Christmas Critters at the Zoo Crew

Kids and pets are a natural fit. That’s why we love the idea of a holiday day camp at The Zoo Crew. It’s the perfect place to give your little animal lover a chance to spend quality time with a variety of friendly critters—and have a thrilling, rare chance to try dogsledding, too.

Sign up for a single-day camp on December 23, or a two-day camp on December 30 and 31. Both will offer a fun and unique half-day of dogsledding. Little Lambs (aged 3 to 5 years) will meet the dogs and go for a ride; Big Bunnies (6-8) and Animal Care Campers (9-14) will work with the team, learn the basics of the sport, and, if they feel comfortable, get a chance to actually drive the sled.

Meanwhile, other camp activities include preparing pet treats and food, crafts that explore pet habitats, and of course, time with the zoo’s animal friends. Our favourites include their absolutely adorable baby hedgehogs, super snuggler Ben the bunny, and Rosie the guinea pig, who often dresses up for the occasion.

There are plenty of other ways to get hands-on with the sweet, funny animals at the Zoo Crew. Book a birthday party and they’ll bring 7 or 8 pets of your choosing for a visit in your home—or keep the mess offsite and celebrate in their own party room. Starting in January, you can bring your pet-coveting child for a drop-by on weekends at their Main Street Osgoode location. Just $10 per child gives them all the cuddling time they need, while you wisely leave the long-term work of pet care to someone else.

Good to know: The dogsledding camps and other winter break camps are available for registration through the Pawsitively Pets website.

Looking for more great ideas to do with the kids over the holidays? Try some of these 6 Fun Winter Activities in Ottawa.