12 Great Family Fun Events

 

What: Ottawa Bach Choir’s performance of St. John Passion

Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks St.

When: March 14, 7:30 p.m.

Why: Conductor Lisette Canton leads soprano Hélène Brunet, countertenors Daniel Taylor and Nicholas Burns, British tenor Charles Daniels and bass-baritone Edward Grint and the Theatre of Early Music Baroque Orchestra in an authentic Baroque performance of Bach’s St. John Passion, BWV 245. Ticket prices: Reserved $60; Adult $48; Senior $45; Student $25. Children 12 and under are free.

Website: ottawabachchoir.ca

 

Toddler Tuesdays at the National Arts Centre. Photo Courtesy NAC

 

What: Toddler Tuesdays at the NAC

Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.

When: March 17 and 24, 10 a.m.

Why: Toddler Tuesdays, featuring singing, dancing, games, story time and more is the perfect morning activity for children aged 18 months to five years and the parents/caregivers who love them. Join instructor Jesse Kahat in Peter A. Herrndorf Place for a fully interactive exploration of the performing arts through creative play. 

Website: nac-cna.ca/en/event/40228

 

What: Enchanted Wonders – A Family Magic Show

Where: Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe

When: March 18

Why: Featuring five of the most popular family entertainers in Canada, as seen on stages like Disney Cruise Line, Canada’s Wonderland, the Calgary Stampede, and the CNE, Enchanted Wonders is the perfect way to make your break unforgettable. Celebrate the beauty of the unknown with mind-blowing illusions, jaw-dropping stunts, and magical moments that will leave you believing in the impossible.  

Website: meridiancentrepointe.com/en/enchanted-wonders

 

What: SoulRhythms

Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St.

When: March 23, 7 p.m.

Why: In this event for people ages 7 and up, participants can let their soul shine on an exciting journey through movement and dance. From traditional to modern Afro-Caribbean folklore-based movement, facilitator Suzan Richards and the Cultural Arts Studio will lead participants through an energizing 45-minute group class designed for all levels.

These weekly soul-inspiring and energizing sessions will connect your mind, body, spirit (and hips) to the infectious celebratory rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean.

Website: nac-cna.ca/en/event/40255

 

What: Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, 2452 York’s Corners Rd., Edwards, Ont.

When: March 28 and 29; April 4

Why: A tractor-drawn wagon will bring visitors to the sugarbush to hunt for lost eggs. Visitors can add them to their baskets and return them to the bunnies, who will reward visitors for their help.

Website: stanleysfarm.com/family-fun/easter-egg-hunt/

 

What: Ottawa Symphony Orchestra’s A Day at the Farm

Where: Carleton Dominion Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St.

When: March 29, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Why: Bursting with charm, music, and imagination, A Day at the Farm is an original Canadian production perfect for children aged four to 15 — and a delight for the young at heart! With a special spotlight on the percussion section, the music introduces young audiences to the instruments of the orchestra, while vivid narration brings the farmyard adventure to life. It’s a joyful, family-friendly experience filled with colour, character, and creativity.

Website: ottawasymphony.com/events1/20260329

 

What: National Gallery of Canada Inspiration Space

Where: National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr.

When: Now through March 31

Why: Accessible during the gallery’s opening hours, the Inspiration Space invites visitors to learn, explore or relax. The space features self-directed hands-on activities for all ages, cozy spots to unwind, and creative stations to spark imagination. 

Website: gallery.ca

 

 

What: Toddler Mornings

Where:  Ottawa Art Gallery Studio, 10 Daly Ave.

When: April 1, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Why: Toddlers and their parents and caregivers can explore creative play with a variety of free activities at Toddler Mornings at the Ottawa Art Gallery Studio on the first Wednesday of every month. The event is best for children up to age four, but all are welcome.

Website: oaggao.ca/learn/activities-and-public-programs/kids-and-family-programs/toddler-mornings/

 

What: Valleyview Farm Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Where: Valleyview Little Animal Farm, 4750 Fallowfield Rd., Nepean

When: April 3 through 6

Why: Valleyview Farm reopens for the season on April 3 with its Annual Easter Egg Hunt, running all four days of the Easter Weekend. Online reservations are required.

Website: valleyviewlittleanimalfarm.com

 

What: Ottawa Charge vs. Seattle Torrent

Where:  The Arena at TD Place

When: April 8, 7 p.m.

Why: Ottawa’s professional women’s ice hockey team plays against the  Seattle Torrent.

Website: thepwhl.com/en/teams/ottawa-charge

 

What: Ottawa Parent & Child Expo

Where:  Nepean Sportsplex

When: April 18 and 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why: Brought to you by Parenting Times, the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo is the capital’s longest running parenting and kids’ expo – and one of the best values for fun, learning, new products, services, and entertainment for families. The event features play areas, activities, and learning zones, local parenting exhibitors and free mainstage entertainment. Be sure to arrive early to be one of 1,500 families per day to pick up a free show bag.

Website: parentandchildexpo.ca/

 

What: 1st Kanata Scout Group Annual Bike Exchange and Sale

Where: Bell Centennial Arena, 50 Cassidy Rd., Nepean

When: April 25, 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Why: The 1st Kanata Scout Group is selling hundreds of bikes as a service to the greater Ottawa community and to raise funds to support its programming. The lineup starts early.  Cash or cheque with ID only.  Bike prices range from $10 to $300, typically 33 percent of the retail store price.

Website: 1stkanatascouts.org/bike-exchange

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