Free things to do with kids in Kanata

Sun Nov 22, 10 am

Out of the Archives: queer history art show in Stittsville

West Side Pride art exhibition on 200 years of 2SLGBTQIA+ stories in Ottawa. Free admission and everyone is welcome.

CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, 1500 Shea Rd, Stittsville, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · West Side Pride

Tue Nov 17, 5:30 to 8 pm

Board games and brain teasers at Centennial library

Drop in with friends and family to play board games, card games, puzzles and Rubik's cubes. Bring your own or use theirs.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 20, 10:30 to 11:30 am

STEM drop-in for families at Beaverbrook library

Science, tech, engineering and math activities, crafts and games. Just drop in.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 11 am to noon (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Beaverbrook library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Centennial library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:15 to 10:45 am and 11:30 am to noon (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Hazeldean library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver. Two sessions each Tuesday.

Hazeldean branch, Ottawa Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:30 to 11:15 am (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Stittsville library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver.

Stittsville branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1637 Stittsville Main St, Stittsville, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 3 to 4:30 pm (Nov 17, 24)

Teen video gaming at Beaverbrook library

Drop in to play PS4 and Nintendo Switch 2 games with other teens.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Teens 13 to 17

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:15 to 10:45 am (Nov 17, 24)

Toddler storytime at Beaverbrook library

Stories, rhymes and songs for toddlers (19 to 35 months) with a parent or caregiver.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Toddlers 19 to 35 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:15 to 11:15 am (Nov 18, 25); Saturdays 10:30 to 11 am (Nov 21, 28)

Family storytime at Beaverbrook library

Stories, rhymes and songs for kids of all ages with a parent or caregiver. Wednesdays are bilingual.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Kids of all ages with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 18, 25); Saturdays 10:30 to 11 am (Nov 21, 28)

Family storytime at Centennial library

Stories, rhymes and songs for kids of all ages with a parent or caregiver.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Kids of all ages with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 18, 25); Thursdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 19, 26); Saturdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 21, 28); Sundays 10:30 to 11 am (Nov 22, 29)

Family storytime at Stittsville library

Stories, rhymes and songs for kids of all ages with a parent or caregiver. Runs most days this week.

Stittsville branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1637 Stittsville Main St, Stittsville, ON · Kids of all ages with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:15 to 10:45 am (Nov 18, 25)

Toddler storytime at Hazeldean library

Stories, rhymes and songs for toddlers (19 to 35 months) with a parent or caregiver.

Hazeldean branch, Ottawa Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata, ON · Toddlers 19 to 35 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:30 am to noon (Nov 18, 25)

Wednesday storytime and play time at Carp library

Half an hour of stories, rhymes and songs, then an hour of toys and play. For kids 0 to 5 with a grown-up.

Carp branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3911 Carp Rd, Carp, ON · Kids 0 to 5 with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thursdays 10:15 to 10:45 am (Nov 19, 26)

Bilingual family storytime at Hazeldean library

Stories, rhymes and songs in English and French for kids of all ages with a parent or caregiver.

Hazeldean branch, Ottawa Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata, ON · Kids of all ages with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thursdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 19, 26)

Toddler storytime at Centennial library

Stories, rhymes and songs for toddlers (19 to 35 months) with a parent or caregiver.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Toddlers 19 to 35 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat 10:30 to 11 am (Nov 21); Sun 10:30 to 11 am (Nov 29)

Weekend family storytime at Hazeldean library

Stories, rhymes and songs for kids of all ages with a parent or caregiver.

Hazeldean branch, Ottawa Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata, ON · Kids of all ages with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Any day

Beaver Pond Park and Graham Beasley Trail

A wooded City park around Beaver Pond in Kanata Lakes, with a walking trail.

Beaverpond Park / Graham Beasley Trail, 243 Walden Dr, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Every day, year-round

Beaver and Chipmunk trails in Stony Swamp

Two short, kid-friendly loops (1.2 and 0.7 km) from parking lot P8 with boardwalks and wildlife.

