This weekend’s weather forecast isn’t looking too promising, but here’s hoping it improves. There are a lot of great events going on (including Poutinefest yummmm), so be sure to check out my list before making your plans. Here are the family friendly events in and around Ottawa for the weekend of April 27-28.

Saturday:

• Spring Market – Cumberland Farmer’s Market, 1115 Dunning Rd, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Spring Market in Historic Cumberland village, more than 80 vendors in four indoor locations)
• Festival of the Maples – Downtown Perth, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (maple products, taffy sales, entertainment, midway, pony rides, petting zoo, 100 craft and food vendors, pancake breakfast and more)
• Emilie’s Run presented by Bushtukah – Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, 9:30 am – 11:00 am (Émilie’s Run is a women’s run honouring the memory of Olympian Émilie Mondor, open to all women and girls to compete, The day also features a 1K Kids Run for girls and boys ages 6-12.)
• Bike Day in New Edinburgh – Crichton Community Council, 203 Stanley Ave, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Geared for new cyclists, especially 4 to 10 year old children and their caregivers. Learn learn safe riding skills and the rules of the road. Participate in a brief bicycle safety course by the Ottawa Safety Council. Bring your bike and helmet.)
• The Zoo Crew Drop-In in Kanata, Stittsville – Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1817 Richardson Side Rd, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Open Drop in – all ages – come and hang out with the animals. 40 mins shows each hour. We will have animals out between shows. $5 a person)
• Blooming Local Craft Market – Makerspace North, 250 City Centre Ave, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (market featuring 50+ local makers, designers and artists along with local food + drink, free kids colouring table, swag. $3 entry, kids are free)
• Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale – Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (over 25 thousand donated books at bargain prices)
• Earth Day – Dundonald Park, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (rain date will be Sunday, April 28, strawberry ceremony, story time, learn about recycling and planting, lots of activities)
• Kemptville Seedy Saturday – North Grenville Public Library, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (seed and seedling swap, gardening info, kids crafts, free to attend)
• Poutinefest – Sparks Street, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm (poutine food trucks, patios, live music and more)
• Wonder Park in 3D – Ottawa Family Cinema, 2:00 pm (a family animated feature about an imaginative girl who discovers an incredible amusement park called Wonderland hidden in the woods)

Sunday:

• Last Day for Survival of the Slowest – Canadian Museum of Nature, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (the final day of this exhibit featuring 20 live animal habitats, live animal demonstrations, meet the keepers)
• Touch A Truck – Alfred Taylor Centre, North Gower, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ($5 per person, check out, climb on and get pictures with all kinds of trucks and interesting vehicles, on rain or shine)
• Gigantic Indoor Spring Garage Sale – 2185 Arch Street, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (This free event will consist of 90 vendors and 6 different rooms filled with old and new treasures. Includes baby toys, kid’s clothing, household appliances and more)
• Poutinefest – Sparks Street, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (poutine food trucks, patios, live music and more)
• Rockcliffe Park Spring Book Sale – Rockcliffe Park Community Centre, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (over 25 thousand donated books at bargain prices)
• Children’s Corner – Parkdale United Church, 3:00 pm (Parkdale Orchestra presents an afternoon of favourites and musical discoveries, well known pieces to enjoy, under 12 are free, adults $20)
• The Doll’s House – Shenkman Arts Centre, two shows, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm (production of Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre, A loving family of toys are thrilled to finally get a house of their own, until they meet Marchpane, a nasty doll who always gets her own way.)
• Pro Stars Game and Chuck a Puck – Bell Sensplex, 4:00 pm (come out and watch as Hockey for Heart top 10 fundraisers play off against 10 of the Sens Alumni, $5 for puck to chuck during second intermission, also a silent auction)
• Stars on Ice – Canadian Tire Centre, 4:00 pm (watch the artistry and athleticism of the Canadian Olympic Figure Skating team including Patrick Chan, Kurt Browning, Elvis Stojko, Katelyn Osmond and more)