It’s expected to be another chilly, wintery weekend so I know it helps to have some activities lined up to keep the kids busy! The entire Rideau Canal skate way is expected to be open all weekend, and you can also skate at the Sens Rink of Dreams outside City Hall, and the Rideau Hall Winter Pavilion. Here is my list of some other family friendly activities for the weekend of January 19-20.

Saturday:

• Chemistry Magic Show: Honouring the Periodic Table in 2019 – Richcraft Hall, Carleton University, 9:00 am – 4:45 pm (free event showcasing awesome experiments and magic, no registration required, three different shows throughout the day plus hands on activities, check event link for more on show times and info)
• 50% off Grand Re-Opening of NUTS – 1550 Laperriere Ave, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (gym and physical centre for kids is having a grand reopening and charging half off admission for drop-ins)
• Mammoth Used Book Sale – 100 Tallwood Dr, Nepean, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (The Friends of the Ottawa Public Library are having their monthly Mammoth Sale, hundreds of books including plenty of kids books for prices as low as $1)
• The Jonny Bongo Show – Carlingwood Mall Centre Court, 10:30 am – 11:30 am (the Jonny Bongo Show teaches the meaning of cooperation and features a percussion solo, comical circus arts, dancing and more, free and no tickets required)
• Plaisirs d’hiver – Municipality of Chelsea, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (family fun weekend including Family Olympic Games at Farm Point Park, and a spaghetti dinner and family entertainment at Farm Point community centre)
• Winter Family Carnival – Tanglewood Hillsdale Community Association, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (horse drawn sleigh rides, tug of war, snowshoe races, skating, hot food and drinks)
• Animal Tracking on Snowshoes – Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 10:30 am in French, 1:30 pm in English (snowshoes provided for this free two hour activity, recommended for kids ages 8 and older, make a reservation, space is limited)
• The Grinch in 3D – Ottawa Family Cinema, 2:00 pm (new take on this holiday classic)
• River Ward Free Family Movie Night – 1520 Caldwell, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Councillor Riley Brockington is hosting a free movie night showing of “Small Foot” with hotdogs, popcorn and juice)
• Ottawa Family Dance – Churchill Rec Centre, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (great for young families particularly with kids ages 0-7, cost is $20 a family, optional potluck to follow)

Sunday:

• SJAM Winter Festival – Remic Rapids, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (jam-packed day of ski and fat bike events, and demos, along the Sir John A MacDonald (SJAM) Winter Trail, events for adults and kids, register online)
• Creative Sundays – Ottawa Art Gallery, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (free, no registration required, creative activities suitable for all ages)
• Animal Tracking on Snowshoes – Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 10:30 am in English, 1:30 pm in French (snowshoes provided for this free two hour activity, recommended for kids ages 8 and older, make a reservation, space is limited)
• The Great Rhythmobile Adventure – National Arts Centre, shows at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm (Percussionists use unconventional instruments in this high energy theatrical rally race, recommended for kids ages 3-5, tickets available online)
• Trend Arlington Winter Carnival – 50 Bellman Dr, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (free family event, horse drawn sleigh ride, skating, Monkey Rock performance, Snow Queen appearance and magic show, food available)
• Heart and Stroke Fundraiser at River Oak – River Oak Estates, 2900 Yorks Corners Rd, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm ($1 from every ticket sold donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, skate through the orchards, meadows and forests, also learn to skate sessions, bonfires and food available)