When the sun is out, sunscreen has been applied, and the long summer days are upon us, parents will need a few ideas to keep the kids busy in and around Ottawa while also beating the heat. The backyard water table and hose can be fun, but it may not be enough to keep them occupied all summer long.
So we’ve rounded up a list of amazing outdoor water play areas and splash pads in Ottawa that will cool everyone cooling off while they’re having fun.
The Best Pools & Splash Pads in Ottawa:
Millennium Water Park
Your kids will love the water park feel that the Millennium splash pad has to offer. It’s a large area with plenty for smaller kids and older ones. Everyone will want to gather around the giant bucket dumping water on them! With plenty of parking and green space, plus the adjacent play park, Millennium will keep the family busy for hours. There aren’t many shaded areas though so consider bringing your own umbrellas if you want to stay out of the sun.
Pack a picnic and plenty of towels to enjoy the day. Rumour has it an ice cream truck has been spotted on the weekends too!
Area: Ottawa East
Cost: Free
Windsor Park Wading Pool
There are many wading pools across Ottawa, but we love the shade and space offered at the Windsor Park Wading Pool. Located in Old Ottawa South, with huge trees providing shade, it’s an excellent spot for all the kids, younger ones especially since you can keep them out of the sun if need be. Take note that the wading pool isn’t open every day of the week.
Area: Old Ottawa South
Cost: Free
Calypso Water Park
Canada’s biggest water park is located just east of Ottawa and is now open for the summer. With a wave pool (always a favourite), giant splash area, lazy river, and more than 35 water slides, this is an adventure the entire family will love. You can pack a picnic or grab a snack on site. Ticket prices do vary based on height (not age), but also time of day. If you want to save a few dollars, head out later in the day for a ticket discount.
Calypso is open for Summer 2021! Tickets must be purchased or reserved online prior to your visit. Safety measures are in place.
Area: East Ottawa, Limoges
Cost: $30-$50 per person.
Open: Now open until September. Visit their website for details about open hours, cabana rentals, special offers, and more.
Andrew Haydon Park
This is the place to go for kids to get hands on and muddy. We love that of all the splash pads in Ottawa, the one at Andrew Haydon Park isn’t the typical concrete layout. This is all about a tactile experience. The wooden structure will encourage kids to use their imagination while splashing in the water, and mud. Bring a picnic and a change of clothes.
Area: West Ottawa
Cost: Free for the park (but paid parking)
Brewer Park Splash Pad
Nestled in Old Ottawa South, the Brewer Park Splash Pad is always a fun spot for families. With two levels of splash pad fun, kids will love the water structures that spray, dump, and hose everyone. We think it’s not only the amazing water features that entertain the kids, but the giant tube water slide as well. How can you not add this to your summer bucket list?
Area: Old Ottawa South
Cost: Free
Brookstreet Hotel Pools
Need something a little quieter than the ambience provided at the splash pads in Ottawa? If you want the feel of a resort, head to Brookstreet Hotel. Their luxurious outdoor salt water pool is open to the public via a day pass (as is their indoor pool if the weather isn’t cooperating). We love the feeling of being on a getaway without having to leave the city. There is poolside beverage and food service available too.
Area: West Ottawa
Cost: Day passes available for kids and adults, children under 2 are free.
Open: Open in June until end of the season. Seven days a week. Times vary according to the day.
Mont Cascades Water Park
Only about 20 minutes away from Downtown Ottawa, you’ll discover Cantely, Quebec and Mont Cascades Water Park. We love the water slides for every family member, including little ones who are just getting their feet wet. We appreciate that the pools and slides are heated. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the picnic area or enjoy a bite from the snack bar or pub restaurant.
A number of Covid-19 protocols are still in place.
Area: Cantley, QC
Cost: $20-$24 (when purchased online), children 2 and under are free.
Tagged under: summer,kids,pools,ottawa splash pads,outdoor play,splash pads,splash pads in ottawa
Category: attractions,outdoor-play
