Before this week, I had never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, although my parents are fans who never miss the show when it comes to Ottawa. I have always liked the idea and appreciated the beauty of the performances, but I have never sought out my own tickets. All I knew about Cirque was that it was a circus without animals, a mix of dance, performance art and circus-style tricks like juggling and trapeze work. And I knew that people who had seen it were crazy for it – I’ve never met anyone who shrugged indifferently about a Cirque show. So when a pair of complimentary tickets to the premiere of the latest touring show, TOTEM, showed up in my inbox recently, I was delighted to attend the show with Beloved as a late anniversary date night.
I think because the show was at Scotiaba–ern, Canadian Tire centre, or whatever they’re calling it today, I was imagining an arena-sized show in my head, but inside the tent, the atmosphere is incredibly intimate and cozy. (Tip, bring a sweater! It was warm and humid outside but I was huddled into Beloved for warmth though a lot of the show.) There is not a bad seat in the house. We were lucky though to be about eight rows from the stage, but the furthest seat can’t be more than 30 or so rows from the stage.
From the pre-show clowns playing with the audience to the final bows of the cast, I was entranced. It’s a delightful, uplifting, engaging show. I knew from hearing about the show that it was a showcase of dance and athleticism, and we expected (but were still amazed by) acts like these dancers on a trapeze.
(The photo above and all that follow are from the Cirque site – no photos allowed during performances.)
I don’t know if I have enough superlatives in my vocabulary to explain how amazed and delighted we were by each act. There were no slow spots, no bad acts, nothing that felt like filler. Every time you think that you’ve just seen the most amazing thing possible, they do something even more amazing. Beloved was most impressed by these artists who spun large square tapestries on their fingers and eventually their toes, too. And then they started juggling them. Wow!
For me, the most breathtaking act was a unicycle act. Riding a unicycle is impressive, right? Imagine a unicycle on a stilt so the seat is six or seven feet off the ground. And imagine it synchronized with six other riders. And imagine balancing on that unicycle while holding still. And then, for kicks, imagine balancing a bowl on the toe of one of your feet (while still on the unicycle on stilts, mind) and flinging it up so it lands perfectly balanced on your head. And now imagine all THAT syncronized across all the performers with silver bowls flying and landing on heads and unicycles circling and swirling — wow wow wow WOW!!!
I mean seriously, I can’t even catch a BALL when you throw it at me. How do you even come up with an idea like that, let alone actually execute it?
WOW!
Cirque du Soleil is an amazing experience. Now I know why people rave about it, and I will be sure to bring the boys to see it some day. This is a family-friendly show that I think kids of all ages would enjoy. It’s the kind of show that leaves you feeling warm and delighted, full of astonishment at what the human animal is capable of. I spent the whole evening with my mouth hanging open in astonishment, gasping and cheering and laughing, and only cringing during one incredible act on roller skates when I could barely watch for fear of the safety of the participants. Of course they had everything under control. Sometimes the mom in me is a little too close to the surface!
Anyway, if you get the chance, although it seems a little pricey for a family outing, I’d highly recommend this show. It’s playing here through August 4 and you can get more ticket information on the Cirque du Soleil Totem site.
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids around Ottawa sometime in the next few days, I highly recommend a wee adventure at Rideau Pines Farm for berry picking.
Although we’ve gone on excursions to pick apples, pumpkins and even Christmas trees, we have never yet managed to go strawberry picking, although I have been intending to do it with the boys for years. In fact, I have never been strawberry picking and so was not exactly sure what to expect. Since Friday was a rare clear and warm (albeit sticky and humid) day, I was afraid it would be terribly busy and I was also worried it might be swampy after all the rain we’ve had. I was wrong on both counts.
After a goodly wander to the furthest field in the farm, we had the place to ourselves.
One of the farm hands warned us that it was toward the end of the season and the berries weren’t as plentiful, but I can’t imagine how it must have been before because we had no trouble founding a bounty of berries to pick.
