Discover the Rideau
No need to travel to faraway rainforests to study biodiversity. Ottawa’s own Rideau River is rich with plants and animals. And children can explore the amazing diversity of life in the Rideau River without getting their feet wet.
Images: Ottawa a reasonable-cost destination for the whole family
Images: At the Rideau Canal
At the Canadian Museum of Nature, participants can learn how to identify fish based on their weird and wonderful characteristics, the impact of invasive species and ways to protect this important ecosystem. Kids can also play in the Biodiversity Playground, play Biodiversity Bingo and make a souvenir craft. Runs through March 21. March Break activities are free with admission.
The Canadian Museum of Nature will celebrate its reopening May 22 after a grand renovation project. In the meantime, check out the new Talisman Energy Fossil Gallery (hundreds of fossils, seven life-size dinosaurs), Mammal Gallery, Bird Gallery (collection of hundreds of birds found in Canada as well as a special play area/wild bird care clinic for kids) and the high-definition theatre. Contact nature.ca, 613-566-4700 or 1-800-263-4433.
Take flight, eh
If your child dreams of being a pilot, flight attendant or an astronaut, here is their chance to design a life-size uniform with markers, paper and badges at the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa. The “Flight Suit” craft workshop runs through March 21. Also during March Break, there’s a scavenger hunt to discover what pilots need before takeoff and can sit in a Cessna 150, Canadair Tutor or McDonnell Douglas CF-18.
The Canada Aviation Museum is home to Canada’s most extensive aviation collection and offers interactive activities, films, demonstrations and guided tours. Last year marked the centennial of the first powered flight in Canada, and to celebrate, a new permanent exhibit, Canadian Wings: A Remarkable Century of Flight, allows visitors to discover the history, the experiments and the people involved in this aviation milestone.
For more information, visit aviation.technomuses.ca or call 613-993-2010 or 1-800-463-2038.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Here’s some “reel” fun. Explore the science and technologies involved in filmmaking at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Experiment with different filmmaking techniques and take part in hands-on activities that show how movies are made. The program continues daily (through March 21) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact sciencetech.technomuses.ca, 613-991-3044 or 1-866-442-4416.
Camouflage face painting
The Canadian War Museum also has March Break activities including “Paradummy,” which runs through March 21 and also 27-28 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
To deceive the German army before the invasion of Normandy, Allies dropped paratrooper dummies, known as “Rupert.” Musuem visitors can make their own miniature “Rupert” using household materials.
There’s also Camouflage Face Painting, March 20-21 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
For more, see warmuseum.ca or call 819-776-7014 or 1-800-555-5621.
For travel information about Ottawa, including attractions, lodging and deals, see ottawatourism.ca.
Partial Cease of Business Activities along with Ralliart Inc’s Business Scale DownThorough security await travellers
