Family Day Long Weekend Events in Ottawa

For many kids in the Ottawa area, the Family Day long weekend (Monday, February 20 this year) is actually an extra long weekend thanks to a PD Day on Friday, February 17. That sound you hear? Kids in the capital cheering. How will Ottawa parents keep the kids active and happy that weekend while emphasizing Family Day fun? We've got you covered with these fantastic family focused ideas.

The Family Day long weekend will mark the last chance for Ottawa families to check out Winterlude. The annual event features a lot of free outdoor fun including Snowflake Kingdom, skating on the Rideau Canal, and special events stationed across the city. Check out the University of Ottawa GeeGees at Marion Dewar Hall for some family activities. Find more info on Winterlude here.

There are three performances (two in English, one in French) for the Bangers and Mash percussion duo as they perform their show We've Got The Beat on February 19. We love that the early times available means that even families with younger children can easily enjoy the performance. Tickets start at just $13—making this the perfect way to introduce your kids to the National Arts Centre. Find out more about ‘We've Got the Beat' here.

If live music is something your family loves, introduce them to a singer that you probably listened to as a teenager over and over again. Lisa Loeb is in Ottawa for a family sing along at Centrepointe Theatres on February 18. With familiar tunes and toe-tapping renditions, this all-ages show is sure to delight little ones and bring out your sense of nostalgia. Large rimmed glasses and 90's plaid shirts are optional. Find out more about Lisa's sing along show here.

The Canadian Museum of History IMAX movies are often a hit, especially with older kids. Check out the show ‘SNOW in 3D'. Sophie and Luke are leaders on opposite teams during a snow fort battle. What happens when they change that around so they can work together? Find out! After the show, pop into the Children's Museum to burn off some more energy. The show is at 10 am in English on Saturday and 10 am in French on Sunday. Find out more about ‘SNOW in 3D' here.

For the first time in North America, Ice Dragon Boats will racing. It's easy to see why Ottawa is buzzing in anticipation to check out the Ice Dragon Boat Festival on February 17 and 18. Demonstrations and practices take place on Saturday, and the race time is at 11:15 am on Sunday. Spectators are sure to be in for an exciting race. Find out more about the Ice Dragon Boat Race here.

The Harbour Harvest Ice Fishing Derby sounds like an incredibly fun family fundraiser. Adults and kids can purchase a fishing hole (kids are at a discounted price) and tickets for the brunch menu are also available. Don't worry if you aren't sure about digging a hole or handling any fish you might catch, organizers will be around to help. This is a fundraiser for the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization and is taking place on February 19 at the Nepean Sailing Club. Find out more about the Harbour Harvest Ice Fishing Derby here.

Across the city, the Ottawa Public Library will be hosting events on the PD Day and on the holiday Monday. A variety of workshops, classes and drop-in play times are available. Younger kids may love being able to colour and craft at your local branch while older kids will have their minds racing as they create with LEGO. Each participating branch has something different to offer and it's best to check with your local library to confirm availability, times and if registration is required. Even if the events are full, taking the kids to browse the library shelves is always a welcome way to pass the time. Find out more about the library's long weekend events here.

The Agriculture and Food Museum is open on the holiday Monday and has prepared some exciting outdoor activities that kids will love. Outside, kids can build a snowman, paint the snow with coloured water or build an ice tower with coloured ice blocks. Bundle up before heading out, but be sure to stop in the barns to visit the animals on the farm and take time to make a craft while you warm up. Find out more about The Agriculture and Food Museum's Family Day events here.