Has the holiday break passed by in a bit of a blur for anybody else? Here we are at the final weekend before the kids go back to school and I’m still eating chocolate from my Christmas stocking…. anyone else? It’s a little bit of a quieter weekend, but the weather forecast looks pretty good, so I recommend getting outside! Maybe hit up the canal or one of the other outdoor skating rinks or toboggan hills. Here is your list of family friendly activities in and around Ottawa for the weekend of January 5-6.

Saturday:

• Rideau Canal Skateway – Rideau Canal (glide along the largest outdoor rink in the world, check ice conditions and what areas are open online before going)
• Happy Holiday Programming – Canada Science and Technology Museum, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (included with admission, the program includes a newly unveiled Moving Stories exhibition and have fun with many hands on activities)
• Winter Frolic – Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm (discover how animals adapt and survive during the winter through special demonstrations and a presentation from the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre, enjoy craft corner, and tasty treats in the demo kitchen)
• Rideau Hall Ice Rink – Rideau Hall, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (heritage outdoor rink originally built in 1872, free skating to public, heated heritage pavilion)
• Cinderella and the Ice Slipper – Gladstone Theatre, 2:00 pm (Ottawa Musicals 5th annual holiday musical, kid friendly)
• Alight at Night – Upper Canada Village, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (the final night of the season for this Christmas light display in the village complete with wagon rides and a carousel)
• Magic of Lights – Wesley Clover Parks, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (final evening of this 2 km drive thru light display, buy your tickets online, $20 a car)
• Christmas Lights Across Canada – Parliament Hill and Confederation Park, 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm (lights along Confederation Blvd, plus final weekend for the 15 minute light show and sound scape show in a loop and projected on Parliament)

Sunday:

• Rideau Canal Skateway – Rideau Canal (glide along the largest outdoor rink in the world, check ice conditions and what areas are open online before going)
• Happy Holiday Programming – Canada Science and Technology Museum, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (included with admission, the program includes a newly unveiled Moving Stories exhibition and have fun with many hands on activities)
• Winter Frolic – Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm (discover how animals adapt and survive during the winter through special demonstrations and a presentation from the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre, enjoy craft corner, and tasty treats in the demo kitchen)
• Mini Zone Elmo – Adventureland, 2477 Kaladar Ave, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm ($5+hst for Unlimited Play in the Mini Zone + Jungle Gym, $5+hst Access to our Mini Zone + Jungle Gym from 11am – 2pm, plus meet Elmo and enjoy face painting)
• Indigo Presents: Princess Meet and Greet – Indigo Barrhaven, 11:30 pm – 12:30 pm (join for a story-time with Princess Belle! Everyone welcome. No registration required)
• Rideau Hall Ice Rink – Rideau Hall, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (heritage outdoor rink originally built in 1872, free skating to public, heated heritage pavilion)
• Cinderella and the Ice Slipper – Gladstone Theatre, 2:00 pm (Ottawa Musicals 5th annual holiday musical, kid friendly, final showing)
• Christmas Lights Across Canada – Parliament Hill and Confederation Park, 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm (lights along Confederation Blvd, plus final weekend for the 15 minute light show and sound scape show in a loop and projected on Parliament)