popular posts: 40 (mostly) free family fun ideas, the post that caught CBC’s eye. I’ve updated it a few times, but I thought it would [...]

By: I declare June “Ottawa Tourism” Month | A Little Bit of Momsense

I declare June “Ottawa Tourism” Month | A Little Bit of Momsense — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:56:52 +0000

[...] amazing things to do in Ottawa, and for (almost)FREE (I loves me some frugalness) check out this great post by Dani at Postcards from the Mothership. Thanks [...]

By: MommyBlogger2

MommyBlogger2 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:32:01 +0000

I organize an online mommy group (Ottawa Parents & Children Unite) that has free playdate in the Ottawa area every day. I just wanted to say thank you, on behalf of all of our members – we love doing all these types of things. And love to do new things with our kids right here in Ottawa!

By: Norman Reid

Norman Reid — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:06:25 +0000

This site is very helpfull, thanks for the great ideas!11

By: Kayla

Kayla — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:58:33 +0000

Hey this is grate! My Boyfriend has a 6 year old lil girl who is ADHD, I also have a 17 month old lil girl and I was wondering what we could do with both girls that thye bothe would not get bored. This is going to help us out alot.
Thank you sooo much

By: Gwen L.

Gwen L. — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:07:41 +0000

RT @bitofmomsense: Really great list of 40 things to do in Ottawa that are free or almost http://bit.ly/5C7Bx

By: Postcards from the Mothership » Five ideas for March Break fun

Postcards from the Mothership » Five ideas for March Break fun — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:46:35 +0000

[...] (If you’re in Ottawa, you might also want to check out my post from last summer, 40 fun family freebies.) [...]

By: Marianne

Marianne — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:22:43 +0000

I am writing up my class newsletter tonight and was searching the internet for something to include in the tips about free or inexpensive community activities I always include for parents when low and behold Google brought me to you! (It figures — on the one night I refused to allow myself to be distracted from work by reading my blogroll …. it could have saved me time if I’d done that first!)

Thanks for these ideas. I included the Nepean Museum this month, but I saw quite a few other great ideas that I’ll be sure to mention in future newsletters.

By: JSHAW

JSHAW — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:18:11 +0000

I’ve been living in ottawa for over 4 years as a student and just finished. I’ve always wanted to explore ottawa to see what the city’s full potential was but never really knew where to start, or what was worth wild doing. This list is wonderful I am defiantly inspired to do each and every one of these activities.

Great post, Great content!

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:11:29 +0000

Travelling from the GTA for Canada Day long weekend and this is exactly what I needed to pack in as much family fun as possible. Thanks for all the research you have put into compiling this list. It is of valuble use to my family for our visit!

By: meanie

meanie — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:49:21 +0000

this is so great! especially with time off work and summer somewhere around the corner.
there’s also a free portrait exhibit on at the library and archives canada where kids can learn all about portraiture and do their own and have it hung up on the wall (for free!)

By: Shan

Shan — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:39:00 +0000

I just stumbled on your blog off the BlogHer feed and just had to tell you how thrilled I am with your list! I’m moving to Ottawa July 1st and have been looking for ideas of how to keep my 3 year old occupied this summer. Thank you!

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sat, 24 May 2008 10:19:34 +0000

Our heads are in the same place. I’ve updated my “Ottawa Events with Kids” page (http://blog.reidelizabeth.ca/ottawa-events-with-kids/) and will add other events as I receive the info. The events aren’t all free but I think most of the museum-based ones are reasonable. We have memberships to the Farm/Tech/Aviation museums and Civilization/War museums and so repeat visits make me feel like I’m saving money since I’ve invested in the annual membership fee already.

WRT freeebies, I would add: checking out the Ontario Early Years Centres calendars, whether for drop ins, events, or toy libraries and story time at the library. Some are intended for big and little kids at the same time.

By: Reluctant Housewife

Reluctant Housewife — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:05:50 +0000

Thanks! We just moved into town and we’ll be looking for adventures this summer.

By: J.

J. — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:12:57 +0000

I added a couple more ideas on my blog. This is a fantastic post. Wrote down a couple of things that I would like to try this summer.

By: Jenn

Jenn — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:58:38 +0000

I picnic down by the locks (either hogs back or by Chateau Laurier) was always a favourite for my son when we were in Ottawa.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:11:12 +0000

DANI! Thanks for doing all the leg work for me! This is awesome. Now I know what to do with Nathan all this summer. Hey Maybe we can all meet upsomewhere. I have not been the Mackenzine King Estate since Miranda was young! I beat we could get some great pictures there. I drive by it all the time (ok used to When i was taking T home From parties in AY…as the kids call it!)
I’m book marking this post for easy acess!

By: annika

annika — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:27:09 +0000

In Manotick, I recommend Watson’s Mill and adjoining park. Please note, however, that there is a walking bridge with steep steps (you would need an extra pair of adult hands to lower a stroller).

Also just off the main drag in Manotick is the Village Perk, where you can get an affordable java fix or generously-scooped ice cream cones for the whole family.

Dow’s Lake is good for all ages…bring a soccer ball for older kids to kick around, a picnic lunch for the entire family, let toddlers run free, etc.

I know it goes without saying to this crowd, but I cannot believe the amount of quality family time (entirely cost-free, with the exception of transportation) we have had with our toddler at the local children’s library.

You can set up a scavenger hunt in your own backyard or local park.

Backyard/front-porch picnics are easy-peasy but can make the ordinary seem exotic. You can take it a step further and camp out in the backyard if you have a tent. =)

Thanks for the inspiration, Dani! I have printed off your list.

By: alison

alison — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:08:14 +0000

Saturday mornings (8 to 12) – Carp Farmers’ Market. Mmmmmm. Good food vendors, local produce, baked goods, bedding plants, music and last Sat of each month there’s a free craft/activity for the kids. And the other side of the fairgrounds is a playground and splash pad. I’m kind of bummed that I’ll be missing out until school’s out due to the girls’ soccer games at 9 and 11 on Saturdays.

By: Mar

Mar — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:09:03 +0000

Hi! Thanks for all the great ideas! I can’t wait to check them out! I am also going to like to your entry on my blog, I hope that’s ok!

I would add the museum of Aviation is also a good place to park and watch the “sleeping planes” there is a road on the East side of the museum that leads to nowhere and you can get up close and personal with the private planes (through the chain link fence!)

Thanks everyone for sharing!