We may have snacked on a few, too. 🙂
We also inspected a few other familiar crops, like runner beans and squash and tomatoes and our new favourite, kale!
And on our way back we picked a few currants and raspberries, too!
In addition to our investment of $4 for two pints (give or take) of strawberries, we bought some new potatoes that went perfectly with a little garlic scapes for dinner. They have all sorts of other fruits, veggies and honey in season throughout the year.
I’m sure there are lots of great places to pick strawberries around Ottawa, but we were deeply charmed by Rideau Pines Farm, and we’ve found a new summer adventure to repeat every year. Their website suggests you call ahead before you visit to make sure there are still berries to be picked. The number is (613) 489-3601.
If you go: Rideau Pines Farm
5714 Fourth Line Rd
North Gower ON
K0A 2T0
We are old skool Thomas the Tank Engine fans. We have Thomas Lego, Thomas books, a Thomas ride-on trike, Thomas stuffies, Thomas t-shirts, and two really big bins of wooden tracks and engines. Tristan received his very first Thomas the Tank Engine wooden train for his first birthday a decade ago, and we’ve been hooked ever since. One of my favourite family adventures ever was taking then three-year-old Tristan on a road trip to see A Day Out with Thomas in 2005. He still talks about it!
It’s not quite the same as A Day Out with Thomas, but this weekend the Thomas & Friends Live Show is coming to Ottawa! If you’ve got wee fans in your house, you won’t want to miss this one. Thomas & Friends Live will be at the St Laurent Centre on Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23.
Take a ride to the island of Sodor when Thomas the Tank Engine rolls into town! Sit back and enjoy, or get up and dance to the wonderful songs and music of Thomas & Friends™! Catch Thomas & Friends™ live on stage at St. Laurent Centre – admission is free! There are two shows daily at 11am and 2pm.
If you’re not in Ottawa, here’s a complete list of the Thomas and Friends Live tour dates and times (click here for a bigger version):
Don’t forget, you can get a new personalized Thomas e-story every month on the Start Making Tracks website. Lucas still loves these – and they’re free! (And I spent a little too much time on this site watching Thomas’s eyes follow my cursor. Just a wee bit creepy, IMHO!)
Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
You know I love Ottawa family fun. You know I love free. What’s better than free family fun in Ottawa? This weekend, celebrate International Museum Day on Saturday May 18 with free admission to a few of Ottawa’s best museums.
Celebrate International Museums Day with free admission to the Canadian Museum of Nature this Saturday, May 18. Kick off the May long weekend by immersing yourself in the wonders of Canada’s natural history heritage. See how you measure up against a blue whale, the largest animal on the planet; marvel at the sparkling diversity of Canada’s minerals; get up close and personal with creatures as diverse as dinosaurs, polar bears and hissing cockroaches.
Be among the first to see the newly opened Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year exhibition. There’s plenty to inform, inspire and amaze adults and children alike in each of our galleries. (Regular admission is still required for the museum’s 3D cinema, now featuring Flying Monsters).
The International Council of Museums created International Museums Day in 1977. Now, over 30,000 museums worldwide from 100 countries officially recognize this important day in May.
It took a bit of digging, but I also figured out that the Bytown Museum offers free admission for International Museum day as well, and the National Gallery also offers free admission but as of today their website says they’re celebrating International Museum Day on Sunday May 19.
Wow, is it March Break already? It snuck up on me this year! Sadly, it looks like we won’t be wearing t-shirts outside for March Break 2013 like we were last year (although that was a bit unnerving, lovely as it was.) For me, the hardest part of entertaining the family for a whole long week out of school is scraping together the ideas and inspiration, so here’s a whackload of ideas to motivate you!
