Your Guide to Spring Adventure Spring is here and Kids Up Front Ottawa wants to help you make the most of it. We’ve created a guidebook for free, seasonal fun. Whether you want to spend the day indoors or outdoors, at home or away, these suggestions have something for you. You’ll be able to explore some of Ottawa’s recently re-opened destinations as well as beautiful outdoor landmarks. You can also choose to discover your own neighbourhood, with outdoor activities for the whole family. If rainy days are keeping you inside online and printable resources will help the time fly by. Enjoy virtual versions of our theatre, music, and hockey programs with great resources and activities for all ages.
Want to keep track of your spring adventure? Every time you complete an activ- ity, click this symbol to mark it as complete!
Don’t forget to share your experiences on social media, using #KidsAtHome. We can’t wait to see your adventures!
@kidsupfrontott
It is recommended that all science experiments, physical activities, and building lessons be done only under adult supervision. Kids Up Front Foundation shall not be held responsible for any damages or injuries as a result of any activities contained within this packet or featured links. It is advised to consider the age appropriateness of each activity and resource contained in this document.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com What is in this guide?
Activities around Neighbourhood Ottawa Activities
Theatre Music Hockey Activities Activities Activities
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Activities Around Ottawa We know that the ongoing pandemic has been a challenge. We miss visiting our regular Kids Up Front destinations. Theatres, sports stadiums, and museums have all faced various closures. Despite these challenges, we want you to enjoy everything our great city has to offer! We’ve compiled a list of destinations and attractions you can visit for free this spring. Enjoy nature with some of the city’s finest parks and hiking trails. Take a tour of a reopened museum and learn something new! Explore the historical significance of picturesque landmarks. We hope you enjoy exploring our beautiful home and discovering new favourite locations and activities!
Please note that Kids Up Front does not and can not vouch for safety from risk to exposure to COVID-19, or any other environmental risks, at any venue. It is the responsibility of each individual, and all chaperones, to understand the venue’s safety protocols, decide the level of risk and willingness to attend, and ensure adherence to safety protocols by the attendees. We encourage participants to follow Ottawa Public Health’s recommendations concerning face mask usage while participating in events. 613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Ottawa Free Museum Hours Discover some of the city’s finest collections with free admission hours at many museum locations. Please note that admission for all museums must be reserved in advance. Ottawa Art Gallery Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. The Ottawa Art Gallery is always free to visit. Learn about their col- lection, safety measures, and book your visit by visiting: https://oaggao.ca/oag-reopening Canadian Museum of History Thursday, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Explore the First People’s Hall, Canadian Stamp Collection, and Canadian History Hall. Visits must be booked in advance at: https://www.historymuseum.ca/visit/#close Canadian War Museum Thursday, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Learn about Canada’s history of war or discover military technology in the Lebreton Gallery. Visits must be booked in advance at: https://www.warmuseum.ca/rediscover/ National Gallery of Canada Thursday, 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Discover a stunning collection of Canadian and Indigenous art by exploring the Gallery’s Canadian Collection. Visits must be booked at: https://www.gallery.ca/
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Canada Agriculture and Food Museum Thursday to Sunday, 3:30 - 4:30 P.M. Learn about the systems and people who put food on our table and discover technological developments in the agriculture industry. Visits booked at: https://ingeniumcanada.org/agriculture Canada Aviation and Space Museum Thursday to Monday, 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. Check out humanity’s history of flight ranging from early planes to current Canadian spacecrafts. Book your visit at: https://ingeniumcanada.org/aviation Canada Science and Technology Museum Wednesday to Sunday, 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. Discover unknown elements of techology in our world with exhibits on energy, sound, microscopic worlds and much more. Visits booked at: https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech Canadian Museum of Nature Thursday, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Take a free tour of the museum’s permanent collection with galleries highlighting fossils, water, mammals and beyond. Book your visit at: http://www.nature.ca/en/home
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Downtown Walking Tour Visit some of Ottawa’s most historic sites found downtown. This gentle walking tour is perfect to introduce kids to our city’s most famous landmarks and discover new favourite attractions.
Maman Spider Byward Market Chateau Statue 55 Byward Market Sq. Laurier 380 Sussex Dr. Visit one of Canada’s oldest 1 Rideau St. One of Ottawa’s markets, first opened in the Ottawa’s luxury most photographed 1820’s to support the builders hotel is one of our sites the giant spider of the iconic Rideau Canal. city’s most beautiful statue is a globally buildings. Perfectly recognized landmark photographed from in our city’s heart. any angle this site is a must see in the city.
