The 11 Best Places to Take the Kids in Ottawa

Once the novelty of hanging around in your pyjamas has worn off, you'll be needing some fun things to do with the kids this holiday season. We've rounded up all of our favourite picks and places to take the kiddos that we've featured over the years. Just for you.

Monopolatte is a funky, fun new cafe that gives you access to a library of thousands of board games—from the classic Candyland to half a dozen varieties of Monopoly. And don't forget to fuel up with their economical and family-friendly menu. Choose from healthy snacks to savoury dinners, in addition to the traditional cafe beverages. Mom and dad can even enjoy a glass of wine to ease the pain during that inevitable trip to Monopoly jail.

We can't get enough of Rink of Dreams, the gorgeous outdoor skating rink at City Hall. Smooth ice, lovely location, and best of all, nearby BeaverTails make it the perfect nostalgic holiday outing. The heated changing facility is open between 8 am and 11 pm, allowing for a fun (and less crowded) morning skate, or a beautifully lit evening skate. Don't forget your helmets!

Each year the Kanata Theatre puts on a dazzling, adventurous, family-friendly musical at the end of December. Tickets are just $10 per person and there are several matinees.

West-enders love Brook Street Spa in Kanata. With five different pedicure options, including a peppermint pedicure and one that focuses almost entirely on your tired legs, what's not to love? We like the pedicure chairs with built-in massagers that you control yourself, and the fully licensed spa menu—so perhaps a little vino and blow-torched salmon sashimi salad with your cuticle treatment?

Introduce your kids to this great winter pastime with easy rentals and trails in Gatineau Park. Start at the visitor centre, which offers washrooms, a snack area and a warm place to suit up; then try an easy family-friendly trail. Up for more adventure? There are plenty of more advanced trails to give you a good workout, and if your family is really brave, year-round cabin and yurt rentals let you embrace winter camping.

Christmas Lights Across Canada is the official name for the more than 300,000 lights installed each year by the National Capital Commission on and near Parliament Hill. Walk right up the steps of the Parliament buildings to touch and see the lights close-up. But first, drive up Elgin Street, then west on Wellington, to get the full effect from afar. (It's more magical if you wait until the snow falls.) Lights are up from December 2 to January 7.

In Ottawa, we're spoiled for choice: there are at least four places (three of them ski hills) offering this fabulous winter activity that provides just the right level of adrenalin for kids. Choose your level of excitement, with runs ranging from mildly sloping hills to steeper, curvier runs that will have your inner tube spinning so you finish the ride backwards.

Funhaven offers laser tag, mini-lane bowling, rock climbing, bumper cars, a video arcade and a jungle gym complete with a jungle temple theme that includes a three-level spiral slide, ball launcher and cave crawl. Food options include pizza and a self-serve yogurt bar. Birthday parties are also available.

Always a huge hit with kids of all ages, the Children's Museum is a uniquely engaging adventure. Be sure to stamp your passport as you travel ‘around the world' from one culture to the next in a fully interactive display. And don't forget to check out their holiday-themed exhibits.

Stay warm and spend some quality family time around the kitchen table this holiday break. We have some great game suggestions for all ages.

When all else fails over the holiday break, take the kids to your local Ottawa Public Library branch. You can't go wrong with their family fun workshops and activities, and they will be busy for hours getting lost in their favourite children's books the library has to offer.