Friday, 31 July 2026

City of Ottawa - Discovery Recreation - Fall Programs

 

View fall registered programs  

Take a look at fall activities online today. Save your desired activities to your wish list to make it easier to find on registration night. Sign in to your City of Ottawa account on Tuesday, August 11 at 9 pm to register for fall swimming lessons. All other activities will be open to registration at 9 pm on Thursday, August 13. 

Before and After School Programs 

Looking for childcare in September? Before and After School Programs are now open for registration. 

Summer splash

There’s lots of time to enjoy the outdoor pools, wading pools, splash pads and beaches this summer! Be water safe this summer and enjoy a dip to cool off. 

What's happening

Fairfields Heritage House 


Lansdowne Park 


Gallery 112 


Summer camps 


City of Ottawa: Accessibility Spotlight - July 2026

 

Accessibility Spotlight

Ottawa’s new shared e-scooter provider

On July 20, LIME Canada became Ottawa’s shared e-scooter provider, replacing Neuron Mobility. LIME e-scooters include several features designed to improve accessibility and help keep sidewalks clear and safe for all. 


Some of the accessibility features of the LIME e-scooter program in Ottawa include:


  • QR codes and Braille labels that make it easier to report issues

  • Bilingual messages displayed on the e-scooters

  • A double kickstand and stable design that help prevent scooters from tipping over

  • Parking controls and designated parking areas that help keep sidewalks clear and accessible

  • An app and website that meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)


If you see a misplaced e-scooter, please report it through the City’s website or the LIME or Bird app. To learn more about Ottawa’s e-scooter program, visit the City of Ottawa website. 


Zena Street, Sunnycrest Drive and Barlyn Avenue Sidewalks

The City of Ottawa's Transportation Master Plan includes future projects across the city, including new sidewalks. One of these projects is a new sidewalk and improved street lighting on Zena Street and Baryln Avenue, including part of Sunnycrest Drive. Please visit the Engage Ottawa page to see the proposed sidewalk location and to learn more about the project.


The project team is asking for community feedback via a survey. Your feedback will help the City understand current safety and accessibility concerns, and how the proposed sidewalk may affect the community. We encourage people with disabilities to complete the survey and share their thoughts on both the existing conditions and the proposed sidewalk design. The survey closes on August 4, 2026


Wheelchair basketball at St-Laurent Complex

The St. Laurent Complex, located at 525 Côté Street, is offering wheelchair basketball as a drop-in activity on Saturdays from 9 to 10 am from June 29 to September 7. The program is open to people of all physical abilities. Participants must supply their own wheelchair. 


Information about the drop-in process, including fees and payment options, is available on the City’s Drop-in Activities webpage.


Text that reads "Para Transpo News," with OC Transpo logo above.

Para Transpo Talk: August 4 to 11 and 11 to 13

Join OC Transpo’s Customer Care team at Para Transpo Talk events across Ottawa in early and mid August! For dates and locations, see the Para Transpo Talk webpage. Para Transpo Talk is a series of drop-in events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo.


Staff will be available to answer your questions and concerns about anything related to Para Transpo. Find more information about the upcoming events.

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

City of Ottawa - View fall registered programs online today

 

DiscoverRec


Facilities | Fee support | Parks | Volunteering | Jobs

View fall registered programs  

Take a look at fall activities online today. Save your desired activities to your wish list to make it easier to find on registration night. Sign in to your City of Ottawa account on Tuesday, August 11 at 9 pm to register for fall swimming lessons. All other activities will be open to registration at 9 pm on Thursday, August 13. 

Before and After School Programs 

Looking for childcare in September? Before and After School Programs are now open for registration. 

Summer splash

There’s lots of time to enjoy the outdoor pools, wading pools, splash pads and beaches this summer! Be water safe this summer and enjoy a dip to cool off. 

What's happening

Fairfields Heritage House 


Lansdowne Park 


Gallery 112 


Summer camps 

Thursday, 2 July 2026

City of Ottawa - At your museum - July 2026

 

At your museum

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Fairfields Summer Picnic

Celebrate summer with us at Fairfields Heritage House! Enjoy a guided tour of the 19th century Gothic Revival farmhouse. From the traditional parlour to the mid-century kitchen, you can follow the Bell family’s story for a glimpse at how the community has evolved through the decades. Pack a lunch and a picnic blanket to relax in the shade on the museum’s back lawn. We’ll have old-fashioned games and live music to entertain visitors of all ages. You can even try your hand at flower arranging! Don’t forget to join us for some refreshing lemonade and a slice of cake. Admission to the museum is pay-what-you-can.

