Now that the summer has made way for autumn, and school-year routines are back in full effect, parents might begin thinking about how they can make the most of the fall season with their kids. From viewing the fall foliage to learning about different cultures, there is no shortage of experiences the whole family can enjoy in the Ottawa area.
Fall Foliage Tour
Nature’s beauty is unrivalled in the fall, so take advantage of the colourful backdrop of Mother Nature by going to all the wonderful places in Ottawa that give you a front row seat.
You and your family can hike to one of the scenic lookouts in town, such as the King Mountain Trail in Gatineau Park or stroll through the beauty along the Rideau Canal. The Prince of Wales Falls, also known as Hog’s Back Falls, offers a dual experience of foliage and a stunning waterfall, providing a two-fold chance to view nature’s elegance.
Fall Festivals
Fall sparks a new type of festival season in Ottawa, offering something for everyone. The Ottawa International Animation Festival offers animated film screenings and workshops for the whole family, culminating in an all-ages day on September 27.
The Day of the Dead Festival at the ByWard Market, hosted at the end of October, immerses the family in a celebration of Mexican culture through food, dance parties, exhibits, and more.
Pumpkin Fest is another option for the whole family, with Saunders Farm turning into a fun-packed event full of pumpkins, mazes, food, family games and hayrides. There are also haunted attractions for older kids, stage shows, puppet shows, a zipline, and more.
Farm fun
Get into the spirit of autumn at one of Ottawa’s best orchards. Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin to carve for Halloween or want to pick apples fresh from the tree, there is no shortage of places to go in the Ottawa area that will give you and your family a day to remember with some take-home goodies to boot.
Cannamore Orchard or Avonmore Berry Farms, which provides both apples and pumpkins. Pinewood Orchards is ideal for those seeking a wide variety of apples, while La ferme d’Orléans is perfect for those looking to purchase apples and other fruits.
Mountain Orchards, just outside of Ottawa, is steeped in traditional fall activities for the family, providing apple picking, pumpkins, straw jumps, corn mazes, and a playground for the kids to frolic about. There are also forest trails to enjoy the fall foliage, wagon rides, and picnic areas to relax while you enjoy the famous doughnuts and butter tarts from their bakery.
Halloween Fun
For older kids or those brave enough to indulge in the scares of Halloween, Ottawa is full of events. The Halloween Barnyard Bash at Log Farm is full of fun, including a costume party, animals to play with, and corn mazes. You and the family can also take in the Enchanted Forest or pick your own pumpkin to take home. As a bonus, kids get a candy bag on the way out.
For those more courageous kids, the Acres of Terror attraction at Cannamore Orchards offers toned-down attractions during the day, including their Spooky Village, Fog Maze, and House of Terror.
Ottawa is packed with family-friendly activities to enjoy during the fall season, so the only issue you’ll face is choosing which ones to go to.