Ottawa March Break Activities for Kids When Winter Won’t Let Go

Some March breaks are all sunshine and scooters. Others are boots, mitts, and “we need an indoor plan right now.” If you’re in Ottawa and winter is still hanging on, you can still have an amazing week by leaning into active indoor fun.

This guide puts Flying Squirrel Ottawa front and centre, then adds other options like skating, wave pools, indoor play, and easy family programs that get kids moving.

Flying Squirrel Ottawa is your anchor day

If you want one outing that reliably burns energy, Flying Squirrel Ottawa is the obvious first stop. We have trampolines, climbing walls, and safety-focused design, which makes it a strong fit for mixed-age families.

Why this works so well in March break mode:

• Lots of movement in one place (jumping, climbing, balancing, repeating)
• Kids can rotate activities instead of waiting around
• You can build a full outing around one booking window

If your goal is to ensure everyone gets home pleasantly exhausted, this is the place to be.

Skating at Richcraft Sensplex

For a classic Ottawa activity day, add public skating. Sensplex lists public skating sessions (including free sessions at its facilities) and posts schedules so you can check timing before you leave home.

Richcraft Sensplex is a great way to mix coordination, confidence, and family fun in one outing.

A simple formula:

• Morning or afternoon skate
• Hot chocolate/snack break after
• Done

It’s active, affordable, and always feels like a real March break moment. It’s also the practice facility of the Ottawa Senators, so there’s always a chance you’ll get to see the Tkaptain, Timmy, or Sandy.

Wave-pool energy at Ray Friel Recreation Complex

If your kids love water days, Ray Friel is a great option. The City of Ottawa facility has a wave pool, plus fitness and recreation amenities.

Wave-pool outings are perfect for kids who need movement but want something different from jumping parks and skating.

This is also a great midweek reset: high activity, low planning stress.

Cumberland branch area: library + activity combo

The Ottawa Public Library’s Cumberland branch is part of a multi-purpose community centre that includes a pool, arena, and fitness centre.

That means you can pair a library visit or family program with movement nearby instead of making multiple long drives.

OPL’s event portal also makes it easy to find children and family programs during the break period.

Canadian Museum of Nature

If you want a March break outing that still feels active (without being all-out high intensity), the Canadian Museum of Nature is a great pick. Families spend the day moving through big galleries, interactive exhibits, and hands-on discovery zones, so kids stay engaged instead of standing around. It’s especially useful as a “middle-of-the-week reset” between bigger energy days like Flying Squirrel.

Bonus: the museum posts special Spring Break hours (Feb. 28 to Mar. 22, 2026), which makes planning easier for families.

Why this plan actually works

You don’t need a perfect week. You need a few solid places, a bit of structure, and enough flexibility to pivot when energy levels change.

Flying Squirrel Ottawa gives you a big active day, and the rest, skating, swimming, indoor play, and a lighter library/rec day fills in the gaps without overloading the calendar.

And honestly, that’s the goal. Not a flawless itinerary, just a week where kids move a lot, sleep well, and wake up excited to do it again.