Beaver and Chipmunk trails, Stony Swamp (NCC Greenbelt), parking lot P8, Stony Swamp, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: No dogs allowed

Checked Nov 15 · National Capital Commission

Any time the branch is open, while passes are in

Borrow a free museum, ski or park pass from the library

With an Ottawa library card you can borrow a pass for free entry: Kanata Nordic ski trails (family), Museum of Nature, National Gallery, History and War museums, Ingenium museums, Ontario Parks and more.

Beaverbrook, Hazeldean, Stittsville or any Ottawa Public Library branch, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Ottawa Public Library card holders

The catch: Passes can't be put on hold: check availability, then pick one up in a branch. One pass at a time, up to 7 days.

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Usually December to February, when cold enough

Bridlewood community outdoor rinks (12 rinks, 9 parks)

Volunteer-built outdoor rinks, boarded and puddle, across Bridlewood, Emerald Meadows and Monahan Landing. Season starts once it's cold enough to flood, usually December.

Bridlewood Community Association rinks, Laura Dubois, Sawyer Way, Brian Parsons, Meadowbreeze, Stonemeadow, Huntsman, Bluegrass, Scissons and Mattawa parks, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Bridlewood Community Association

Daily in store hours, now to Dec 24

Free photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops Ottawa (Kanata)

Santa's Wonderland: a free 4x6 photo with Santa plus a shareable video, kids' crafts and games. Book a free time slot online or walk in.

Bass Pro Shops Ottawa, 3065 Palladium Dr, Ottawa, ON K2T 0N2 · Families with kids

The catch: Extra photo packages cost money; free online booking recommended, walk-ins served first come

Checked Nov 15 · Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's newsroom

Any time the branch is open

Get a free library card at Kanata and Stittsville branches

A free Ottawa Public Library card gets you books, movies, e-books, museum passes and programmes. Sign up in person at any branch.

Beaverbrook, Hazeldean or Stittsville branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Ottawa residents

The catch: Bring photo ID and proof of address. People living outside Ottawa pay $90 a year.

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Every day, year-round

Jack Pine Trail boardwalks in Stony Swamp

Three short loops (0.7, 1.7 or 2.3 km) over beaver ponds with interpretive panels. A favourite with kids.

Jack Pine Trail, Stony Swamp (NCC Greenbelt), parking lot P9, Moodie Dr, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: No dogs allowed; a short section (waypoints 26C to 26G) is closed

Checked Nov 15 · National Capital Commission

Every Saturday, 9 am

Kanata parkrun: free 5 km walk or run every Saturday

Volunteer-run timed 5 km on the Beaver Pond Trail; walk, jog, run or just watch. Coffee together afterwards is optional.

Beaver Pond Trail, The Beaver Pond Trail, Kanata, ON · Everyone

The catch: Register once online (free) and bring your barcode if you want a time

Checked Nov 15 · Kanata parkrun

Every day, year-round

Lime Kiln Trail in Stony Swamp

A 2.1 km trail from parking lot P10 past the ruins of a historic lime kiln.

Lime Kiln Trail, Stony Swamp (NCC Greenbelt), parking lot P10, Stony Swamp, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: Dogs on leash only until Nov 30; no dogs on Greenbelt nature trails in winter

Checked Nov 15 · National Capital Commission

Any time

Little Free Library on Kimpton Drive, Stittsville

A free book-sharing box outside a home: take a book, and leave one if you can. You don't have to bring a book to take one.

Little Free Library (Chelsea's Library), 228 Kimpton Drive, Stittsville, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Little Free Library world map

Any time

Little Free Library on Lismer Crescent, Kanata

A free book-sharing box outside a home: take a book, and leave one if you can. You don't have to bring a book to take one.

Little Free Library (Lismer Little Library), 16 Lismer Crescent, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Little Free Library world map

Any time

Little Free Library on Spearman Lane, Kanata

A free book-sharing box outside a home: take a book, and leave one if you can. You don't have to bring a book to take one.

Little Free Library (Sabrina’s Little Library), 11 Spearman Lane, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Little Free Library world map

Any time

Little Free Library on Wildpine Court, Stittsville

A free book-sharing box outside a home: take a book, and leave one if you can. You don't have to bring a book to take one.