Monday: Tourist Day
When’s the last time you visited the Parliament Buildings or the National Gallery or browsed the shops on Sparks Street? I know, “browsing the shops” and “rowdy six year old” are not usually compatible, but there’s something about being outside and wandering the shops on Sparks Street or the Byward Market that makes my kids a little easier to wrangle. Maybe lunch in the Byward Market (have your kids enjoyed a Zak’s milkshake yet?) with the promise of a Beaver Tail or a stop at Sugar Mountain afterward? I find my kids will put up with just about anything if they think they’ll earn a bag of candy at the end of it. Or visit a corner of town you rarely see, like the Glebe or Westboro – might be a fun shopping day with an older child.
Tuesday: Expensive Day
Not that lunch downtown or boutique shopping isn’t expensive, but if you really want to blow a wad of cash on a day out, there’s plenty of fun ways to do it. My kids adore Funhaven, with its bumper cars and laser mazes and ticket-dispensing games of chance. The younger crowd will love Cosmic Adventures, and for the very youngest climbers, there’s A Gym Tale (which is really not too expensive at all.) Other great ways to spend time and money are the local movie theatre (check out Rainbow Cinemas for a less costly cinematic adventure) or indoor putt-putt or bowling, all on our list of favourites. For older kids, consider Midway Funpark, Laser Quest or maybe Coyote Rock Climbing Gym? And a visit to Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo never fails to delight my boys.
Wednesday: Stay at Home Day
I’m a big believer in the idea that kids (and adults!) need unstructured down time. Why not take a day and stay in your jammies all day long? Borrow a DVD from the library, or maybe a couple of video games, and spend the day playing together. You could even go old school and have a board game tournament. Our newest favourite games are Catan Junior and Yatzhee, and it’s a huge relief to find games that all five of us can play together. The roads are dry, maybe break out the bikes or play some driveway hockey? Or maybe you can have a crafty day, or baking day. Kids don’t need a lot, but they do love it when you’re spending time with them.
Thursday: Fresh Air Day
It’s perfect maple season weather this week – just above freezing during the day and just below freezing at night. I can’t imagine letting a March Break go by without at least one trip to a sugar shack. Our favourites are the Log Farm and Stanley’s, but there are lots more to choose from in every corner of the city. If you’re not a maple fan (gasp!) consider getting out of the house anyway. If you’re a long time blog reader, you know I think one of the best ways to spend a late-winter (early spring?) day in Ottawa is with a 30 cent bag of bird seed feeding the chickadees on the Jack Pine or Lime Kiln trails. At the time I’m writing, there is PLENTY of snow out there – why not check out one of the city’s many tobogganing hills! If the weather is poor, consider getting some exercise indoors at one of the city’s three wave pools – admission for a family is only $5.50 per person.
Friday: Learning Day
One of the things I love most about living in Ottawa is that there is no shortage of excellent family adventures that entertain both kids and parents for a reasonable cost, and have a great learning component so neatly hidden that the kids will never realize it’s not pure fun. There are the museums of Nature, Civilization (with its excellent Children’s Museum), Agriculture, War, Science and Technology, and Aviation. (Did I miss any? Wow, so many!) Also wonderful (and FREE!) is the RCMP Musical Ride Stables – if you haven’t been out there yet, consider adding this one to the top of your list!
Phew, that ought to keep you and the kids entertained for a week!
Okay, bloggy peeps, now you fill in the blanks. What are YOU up to this March Break?
Looking for some free family fun in Ottawa this Family Day? Come on down to Old Navy in the Rideau Centre!
This is a great complement to Winterlude fun if you want to warm up and dry off and let the kids have some creative fun. You’ll also get a sneak peek of the spring collection for the whole family.
Here’s what you can expect:
Moms receive mini consultation with expert stylist Sarah Bancroft of VitaminDaily.com
Kids show off their dance moves on the Twisted Twister Dance Floor
Or get crafty in the Super Cool Creation Lab and then strike a pose on our Flying Photo Floor
Crazy cookie and juice bar
I was the official photographer for this event last year, and I was delighted to be asked to come back and cover the 2013 Family Day event. Here’s what the fun looked like last year:
Here’s the details:
Old Navy Family Day Fun
Monday February 18, 2013 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Old Navy, 2nd floor of the Rideau Centre
Looking for other ways to enjoy Family Day in Ottawa? Here’s a few ideas. 😉
Be sure to say hello if you drop by. I’ll be the one with the camera stuck to her face!
