© Claire Kowalewicz
Photo: Tourisme Outaouais
Looking for some family fun this summer? Here are some fun ideas for family outings, no matter your children’s age. Book your family trip and discover these educational, fun and athletic activities in the Outaouais region.
This summer, treat your family to a fun-filled adventure at Éco-Odyssée Nature Park! Explore the water labyrinth in The Discoverer adventure by pedal boat, canoe or kayak, and discover the animals of Quebec by following simple and exciting clues. You can also tackle the labyrinth on foot through small channels of water and vegetation that will guide you through a captivating 20-40 minute adventure. Don't miss the treasure hunt, a fun activity that will delight children while educating them about nature and wildlife conservation. There's also a picnic area for a well-deserved break in the great outdoors!
Reconnect with nature and follow Canada’s flora and fauna in a unique way at Parc Omega. Enjoy seasonal activities and fascinating animal presentations—such as those featuring beavers and wetlands—available only during the summer season. It’s the perfect place for a day of adventure and learning with the whole family. Extend your nature getaway by booking an overnight stay in Parc Omega Unusual Accommodations, and enjoy a delicious meal at OmegaBon Restaurant! After dark, discover Parc Omega’s immersive light show titled “Oniro: What do animals dream of?” This night walk, offered periodically over the year, features projections, sound effects, and light displays. Through a contemplative and playful stroll, immerse yourself in the dream of a mother wolf and explore the invisible bonds between living beings.
Located in Denholm, the Air Eau Bois outdoor base is a true playground for families seeking adventure. With its 15 km of trails, beach, swimming area, obstacle course, and the peaceful waters of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir to explore by canoe, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get active and have fun. To extend your stay, spend the night in a micro-cabin, a micro-hut, a dome, or at one of the campgrounds. It’s a great opportunity to introduce your children to the joys of the outdoors or even to share your first canoe-camping experience together.
Camp Fortune is your year-round destination for adrenaline-pumping activities in the Collines-de-l'Outaouais. Soar over the valley on their Summit-to-Summit zipline course. It features a series of three high-speed double ziplines, the longest of which is 2,500 feet, and a 50-foot jump tower. Take on the challenges of the aerial course, which includes suspension bridges and other adventure activities. Try mountain sledding or hit the mountain bike trails, it’s the adrenaline rush your family needs this summer!
Bring the whole family aboard the Lady Dive Amphibus! Discover iconic landmarks such as museums, parks and embassies. Afterward, the bus transforms into a boat, allowing you to enjoy a magnificent panoramic cruise on the Ottawa River. Bilingual guides will entertain you with fascinating information. Have you ever tried it? It's guaranteed to be an extraordinary adventure!
Visit children's and parents' favourite museum in Gatineau! This summer, take an adventure around the world at the Canadian Children's Museum and explore fascinating destinations with your family. Climb aboard the Pakistani bus, visit the open-air market and become captain for a day on the Vagabond ship. There's so much to discover, without even getting on a plane!
Money. What do kids want to know about it? What do they need to know? Learn more at the Bank of Canada Museum! Play with the economy, explore inflation, test your consumer reflexes and discover with your family how money circulates across the country.
Just minutes from downtown Ottawa, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum offers a fun-filled adventure on a working farm! Meet cows, pigs, horses, and more as you explore barns full of friendly farm animals important to Canadian agriculture. Hands-on exhibitions, daily demos, and interactive experiences bring to life the amazing world of agricultural science and innovation. From sustainable farming to Indigenous foodways, the museum makes big ideas easy to understand, and amazing to discover.
Photo: Ingenium
This summer, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Papineau family with a visit to the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site! This majestic manor house, nestled in a verdant setting in Montebello, transports you back to the 19th century with its period rooms, meticulously tended gardens and historical animations. Children will love strolling through this enchanting setting, while adults will discover the secrets of Louis-Joseph Papineau, a key figure in our history. Treat yourself to a guided tour and enjoy a memorable family day in this place of memory and beauty.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, the Mont Cascades Water Park promises fun for everyone! Designed to entertain the whole family, it features four slides for adults, nine slides for toddlers, six slides for the whole family, and a large activity area with waterfalls, pools, a picnic area, and full-service dining. It’s the perfect spot for office parties, family gatherings, or outings with friends.
Discover the Calypso Water Theme Park, featuring more than 35 water slides, over 100 water games, and the country’s largest wave pool! The fantastical world of pirates, the science lab, the aquatic zoo, the “Jungle Run,” a tropical lazy river, and other themed attractions will delight visitors of all ages.
Photo: Parc aquatique thématique Calypso
Create unforgettable family memories at the many festivals and events taking place in the region this summer! Here are some ideas to help you create magical memories with your loved ones. And why not turn a simple outing into a real getaway? Extend your stay by staying at the Comfort Inn Gatineau. Completely renovated, the hotel offers a modern and comfortable setting, ideal for relaxing after a busy day. This way, you’ll have the chance to discover more attractions, enjoy activities at your own pace, and explore even more of the region’s treasures.
As a bonus, take advantage of a 10% discount on the daily rate to make your getaway even more enjoyable. After all, there’s so much to see and do in the Outaouais that a single day is often not enough!
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Since there’s still so much to discover, let yourself be inspired by our other suggestions for family activities and continue exploring the Outaouais.
Outaouais, my little corner of paradise where I grew up and which I have the pleasure of introducing to you. My little pleasures: Local gastronomy, a good glass of wine around a warm fire and little hidden treasures, both cozy and unusual, which allow me to escape. Without forgetting the breathtaking landscapes of the waterways, which add a touch of magic to our beautiful region. Why not enjoy it ? Come take a look!