The forecast is looking downright frigid for this weekend, so I imagine some of you will be seeking out indoor activities. But if you and your kids are tough enough to brave the icy temperatures then the entire stretch of the Rideau Canal is expected to be open to skaters!

Also if you haven’t entered already, I am running a contest on my Facebook page and giving away 4 tickets to the upcoming show at Centrepointe ‘Emily Brown and the Thing’. Check out my page HERE to enter.

Without further ado, here is your list of family friendly events in and around Ottawa for January 12-13.

Saturday:

• Survival of the Slowest – Museum of Nature, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (the museums were closed this past week..but they are back open this weekend and this is an exhibit to check out with the kids, see more than 20 live animal habitats and meet the keepers)
• Butterflies in Flight – Museum of Nature, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (this exhibit has been around for a few months, but what better time than on a chilly weekend to check out this warm, tropical live butterfly experience)
• Home Depot Kids Workshops – various Home Depot locations, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (register online to have your child take part in a free hands-on workshop, geared for children aged 5-12, this Saturday kids can build their very own easel with a whiteboard)
• Animal Tracking on Snowshoes – Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 10:30 am English, 1:30 pm French (Snowshoes are provided for this free, two-hour activity. Make sure you dress warmly for an outdoor activity. Recommended for children of age 8 and older, learn all about tracking animals and how they survive in winter…space is limited, reservations recommended)
• The Nutcracker and the 4 Realms in 3D – Ottawa Family Cinema, 2:00 pm (find your tickets here)
• Saturday Night Family Skating – North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville, 6:00 pm – 7:20 pm ($2.00 per child • $3.00 per adult)

Sunday:

• Survival of the Slowest – Museum of Nature, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (the museums were closed this past week..but they are back open this weekend and this is an exhibit to check out with the kids, see more than 20 live animal habitats and meet the keepers)
• Butterflies in Flight – Museum of Nature, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (this exhibit has been around for a few months, but what better time than on a chilly weekend to check out this warm, tropical live butterfly experience)
• Live Irish Music and Pancake Breakfast – St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (adults $6, children $4, pancakes, ham, sausages, drinks and live music from some dedicated musicians)
• Creative Sundays – Ottawa Art Gallery, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (free, no registration required, head to the Studio for weekly drop-in creative activities suitable for all ages.)
• Animal Tracking on Snowshoes – Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 10:30 am English, 1:30 pm French (Snowshoes are provided for this free, two-hour activity. Make sure you dress warmly for an outdoor activity. Recommended for children of age 8 and older, learn all about tracking animals and how they survive in winter…space is limited, reservations recommended)
• Winter Party in the Park – 39 Onslow Cres, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Horse-drawn sleigh ride, skating, fun in the snow, hot dogs, soup and hot chocolate.)