Ottawa's Best March Break Activities for Families in 2026
Ottawa is quietly one of Ontario's best cities to spend March Break, and if you haven't planned your week yet, there's still plenty to explore right in the capital. From national museums offering free admission to kids, to outdoor adventures along the NCC's trail network, Ottawa delivers a March Break that won't break the bank.
Hit the Museums (Many Are Free)
Ottawa is home to some of Canada's most impressive national museums, and many of them offer free or reduced admission — a huge win for families during the break. The Canadian Museum of Nature is a perennial favourite, with its dinosaur galleries and live animal exhibits that kids absolutely lose their minds over. The Canada Science and Technology Museum in the east end is another underrated gem, with hands-on exhibits covering everything from locomotives to digital innovation.
Don't sleep on the Canadian War Museum either — its interactive exhibits and immersive galleries make history surprisingly gripping for school-aged kids. And of course, the National Gallery of Canada is free for youth under 17 year-round.
Get Outside on NCC Trails and Parks
If March Break lands during a mild stretch — and Ottawa springs have been unpredictable — the NCC's extensive trail network is ideal for family hikes and bike rides. Gatineau Park, just across the river in Quebec, offers some of the best early spring hiking in the region, with lookouts over the Ottawa Valley that are worth every step.
For something more low-key, the Rideau Canal Pathway is a beautiful flat walk or cycle route that stretches through the heart of the city. If there's still ice on the canal (it's happened as late as mid-March some years), check the NCC's skating conditions — a last skate of the season is a March Break memory that sticks.
Indoor Fun When the Weather Turns
Ottawa weather in March is famously unpredictable, so it pays to have indoor backup plans. iFLY Ottawa (indoor skydiving) and Saunders Farm (if they're running break programming) are perennial crowd-pleasers. The Rideau Centre hosts occasional March Break programming, and local recreation centres across the city run day camps and drop-in activities for kids.
For something a little different, check out Escape Manor if you have older kids — Ottawa's original escape room company has multiple themed rooms that make for a genuinely fun family afternoon.
Day Trips From Ottawa
If you're looking to venture beyond the city, Ottawa sits within easy reach of some great Ontario getaways. Calabogie Peaks is roughly 90 minutes west and often still has spring skiing through mid-March. Almonte and Perth are charming small towns perfect for a leisurely Sunday drive. And for families who want a longer road trip, Toronto, Kingston, and Montréal are all within a few hours.
Plan Ahead
Many Ottawa venues and programs book up fast during March Break week, so if you're eyeing a specific museum program, day camp, or activity, check availability early. The City of Ottawa's recreation portal is a good starting point for drop-in swim times, arena bookings, and community centre events.
March Break in Ottawa is genuinely underrated — and for families already living here, it's a reminder of just how much the city has to offer.
Source: To Do Ontario via Google News Ottawa Events feed.
