The Ottawa Children’s Festival

School children and families in Ottawa will soon be descending on LeBreton Flats Park for the one-of-a-kind Ottawa Children’s Festival, on from May 10-15. The line up of live performers, special shows, and hands-on activities for children of all ages is the perfect way to introduce our kids to live performing arts.

We think the Dot Maze will surprise everyone who enters it, and the live musical performances from Will Stroet (from CBC Television) and Mr. Eric (author of four Pete the Cat books) are going to have the kids singing out loud and dancing in their seats. The Ottawa School of Art will be helping kids to paint a community art piece—watch your kids get drawn like moths to the painting area where they’ll have a chance to flex their creative muscles and get a little messy.

If your child is into music, they’ll love the very popular Long and McQuade Musical Petting Zoo which is once again back this year. The musical tent is always a hit with children who get to try out unfamiliar instruments first hand. Also, keep an eye out for the Mad Hatter Tea Party characters as they wander through the festival. Have tea with Alice, say hello to one of the puppets, and look up for the Mad Hatter on stilts.

Other activities that are not to be missed (but only at the festival for a limited engagement) include the Diefenbunker Spy Area, open on May 11 and 12. Kids will learn what it takes to be a spy, try on costumes, and check out neat spy gadgets. Also the YMCA will have a special area for kids to get active open from May 13-15. They can participate in a relay race, colourful parachute games and other YMCA staff-led activities that will get your family moving.

Tickets for the shows can be purchased online. The festival takes place in tents and outdoors, so plan for whatever the weather may bring. This unique event for children and the young at heart is well loved in Ottawa and we think your family will have a creatively fun time.