From last minute bookings to perfectly planned camp registrations, we have Ottawa camp ideas to help busy parents.
Camps have become an important part of Ottawa parent’s child care planning as well as a valuable experience for children and youth in the area. Camps encourage kids to try a new skill, make new friends, or stay active outside of the school setting.
The opportunities for camps are boundless in Ottawa, whether you are a planner and are hitting the refresh button as soon as registration opens, or if you are a last-minute parent (on purpose or accident, no judgement here).
Here are a few ideas for Ottawa summer camps, March Break Camps, Winter Camps and PD Day camps in one spot to make your planning and booking even easier.
This list is far from exhaustive, but we selected some that offer a variety of types of activities for kids all around Ottawa. Get in touch if you have found somewhere your kids love!
We also recommend checking out your local community centre or school board who may also offer their own programming. Our community centre has a wonderful, low-key, inexpensive camp that my kids have all spent their summers at. The best part? It’s within walking distance!
The City of Ottawa also provides a long list of camps for all ages and many of the places we’ve listed for one time of year offer camps for other seasons too.
[tip: Don’t forget to plan for your child to dress for the summer weather, rain or shine.]
Summer Camps in Ottawa
Not to alarm you, but summer camp registration often opens as early as January and spaces can fill up fast. Like, within minutes (I'm looking at you Carleton Basketball). That said, there are some that have spaces even late in the summer if you've underestimated your child care needs (e.g. The R.A. Centre).
Enjoy a Variety at City of Ottawa Camps
The City of Ottawa summer camps are happening across the City with before and after care usually offered as an add-on as well. The wonderful thing about the City camps is you can find a variety based on your child’s interest, like LEGO, singing or ball hockey. They can’t decide? Sign them up to stay active with a mix of activities, swimming and other fun games. Even when camp weeks are full, you can sign up for waitlists.
Don’t Choose Just One Sport
This summer, why make your child choose one sport when they can try a variety? The All Sports Camp at the Orleans Dome is for children born between 2009 and 2017. During their week of camp, they’ll get to try soccer, pickleball, frisbee, basketball and more.
Get Creative at Art Camp
Your budding artist (ages 4-16) can uplevel their creative skills and focus a week on their art at the Ottawa School of Art Summer Camp. Professional artists and teachers will work through art mediums and encourage new artists as they try new techniques.
Learn, Explore and Get Hands-On at Museums
Many of the Ottawa area museums host artistic, interactive and fascinating camps that kids will love. At the Canadian Museum of Nature, sign your 5-12 year old up for Urban Nature Camp and encourage them to connect with nature through hands-on activities. Or, at the Canadian Museum of History, in partnership with SONART, children can step into the musical explorers camp.
Over at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, step into STEAM activities and week-long science programming for kids 5-10 years old. Farm Camp at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum teaches kids (4-14) about life on a farm, animal care, cooking and more. Still looking? Browse your local museum website and look for their camp offers!
Pick a Theme at the RA Centre
During the summer, the RA Centre offers themed weekly camps. Your child can become a superhero, time traveller, spy and much more! Campers will also get to swim daily in their two outdoor pools. They also have an extensive selection of sports camps for kids to try a new sport or develop their skills. I have found them to be very accommodating, allowing kids to swap camps if it's not the right fit.
[tip: Wear the right footwear to camp! Browse our selection of shoes, sandals and boots for kids]
March Break Camps in Ottawa
Score a Goal with Soccer Camp
Kick March Break blues away with a soccer camp at Ottawa FTC. The camp, for kids born between 2011 and 2017, runs part of the day for the March Break week and focuses on soccer skills.
It’s Fun to Camp at the YMCA
At the YMCA March Break Camp, adventurous students (ages 4-12) will be fueled by the outdoor games and activities, nature exploration and sports. Some camp options include day outings for field trips, and swimming.
Animal Care and Connection Camp
Your child’s interest in animals can be taken to the next level at the Ottawa Humane Society with camps about pet needs, animal care and enjoy opportunities to interact with animals at the Ottawa Humane Society. These camps are for grades 1-6.
Tumble and Roll at a Gymnastics Camp
Multiple gymnastics centres offer March Break camps to jump, bounce, tumble and roll through the week. These camps aren’t just about gymnastics either. Tryumph Gymnastics camp weeks have fencing, slack lines and more. Ottawa Gymnastics Centre includes outdoor play and trampoline time and a week at Starr Gymnastics has the foam pit and rope and rings!
PD Day Camps in Ottawa
Day-Long Animal Interaction
Want more animal options? Your child won’t want to miss the Zoo Crew PD Day activities which includes indoor and outdoor activities and engaging with rescue animals like reptiles and birds. Animal lovers ages 4-12 will enjoy a different theme each PD Day.
A Different Kind of School
The University of Ottawa and Carleton University provide camps for children and teens. Their popular PD Day camps are the perfect way to spend a day and get a taste for a culinary experience, sports, or cheerleading at Ottawa U, or a variety of sports at Carleton.
City of Ottawa PD Day Camps
City of Ottawa PA Camps have a selection across the city for kids up to age 12 with some offering swimming and skating, as well as a selection of activities to keep the kids from missing school too much.
One-Day Gymnastics Camp
Check that school calendar and book your child’s next PD Day at the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre. Their day-long programming for kids aged 5-12 includes gymnastics, trampoline, games, activities and more.
Winter (Christmas) Break Camps in Ottawa
Routine and Fun at Dovercourt Recreation
During the winter break, if you want to keep some routine for your young student, Dovercourt Recreation takes that into account. Their JK/SK programming is designed to maintain some similarity for kinders and their school day. For all students, activities include indoor and outdoor fun, often with swimming, and themes like pottery and winter sports.
[tip: Gear up for the winter camp! Browse our selection of sweaters, pants, coats and more]
Get Moving with Gymnastics
If you are worried about the weather over the winter break but still want your school-aged child to remain active, Starr Gymnastics and Tryumph Gymnastics have camps with plenty of time for gymnastics and group activities.
Learn to Ski
Ski lessons may be the perfect camp for your child during the winter break from school in December and into January. These camps are usually offered during part of the winter break and can include gear and lift passes if you need them. Ski camps are usually available during the Quebec and Ontario March Breaks as well. Not sure where to begin? Browse the options at Mont Cascade and Mount Pakenham to start.
No matter what camp you and your child decide to sign up for, they will have an amazing time exploring new activities, cooperating with others, and doing what kids do best: playing!
Don’t forget to stock up on extra gear, camp clothes, and shoes. Buying second-hand means you can get the bonus items you need without the added stress of the kids forgetting them, losing them or outgrowing them. Your dollar goes further for the school and camp year when you buy thrifted clothing!