Things To Do With the Family This Month in Ottawa
September always feels like a fresh start for many. We wave goodbye to the longer days and carefree plans that the summer can bring, and we say hello to the often-welcomed routines and new schedules found in September.
However, this transition month doesn’t mean we can’t find plenty of activities to do with our babies, toddlers and school-aged children. Ottawa continues to serve up special events and activities for kids of all ages. We’ve rounded up our list of ways to spend your September days.
Spend the night at the Canadian Museum of Nature
Yes, you and the kids can sleep with the dinosaurs at the Canadian Museum of Nature. This special experience only happens on select nights and the next one is taking place on September 27. After camping out in one of the wings of the museum, you’ll enjoy breakfast and admission to the museum to spend time browsing before heading home.
Enjoy great eats at the Orleans Rib Fest
Go for the food but stay for the entertainment. Orleans Rib Fest is returning this September (September 13-15) to delight BBQ lovers with delicious flavours and special treats. There will also be a kids zone to keep the youngest guests happy and busy.
Check out the Forest Valley Food Truck Rally
Mark your calendars for September 7 and participate in the Forest Valley Food Truck Rally. With over a dozen food trucks participating, you’ll be able to enjoy donuts, BBQ, coffee and more, which means there will be something to eat for everyone (even the pickiest of eaters!) 10% of all proceeds go to the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard and there are so many family-friendly activities happening while you decide what to eat.
Watch a Wiener Dog Parade
If you have a wiener dog, you can register them to participate in the Wiener Dog Parade. If you don’t, visit the parade route on September 29 at 12 pm in the Byward Market to enjoy this very unique Ottawa parade that we imagine the kids will love. This event is in conjunction with the Ottawa Sausage Festival.
Join the Wiggle Waggle Walkathon
You and the kids (and even your furry dog friend) can register for the special walk/run to help raise money for the Ottawa Humane Society. The Wiggle Waggle Walkathon is being held at Lansdowne on September 8 and families are encouraged to register together to participate for this great cause. There are different distances you can sign up for. Find out more information about registration (or to spectate) on their website.
Fall in love with horses
Horse lovers will love learning more about horses at the Fall Horse Festival at Wesley Clover Park (in Ottawa’s West End) on September 21 (1 pm – 4 pm). Celebrate the role horses play in our lives and watch some impressive demonstrations (including those from the RCMP Musical Ride) at the event. Admission is $5 in advance online, or $10 at the door (children 12 and under are free!) You’ll also be able to grab a treat at one of the food vendor stations.
Make plans with your toddler
If you have a school-aged child who went back to school leaving your toddler or preschooler at home, you may be searching for some special outings for them to do this month to take their mind off of their older siblings return to school (and your mind too!) This time together can be special without costing a fortune. You can take them to a drop in at the gymnastics centre, visit the newest coffee house that encourages toddlers to play, or head outside for a nature walk. Read some of our toddler-time suggestions in this article.
