Last-Minute PD Day Activity Ideas in Ottawa for April 27

Many kids in the Ottawa area are scoring another PD Day on Friday, April 27 and while students will be excited to have the extra day off, parents may be left scrambling to try and keep the kids busy. If the weather stays nice, it will be the perfect time to get outside and enjoy a park or go on a nature walk. But if you still need a few ideas, or the weather changes, we’ve found some activities that we know they’ll love. Here’s where your kids can spend their PD Day:

At the Library

The Ottawa Public Library has special events for kids at various branch locations. The Hazeldean branch is hosting a Captain Underpants activity session for kids aged 6-12 at 2 pm. The Makermobil will be at the Greenboro branch at 2 pm and the Cumberland Branch is hosting special activities beginning at at 2 pm for two hours long. Some activities require registration, so it’s best to check the website first to register as needed.

Watching a Stage Show

Take the kids to the Nepean Creative Arts Centre for an on stage performance of The Wind in the Willows at 1:30 pm. You can purchase tickets for this 90-minute show and enjoy a unique telling of this classic story brought to you by the popular Rag and Bone Puppetry Theatre.

At the Movies

There are showtimes for family friendly movies at various cinemas across Ottawa (and yes, Marvel’s Infinity War is out on Friday) but you’ll be able to save some money if you take in a matinee at most theatres, or check out a more economical option like Cinestarz in Orleans where you can still catch showings of family-friendly movies like Peter Rabbit, Sherlock Gnomes, A Wrinkle in Time and Black Panther.

Going Bowling

When was the last time you put on rented bowling shoes and tried to get a strike? The kids will love being able to try their skill at bowling. Check out the lane options at Orleans Bowling (it’s right near the highway in in the East End) and enjoy your time by the game or by the hour. There’s also Walkley Bowling Centre with 30 five-pin bowling lanes and open bowl times on Friday, you’ll be able to strike up a lot of fun!

Participating in a Camp for the Day

If you need child care or want the kids to try something new for a half day or the entire day, consider signing them up for a PD Day camp. There are many options that may still have space available and offer a unique, special experience for your children. For example, if they want to enjoy an art class for a half day or full day of programming, register them for Tracy’s Art Studio‘s PD Day camp. The camp is for students aged 5-12 no matter their skill level and each child will create a piece of art. Or, if they love animals, they’ll be especially interested in the Ottawa Humane Society’s Animal Welfare camp. This day-long event for kids 6-12 years old has extended day care available if needed too. Or, maybe they want to try a variety of activities and they can sign up for the Old Ottawa South PD Camp. This camp may include speical outings like a visit to the Superdome, or a pottery workshop along with other fun activities. Lastly, we love the look of the Sing House Studios Pop Star PD Day camp. Where else can your child enjoy music lessons and a lot of fun? This full day or half day camp in Orleans hits all the right notes.