16 Great Family Fun Events

 

Printmaking Workshop

When: Feb. 22 & 23, 10 a.m. to noon; May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 31 and June 1, 9:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Pkwy.

What: Using ink, paper and a printmaking roller, make a print from one of these artworks for your wall. Mark all the dates on your calendar, and compile your own collection throughout the year.

Info: www.aviation.technomuses.ca

 

Chapters “Fun to Read” Program 

When: Thursdays,
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., February – March

Where: Chapters South Keys,
2210 Bank St.

What: Circle time with rhymes, songs and a story. There will also be a question-and-answer period with an educator from the Ontario Early Years Centre.

Info: www.children.gov.on.ca

 

events-irish-festOttawa Irish Festival

When: March 6-17

Where: Various locations in Ottawa

What: Held annually in mid-March, the Ottawa Irish Festival features a variety of cultural and social events, including the Erin Luncheon in support of St. Patrickís Home of Ottawa and the 32nd annual St. Patrickís Parade and Parade Party on March 15.

Info: www.irishsocietyncr.com

 

Ottawa Children’s Gala

When: March 8, 4 p.m.

Where: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, 200 Coventry Rd.

What: The Ottawa Childrenís Gala is the only one of its kind in the city: a formal gala filled with entertainment for children and adults in the beautiful setting of the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. There will be a red carpet complete with a professional photographer, a classy meal, exciting entertainment and, of course, a dance. Lianne Laing of Ottawaís CTV Morning Show and Angie Poirier of Majic 100ís Morning Show will host and be joined onstage by several VIP local celebrities. The 2014 Ottawa Childrenís Gala is being held to support a program called ëPlan-It Safeí of CHEO.

Info: www.ottawachildrensgala.com

 

Sens Skills presented by Sport Chek

When: March 12

Where: Canadian Tire Centre,
1000 Palladium Dr.

What: Sens Skills is a fun-filled, family-oriented, charitable event that features players from the Ottawa Senators competing against each other in six skill-testing events, including the Hardest Shot and Fastest Skater competitions.

Info: www.canadiantirecentre.com

 

events_FredPennerFred Penner

When: Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m.

Where: Centrepointe Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr.

What: Family entertainer, singer/songwriter, composer, actor, writer, author, TV host and keynote speaker Fred Penner comes to Centrepointe Theatres this season. This musical master brings 25 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that skillfully blends the many genres of performing and communication.

Info: www.centrepointetheatre.ca

 

The Backyardigans: Sea Deep in Adventure

When: Sunday, March 23,
1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Where: Centrepointe Theatres,
101 Centrepointe Dr.

What: This theatrical production is based on the top-rated preschool television program The Backyardigans, airing on Treehouse TV in Canada. Dive into the action as these five friends explore clues, discover underwater magic, and match wits with an all-too-tidy octopus and a pair of playful (but messy!) dolphins. With non-stop excitement and surprises, this watery tale will mesmerize, entertain and delight audiences of all ages!

Info: www.centrepointetheatre.ca

 

Family Craft & Activity Days

When: March 23, Maple Madness, April 13, Riddles, Rhymes & Storytime

Where: Goulbourn Museum,
2064 Huntley Rd., Stittsville

What: The Goulbourn Museum Family Craft & Activity Days are offered monthly, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fees apply. Registration required. 613-831-2393.

Website: www.goulbournmuseum.ca

 

events-womenshowThe National Women’s Show

When: March 29-30

Where: Ottawa Convention Centre,
55 Colonel By Dr.

What: Youíll find something for everyone at this Ultimate Girlís Day Out. The show is divided into Fashion & Style, Beauty & Wellness, Fitness, Leisure & Travel, World of Taste, Business & Career Centre, and Home & Reno zones. And donít miss celebrity guest speakers, fashion shows, interactive consultations, insightful workshops, free makeovers and cooking demonstrations on the feature stages all weekend. Check the website for updates.

Admission: $12 at the door; children 12 and under free.

Info: www.nationalwomenshow.com/ottawa

 

events-astromonyFamily Astronomy Activities 

When: Saturday, March 29
& Saturday, May 10, 2014

Where: Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St. Laurent Blvd.

What: March 29, celebrate Earth Hour by turning off your lights and joining in for an evening of starlit fun. Observe the sky through various telescopes, including the 38 cm (15î) refracting telescope at the Helen Sawyer Hogg Observatory. Cosy up with constellation stories in the indoor inflatable planetarium. On May 10, join in for a full day of astronomy activities for the whole family ó the universe is yours to discover!

Info: www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca

 

??????????Earth Hour

When: Saturday, March 29,
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Worldwide

What: Born out of a hope to mobilize people to take action on climate change, Earth Hour now inspires a global community of millions of people in 7,000+ cities and towns across 152 countries and territories to switch lights off for an hour as a massive show of concern for the environment.

Info: www.earthhour.org

 

2014 Maple Sugar Festival 

When: March 31-April 6

Where: MusÈoparc Vanier Museopark, 300 avenue des PËres Blancs

What: Come and celebrate at Vanierís annual maple sugar festival, with plenty of family fun activities soon to be announced. Check the website for updates.

Info: www.museoparc.ca

 

Hoop Jam

When:  Feb.21, Mar.7 & 21,

Apr. 4 & 18, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Dovercourt Recreation Centre,
411 Dovercourt Ave.

What: Come hoop in a great space with high ceilings, mirrors, music, and fellow hoop enthusiasts. All are welcome, including children, but they must be supervised by their parents. Bring your own hoop or borrow one.

Info: www.dovercourt.org

 

Easter Egg-stravaganza Hunt at Bytown Museum

When: April 19 & 20,
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane

What: Hop to it! Follow the clues as you explore all three floors of the Bytown Museum. When youíve found all our hidden eggs, pick up your prize at the front desk. Program included with admission.

Info: www.bytownmuseum.com

 

Creative Sundays

When: Sundays, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., until April

Where: The Ottawa Art Gallery,
Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.

What: Free ongoing hands-on, art-making activities for children and adults. Discover the exhibitions, spend time with family and friends, and create your own masterpiece to take home. No need to register or sign up; just drop in whenever you want!

Info: www.ottawaartgallery.ca

 

NAC English Theatre:
Where the Wild Things Are

When: May 9-10

Where: 53 Elgin St.

What: In Maurice Sendakís beloved story, the incorrigible Max is sent to bed without his supper ñ and travels to a land of gigantic fuzzy monsters where he proclaims himself ruler. The play will thrill and delight children as they, along with the actors, become the Wild Things.

Info: www.nac-cna.ca