Best activities for kids at Winterlude

Ottawa Travel Guide

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Thursday, 03 January 2013 15:07

Winterlude, Ottawa's celebration of the snowy season, has a seemingly endless array of activities for the whole family to enjoy. For families planning travel to Ontario for some or all of this three-week festival, there are some kid-friendly events to ensure fun for everyone.

Fortunately, the festival, which runs from February 1-18, has indoor, outdoor, kid-friendly and adult-only fun, most of which occurs on the weekends. Here are three events your kids are sure to love during your travel in Canada.

1. Learn to skate on the Rideau Canal
Gliding across one of the most legendary rinks in the world is a great way to teach your kids how to ice skate. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the largest skating rink in the world. With almost 5 miles of ice for skating, your children will have plenty of room to practise.

2. Play in the Snowflake Kingdom
The kids can become princes and princesses in Ottawa's Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau. This snow playground is the biggest on the continent, offering slides, sculptures and obstacle courses - all made out of snow! The playground also offers kicksleds, craft lessons and other fun activities for kids of all ages.

3. See the ice sculptures lit up at night
Confederation Park hosts one of the highlights of Winterlude - ice blocks become a sight to behold as they are turned into artistic sculptures and lit by multicolored lights at night. See intricately detailed mermaids, fish and other creatures, most larger than the average man, at this attraction, Crystal Garden.