Hoo boy, is it cold out there or WHAT? If I understood the forecaster correctly, this is the coldest stretch of weather in Simon’s entire lifetime, and he turns nine next week. Brrrr!
But this weekend, we’re warming up to a temperate minus 15C, so it will be perfect to come out and play during Manotick’s annual winter festival, Shiverfest!
Don’t like the cold? There’s indoor fun to be had as well, including a chili cookoff and a trivia contest (with a raffle prize of a porch portrait session with a certain Manotick photographer you might know!) Here’s the schedule of fun:
Friday Jan. 25th:
6:00-6:50 pm Rideau Skating Club Exhibition (Manotick Arena)
6:30 pm start Outdoor Bonfire (Centennial Park)
7:00-8:00 pm Family Skate Night (Manotick Arena)
8:00 – 9:00 pm Dr. Kaboom (Manotick Arena Hall, upstairs)
Saturday Jan. 26th:
7:30-11:00 am Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (Manotick Arena Hall)
9:30-11:15 am Children’s Fun Time, Ages 2-6 (Manotick Cooperative Nursery School at the Arena)
10:00 am-Noon Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides (Centennial Park)
All day: Tobogganing and Skating (Manotick Mountain/Outdoor Rink – Centennial Park)
1:00 – 2:00 pm Dino Reptiles (Manotick Arena Hall)
2:00 – 4:00 pm Chili Cook-Off (Manotick Legion)
6:00 – 9:00 pm Bands that “Raise the Roof” (Manotick Arena Hall)
9:00 – closing Open Mic” Night (Mill Tavern Restaurant)
Sunday Jan 27th
1:00 – 4:00 Pm Trivia Contest (Mill Tavern Restaurant): Grab a few friends, put together a team of 2 -6 people and have a memorable afternoon at The Mill. Contact trivia@manotickvca.org for tickets.
Sounds like fun, right? Here’s what Shiverfest 2011 looked like:
Think of it as the perfect opportunity to take your “Why I love Ottawa/Gatineau” photo contest photo. And HEY! There’s a Shiverfest photo contest, too!
We are firmly in the ‘cut down yer own’ Christmas tree camp now. I can’t believe we resisted for as long as we did! The problem this year was that December 1 seemed a wee bit early to get one, but December 8 seemed way too late. In the end, we carpe-d the diem and launched the festive season with a vengeance yesterday. First, we went to the Manotick Santa parade, always a favourite. Then, we grabbed our saw and headed out to Thomas Tree farm.
The first year we got a live tree, we went to Ian’s Evergreen Plantation, which is apparently now called “Ian’s Christmas Adventure Park”. It’s a great place! There’s a play structure, a petting zoo, bonfire and wagon rides. We loved the experience. Last year, we went to Hillcrest Tree Farm just south of Manotick. It was a very different and much more low-key experience. If you’re looking to simply get in, get your tree and get out without a lot of walking, I’d highly recommend Hillcrest, and we adored our tree last year.
We debated the ‘experience’ versus ‘convenience’ factor and instead decided to embrace the unknown by trying something new this year, so we headed out to Thomas Tree Farm just a touch south of North Gower. We’ve found a new favourite, and we’ll be heading back there next year!
We bypassed the wagon ride out to the field and decided to walk the path out to get our tree. How lovely is this, they way they line the paths with leaves?
We scouted around until we had the perfect tree. I liked this one that Mother Nature had already decorated. (Amy said on Instagram that this one was clearly the lot tramp, prolific little thing. Had I seen that comment earlier, I would have had to take this one home with us. Beloved likes the Charlie Brown Christmas trees, but I’m fond of the trampy ones!)
Eventually, we found one we could all love. Beloved set to work with the saw while Lucas made sure he was on track.
