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.
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.
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.

sina ghazali
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
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
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
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
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!
In summer (June–August), galleries fill by midday; arrive at the 9:30 am opening for quieter visits.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult general admission (13+) | CAD 24 |
| Child general admission (3–12) | CAD 19 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 86 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 240 McLeod St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1, Canada
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