Rideau Canal and National War Parliament Hill Canal Locks Memorial Wellington St. 3 Canal Lane Wellington St. Complete your tour with Feeding directly into Framed by gorgeous the beautiful parliament the Ottawa River these gardens this stunning buildings. Home to our locks accompanied the sculpture is a tribute to federal government 1827 construction of the Canadians who have the hill also hosts the Rideau Canal. The view died in all conflicts past Peace Tower, Parliament from the Rideau Street and future. Library and Centennial bridge can’t be beat! Flame.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Parks to Relax Ottawa is loaded with green space perfect for soaking up some sun and enjoying a day outside. Visit these parks to relax, have a picnic, read a book or just enjoy some time away from the house.
Major’s Hill Park Strathcona Park Mackenzie Ave. 25 Range Rd. Stunning views all around of the Located right on the Rideau River Chateau Laurier, Parliament Hill and this spacious park is great to spread National Gallery. out and relax.
Confederation Park Elgin St. An amazing fountain and view of city hall are this park’s calling card!
Andrew Haydon Park Vincent Massey Park 3169 Carling Ave. Heron Rd. The Ottawa River, water features Vast greenspace and countless and a nearby sailing club make this walking trails highlight this must- a serene destination. see destination. 613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Parks to Play If the kids need to get out of the house and burn off some energy these parks are the perfect destination. Splash pads, play structures and green spaces are bountiful at these cross-city locations.
Millennium Water Park Mooney’s Bay Park 500 Millennium Blvd. 2926 Riverside Dr. A massive playground connects to One of Ottawa’s largest play a newly updated, pirate-themed structures is located directly beside splash pad. Perfect for warm days! the beach. Spend a day in the sun!
Lansdowne Park Westboro Brewer Park 1525 Princess Kiwanis Park 100 Brewer Way Patricia Way 411 Dovercourt Centrally located this A colourful, dynamic Ave. park hosts multiple play and fully accessible play Located next to the structures and a two structure for younger Dovercourt Recreation tiered splash pad to cool children located right in Centre older kids will off on those hot summer the heart of the Glebe. love the infite mobius day. After playtime enjoy climber. Also features a a walk along the water. huge jungle gym.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Views from the 6(13) Where are the most beautiful sights in Ottawa? If you want to capture nature in all its beauty, make sure to visit these destinations. Each offers a unique, picture-perfect view of our city.
Museum of History Observation Deck Hog’s Back Falls 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau Hog’s Back Road & Colonel By Drive View of Parliament & Chateau Laurier Beautiful rushing waterfall view.
Rideau Falls Nepean Point 50 Sussex Drive 380 Sussex Drive Serene waterfall and river view. Stunning river view of Gatineau. Note: While part of Nepean Point is currently under construction, you can access the hill and observe sculptures from the National Gallery of Canada.
Rockliffe Lookout George-Etienne Cartier Pkwy. Picturesque village & steeple view. Historic Sites of Ottawa From the home of our Federal Government, to the rideau canal, to the Byward Market our city is full of historically significant spots. Explore some of these great destinations and learn about their significance. Parliament Hill Wellington Street Start your tour with Canada’s most iconic building and home of our Federal Government. Make sure to stop by The Whispering Wall at the back of the hill! Supreme Court of Canada 301 Wellington Street Right next door to Parliament Hill is our country’s top court. Learn about the grounds and booking an online tour on their website. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica 385 Sussex Drive A stunningly beautiful building, Notre-Dame is Ottawa’s oldest church. Make sure to snap some pictures at this landmark. Ottawa City Hall 110 Laurier Avenue West The home of our city council, this beautiful building has a great outdoor plaza to enjoy some sunshine.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Rideau Hall 1 Sussex Drive Enjoy a scenic walk on the grounds of the Governor General’s residence. Don’t forget to look at the exterior of this amazingly designed building.
Notre Dame Rideau Hall
Parliament Hill Supreme Court City Hall 613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Happy Trails in the Ottawa Area Ottawa and the surrounding region have amazing trails. If you’re looking for a longer nature walk, these destinations have beautiful sites and perfect trails for all ages.
Mer Bleue Boardwalk Mud Lake Ridge Road, K0A 2Y0 Britannia Rd. & Cassels St. A fun boardwalk hosts a unique Just minutes from Britannia beach boreal landscape. Enjoy the history enjoy this conservation area with a of a 7,700 year old bog. peaceful lake in the centre.