(My children look like they got dressed in the dark, I know. They do have hats and mitts that more or less match their jackets, but they loved the Ottawa 67s logo hats they got from the Riverside South Broadway Restaurant at the Manotick Santa parade. Definitely the funnest parade take-away!)
Tristan’s now big enough that he helped carry the tree back! (sob!) But not big enough to actually cut down the tree, despite his insistence otherwise.
The menfolk enjoyed the hot chocolate and cookies while I took more photos.
If you’re hunting and gathering your own Christmas tree this year, I highly recommend both Ian’s Tree Plantation and Thomas Tree Farm. I’d heard the drought this year was particuarly hard on the tree farmers, but all the trees we saw were healthy looking and it was hard to choose among many wonderful choices.
Guess what we’re doing today? I’m willing to bet there will be more photos to come!
Speaking of photos, I lost the thread of my photo-of-the-day project for a while with sporadic posting after we got back from our cruise. I’ve made a fun new project for myself, though: an Instagram-a-day with a Christmas theme every day from now until December 25. Want to play along? I’m Dani_Girl on Instagram, and I’m tagging them with the hashtag #santstagram.
Kanata Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 17, starting at 10:00 am. The parade will proceed onto Castlefrank Road, turning onto Abbeyhill Drive and on to Hazeldean Mall.
Ottawa Help Santa Toy Parade
Saturday, November 17 starting at 11 am. Note! The parade is back to a daytime schedule for 2012! The route looks the same as last year, though, starting at the National Archives on Wellington street, head east on Wellington Street and then turn right on Bank Street. It will continue south on Bank Street then turn left on Laurier Avenue, continue east on Laurier Avenue past City Hall and onto the Queen Elizabeth Driveway. New toys (no used toys, please) and cash donations will be collected by the Ottawa Firefighters.
Kemptville Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 17, starting at 1:00 pm. While logistics are still being ironed out, it is expected the parade will leave from Holy Cross Church, down Clothier St., turn right on Prescott St. and end at University of Guelph-Kemptville Campus.
Cornwall Santa Claus Parade
Saturday November 17, starting at 5:00 pm from St. Lawrence Intermediate School 1450, Second Street East. It will then proceed west to the Canadian Legion Branch 297 where the awards will be given immediately after the parade. Five bands, including the local Nativity Guards and cadets corps, will play in the parade.
Brockville Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 24, starting at 2:00 pm.The Brockville Rotary Santa Claus Parade will start at North Agusta Road and Pearl Street then travel West on Pearl Street E. to Park Street, South on Park Street and lastly, West on King Street to Gilmore Street. The parade will feature many floats, bands, horses, clowns, community groups, dignitaries and finally the star attraction, Santa himself. Volunteers will collect non-perishable goods, snowsuit donations and letters to Santa.
8th Annual Carleton Place Santa Parade
Saturday, November 24 starting at 5:00 pm. Thousands of spectators, over one hundred floats, and one jolly St. Nick will meet downtown Carleton Place for the largest Santa Claus parade in the Ottawa Valley, supporting the Lanark County Food Bank and Christmas Basket Fund. This year’s theme is ‘A Christmas Gift’ and will leave from Carambeck School to travel up the town’s main thoroughfare, Bridge Street.
Pembroke Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Saturday, November 24 starting at 5:30 pm. It’s a Caribbean Christmas in Pembroke this year! Bring your jingle bells to show your appreciation for this year’s floats.
Orleans Parade of Lights
Saturday, November 24 starting at 6:00 pm. Once again the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association will be hosting Santa’s Parade of Lights on St-Joseph Blvd. in Orleans. Toy and cash donations will be collected by firefighters along the route.
Arnprior Parade
Saturday, November 24 starting at 6:00 pm. After the Santa Claus Parade all participants and spectators are invited to the Legion. A special visitor may appear so that you may share your special Christmas wishes!
