35 things to do in Ottawa during a pandemic summer
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This summer is different than others summers, but can we all agree it’s better than last summer!? Usually our 50 things to do in Ottawa post is getting tens of thousands of hits and many of us are out exploring and visiting places. This summer is different and you may fall into one of the following categories, or maybe you fall into all of them depending on the day.
You’re going to stay close to home.
You’re going to go out and about, but only on solo adventures.
You’re ready to start testing the waters at attractions again or getting together with friends.
We’ve been reaching out to attractions in the area, talking to parents, and we’re getting ready to go and try out as many things as possible! We can give you a sense for what to expect, so that you can decide if the activity is right for you and your family.
We’ll be updating this post as we get more information, but here are 25 ideas and things to do during a pandemic summer in Ottawa (keep checking in for updates!).
Staying close to home
Camping in the back yard - stay home and set up a tent in the backyard or even in the living room (using your personal judgement on what is safe for your children at their age)
Have fun with a splash at home (without a pool) - we’ve put together some ideas for games and ways to stay cool in the backyard this summer.
Reading in a hammock
Visit the National Gallery from home - the Gallery has a virtual tour that you can do from the comfort of your home (though they’re also opening up soon too!)
Create cards and art for seniors in isolation - we have 3 local businesses accepting drop offs and you can create some art while brightening up someone’s day!
Read all the books! The Ottawa Public Library is open again (with some restrictions) and they are participating in the TD Summer Reading Club and running a summer reading draw.
Experiment with making new drinks - we found some fun things to try in the archives (like making your own gingerale or watermelon juice) but you can also just Google or Pinterest ideas and experiment with fun and interesting drinks that you made yourselves.
Take an online class or online camp - there are lots around the city including folks who are running small workshops (like learning German through art run by a local artist) and camps on their own, to bigger organizations like Outschool that run hundreds of classes every week.
Take an online fitness class - you can support local small businesses that have brought their online classes online, like Salsa Babies and Fitmom Ottawa.
Try learning a new craft - maybe cross stitch which we created a tutorial for!
Solo adventures
Fallingbrook Waterfall
Fallingbrook Waterfall - did you know there is a really cool and accessible waterfall in Orleans?
Go for ice cream - we’ve listed some great east end and west end options to go out for an iced treat this summer.
Go exploring - there are lots of sites to be seen without going into any attractions or interacting with strangers. We’re going to be updating our challenge from last summer soon, but for now, go and check out some ideas for places where you can take fun photos around town!
Go on a hike - we’ve listed 5 family friendly hiking trails in the area on the blog.
Go camping - Ontario provincial parks are open for overnight and day visits. Facilities such as showers, laundry, group camping, picnic shelter rentals and swimming pools will remain closed for the season.
Child in a small sit on kayak
Go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding - there are relatively inexpensive options for child sized kayaks and SUPs and they pick it up really young and easily. You can then take them out onto bodies of the water in the city or find some lakes to visit to explore.
Mer Bleu - there are all kinds of walking paths at Mer Bleu for you to explore. You may even get a chance to feed some sweet winged visitors! (though that may depend on the time of year)
Petrie Island - go for a dip and explore the grounds at Petrie Island. There are times when the beach can get quite crowded so just watch for that when you decide to visit.
Out and about
Arbraska Lafleche is open again for both their caves tours and aerial courses. They have special Covid-19 procedures including needing to reserve ahead of time, smaller group sizes and they aren’t accepting cash. They’re also allowing for cleaning and rest time for equipment and waivers will be signed digitally on your own devices.
Brockville Aquatarium will likely open soon as the lockdown restrictions ease. In the meantime, you can check out their virtual tour. For in-person visits you must book online and it is now more of a guided tour experience than an immersive one. Guests most go through a screening process on arrival and wear a mask.
Check back soon to find out when the Canada Agriculture Museum is opening. They have Covid-19 procedures in place including limited numbers, required use of masks, directional signage, and washing and sanitizing stations.
Check back soon to find out when the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum is opening. They have Covid-19 procedures in place including limited numbers, required use of masks, directional signage, and washing and sanitizing stations.
Chute Coulonges - Chutes Coulonge is open for hiking, ziplining and obstacle courses. They have no Covid-19 information on their web site but we’ve heard that it was quite quiet for those visiting and that distancing wasn’t a concern.
City wading pools - the city has opened their 53 wading pools for the summer with reduced admissions numbers to allow for physical distancing. Check out the city’s site for more information.
Check back soon to find out when the Diefenbunker will open! You can book online or buy tickets in person, however numbers are limited so you may need to wait outside if people are in the museum longer than expected. You must wear a mask while in the museum. Although you cannot touch or engage with any of the exhibits, there is still lots to see and learn about!
Eco-Odyssey - They are open! We heard last summer that they’re signing people in one at a time and staff is behind glass, workers kept their distance and there was lots of hand sanitizer and cleaning products. This helped visitors feel confident that things were being kept clean.
Flying Squirrel - Flying Squirrel is temporarily closed, but should be re-opening this summer as lockdown restrictions ease. Check back soon!
Toddler at a splash pad
kids at the diefenbunker by a sign that says “out of bounds to all male personnel”
Little Ray’s Reptiles - Little Ray’s is open for small group private tours. Everyone wears masks but you may want to state ahead of time how comfortable you are with how close staff get to you and the kids so everyone is on the same page.
Marked - located in Carleton Place Marked has a range of activities including obstacle courses, water guns, axes throwing, batting cages and paintball. They’ve opened with Covid19 protocols including booking in advance, online payments and waivers. Lara are her family recently visited the obstacle course.
Mont Cascades - Mont Cascades is now open and have measures in place, including masks for staff if they can’t be distanced from you, wiping down the handles on tubes between each ride, and having people wait at a distance in lines. They are also letting people know it’s better to arrive changed and avoid the change rooms and that you will have to go wait in your car if there are downpours instead of the club house. (We’re going to be visiting soon and will update with first hand information)
Parc Omega - The park is open! Last summer Misty headed to the park with her kids and found it very safe. You are in your vehicle for much of the trip, and when you’re out walking there’s enough space for social distancing. Strict cleaning measures for the bathrooms were in place.
Pirate Life - Pirate Life is limiting 10 people per trip and has zones to keep groups apart (though the groups aren’t always more than 6 feet apart). They require all staff and audience to wear masks. They are also sanitizing commonly touched surfaces between every cruise. (Check out our blog post on our Covid summer visit)
Youth zip lining at arbraska lafleche
Saunders Farm is opening this summer for their Maze Days and Campfires. Book your tickets online!
Splash pads - the city has opened most of their splash pads for the season if you want to get out and cool down.
Wesley Clover Parks Drive In Theatre - take in a movie at the drive in. You can stay safely in your vehicle the entire time or have some interaction with others if you head to the bathrooms. Guest blogger Stephen visited last summer and shared his experience on the blog.