Stoney Swamp The Beaver Pond Pinhey Forest NCC 26, Nepean Trail NCC Greenbelt With 40 KM of trails you 250 Walden Dr. P14 will discover over 700 A gentle trail that’s This centrally-located species of plants and perfect for kids of forest offers two walking observe over 250 rare all ages. Take in the trails perfect for a family bird species. This is a peaceful stroll on this day in the sun. Explore must-visit for all nature- path while accessing a a forest of unique lovers. beautiful view of Beaver coniferous trees. Pond.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Ottawa Mural Walking Tours Our city is home to some amazing artwork and picture-perfect mu- rals. Explore the House of PainT’s online map of murals and check out their suggested walking tours or create your own. View the map at: http://bit.ly/ottawamuraltour
Tag us Are you snapping a photo in front of your favourite mural? Make sure to tag us in your online @kidsupfrontott. We can’t wait to Adventure! see your adventure!
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Neighbourhood Activities If you’d rather stay close to home, these activities are perfect for you. Discover your own neighbourhood with ideas to get you outdoors and moving. Enjoy a family scavenger hunt, look for unique bird species near you, or take some time to reflect on the beauty of nature. Spring is the perfect time to discover new life all around you. Make the most of the sunshine with this collection of activities.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Neighbourhood Colour Hunt Spring is a season of new life and beautiful colours in nature. See how many colours you can find on your next walk through the neighbourhood. Can you spot the entire rainbow? Write or draw something that is...
Red Orange
Yellow Green
Blue Purple Pink
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com “All the Things I Love” Hunt This is a scavenger hunt with a twist. Rather than have us tell you what to find, you can decide for yourself! Find something that matches each prompt and write your answers in the boxes below.
Something that Something from smells good nature
Something I like Something to wear beautiful
Something in my Something I favourite colour like to share
Something Something I cute use a lot
Something that Something I makes a sound like to hold
Something that Something I tastes good love
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Nature Mindfulness Break Relax and find your centre outside with these mindfulness minutes. The peace and beauty of nature is the perfect setting for these moments of reflection.
Sit comfortably or lie on the ground and look up at the sky. Avoid looking directly at the sun. What do you see? Cloud formations? Clear sky? Birds or airplanes? How long can you concentrate on the sky above you before your mind starts to think about other things.
Choose a natural object that appeals to you - smooth rock, pine cone, leaf, shell - avoiding anything with sharp edges so you can handle it. Now close your eyes and concentrate on how your object feels when you hold it. Is it heavy? Light? Use your hands to explore the textures on the surface. What descriptive words can you use to describe it?
Let’s go for a walk! As you walk along, try and notice how the ground feels under your feet. Are you walking on hard ground, spongy leaves, squishy mud, or soft sand? See if you can find some different surfaces to walk on. How do they feel different?
Find a quiet space outside, close your eyes and turn your attention to the sounds you can hear. Maybe wind in the trees, birds singing, or the hum of traffic going back and forth. Choose one sound and see if you can focus on it for a whole minute? Or even longer?
Activity Credit: CALMEKIDSCO
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Neighbourhood Walk Bingo Add a bit of friendly competition to your next neighbourhood walk! Take this bingo card with you and see how many items you can find. Found 5 in a row? Challenge yourself to finish the whole card!
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Course You can create your own obstacle course on the sidewalk! Follow our suggestions or create your own ideas to make a course of your own!
Bonus! Make your own sidewalk chalk paint at: makeandtakes.com/sidewalk-chalk-paint 613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Indoor Scavenger Hunt If rainy days have you inside, you can make the most of it with this scavenger hunt for objects you might have at home!
A favourite Something toy soft
Something heart Something shaped with wheels
A picture of Sports another place equipment
Craft The number supplies 9
Something Two different blue sized books
Something A round snack
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Neighbourhood Bird Watching You can find amazing wildlife close to your own home! See how many of these bids you can spot in your neighbourhood and mark off the ones you see. Can you find a...
Blue Jay Cardinal Woodpecker
Hummingbird Loon
Redwing Robin Blackbird
Bonus! Learn about birding at: https://www.audubon.org/get- outside/activities/audubon-for-kids 613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Although we Theatrecan’t attend in-person theatrefor performances, All we’re committed to sharing the amazing world of theatre with all our program participants. This collection of resources celebrates the magic of theatre with activities you can enjoy at home. Check out full scale theatre performances available online. Complete activity sheets based on the dramatic world of the stage. Build your own stage and characters to put on your own performance for the ages!
National Sponsor - CIBC The CIBC Theatre for All program helps Kids Up Front offices across Canada give deserving children and youth the gift of experiencing a live arts production like theatre, dance, opera or the symphony. Exposure to arts and culture has many benefits. It can expand a child’s horizon and inspire dreams and hope for their future. Arts and cultural performances can help develop young minds, nurture creativity and encourage a long-lasting connection with the arts. It also allows children, youth and their family to be included in the arts and culture community.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Make a Theatre Mask Use the template below to decorate a mask. You can cut out the eye holes and add string to the back to wear your mask proudly.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Theatre Crafts Check out these awesome theatre crafts you can make at home. Host your own performances with these amazing creations!