Stittsville Parade of Lights 2012
Saturday, November 24 starting at 6:30 pm. The SVA’s annual Parade of Lights is a community favourite, drawing thousands of spectators along the parade route. Each year, dozens of beautifully decorated community floats set the tone for Santa’s much anticipated arrival at the end of the parade. Before the parade begins, residents are invited to purchase ‘Reindeer Insurance’ as both protection from any damage that might be inflicted by Santa’s four-legged companions, and as a way of supporting future SVA social events. The parade is followed by a park lighting ceremony and hot chocolate.
Smiths Falls Santa Parade
Sunday, November 25 starting at 1:00 pm. The parade will start at the Youth Arena and proceed down Beckwith Street to Chambers Street, turning up Market Street to Main Street where many of the children involved will disperse to the Legion to have a light lunch and visit with Santa.
Russell Village Christmas Parade
Sunday, November 25, starting at 1 pm.
Clarence-Rockland 2012 – Christmas Parade of Lights
Sunday, November 25, starting at 4:30 pm. Parade runs on Laurier Street.
Gatineau Santa Claus Parade
Friday, November 30, starting at 7:00 pm. A tradition that goes back several years, this light-filled parade that departs from the Aylmer marina and attracts crowds from the entire region.
Richmond Village Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 1, starting at 11:00 am. Later that night at 6 pm, enjoy the annual “Lighting of the Park.â€
Osgoode Santa Parade
Saturday, December 1. Don’t miss “Christmas in the Village” while you’re there!
Manotick Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 1, starting at 1:00 pm.
Perth Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 1, starting at 5:00 pm. Different themes each year, with a multitude of twinkling lights and Christmas music make this a magical parade not to be missed. Always a special appearance by Mr. Claus himself! A very special way to welcome in the Christmas season in Perth!
Embrun Village Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 1 starting at 6:30 pm.
Gananoque Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 1 starting at 7:00 pm.
Hawkesbury Santa Claus Parade
Saturday December 1, starting at 7:00 pm. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of this beautiful tradition which will unravel on Hawkesbury’s Main Street.
Athens Parade of Lights
Saturday December 1, starting at 7:00 pm.
Casselman Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, December 2, starting at 5:00 pm. The parade is the finale of the annual Christmas Festival that runs from November 29 to December 2, 2012.
Vankleek Hill Christmas Parade of Light
Friday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Pakenham Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 8.
Carp Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 8, starting at 12:00 p.m. This year there will a bonfire with hotdogs and hot drinks at the end of the parade route and Santa will greet the children in the Mess Hall!
Metcalfe Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, December 9, starting at 1:30 pm. (This one was hard to confirm – check locally for details!)
Almonte Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, December 9, starting at 5:00 pm. (This one was also hard to confirm – check locally for details!)
Note: I had to drop a few towns this year as I couldn’t find any information about Metcalfe, Gananoque, or Cornwall. If you have any info about these parades, please let me know and I’ll update the listings!
And don’t fret if you can’t make it to the parade – how about one of these other fun family events with a holiday theme in our region?
Christmas Lights Across Canada: December 6, 2012 to January 7, 2013
Each year, the National Capital Commission coordinates the Christmas Lights Across Canada program. The Christmas Lights program was launched in 1985 to brighten the Ottawa winter, and at first the lights were only on Parliament Hill, but over the years the program expanded. Now, Ottawa and Gatineau glow each winter with more tha 300,000 Christmas lights at over 60 sites along Confederation Boulevard. The program also includes all 13 provincial and territorial capitals, making it Christmas Lights Across Canada. Here’s my shivery, embarrassingly amateur video of the 2006 lighting ceremony (you can see why I’m a photographer and not a videographer!!)
Upper Canada Village: Alight at Night
Over a quarter million lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival… a true winter wonderland! Times and dates vary, so check the link for details, but the lights are up from November 30 through January 5, 2013. (Closed December 24 & 25)
Manotick’s Olde Fashioned Christmas
Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2. The Village is transformed into a Village of Yesteryear. There will be a Victorian Tea and Penny Sale, horse-drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa, face painting, strolling carollers and more. I’m looking forward to the Sunset Carolling at Watson’s Mill!
