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Parenting Times rounds up some of the best places to visit and activities for family fun this fall in and around the Ottawa area.
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Metcalfe Fair
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2016
Where: 2821 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
What: Rural tradition meets modern family entertainment at the 160th anniversary of the Metcalfe Fair, a classic fall tradition held annually in the Village of Metcalfe. The fairgrounds, which include well-maintained accessible buildings and plenty of green space, feature a thrilling midway, baby show, horse pull, demolition derby, fiddling and
step dancing, plus more.
Website: www.metcalfefair.com
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Mac My Cheese Fest
When: Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2016
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W.
What: If you — or your youngsters — are crazy for mac-and-cheese, don’t miss this fun family event, with 15 vendors serving up gourmet, traditional and exotic mac-and- cheese, live entertainment, eating contests, and plenty of cheese by the famous and beloved St. Albert Cheese Company.
Website: www.macmycheesefest.ca
Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park
When: Oct. 1-16, 2016
Where: Gatineau Park, Que.
What: Take in the breathtaking fall colours during three weekends of special family activities taking place at four different locations. The kids can enjoy a taste of farm-fresh products, see animal demonstrations, admire the works of talented local artisans, and enjoy a picnic amid the outdoor beauty, as well as learn why leaves change colour in the fall.
Website: www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/fall-rhapsody
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The Wiggles Wiggle Town Tour!
When: Oct. 5, 3 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Where: Centrepointe Theatres,
101 Centrepointe Dr.
What: The world’s most popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles, return to North America this fall to delight families with their incomparable brand of preschool entertainment. Joined on stage by their lovable friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, founding member Anthony Field (Blue Wiggle), Emma Watkins (Yellow Wiggle), Simon Pryce (Red Wiggle) and Lachlan Gillespie (Purple Wiggle) can’t wait to deliver a rocking good time!
Website: centrepointetheatre.ca
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Ottawa Butterfly Show
When: Oct. 1 to 9, 2016
Where: Carleton University, Nesbitt Biology Building
What: The Ottawa Butterfly Show that runs daily in the greenhouses of Carleton University’s biology department. Some butterflies love to land on colourful clothing, or just put your hand underneath for them to climb on. Bring your kids and your camera to take in this spectacular 10-day show, featuring 1,300 butterflies that arrive in five separate shipments, representing 41 different species worldwide.
Website: carleton.ca/biology/annual-butterfly-show
Swan Lake
When: Oct. 28, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Centrepointe Theatres,
101 Centrepointe Dr.
What: Presented by Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, this production of Swan Lake showcases the extraordinary beauty of traditional ballet, reimagined in the picturesque seascape of the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia.
Website: centrepointetheatre.ca
Ottawa Storytellers Children’s Festival
When: Nov. 5, 2016
Where: Nepean Centrepointe Library, 101 Centrepointe Dr.
What: From traditional tales to fabulous fantasies, this will be a day of storytelling magic for children aged 4-12 and their parents featuring the very best storytellers from the Ottawa area and across Canada. Performances run hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. And for the first time, the festival will feature young tellers, aged 10 to 12. Don't miss these great stories from a new generation of storytellers. Free event.
Website: www.ottawastorytellers.ca
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
When: Dec. 14, 2016, 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2016, 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Where: 245 Centrum Blvd.
What: Share The Nutcracker experience with your family. Set to the much-loved Tchaikovsky music, this quintessentially Canadian Nutcracker features the vibrant works of the great Group of Seven landscape artists. It’s the magical tale of a little girl’s Christmas dream and her grand journey through our northern landscapes filled with snowflakes, trilliums and woodland creatures.
Website: shenkmanarts.ca