Poster Board Puppet Theatre Create a backdrop for a fun pup- pet performance! Develop your own characters and story.
Plastic Spoon Puppet Make your own characters with simple craft supplies and plastic spoons. Perfect for younger children! Dog Marionnette Project Build an adorable dog marionette and make it the star of your next show.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Theatre Career Word Search
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Online Theatre Activities Awesome online resources help you enjoy your favourite performances and interactive activities from the comfort of home.
Animated Theatre Games Solve interactive video riddles and complete challenges with Sherlock Holmes, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz and more. Recommended for ages 4-12 Crash Course: Theatre This animated YouTube series takes a look at the history of theatrical performances. Recommended for ages 8+ Deliver a Monologue Give a performance for the ages with these child-written monologues. Have the whole family take stage for a theatre night. Recommended for ages 8-16 Shakespeare Performances Enjoy one of William Shakespeare’s classic plays as performed at the Stratford Festival. Recommended for ages 13+ Host a Family Puppet Show Create a backdrop and some hand-made puppets to host your own theatre performance. Recommended for ages 4-10
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Those screams ofNoteworthy excitement as the latest chart-topping band takes the stage? They’re music to our ears. That’s because we know Kids Up Front kids are getting the thrill of a lifetime as well as all the exciting benefits a live-music experience can provide. Although we are not able to currently offer live music experiences, we are committed to providing our programs to our kids and families while they stay safe at home. Enjoy music themed activity sheets, crafts and online resources!
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Name that Instrument How many instruments can you name? Match the pictures to the instrument names below.
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Noteworthy Music Crafts Start making music of your own with these fantastic music themed craft creations.
Popsicle Stick Harmonica Make a fun and colourful instrument out of posicle sticks.
DIY Rain Sticks Bring the soothing sound of a storm inside with these simple to make instruments.
Colourful Music Notes Decorate your home performance space with these gorgeous music notes!
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Instrument Word Search
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Online Music Activities Interactive online resources and games to help you learn about music theory and create your own music.
Incredibox Beat Maker Create and record your own beats with this simple drag-and-drop drum machine. Recommended for ages 6+ Songwriting Workshop Series This 4-part video series focuses on all the key elements of songwriting for all levels of experience. Recommended for ages 13+ Chrome Music Lab Learn about the basics of music theory or create your own tunes with interactive music games and activities Recommended for all ages At Home Music Learning Learn the fundamentals of music with video lessons or program your own musical beats. Recommended for ages 6-13 Introduction to Instruments Videos Learn about different instrument groups with fun, animated videos from the Calgary Philharmonic. Recommended for ages 4-12
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Hockey Fans
Hockey Fans in inthe Stands the is Kids StandsUp Front’s program that enables all children to be close to their heroes while also being engaged and educated in hockey by giving them a seat in the action through the distribution of tickets and the creation of special VIP events. Although we are not able to currently offer hockey experiences live and up close, we are committed to providing our programs to our kids and families while they stay safe at home. Enjoy hockey themed activity sheets, crafts and online resources! National Sponsors
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Hockey Career Word Search
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Hockey Fans in the Stands Crafts Become a hockey superstar with these creative craft projects you can make at home.
Cardboard Hockey Stick Show off your own personal style with these customizable cardboard mini sticks.
Tabletop Hockey Rink Get ready for puck drop with a functional mini hockey arena.
Popsicle Stick Mini Sticks Decorate your stick with your favourite team’s colours and logo!
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Online Hockey Activities Interactive online resources to build your passion for the sport!
Play Balloon Hockey Get your living room ready for puck drop with an exciting indoor game of balloon hockey. Recommended for ages 2-8 Virtual Zamboni Ride Tour rinks around Canada with a view from the best seat in the house: the zamboni. Recommended for all ages Hockey Science Experiment Why does a puck slide on ice? Learn all about friction with this interactive science project. Recommended for ages 4-12 Weird NHL Moments Looking for a few laughs? Look no further. We can’t explain these bizarre NHL moments. Recommended for all ages
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com Looking for More Activities? We have you covered. Our Kids at Home program, launched 1 year ago, has featured hundreds of resources you can enjoy at home. Check out the following features on our website: • A fully searchable RESOURCE BANK with over 350 online activities, resources and projects. • A LIVE EVENTS CALENDAR curating upcoming events taking place online from around the world. • PRERECORDED WORKSHOPS to help you learn how to cook, act, sing, knit, draw and so much more!
VISIT KIDS AT HOME
613-230-1111 [email protected] www.kidsupfrontottawa.com