Ottawa in 2 Days for Families - Hands-on exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Children's Museum
A relaxed, kid-focused 2-day Ottawa itinerary for families (summer). Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes, changing-table and restroom notes, snack/break buffers and age recommendations included.
Highlights
- Hands-on exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Children's Museum
- Easy, stroller-friendly outdoor time along the Rideau Canal, Major's Hill Park and Dominion Arboretum
- Family paddleboats at Dows Lake and a playful evening at Lansdowne Park
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown loop: start in ByWard Market, short canal strolls and a child-friendly natural history visit. Pace includes snack and rest breaks.
Breakfast at Wilf & Ada's (family-friendly pancakes)
Casual, kid-welcoming breakfast near ByWard Market; good portion sizes and high chairs available.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller note: there is a small step at the entrance — ask staff for the ground-floor seating near the front for easier stroller access.
- Allergies & kids: they accommodate simple swaps (e.g., egg-free pancakes) — mention allergies when ordering.
- Timing hack: arriving at opening reduces wait times and gives kids a calm start before the market bustle.
Stroll and snack at ByWard Market
Open-air stalls, fresh fruit, and quick snack choices — easy short walk from the restaurant with many restroom options nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly routes: main market sidewalks are wide; avoid the narrower vendor lanes with a stroller at midday.
- Restroom/changing: public restrooms and several cafés nearby have changing tables — keep a small change kit handy.
- Kid pick: pick one treat (Beavertails or fresh fruit) to keep the visit special and avoid overstimulation for younger kids.
Quick Rideau Canal locks stroll (watch the boats)
Short, stroller-friendly walk to see the historic Rideau Canal locks in operation — great for curious kids who like boats and moving parts.
Tips from local experts:
- Safety: keep toddlers close around the water and railings; choose the side with the wider boardwalk for easier stroller navigation.
- Quiet window: late morning tends to be less crowded than midday — good for sensitive children.
- Educational moment: bring a simple map or point out how locks raise/lower boats; ages 3+ typically love watching the water changes.
Lunch — The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro (ByWard Market)
Kid-friendly burgers, high chairs, and a menu that can accommodate simple allergies. Good quick-service pace for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid menu & seating: request a booth or table near the washroom for quick diaper changes or bathroom runs.
- Allergy-aware: they are used to substitutions (gluten-free bun options) — mention restrictions when ordering.
- Timing tip: aim to sit by 11:15 to avoid the long midday rush and to keep the afternoon museum window calm.
Canadian Museum of Nature — family-friendly exhibits
Hands-on displays, kid-focused interpretation and stroller-friendly routes; great for big and small kids (recommended ages 3–10).
Tips from local experts:
- Facilities: family washrooms with changing tables are inside — head to the ground floor family room before you start the galleries.
- Stroller hack: use the elevators near the main entrance; bring a light blanket to create a quiet corner for a short nap in the Discovery zone if needed.
- Age focus: toddlers enjoy the skeletons and live displays; older kids (6–10) will be captivated by the dinosaur and Arctic exhibits.
Rest & stroller nap in Major's Hill Park
Shaded lawns and quiet corners close to downtown — a gentle chance for kids to rest, have a snack, or for parents to regroup.
Tips from local experts:
- Shade & stroller: lots of shaded spots in the afternoon — set the stroller canopy and use a breathable blanket for naps.
- Nearby facilities: public washrooms and cafés are a short walk away in case you need a changing table or a warm-up drink.
- Short play: bring a small ball or quiet toy to let energetic kids burn a little steam before the next stop.
Bytown Museum — compact and kid-friendly local history
Small museum right by the canal with short, engaging exhibits ideal for younger attention spans (recommended ages 4–10).
Tips from local experts:
- Kid pacing: exhibits are short; plan 30–45 minutes to keep children engaged without overtiring them.
- Stroller access: the museum has limited stairs — staff can advise the best entrance for stroller access on arrival.
- Interactive idea: pick one theme (boats or early Ottawa life) and ask kids to find one thing related to it — turns the visit into a mini-quest.
Early family dinner at Earls Kitchen + Bar (Rideau Centre) — kid-friendly options
A reliable family-friendly spot with a kids' menu, high chairs and quick service — good for a calm evening meal before bedtime routines.
Tips from local experts:
- Noise & timing: early seating (around 17:00) avoids the louder dinner rush and is calmer for sensitive children.
- Facilities: the Rideau Centre nearby has family washrooms with changing facilities if you need them before or after the meal.
- Menu swaps: Earls is allergy-aware and flexible — ask staff for simple substitutions for picky eaters.
Day 2
Cross-river morning to the Canadian Museum of History (Children's Museum), then afternoon paddling at Dows Lake and greenspace time at the Arboretum and Lansdowne Park.
Canadian Museum of History — include the Canadian Children's Museum
One of the best hands-on children's museums in the region — immersive exhibits, sensory-friendly mornings and family facilities (recommended ages 2–8 for Children's Museum).
Tips from local experts:
- Timing: arrive at opening to use quieter, sensory-friendly hours — ideal for toddlers and kids who need a calmer start.
- Facilities & stroller access: family washrooms and change tables are on-site; elevators make stroller movement easy between floors.
- Child focus: the Children's Museum has separate child-height displays and a soft-play area — perfect for a 60–90 minute concentrated visit within the larger museum.
Lunch and unwind at Dows Lake Pavilion
Casual lakeside spot with picnic tables; convenient access to paddleboat rentals and stroller-friendly paths around the lake.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller & shade: picnic areas and boardwalk have shaded benches — great for a relaxed family lunch and quick naps in the stroller after food.
- Allergy-aware & kids: the Pavilion offers simple sandwiches and salads; bring favourite snacks if your child has strict allergies.
- Timing tip: aim for a 12:30 arrival to secure a table and leave time to sign rental waivers for paddleboats.
Dows Lake paddleboat or canoe time (family rental)
Gentle paddling on the Rideau Canal basin — supervised, calm water and a memorable, low-key outdoor experience (recommended ages 3+ with adult supervision).
Tips from local experts:
- Safety first: lifejackets are provided — fit them on the children before you reach the dock to avoid wriggly moments at the water's edge.
- Nap/quiet plan: younger kids often doze in a shaded pedal boat; bring a light hat and sunscreen for protection.
- Booking: weekends are busier — if possible arrive early or reserve a slot through the Pavilion to avoid waits with tired kids.
Dominion Arboretum — stroller-friendly nature walk
Wide, paved paths and shady tree collections — perfect for a gentle walk, duck-spotting and a quiet cooldown after paddling.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller routes: main paths are paved and gentle — great for napping toddlers after the lake activity.
- Wildlife watch: bring a small pair of kids' binoculars or a duck-feeding snack (adhering to local guidelines) to engage little explorers.
- Restroom note: there are seasonal washrooms at the entrance — plan quick bathroom stops before longer walks with toddlers.
Lansdowne Park — playground time + family dinner options
Large playground, splash/spray pad (seasonal) and several family-friendly restaurants/food stalls — a relaxed place to finish the day with play and an early dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Age match: playground has multi-age structures — great for toddlers through school-age kids; watch for designated toddler zones for safer play.
- Splash pad & towels: if the spray pad is open, bring a change of clothes and a towel; shaded benches are nearby for caregivers.
- Dinner flexibility: Lansdowne has multiple casual family-friendly options (food vendors and restaurants) that can handle simple allergies — choose a quick vendor for picky kids or sit down if you need quiet space.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Attraction, Break, Culture, Experience |
