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Canada/Things to Do in Ottawa, with kids

Canadian Museum of Nature (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Canadian Museum of Nature?

96%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 96% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can touch live bugs, run the Bird Care Clinic, marvel at towering dinosaur skeletons and outdoor owls, with elevators, water refill stations and free entry on Thursdays.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 14,015 reviews)
Canadian Museum of Nature Trip
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Canadian Museum of Nature Trip
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Canadian Museum Of Nature: A Wild Adventure Awaits!
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Canadian Museum Of Nature: A Wild Adventure Awaits!
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Positives:

  • Hands-on Learning: Interactive zones let kids touch specimens and role-play as veterinarians.
  • Live Animal Encounters: Complimentary live insect demos and outdoor owls exhibit engage curious children.
  • Stroller-Friendly Layout: Flat routes and elevators make it easy to move a stroller between floors.

Challenges:

  • Weekend Crowds: Galleries get busy on weekends, which can lead to lines at popular exhibits.
  • Limited Seating: Few benches in galleries mean plan breaks in the café area if kids need to rest.
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🏖️ Explore Canadian Museum of Nature with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Canadian Museum of Nature. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Canadian Museum of Nature?

  • A national natural history museum housed in a landmark Scottish baronial–style building on Sparks Street in Ottawa
  • Home to over 14 million specimens, ranging from marine fossils and dinosaur skeletons to mineral and botanical collections
  • Architecture that blends a 1912 Gothic Revival–inspired limestone edifice with a striking modern glass pavilion

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

  1. Interactive bird dioramas and veterinarian play area
  2. Hands-on insect gallery and live owl encounters
  3. Butterflies in Flight exhibit with stroller parking
  4. Free Thursday evening admissions save on costs
  5. Stroller-friendly layout with accessible facilities

Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours

Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This gives time to explore interactive galleries, watch live animal demos, and take breaks for younger kids.

(View Canadian Museum of Nature on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Canadian Museum of Nature

Bird Gallery & Bird Care Clinic:

Explore life-size bird dioramas and let kids play veterinarian in the clinic play area.

Tip: Go early to avoid lines at the clinic and use the interactive ID stations.

Bugs Alive Basement Gallery:

Meet live insects and arachnids in a hands-on, brightly lit setting.

Tip: Allow kids to touch specimens under staff supervision and ask for handling tips.

Owls Rendez-vous:

See live owls and a bald eagle in outdoor enclosures on the museum plaza.

Tip: Visit the plaza after galleries to catch feeding demos without rushing.

Butterflies in Flight Exhibit:

Walk among live tropical butterflies in a climate-controlled glasshouse.

Tip: Park strollers in the designated area outside and hold kids’ hands as butterflies land.

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

  1. Free Thursday Evenings: Visit between 5 pm–8 pm on Thursdays for free admission to permanent galleries.
  2. Early Entry: Arrive at opening (9:30 am) to enjoy exhibits before peak visitor times.
  3. Pre-book Tickets: Buy Butterflies in Flight combo tickets online to skip the ticket line.
🏖️ Tour Canadian Museum of Nature like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Canadian Museum of Nature. 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 Nature

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sina ghazali

sina ghazali

Oct 2025

I visited the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa not long ago, and overall it was a memorable experience — especially for anyone interested in natural history, fossils, and wildlife. The museum is housed in the stately Victoria Memorial Museum Building, which combines heritage architecture (stone, stained glass, carved details) with modern touches like a glass central tower added during renovatio...

Odion Areghan

Odion Areghan

Oct 2025

I recently visited the Canadian Museum of Nature and had an amazing time. The museum is well-organized, informative, and filled with fascinating artifacts and exhibits that appeal to both adults and kids. Each section offers something unique-from ancient fossils and minerals to wildlife displays and Indigenous stories that beautifully capture Canada’s natural history. What stood out most was how ...

Ravi P

Ravi P

Sep 2025

A Fascinating Visit to the Canadian Museum of Nature ​My family and I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature, and it was a truly fantastic day out. Located in a striking "castle" that adds to its charm, the museum is an absolute gem for anyone interested in the natural world. ​The museum's exhibits are incredibly well-designed and captivating. We were all completely en...

Todd Lepage

Todd Lepage

Sep 2025

You need to give yourself plenty of time to check everything out. We were there for 4 hours and could have stayed longer. You are allowed to leave and go back in. So you can go grab at bite to eat if you want. There are elevators it is 4 stories high. The amount of fossil displays are awesome. They have beautiful displays of wildlife from birds to Polar bears. It wasn't bad in price 58 dollars for...

JE AD

JE AD

Aug 2025

I just went today to go to the laid exhibits...the butterfly exhibit and the immersion "The Man Who Planed Trees" exhibit. Both were amazing. I will be going back in a few days to see all the free exhibits. The museum is amazing! All the staff were very friendly and helpful! I can't wait to see the rest of it!

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

In summer (June–August), galleries fill by midday; arrive at the 9:30 am opening for quieter visits.

✈️ 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.)
Adult general admission (13+)CAD 24
Child general admission (3–12)CAD 19
Total EstimatedCAD 86

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 Nature

Address: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada

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About Canadian Museum of Nature

Opening Hours

Monday:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:9:30 AM – 4:00 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

+1 800-263-4433

Average price

US$ 19.29
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 19.29
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