Ottawa is fortunate to have so many amazing museums that encourage families to travel through time, explore one-of-a-kind art, learn about the nature around them, discover more about the food they eat, the city they live in and so much more.
The Canadian Museum of History and The Children’s Museum are two museums in one that offers unique, engaging exhibits for everyone in the family from toddler to adult.
We’ve rounded up a few features that we love about the Canadian Museum of History and The Children’s Museum to encourage you to explore them this season. And here’s a bonus: Remember that many of our local museums offer free admission during the week and on special holidays. Visit this article to read more about it.
The Canadian Museum of History
Discover Canada’s History with permanent exhibits and special events. The museum offers an exploration of our past, insights into architecture, culture and more.
The CINÉ+ theatre features special showings of 2D and 3D movies to capture your imagination and educate your family about important topics. Movies are typically family-friendly and last about 21-45 minutes long, just the right length to keep even the smallest visitors interested.
Currently, movies include Great Bear Rainforest, a journey through Canada’s Pacific Coast forests, Backyard Wilderness, the discovery of our own backyards, and BigFoot’s Son, the story of a teenage BigFoot who tracks his father. These movies are all free with museum admission and offered in French and English.
Another highlight at the Canadian Museum of History is the Canadian History Hall. This thoughtful, historic journey through Canada’s own history from 15,000 years ago to current day is an important reflection into our Nation’s past and considerations for the future.
Current special exhibits you won’t want to miss
In addition to the ongoing exhibits at the History Museum, you can discover limited time, special exhibits as well. Until January 2020, learn about Neanderthal, the exhibit that is uncovering more than what we ever imagined about this species that disappeared 30,000 years ago.
Spirituality and architecture come together for UNCEDED – Voices of the Land. Available until March 2020, this incredible multimedia installation showcases the past, present and future of the Indigenous experience. This has been brought together by 18 Indigenous architects and designers.
The Children’s Museum
For your kids, the highlight of a visit to this museum will likely be The Children’s Museum. Known for their interactive, hands-on exhibits that appeal to even the youngest of visitors, this is where your kids can be kids while learning about countries and cultures.
We aren’t surprised that the museum is so popular with kids of all ages. With the dramatic stage featuring working lights and sound effects, to the boat where little captains can mop the deck or load up their cargo, there is adventure awaiting them all.
There are daily activities to get the kids involved as well like a globe hunt, passport stamps when each country is visited and, from time to time, crafts. Until September 2, your kids can also dress up like a knight, king or queen and build castles and structures in the room with giant foam blocks.
If it sounds like you need a full day at the Canadian Museum of History and The Children’s Museum, that’s probably accurate. You could easily spend hours and hours exploring all of the special exhibits, ongoing installations and capture your imagination throughout.
Don’t worry if you arrive without snacks. There’s a cafeteria available where you can grab a bite to eat, and local restaurants nearby.
The Canadian Museum of History and The Children’s Museum are open seven days a week (with some exceptions). Hours change after the long weekend (September 2). Visit their website for details.
Tagged under: ottawa,Ottawa Museums
Category: attractions