Music: DeeDee Butters featuring Omar Winelight
Florist: Nectar Flowers Ottawa


Saturday, July 4 from 1 pm to 4 pm

Woman holding a mallet preparing to hit a yellow ball.

Introduction to Quillwork

Learn beginner-friendly quillwork techniques with Anishinaabe artist Christine Toulouse. Inspired by quillwork featured in the special exhibition “Beyond the Brim: Tales Told Through the Hats We Wore”, Christine will introduce the cultural significance and foundations of this traditional art form, including how porcupine quills are prepared, dyed, and applied, before guiding participants through the creation of their very own birchbark keychain featuring a simple quillwork design.


Set in the beautiful gardens at Billings Estate National Historic Site, this workshop will be hosted outdoors (weather permitting). A guided tour of “Beyond the Brim” is included in the experience and light refreshments will be served. Advance registration is required


Saturday, July 4 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Music & Beyond

The buildings and grounds at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum will be filled with the sounds of Music & Beyond. Enjoy a family-friendly event with concerts, musical games and more—all matched to the era of this beautiful and remarkable site!

Tickets can be purchased in advance through Music & Beyond or admission can be paid at the door on the day of the event.


Sunday, July 5 from 10 am to 2 pm

Vintage Vehicle Experience

Explore the rapid design and mechanical advancements made during the earliest years of the automotive era at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum! See partially restored, restored, and un-restored pre-1940 vehicles up close. Discover how Ford Model T and Model A cars transformed over the 20s and 30s. Chat with car owners and ask questions about their vehicles. Check out the Car Games—inspired by car obstacle courses from the 1920s and 30s where drivers tested their vehicle’s steering and maneuverability to complete challenges before crossing the finish line. Don’t forget to visit Watson’s Garage for a peek at a piece of local automotive history. 


Sunday, July 12 from 10 am to 3 pm

Can you dig it?

Learn to dig for artefacts, identify mysterious objects and use techniques that scientists use every day. Inspired by Canada’s first paleontologist, Elkanah Billings, kids will get their hands dirty like Indiana Jones in a simulated excavation site at one of Ottawa's historic homes. Ages 8 to 11. Advance registration is required.


July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 5, 12, 19 and 26
Billings Estate National Historic Site

  • Archeology (July 9 and August 5): Dig into archeology! Learn about the Billings family and identify the artefacts you find.

  • Geology (July 16 and August 12): Unearth the secrets of our natural history and identify geological samples.

  • Paleontology (July 23 and August 19): Discover the world of plant and animal fossils.

  • Beyond the Pit (July 30 and August 26): Tell the story of your excavation! Piece together your discoveries and curate a museum exhibition. 

Time Travellers

Step back in time and discover all the museum has to offer! Kids will explore the museum inside and out, while tackling projects inspired by the day-to-day life of the Billings family. Each week they’ll explore different heritage chores, skills, and pastimes through fun, hands-on activities. Ages 5 to 7. Advance registration is required.


July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 6, 13, 20 and 27
Billings Estate National Historic Site

  • Botany (July 8 and August 6): One of the Billings family members is feeling unwell. Use Lamira’s remedies and ingredients from her garden to help get them back on their feet.

  • Bugs (July 15 and August 13): Follow in Braddish Billings II’s footsteps and learn how to identify the insects living around the museum grounds. Create a field journal, learn how pollination works and make a take-home craft. 

  • Games and Toys (July 22 and August 20): Discover how children in the Billings family had fun! Try historic games and toys to see how play has changed and stayed the same through the years.

  • Butter (July 29 and August 27): Sabra and Sally Billings are away. Who will run the dairy without them? Step into their roles—find the lost cows, create a butter mould and make fresh butter. 

Weekend Crafters

Families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. We’re switching up the craft and themed scavenger hunt at each session to explore the permanent exhibition from new perspectives! Weekend Crafters is best suited to families with children ages 6 to 12. However, younger children may be able to enjoy the activities with the assistance of an adult or older sibling. Admission to the museum is pay-what-you-can.


