20 #Outaouaisfun activities for spring break
*You can confirm with attractions that activities are still available depending on weather conditions.
Your kids are probably counting down the days until spring break. For your part, you may see the week as more of a mountain of organization than fun. Parents, that’s when the Outaouais comes to the rescue. Here are some #Outaouaisfun activities to consider when organizing your next vacation week.
Outdoor activities
Snow tubing
In the Outaouais region, thrill-seekers and winter fun enthusiasts will be delighted by a tubing outing. At the Domaine de l’Ange-Gardien, the well-groomed trails and the different heights of the runs promise to make the whole family laugh. The ski lift allows children to be more independent and maximize their time on site. At the Centre de plein air du Lac-Beauchamp, the atmosphere is more relaxed, perfect for an impromptu outing! The slopes are accessible free of charge, and many other activities are available on site, so there’s plenty of variety.
Cross-country skiing
With 200 km of trails, Gatineau Park is a paradise for cross-country skiers. Discover magical landscapes, snow-covered forests and trails for all levels. For a more intimate adventure, head for the Sentiers Les Renards Blancs. Stroll along a less crowded trail in the heart of nature, where tranquility and winter beauty meet.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
The Outaouais is a prime destination for downhill skiers and snowboarders. The region’s resorts welcome skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick downhill run after work or a full day out with the family, the resorts are equipped with modern facilities, ski schools and even offer evening skiing. Extend the fun and introduce your kids to après-ski.
Snowshoeing
Put on your snowshoes and explore the trails. The Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy offers leashed dog-friendly trails close to downtown. Take a stroll through the Parc régional de Champboisé and discover the works of art along the way. Head to Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon for a spectacular view of the region from the 12-metre-high observation tower. There are so many snowshoeing trails to discover in the region, all you have to do is choose!
Ice skating
Ice skating is also a must-do winter activity. In town, skate on the Brewery Creek Skating Rink or on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest natural skating rink. For a nature adventure, head to Lac-des-Loups and wind your way through the forest on an ice trail. The Outaouais is full of beautiful skating rinks waiting to be discovered.
Try a fatbike
Le Harfang Fat Bike & Snowshoesis the perfect place for fatbike enthusiasts in Val-des-Monts. Take advantage of the 28 kilometers of trails and enjoy a unique experience combining sport and nature. Equipment rental is available on site.
Winter hiking
For a memorable winter hike in the Outaouais, drive to Blue Sea and conquer the trails of Parc régional du Mont Morissette. Climb to the top of the observation tower and enjoy panoramic views of the region. Dress warmly, breathe in the fresh air and let yourself be charmed by one of the PERO trails’s 12 hiking trails.
Watching wildlife
In Montebello, Parc Omega awaits you for an immersion into the heart of Canadian wildlife. With their 12-kilometre drive, observe deer, wolves, bison and many other animals in their natural habitat. Stop to feed the deer from your vehicle, take a stroll along the hiking trails and sweeten your beak with maple products made on site. At Parc de la Forêt Boucher, take part in interactive workshops to help your children discover animals and insects in winter. Themed hikes are also organized to teach them how to recognize animal tracks. See the full program for details.
Visit a cave
Visit the depths of Laflèche Cave, the largest tourist cavern on the Canadian Shield. Explore the subterranean world, observe bats up close, see stalactites and stalagmites, experience total darkness and learn more about the geological history of the area. Above ground, the adventure continues with the hebertism courses at Arbraska Laflèche . Cross suspension bridges, try out zip lines and experience thrills in the heart of nature.
Indoor activities
Try the virtual reality experience
Plan a visit to VR82 Virtual Reality Arcade and discover the world of virtual reality. Choose from a selection of over 50 virtual games and enjoy an interactive experience tailored to your needs and desires. Explore incredible worlds, solve mysteries, fight zombies or fly through space. Treat yourself to an out-of-the-ordinary digital getaway and make memories with your family!
Play board games
Combine gourmet pleasures and board games with a visit to Parlé – Bistro Ludique. The establishment offers a tasty menu, from delicious bites to original cocktails, as well as an impressive collection of board games. Unplug from your screens together and share a playful moment around a good table. Who will win the game?
Going to an amusement center
If you have young children, Rond-Point Milieu de jeux seems like the place to be! It’s a space dedicated to free play and children’s imaginations. Toddlers can explore, create and play freely in a stimulating environment designed to foster their motor and social development. Take advantage of facilities adapted to young adventurers: climbing modules, themed corners and interactive games. Let your children burn off their energy in a safe environment, and keep an eye on them over a cup of hot coffee.
Climbing
Climbing enthusiasts will be delighted by the region’s climbing experiences! Altitude Gym is a must with its varied climbing walls, and your children are welcome. Check the parent-child ratio before you come. Enroll your children aged 5 to 12 in Klimat Fitness & Bouldering‘s youth climbing program and let them discover the pleasures of climbing.
Take part in a car race
For a good dose of adrenalin, visit Top Karting. Put on your helmet, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a memorable family race. The company has junior karts for children aged 8 and over.
