Best Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in Ottawa
April may bring rainy showers at times but that doesn’t mean it should dampen your family fun plans! There are many fun and engaging rainy day activities to do in Ottawa with the kids! Whether you wish to explore and brave the outdoors with an umbrella (you can beat the crowds!) or want to explore indoors there is plenty to do for all ages. From museums to downtown explorations or special day outings just a short drive away there is lots to do in Ottawa with kids.
Ideas for Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Ottawa
Musuems Galore
Ottawa has a wide range of museums for you to explore and will capture the interests of many. Spend the day exploring at the Agricultural Museum and enjoy all the new baby animals that are born in the spring or head over the bridge to the Museum of History which also houses a creative and hands on Children’s Museum. The Science & Technology museum has an engaging kids area, trains, crazy kitchens and lots of space to move. Have an airplane fan? The Aviation Museum invites you to get into the planes and pretend you are driving and explore various aircrafts up close.
Parc Omega
Take a short drive to Montebello, Quebec, just an hour away from Ottawa, and immerse yourselves in the wonders of Parc Omega—a perfect addition to rainy day activities to do in Ottawa with kids. The rain often means fewer crowds, granting you the luxury of multiple drives through the park in a single day. Don’t forget your raincoat; it’ll allow you to step out of the vehicle and marvel at the wolves up close, creating unforgettable moments for the whole family.
Indoor Play Places
On rainy days in Ottawa, there’s no need for the kids to stay cooped up indoors. Embrace the fun-filled play places the city has to offer, such as Cosmic Adventures, Bubblesea Adventures, FunHaven or Kids Kingdom. These vibrant spots provide endless entertainment, from climbing walls to arcade games, ensuring a day filled with laughter and excitement. Let the kids unleash their energy and creativity while making unforgettable memories indoors on those dreary days.
Play Tourist Downtown Ottawa
Grab an umbrella or enjoy the many underground parking options and head downtown Ottawa. The NAC has free “Toddler Tuesdays” which is a fun filled musical event that will get your little ones up and moving. Then head over to the Rideau Centre and visit the new Indigo and pick up some of Sue Ann Hall’s favourite picks for your family reading library. Then head over to the Cupcake Lounge or Mavericks Donuts for a yummy treat before heading over to La Bottega Nicastro to pick out ingrediants for a home cooked meal to prep together (or grab one of their ready to cook items!).
Splash & Read
Some of the wonderful community centres in Ottawa have both a library and a pool in the same building! Why not head to St. Laurent Complex, Ray Friel or Walter Baker Centre for a fun family swim followed by a visit to the library. The Ottawa Public Library also hosts childrens events throughout the year so make sure you check out the calendar before to see if there are any happening! Splash ad read as a great rainy day activity to do in Ottawa with kids.
Ottawa offers a plethora of exciting options for rainy day activities with kids, ensuring endless fun regardless of the weather. From indoor play places like Cosmic Adventures and Kids Kingdom to adventurous outings at Parc Omega in Montebello, there’s something for every family to enjoy rain or shine. So don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits—embrace the opportunity for quality family time and exploration in the capital city.
