Level Up Your Weekends: Fun Things for Adults to Do in Ottawa

1. Quiet Reflection at the Mer Bleue Bog

This one’s a retreat for the senses. Just a short drive from downtown, Mer Bleue Bog is an ecological gem that feels more like northern Quebec than the Ottawa suburbs. The boardwalk winds gently through ancient peatlands, sphagnum moss, tamarack trees, and open skies. It’s a haven for birds, butterflies, and people who need a break from screen time and traffic.

What makes Mer Bleue special isn't just its natural beauty—it’s the stillness. This is where you go to breathe deeply, reflect, and remember that weekends don’t need to be scheduled to the minute. Bring a thermos, take your time, and let the quiet do its work.

2. Forge Steel with Your Own Hands

Tucked away in the east end of Ottawa, Vans Blacksmithing offers an experience that’s part history, part therapy, and all power. Their one-day blacksmithing workshops give you the chance to turn raw steel into something useful and beautiful—like a bottle opener, knife, or rustic hook. You’ll learn how to control fire, swing a hammer, and use your own muscle to shape molten metal.

It’s a far cry from the usual passive weekend fare. Here, you leave with sore arms, soot on your clothes, and something tangible that you made from scratch. It's hands-on, deeply satisfying, and a surprising way to reset your brain after a long week at a desk.

3. Discover Small-Batch Creativity at Local Workshops

Ottawa has a surprisingly vibrant maker scene—if you know where to look. From pottery nights at Hintonburg Pottery to block printing workshops at local art co-ops, there are creative, adult-friendly classes popping up in unexpected places across the city.

You don’t have to be “good at art” to enjoy them. In fact, the point is to step out of your routine and into something creative. These spaces are welcoming, laid-back, and full of other people looking to try something new. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to make something with your hands—even if it’s just a lopsided mug you’ll proudly use every morning.

4. Axe-Throwing Night (No Crowds, All Skill)

Looking for something bold and a little bit primal? Axe-throwing might be your next favourite weekend plan. Several ranges around Ottawa—like BATL or Bad Axe Throwing—offer walk-in sessions and group bookings, making it a great go-to for date nights, birthday surprises, or just trying something new with friends.

You’ll get a quick safety intro (no lumberjack experience necessary) and then it’s game on. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the thunk of an axe sinking into wood. It’s the kind of full-body activity that makes you forget about your inbox. And unlike loud bars or packed patios, it’s immersive, focused, and weirdly calming. Plus, you’ll leave with a new party story and possibly a new favourite sport.

5. Embrace Your Inner Child at Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park

If you haven’t bounced on a trampoline since middle school, now’s the time to fix that. Flying Squirrel Ottawa is the city’s ultimate indoor trampoline park—and while it’s kid-approved, it’s also adult-friendly in the best possible way.

We’re talking wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, climbing walls, ninja courses, and enough foam pits to make you feel fearless. It’s the kind of place where you can fully commit to movement, laughter, and sheer play—all without worrying about the weather or who’s watching.

And make no mistake: it’s also a workout. You’ll sweat. You’ll soar. And you’ll walk out with that delicious combination of tired muscles and a clear mind. Whether you're looking to shake up your routine, burn off some steam, or just laugh uncontrollably with friends, Flying Squirrel delivers.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to travel far—or spend a fortune—to make your weekends memorable. Ottawa is full of overlooked adventures, quiet retreats, and high-energy escapes that don’t make the top-10 tourist lists but are exactly what your weekend needs.

So whether you’re forging steel, bouncing off the walls (literally), or losing track of time in a bog, these hidden gems are here to help you level up your downtime. No reservations, no crowds, no stress—just pure, local fun.

Which one will you try first?