2012 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train hits the rails again in November, visiting over 150 communities. Since the program’s inception back in 1999, more than $6.4 million and over 2.6 million pounds of food has been collected in Canada and the United States. The goal of the Holiday Train is to collect food and money for local food banks and to raise awareness in the fight against hunger. At each event, the Holiday Train provides a box car stage, a line up of great musical talents and a corporate contribution to the local food bank. The community, in turn, is encouraged to donate food and funds, all of which stays in the community. Local stops include Merrickville and Smiths Falls on November 29 and then Trenton, Belleville and Brighton on November 30. Check this link for more details on the schedule.
Alexandria Festival of Lights
November 24 to January 5, 2013. This is a community event that not only brings forth colorful trees but unique and individual displays from businesses, schools, and local organizations. There is no entrance fee into the festival for either the exhibitors or the public. Events include wagon rides, pictures with Santa and a scavenger hunt, plus fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
If I’ve missed anything, or if you’d like to share information about your family-friendly Ottawa Christmas or Holiday event, please feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at danicanada (at) gmail (dot) com and I’d be happy to add them to this post!
Oy, the years are starting to blur together! Back in 2009 I wrote a post with five ideas for fun family activities in Ottawa on Thanksgiving weekend, and it’s been surprisingly popular the last week or so. Lots of people are looking for ideas for something to do with children during the long holiday weekend, so here’s five more ideas!
1. Visit the Canada Agriculture Museum
The Canada Agriculture Museum, fondly known as the Experimental Farm, is a terrific place for a family visit no matter what the season. For the Thanksgiving weekend, they’re putting on an exhibit called Harvesting Energy, including windmills and conservation. There’s also cider tasting! The farm is one of my go-to family activities in Ottawa.
2. The Manotick Harvest Festival
On Saturday October 6, enjoy the fall colours as you make the trip out to Manotick. At the Harvest Festival, you’ll enjoy fun family activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin art for kids, face painting and free music and street entertainment. There will also be a harvest marketplace featuring homemade goods and handcrafted items. Don’t forget to visit Watson’s Mill and the Manotick Farmer’s Market while you’re out here. That’s a lot of fun to cram in to a single Saturday — will I see you there?
3. Go apple picking!
It seems a little late in the season, but just last Saturday we were at the Log Cabin Orchard in Osgoode and here’s how it looked:
We left plenty on the trees for you – and yum yum, are they ever delicious! They also have tractor-pulled wagon rides, apply baked goods and extra activities for the kids. It’s a lovely little orchard and I’m glad we “discovered” it this year! (More photos here!)
4. Take a walk on the boardwalk
I know of at least three conservation areas in Ottawa that have lovely wooden boardwalks through beautiful boggy swamps that will be crazy with fall colours this weekend – and you might even see a critter or two getting ready for winter. We’re fond of Stony Swamp just off Moodie Drive in the west end and have newly discovered the Mer Bleue Bog in the east end. One of the region’s best-kept secrets is the Chapman Mills conservation area just off Prince of Wales Drive near Barrhaven, that winds along the Rideau River. Gorgeous in any season, but spectacular right now!
5. Funhaven
Okay, so the first four are what my kids would call mom activities. They’re wholesome, inexpensive, energy-expending, fresh-air experiences with lots of accidental learning opportunities. And, ahem, maybe a photo op or two. But if you’ve had your fill of fresh air and you want to drop some cash while delighting your children, I’d heartily endorse Funhaven. We spent a day there at the end of the summer and all three boys had a blast. The bumper cars were easy enough for even four-year-old Lucas to drive by himself, but fun enough for all three boys to enjoy. I personally enjoyed a bit of fun on the Deal or No Deal game. And the do-it-yourself frozen yogurt bar was a hit with all of us. Not an inexpensive day out, but one the boys are still talking about two months later.
If these ideas don’t engage your imagination, I’ve got a whole category of posts dedicated to ideas for family fun in and around Ottawa. What mischief will you be up to this holiday weekend?
