Take Advantage of the Canada Strong Pass This Weekend and Explore Ottawa’s Museums – Free for Kids

Looking for a fun and educational way to spend a summer day in Ottawa? The Canada Strong Pass is your ticket to adventure, especially if you have children with you. This special pass provides free admission for kids under 17 to some of Ottawa’s top museums, making it an ideal option for families. Whether you’re visiting with children, grandparents, or both, it’s a great way to explore Ottawa’s rich cultural offerings without stretching your budget.

There’s no better time to discover the capital’s museum scene. Below is a roundup of seven must-visit museums, each with helpful information on parking, family-friendly eats, summer programming and pro tips to make the most of your visit.

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Experience a working farm in the heart of the city. This museum is set on an actual working farm and offers kids the chance to get close to animals, explore barns, and learn about food production. With hands-on exhibits and daily food demonstrations, it provides a mix of education and entertainment.

• Parking: Free on-site parking with plenty of space
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • Stop at the Shouldice Farms roadside stand for fresh strawberries
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds or nearby at the Arboretum
• Pro tips:
  • Visit the animal barn to meet cows, goats and pigs
  • Indoor exhibits are a great option for rainy days

Summer Fun for Little Ones
Memories Are Made in the Kitchen is a warm, multisensory exhibition that celebrates food, family and tradition.

• See beautiful photos and stories from over 100 community participants
• Explore a collection of familiar kitchen objects
• Enjoy soundscapes, videos and taste experiences in the Demonstration Kitchen
• Kids can get creative in the Lil’ Chefs Play Kitchen

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Explore Canada’s aviation and space history. This museum showcases a wide variety of planes, space gear and interactive exhibits. It’s ideal for children who enjoy discovery and adventure.

• Parking: Free on-site lot; arrive early on busy days
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • The Aviation Kitchen (on-site) – sandwiches and kid-friendly meals
  • Enjoy lunch at nearby picnic tables overlooking the airfield
• Pro tips:
  • Try the flight simulator
  • Visit the space exploration gallery
  • Grab a museum map to help plan your route

Summer Fun for Little Ones

• Marshalling Challenge (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) – Learn to guide planes with real marshalling signals
• Exploration Station (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) – A space-themed zone for ages 3 to 7 with books, toys and imagination-filled fun

Canadian Museum of History

Discover 15,000 years of Canadian heritage. Located in Gatineau, just across the river from downtown Ottawa, this museum explores the country’s past and cultural diversity through immersive exhibits and powerful storytelling.

• Parking: Large lot available; Jacques-Cartier Park nearby for overflow
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • Head to the ByWard Market for BeaverTails, cafés and family-friendly restaurants
  • Pack a lunch to enjoy near the life-sized checkerboard or musical bikes outside the museum
• Pro tips:
  • Visit the Grand Hall for impressive First Nations exhibits
  • Don’t miss the Children’s Museum on the lower level
  • Take note of the architectural design from both inside and out

Summer Fun for Little Ones
The Canadian Children’s Museum invites kids to:

• Step inside a Mexican kitchen
• Shop a colourful open-air market
• Navigate a cargo ship
  It’s a playful way to introduce kids to global cultures and encourage hands-on learning.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Explore Canada’s natural world. From dinosaur skeletons to live insects, this museum’s wide-ranging exhibits appeal to young adventurers and curious minds.

• Parking: Small on-site lot; street parking nearby
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • Café Indigène – a local favourite just a short walk away
  • Grab snacks from 3 Sisters Bakeshop or Feleena’s for sit-down meals
• Pro tips:
  • Visit the dinosaur gallery early—it’s a hit with kids
  • Catch the butterfly gallery before noon for peak activity
  • The Pacific Coast seawater tank in the water gallery is interactive and hands-on

Summer Fun for Little Ones
The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale

• Walk through immersive environments inspired by the Oscar-winning animated film
• Learn about the life-changing impact of planting trees
• Interact with science-based exhibits that highlight the importance of forests in sustaining life

Canada Science and Technology Museum

This museum blends innovation and play with interactive displays, hands-on spaces and family-friendly science demos.

• Parking: Large lot available; it fills quickly on weekends
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • Fratelli – casual Italian with generous portions
  • Louis Pizza – classic diner fare nearby
  • Watch for weekend food trucks outside the museum
• Pro tips:
  • Explore Locomotive Hall
  • Check out live science demonstrations
  • Spend time in the Tinkering Space to build and create

Summer Fun for Little Ones
Summertime Science! is a season-long celebration of creativity and discovery.

• Catch immersive dome films
• Try outdoor experiments and challenges
• Ride the vintage train
• Join behind-the-scenes tours with museum staff

Canadian War Museum

A thoughtful and powerful look at Canada’s military history, this museum is especially engaging for older kids and teens.

• Parking: On-site lot; street parking nearby
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • Preston Street restaurants like La Dolce Vita or Pub Italia
  • Grab takeout and enjoy it along the Ottawa River Pathway behind the museum
• Pro tips:
  • Visit Memorial Hall for a quiet reflection
  • Use the family exhibit guide to keep younger visitors engaged
  • Explore the outdoor spaces and architecture

Summer Fun for Little Ones
War Machines Weekend – August 9 and 10, 2025

• See historic military vehicles in action on the outdoor demo track
• Meet the experts and restoration crew
• Get up close to tanks and transporters from the Second World War

National Gallery of Canada

Explore a diverse and dynamic collection of Canadian, Indigenous and international art. A calm, creative space for all ages.

• Parking: Underground lot; street parking also available
• Lunch? MITK Suggests:
  • The Tavern at the Gallery (seasonal outdoor patio and bistro fare, right on-site)
  • The Grand Pizzeria & Bar: Features a kids’ menu with classic Italian dishes and a traditional pizza oven
  • Zak’s Diner: Offers a classic dining experience with a kids’ menu that includes familiar favourites

Pro tips:

• • Try art bingo in the Studio space
  • See Maman, the giant spider sculpture out front
  • Explore the Contemporary Gallery for installations kids can interact with

Summer Fun for Little Ones
Open Studio is a weekend drop-in space where kids and families can:

• Create art inspired by current exhibitions
• Experiment with new materials
• Take home a masterpiece of their own
  Check the gallery’s website for updated dates and seasonal themes.