Get a Roof

It’s summer, so the living is easy and the days are beautiful…most of the time.

Then there are the long days when it rains, or the heat is simply unbearable, and you need a kid-friendly escape. Here are some of our top picks for indoor summer activities the whole family can enjoy.

If free is your thing, and your kids love story time (who doesn’t?), take advantage of the TD Summer Reading Program at the Ottawa Public Library. There are programs for all ages on different days of the week, including safari- and jungle-themed reading and storytelling, Lego events, break-dancing and ‘jungle jiving’.

It’s no secret that Chapters stores make fabulous stomping grounds for kids who like to run amok in aisles lined with books—and sustenance is always conveniently available at the attached Starbucks, where you can get a kids’ hot chocolate for about a dollar. If independent is more your style, check out Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books’ new digs, where kids are always welcome to kick back and explore the offerings. Even better, all purchases are 15% off until August 31.

Got girls? Take them to The Sassy Bead Co. to make some jewellery. There are beads for all budgets and levels of sophistication. The Glebe location has an alluring sink full of inexpensive plastic beads that kids can create with.

On August 10 and 17 at the Children’s Museum at the Museum of Civilization, you can check out a family-friendly workshop on Indian dance traditions—kids can help prepare for a wedding and try on a henna design of their choice. On August 11 and 18, kids will discover the Japanese art of dyeing cloth by making their own handkerchiefs. Prolong your visit by adding an IMAX film to the agenda.

Tired parents won’t want to miss Pop Kids at the National Gallery of Canada. Every day, the staff supervise children aged 6–12 for two hours while parents explore the Pop Life exhibition. While you get reacquainted with Andy Warhol, your children will explore art through in-gallery activities. The gallery also runs a daily hands-on kids’ program called Artissimo for ages three and up (free with admission).

Heading indoors during the summer? It sounds counter-intuitive in writing, but we bet some of these ideas will come in handy during the next rainy—or extremely steamy—day!

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