Successful escape game
Put your team spirit to the test and try to solve an escape game together. Test your logic, solve puzzles, find clues and work together to get out of a room before time runs out. Escape from a pirate ship, open the Templar’s secret chamber or find the antidote to a deadly gas in Maître du jeu – Escape games.
Play a game of laser tag
Put your extra energy to good use by taking part in a game of laser tag at Adrénaline +. Put on your vests, grab your laser guns and enter the arena! Run between the obstacles and make sure you aim accurately to emerge victorious from this battle! Dress in white, as the arena features reactive black lights!
Practicing yoga
Yoga or meditation can be enjoyable activities to help your children catalyze their energy. La Sporthèque has posted videos for its members who wish to do this activity at home. For a more complete experience, head to Gatineau’s Idolem yoga studio on March 7 and take part in the parent-child event.
Haven’t found the perfect activity? Discover even more indoor activity suggestions that are sure to please the whole family.
Gourmet activities
Cooking at home
Gourmet activities are a great way to share warm family moments! Make yourself a nice hot chocolate with chocolate spoons from Rochef Chocolatier. Prepare a homemade pizza on which everyone can choose their favorite toppings, using Maison Oddo pizza dough as a base, and give free rein to their culinary creativity. Why not try a new recipe from one of the L’imposteur culinairebooks? Whether it’s a comfort dish or a decadent dessert, cooking together is a great way to learn and, above all, enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Take part in a cooking workshop
For an even more immersive experience, take part in a parent-child workshop at L’artisan du dessert. Master the art of cupcake decorating by making your own sweet treats, or discover the secrets of master chocolatiers.
Food tasting
Discover native patisserie with sweets from Kîsisam Patisserie, enjoy a pizza tasting at Roberto Pizza Romana, and conquer the best cheesecake at Le Cheesecake Bar! If you still have room, order a variety of gelato and sorbet from Freddo & Gelato.
Going to the sugar shack
When spring arrives, a visit to the sugar shack is a must! Enjoy maple taffy after a traditional family meal. Choose your sugar shack!
Cultural and artistic activities
Learn how coins are made
Take a guided tour of the Royal Canadian Mint and immerse yourself in the world of collectible coinage. Learn the story behind Canada’s official medals and discover the fascinating history of Canadian currency. You can even try your hand at lifting a gold bar!
Visited a museum
The National Capital Region has something for everyone. With the largest selection of museums in the country, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an enthusiast of currency, nature, war, science, aviation, history, fine arts, fun or agriculture. Learn something new about the subject that fascinates your children, and ask them about what they’ve learned when you get home.
Watch a film at the cinema
There’s nothing like a trip to the movies for family fun! Cinéma 9 and Cinéma Starcité Gatineau offer a varied program, from animated films for the little ones to captivating blockbusters. Let yourself be transported by the images and, of course, feast on popcorn! If your family prefers documentaries, Ciné+ at the Canadian Museum of History will be showing several on its IMAX screen.
Painting ceramics
Head to the Éco des champs farm and board the bus that serves as a ceramic painting studio. Choose your piece and take a seat at one of the stations. Spend some creative time with your family and enjoy the view of the farm and surrounding area from the bus’s large windows. Reserve your seat now
Painting a canvas
Develop your artistic talent with Artsy Kearns Studio. Order your design online at least 48 hours in advance, pick it up at the studio and let your imagination run wild with your family in the comfort of your own home!
Discover indigenous culture
Bring the whole family to the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Centre. Learn about the history of the Anishinaabeg through artifacts, paintings and photographs.
Free activities
Spring break doesn’t have to mean spending money! The Outaouais region is bursting with free activities to make memories and have fun with the whole family.
Visit the Parliament of Canada
Discover the history, politics and workings of Canadian government by visiting the Parliament of Canada. Join a free guided tour of the Senate or the House of Commons and explore the debating chambers, learning more about the role of Senators and Members of Parliament as you unravel the country’s democratic process. Take the opportunity to ask questions in preparation for the next election! You can also take part in a fun-filled tour of the main Parliament building, with a 360° multimedia show entitled Parliament: The Immersive Experience. Reserve your tickets now.
A movie night at home
Why not organize a home movie night? Pick up sweets at La Confiserie Wakefield, chocolate treats at Chocolat Favoris Aylmer or maple cotton candy at François Lambert’s Store – Maple and local Products. Make yourself comfortable, wrap up in your favorite blanket and choose a movie together.
No matter what activity you choose, the important thing is to share quality time together, without worrying about the budget, so here are even more suggestions for free activities to do in the Outaouais region.
Special events
Attend a children's show
Children’s shows in the Outaouais are a great opportunity to delight the little ones with captivating stories, interactive theater or musical performances. Throughout the year, venues such as the Maison de la culture de Gatineau and various cultural centers offer shows tailored to young audiences.
Participate in a workshop
Gatineau‘s libraries are offering a host of free workshops to keep your kids busy during spring break: arts and crafts, animated storytelling, scientific discovery activities, recycling quizzes and even reading initiations for toddlers. See the full program for details and workshop locations.
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With all these suggestions, you’ll be the coolest parents around! As they say, more is always better than less!