July 5 and July 19 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Nepean Museum


July 12 and July 26 from 1 pm to 4 pm

Fairfields Heritage House

More upcoming events!

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement.


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Thursday, 4 June 2026

City of Ottawa - At your museum - June 2026

 

Happy Doors Open Ottawa!

Doors Open Ottawa returns June 6 and 7 with Billings Estate National Historic Site, Cumberland Heritage Village Museum and Fairfields Heritage House all taking part! Explore the full building list to plan your weekend and check out the shuttle schedule, including free trips between Vanier Museopark (320 Des Pères Blancs Ave) and Cumberland Heritage Village Museum (2940 Old Montreal Road) on Sunday, June 7.


Bonus! Saturday, June 6 is Firefighter Day at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. Join Ottawa Fire Services to watch and participate in exciting demonstrations of firefighting skills and equipment.  

Celebrate Father’s Day at Billings Estate

Treat your favourite car enthusiast to a special day out at Ottawa’s oldest wood frame house. Community members will have their pre-1999 antique and vintage cars on display alongside the Billings family’s 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville. Vote for your favourite car, complete the kid-friendly scavenger hunt and enjoy the museum’s latest special exhibition, Beyond the Brim.
 

Sunday, June 21 from 10 am to 3 pm
Billings Estate National Historic Site

1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville

Put pen to paper with Ottawa’s former poet laureate

Join Algonquin poet Albert Dumont at Billings Estate for an intimate poetry workshop. Through readings and storytelling, the former Ottawa Poet Laureate will share insights into the inspirations for his works and his approach to composition. Participants will have the opportunity to craft a poem of their own with thoughtful guidance from Dumont. Light refreshments will be served. Ages 16 and up. Advance registration is required.


Saturday, June 27 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Billings Estate National Historic Site

Craft your own quillwork keychain

Learn the cultural significance and foundations of traditional quillwork with Anishinaabe artist Christine Toulouse. Take inspiration from the quillwork featured in Beyond the Brim and relax in the beautiful gardens at Billings Estate while you make a birchbark keychain embellished with a simple quillwork design. Ages 16 and up. Advance registration is required.

Saturday, July 4 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Billings Estate National Historic Site

Animal helpers is back!

Animal helpers played an important role in rural life during the 1920s and 30s. Learn about the heritage breed farm animals who spend their summer at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum then explore how animals continue to help with important jobs and tasks today with special guests including the Ottawa Valley Border Collie Club, Wilhaven Ridge Alpacas, Prettiest Petal Farms, Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue, and more!

Sunday, June 28 from 10 am to 3 pm

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Black and white spotted border collie

Can you dig it?

Kids are invited to get their hands dirty this summer at Billings Estate National History Site and Fairfields Heritage House. Uncover a different theme each week and learn to dig for artefacts, identify mysterious objects and use techniques that scientists use every day in our simulated excavation sites. Ages 8 to 11. Advance registration is required.

Explore a piece of railway history

All aboard! Next time you’re at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, pop into the newly updated CN Rail Caboose exhibition to learn about life on the rails. Over the winter, students from Carleton University’s Curatorial Studies program helped bring a fresh perspective to the storytelling and interactive elements in this space. Bonus! The Ottawa Valley Live Steamers and Model Engineers are at the museum on the last Sunday of every month (June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27) demonstrating their large-scale model locomotives in action.

New hours of operation at Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Parents and early risers alike have shared that extended morning hours help fit a visit to the museum into busy daily schedules. We heard you loud and clear! Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is now open from 9 am to 4 pm (Wednesday to Sunday), with heritage activities and demonstrations offered until 3 pm. Planning your visit? Mornings are a great time to beat the heat and enjoy everything our recreated 1920s and 30s village and working farm has to offer before the warmest hours of the day.

Hats off to Beyond the Brim

In May, we celebrated the opening of Beyond the Brim: Tales Told Through the Hats We Wore at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Beyond the Brim showcases headwear alongside stories about the individuals who wore them, sharing their impact on Ottawa’s history and diverse cultural landscape. It was wonderful to share the exhibition with the many community members and heritage colleagues who contributed headwear to the exhibition! You can visit Beyond the Brim at Billings Estate all summer long. We can’t wait to hear which hat, helmet or head covering captures your imagination.

Stay tuned

Follow us on social media to make sure you don’t miss a single announcement.