Ottawa knows how to do winter right, and the 2025–26 Christmas holiday season is shaping up to be one of the best yet for families with kids in tow. Whether you're looking for snowy outdoor adventures, warm cultural experiences, or just ways to burn off that holiday sugar rush, the capital has something for everyone.
Hit the Ice at Rideau Canal Skateway
No Ottawa winter is complete without a skate on the Rideau Canal. The world's largest naturally frozen skating rink typically opens in January, but in the meantime, local rinks like the Lansdowne outdoor rink and community centre pads are great alternatives. Rent skates nearby if you don't have your own, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, and make a full afternoon of it.
Explore the Canadian Museum of Nature
When the cold gets to be too much, the Canadian Museum of Nature offers a warm, wonder-filled escape. Kids can marvel at dinosaur fossils, live animal exhibits, and rotating seasonal displays. It's both educational and endlessly entertaining, the kind of place where you show up for an hour and stay for three.
Check Out Winter Lights Across the City
Ottawa and Gatineau put on a spectacular light show throughout the holiday season. From the festive displays along Sussex Drive to neighbourhood light-walk traditions in Westboro and the Glebe, bundling up for an evening stroll to spot the best decorated homes has become a beloved local tradition. Many community organizations also host organized light tours.
Visit a Local Panto or Holiday Show
Ottawa's theatre scene lights up during the winter break with family-friendly pantomimes, holiday concerts, and children's stage productions. Check listings at the National Arts Centre, Centrepointe Theatre, and local community theatres, many shows sell out fast, so book early.
Tubing and Tobogganing Hills
For pure, unfiltered kid joy, nothing beats a good tobogganing hill. Ottawa has no shortage of them. Mooney's Bay, Carlington Park, and Westboro Beach are perennial favourites. For something more structured, nearby ski resorts like Edelweiss and Mont Cascades offer tubing lanes that are perfect for younger kids who aren't quite ready to ski.
Indoor Play Spaces and Trampoline Parks
On those days when even the most bundled-up parent can't face the cold, Ottawa's indoor play scene has you covered. Trampoline parks, climbing gyms, and dedicated kids' play centres offer hours of entertainment. Many extend their hours over the holiday break specifically for families.
Plan Around Free Museum Days
Several Ottawa museums and galleries offer free or reduced admission during the holiday season as part of federal programming. The Canadian Museum of History (just across the river in Gatineau) and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum are worth checking for special holiday programming and free admission days.
Whatever you choose, Ottawa's winter break lineup means you'll never be short of ways to make memories with the little ones. Start planning early, popular spots and shows fill up fast during the holidays.
Source: To Do Canada via Google News Ottawa
