Children’s activities can be not only fun but also beneficial. Ottawa One explores the most engaging activities and clubs in the city. The selected options cater to different budgets, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Benefits of Extracurricular Activities: Why School Alone Isn’t Enough?
There are many clubs and activities that help children develop physically, creatively, and intellectually. These contribute to self-esteem, confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Some of the most popular extracurricular activities in Ottawa include:
- Sports: Swimming lessons, gymnastics, soccer training, ice skating, basketball, tennis, running, and more. Martial arts, golf, skiing, and dance clubs also offer both fun and valuable skills.
- Nature Scouts: For kids who love nature, joining a scout group can teach them essential survival skills.
- Theatre & Performance: Acting and stagecraft classes encourage confidence and creativity.
- Visual Arts Clubs: Drawing, painting, and crafting for young artists.
- Music Clubs: Choir, orchestra, and individual music lessons help kids develop musical talent. Students can join youth orchestras or start a band.
- Academic Clubs: Chess, math clubs, and more for young scholars.
Beyond extracurricular activities, quality family time is equally important for children’s development.
Cost of Children’s Activities in Ottawa
Some children’s activities in Ottawa require only a symbolic fee or are entirely free. The latter includes public playgrounds and community centre programs.
For seasonal exhibitions and shows, take advantage of promotions and special offers. Here are some exciting events worth visiting with kids:
- Canadian Museum of Nature: One adult can accompany up to six children for free, while children aged three and up require a paid ticket.
- Little Medical School: Offers interactive birthday parties. Prices depend on the number of guests.
- Rideau Sports Centre: Rent the “Dek Ball” hockey court and enjoy a fun group game.
- Saunders Farm: A great place, especially during pumpkin season. Entry is free for children under two, while others require a ticket purchase.
- Logiscool: A subscription includes a month of workshops in game design, app development, and other exciting fields.
Let’s explore each option in detail.
Rideau Sports Centre
For active children, here are some exciting options:
- PrezDential Basketball: A non-profit organization that helps Ottawa’s youth, particularly young Black Canadians and low-income families. Combining sports, mentorship, and arts, it allows children to develop their full potential.
- Children’s Tennis Programs
- Table Hockey for Kids
- Multi-Sport After-School Programs
- Swimming Lessons
Additionally, Rideau Sports Centre offers children’s camps, making it an excellent option for year-round activities.
Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa: A Must-See
Recognized as a Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice 2020 award winner, the museum offers:
- Fascinating natural history galleries and exhibits.
- Interactive displays.
- Special exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, whale skeletons, and Arctic mammals.
Many of these exhibits are free, such as the Museum of the Moon, featuring a lunar sculpture. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Little Medical School
A unique program where children can experience being a doctor, nurse, dentist, or veterinarian. Hands-on interactive programs introduce children to the medical field, helping them explore potential career interests.
The school also offers birthday party packages and private events. With instructors and lab coats included, kids get to work with real medical equipment while having fun.
Parents praise the program for its educational value:
- Engaging and informative
- Inspires children to learn
- Fun graduation ceremonies
Creative Activities for Kids
For families looking to engage in creative arts, Color Me Mine offers a fantastic experience. This pottery studio provides numerous opportunities for crafting and painting.
Before the holiday season, children can make and decorate ceramic Christmas trees and ornaments.
Residents of Ottawa appreciate the opportunity to spend quality family time together, and the studio also offers free online creative projects.
Saunders Farm
Agrotourism in Ottawa is a fantastic experience. Here’s why Saunders Farm is worth a visit:
- Fresh and healthy farm-to-table food
- Exploring hedge mazes
- Hayrides
- Live shows and pumpkin patches
- Spooky haunted attractions
- Jumping pillows for extra fun
Saunders Farm is like a wonderland with puppet shows, parades, gifts, and even a farm store. Every year, the farm introduces new attractions while maintaining classic favourites, like the winter light show. Advance reservations are recommended.
Logiscool
A learning platform offering extracurricular courses, workshops, and digital literacy programs. Programs cater to different age groups, with a strong focus on:
- Coding
- Digital literacy
- Game design
- Programming
This is a great STEM-focused extracurricular option for students from Grade 1 onward. Logiscool also has a virtual campus and offers a free demo lesson.
How to Choose an After-School Program for Your Child?
Ottawa offers a wide range of choices, making selection a challenge. For younger children, it’s essential to consider their interests and abilities. For high school students, allowing them to choose their own program is often the best approach.
Parents should avoid overloading their children with extracurricular activities. Free time is essential for a child’s well-being, recovery, and growth. The key is balance—choosing activities that nurture development while leaving room for relaxation.
