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Canada/Things to Do in Ottawa, with kids

Canadian Museum of History (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Canadian Museum of History?

95%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: The Children’s Museum, hands-on workshops, scavenger sheets, and kid-friendly CINÉ+ films turn history into play, and every washroom has change tables for comfort and convenience.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 13,697 reviews)

Positives:

  • All-inclusive admission: One ticket covers all galleries, the Children’s Museum, and CINÉ+ films at no extra cost.
  • Family pass value: Pay C$65 for two adults and up to four kids—cheaper than separate tickets for 2 adults and 2 children.
  • Hands-on learning: Interactive zones and seasonal workshops keep kids engaged and learning through play.

Challenges:

  • Peak-time crowds: Lines at the Children’s Museum can form mid-morning and early afternoon; arrive before 10:00 am or after 2:00 pm.
  • Limited stroller availability: Courtesy strollers are first-come, first-served; consider bringing your own to guarantee use.
  • No baby food storage: No fridge or microwave onsite; pack ready-to-eat snacks for kids.
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🏖️ Explore Canadian Museum of History with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Canadian Museum of History. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Canadian Museum of History?

  • A national museum of Canadian history, located on the Ottawa River waterfront opposite Parliament Hill
  • Home to a collection of more than three million artifacts tracing Indigenous heritage, colonial society and modern nation-building, anchored by the world’s largest indoor totem pole display
  • A complex that integrates the Canadian Children’s Museum, a research centre and a large-format IMAX theatre within a soaring curvilinear design by Douglas Cardinal

What is so special about Canadian Museum of History for with kids?

  1. Interactive play at the Canadian Children’s Museum
  2. Kid-friendly CINÉ+ films included with admission
  3. Spectacular totem pole display in the Grand Hall
  4. Free seasonal workshops and Giant Games
  5. Great value with a family pass and all-inclusive ticket

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Covers highlights like the Children’s Museum, Grand Hall, and a CINÉ+ film without overwhelming kids.

(View Canadian Museum of History on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Canadian Museum of History

Canadian Children’s Museum:

Explore interactive zones like the open-air market, cargo ship, and Building Works.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues and let kids dive into hands-on exhibits first.

CINÉ+ Family Films:

Watch kid-friendly documentaries like Turtle Odyssey or Great Bear Rainforest on the giant screen.

Tip: Check showtimes online and pick a shorter film to match children’s attention spans.

Grand Hall Totem Poles:

Marvel at the world’s largest indoor totem exhibition beneath the glass roof.

Tip: Take family photos here and let kids spot animal figures carved in the poles.

Seasonal Studio Workshops:

Join free drop-in workshops such as Leaf Suncatchers or Musical Marble Run.

Tip: Review the museum’s events calendar and plan your visit around a workshop of interest.

Giant Games & Pop-Ups:

Play oversized board games in summer or enjoy Winterlude Family Fun Zone pop-ups in winter.

Tip: Ask at the info desk where games are located each day.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Canadian Museum of History

  1. Pre-book tickets: Purchase admission online to skip the ticket line and reserve your preferred CINÉ+ film times.
  2. Start at Children’s Museum: Head there first to secure entry before peak times and avoid midday crowds.
  3. Use lockers: Stash coats and extra items in free lockers on the ground level to keep hands free for kids.
🏖️ Tour Canadian Museum of History like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Canadian Museum of History. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Canadian Museum of History

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Nathan Delaney

Nathan Delaney

Sep 2025

We came here to learn more about the indigenous cultures of Canada and for the children's museum. They have a great set up here, we were able to go to the children's museum right after getting our tickets to wear out our daughter a bit before going to the main museum. The children's museum is really interesting, much more than we had expected. It is really great that they have so many interactive ...

Ben Ifogah

Ben Ifogah

Aug 2025

The museum at Gatineau is a pleasant relaxing and informative spot, conveniently close to downtown Ottawa. It is engaging and well laid out, making it easy to navigate for a short visit. However, the admission fees can feel steep, particularly for groups of adults during these tough economic times. The gift shop is well stocked, but failed to account for any item that speaks to the fact that it is...

steve goon

steve goon

Aug 2025

🏛️ Canadian Museum of History A museum that feels less like “reading plaques” and more like walking through Canada’s story. The Grand Hall is stunning — totem poles, Indigenous art, and that sweeping window view of Parliament. Exhibits span everything from First Peoples to pop culture, with immersive setups that pull you in. Kid-friendly zones that don’t feel like an afterthought. Visitors t...

Arshia Golbarg

Arshia Golbarg

Jul 2025

We had a fantastic time visiting this museum. The exhibits were thoughtfully curated, interactive, and visually stunning. Everything was well-organized, and we could tell a lot of care went into the presentation. Whether you’re into history, art, or just looking for something inspiring, this place is a must-see. Highly recommend it for all ages — we left feeling inspired and enriched.

Mustafa Hassan

Mustafa Hassan

Jul 2025

I took my kids to the Canadian Museum of History and had a fantastic time. The whole place is well-kept, clean, and thoughtfully designed for families. There are plenty of clean bathrooms (always a plus with kids), a cafeteria, and even vending machines for quick snacks. The highlight for us was definitely the Children’s Museum inside — my kids absolutely loved it. It can get a bit crowded and ov...

When is the best time to visit Canadian Museum of History (Ottawa, Canada)?

Summer features Giant Games in the galleries; winter brings Family Fun pop-ups during Winterlude. Check seasonal workshops and event times online before visiting.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Ottawa on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Family Pass (2 adults + up to 4 kids)CAD 65
Self-guiding activity sheets (2)CAD 2
Snacks at Panorama CaféCAD 20
Total EstimatedCAD 87

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Canadian Museum of History

Address: 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada

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About Canadian Museum of History

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 819-776-7000

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