Natural history can satisfy dinosaur, animal and science interests in one stop.
Aircraft and space themes strongly fit transport- and engineering-focused children.
A hands-on science and technology museum in Ottawa with interactive galleries, locomotives and the tilted Crazy Kitchen. Indoors and suited to all ages, it easily fills half a day.
A large museum across the river in Gatineau with a Grand Hall of totem poles and galleries on Canada's history, plus the Canadian Children's Museum inside. Plan at least half a day for mixed ages.
Best suited to older history-focused children.
The home of Canada's Parliament on a bluff above the Ottawa River, with Gothic Revival buildings and open lawns. Great for a walk and photos, and easy to combine with the ByWard Market and Rideau Canal nearby.
Canada's national art museum, a glass-and-granite building overlooking the Ottawa River, with the giant spider sculpture Maman outside. Pick a few galleries rather than trying to see everything.
A large underground Cold War bunker in Carp, west of Ottawa, built to shelter government officials and now a museum. Older children and teens find its tunnels and rooms fascinating; plan for the drive out of town.
Drive-through wildlife day outside central Ottawa.
Season-sensitive outdoor city experience.