Free Family Activities to Try Out in Ottawa This Fall

The fall is always a busy time of year for families as school starts back up, new extracurricular activities begin and there are holidays happening. In Ottawa, the weekends and evenings are jam-packed with events and special activities for you and the kids to enjoy, and not all of them cost extra money. We’ve rounded up a few upcoming events and activities happening this fall in the Ottawa area that are free! Mark your calendars and get ready to make many memories.

Stargazing

On October 5th, look to the skies with a family stargazing night at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Starting at 7 pm, celebrate International Astronomy Day in the parking lot of the museum at this free event. Telescopes will be set up, or you can bring your own. The event might have to be cancelled if the weather doesn’t cooperate but if the skies are clear, it will be a go!

Tree Fest

Tree Fest Ottawa inspires people in Ottawa to learn more about trees, the importance of planting more, preserving them, and urban forests. Their upcoming events, on September 29th and October 6th, are the perfect way to encourage the kids to get involved with nature. Kids can go on a nature scavenger hunt, listen to storytime, and on October 6, your family can make a bee box. Tree Fest events are being held at Lansdowne Park, Civic Garden.

The Butterfly Show

The popular Annual Biology Butterfly Show at Carleton University returns to delight families from October 5th until October 13th with over 1300 butterflies being released into their greenhouses. This unique event will be extremely popular with many families, but it also means the wait time can be quite long (2-3 hours at times), so please plan accordingly. However, we know the show is always worth it! The event is free, or families can make a donation in support of the show. It’s open daily from 9 am until 3 pm.

Kreative Kids Kraft and Slime Sale

Visit young entrepreneurs at the Kreative Kids Kraft and Slime Sale. Admission to the event is free, but the kids may want to bring some spending money to support fellow kids who are selling their crafts, goods and slime! The event takes place on October 12, from 11 am until 3 pm at Hunt Club Riverside Community Centre.

Wickedly Westboro

This one-day event in Westboro welcomes families to shop, explore the neighbourhood and participate in family-friendly activities like trick or treating, street buskers, a bouncy castle and more. Save the date for Wickedly Westboro on October 26, between 1 pm and 5 pm.

Fall Rhapsody

Going for a drive to enjoy the fall colours or going for a hike on one of the many gorgeous trails in the area is the perfect way to celebrate fall as a family. During Fall Rhapsody, explore one of the many areas in the Ottawa-Gatineau region that come alive with colour at this time of year.

Baby and Me Yoga

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, at 10 am, head to Bayshore Shopping Centre for Baby and Me Yoga. This free activity is on the third level of the mall, near Thyme Maternity and runs until December 22.

Playtime at the Library

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can play, craft and create at the Main Street Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Mondays at 10:15 until December 16th during their drop-in activity Playtime at the Library. Visit the Ottawa Public Library website for additional free events taking place during the fall at various branches across the city.