Little Free Library (Wildpine Residence little library), 10 Wildpine Court, Stittsville, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Little Free Library world map

Every day, year-round

Old Quarry Trail in Stony Swamp

Two loops (1.4 and 2.5 km) past old sandstone outcrops and wetland. Deer are often seen.

Old Quarry Trail, Stony Swamp (NCC Greenbelt), parking lot P5, Eagleson Rd, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: No dogs allowed

Checked Nov 15 · National Capital Commission

Every Saturday, 9 am

Ottawa-Carleton Trailway parkrun: free Saturday 5 km, Stittsville

Volunteer-run timed 5 km on the Trans Canada Trail and Robert Grant Ave; walk, jog or run at any pace.

Ottawa-Carleton Trailway (Trans Canada Trail), start near dog-walk path, 5513 Abbott St E, Stittsville, ON K2S 0G8 · Everyone

The catch: Register once online (free) and bring your barcode if you want a time

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa-Carleton Trailway parkrun

Any day

Pinhey's Point Park on the Ottawa River

A large City park on the Ottawa River in West Carleton, north of Kanata.

Pinhey's Point Park, 270 Pinhey's Point Rd, Dunrobin, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Any day

Sheila McKee Memorial Park

A large natural City park (about 47 hectares) off Sixth Line Road in Kanata North.

Sheila McKee Memorial Park, 1730 Sixth Line Rd, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Winter, when there is enough snow

Sledding hill at Richardson Heritage Park

Small to medium hill with steep, steady slopes. Unlit, no parking.

Richardson Heritage Park, 34 Arkose St, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Winter, when there is enough snow

Sledding hill at Tony Graham Community Park

Big lit man-made hill with very long runs and safety fencing. Park at the Kanata Recreation Complex.

Tony Graham Community Park, 100 Charlie Rogers Pl, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Winter, when there is enough snow

Sledding hills at J.J. Clarke Park, Bridlewood

Two unlit hills, one small and one larger; sled down the west side towards the park. Parking available.

J.J. Clarke Park, 75 Bridlewood Dr, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Any day

Trillium Woods Park

A small City woodland park in Kanata North for a quiet walk.

Trillium Woods Park, 800 Old Second Line Rd, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Any day

Walk the woods at South March Highlands Conservation Forest

About 300 hectares of City-owned woodland in Kanata North, good for nature walks.

South March Highlands Conservation Forest - Rural Portion, 895 Old Second Line Rd, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Ongoing; by appointment

Free placement assessment at Kumon Kanata South

Kumon's Kanata South centre gives a child a free placement test, then the instructor goes over the results with you.

Kumon of Kanata - South, 430 Hazeldean Rd, Unit 5, Kanata, ON K2L 1T9 · School-age children with a parent

The catch: Book an appointment; it leads into Kumon's paid program, but there is no obligation to enroll

Checked Nov 15 · Kumon of Kanata - South

Sunday to Thursday, 5 pm to close

Kids eat free Sunday to Thursday evenings at Zak's Diner Kanata

One free kids' meal for a child 10 or under with an adult meal and drinks, Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to close.

Zak's Diner Kanata, 499 Terry Fox Dr, Kanata, ON K2T 1H7 · Kids 10 and under with a paying adult

The catch: One kids' meal with each adult meal and drinks; not on civic holidays, school holidays or long weekends

Checked Nov 15 · Zak's Diner

Tuesdays

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at East Side Mario's Kanata

Every Tuesday, a child 10 or under gets a free kids' meal with each adult entrée of $19.99 or more.

East Side Mario's Kanata, 651 Terry Fox Drive, Kanata, ON K2L 4E7 · Kids 10 and under with a paying adult

The catch: One free kids' meal per adult entrée of $19.99 or more; dine-in only; not for groups of 8 or more kids; can't be combined with other offers

Checked Nov 15 · East Side Mario's Kanata

Wednesdays

Kids eat free on Wednesdays at Swiss Chalet Kanata

On Wednesdays kids get a free meal from the kids' menu with an adult entrée, plus a toy from the treasure box.

Swiss Chalet Kanata, 653 Terry Fox Dr, Kanata, ON K2L 4E7 · Kids with a paying adult (no age limit stated)

The catch: With purchase of an adult entrée; dine-in only

Checked Nov 15 · Swiss Chalet Kanata