traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2025 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
Canada/Things to Do in Ottawa, with kids

Parliament Hill (with kids)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Kids-Friendly is Parliament Hill?

80%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Older kids love the marching Guard and projection show, and tours teach civics for school age; however long waits, security screening, and no playground lower convenience.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 38,832 reviews)
PARLIAMENT HILL | OTTAWA|
14 min
Start from:
0:00
PARLIAMENT HILL | OTTAWA|
1.6K views • 1 year ago
The Senate tour | The Parliament Hill | Ottawa | Canada - Rafiq Ahmed
4 min
Start from:
0:00
The Senate tour | The Parliament Hill | Ottawa | Canada - Rafiq Ahmed
1.7K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Free Admission: All main attractions and tours cost nothing, making it easy to stay on budget.
  • Open Lawn Space: Wide, flat lawns let kids run and play between activities.
  • Bilingual Signage: English and French information panels help families learn together.

Challenges:

  • Crowds at Ceremonies: Popular Guard parade draws large crowds; sightlines may be blocked without early arrival.
  • Late Evening Show: Light show times start late in summer, which can tire younger children.
  • No On-Site Food: No food vendors on the Hill; plan to bring snacks or eat before arrival.
Parliament Hill image 1
Parliament Hill image 2
Parliament Hill image 3
Parliament Hill image 4
Parliament Hill image 5
🏖️ Explore Parliament Hill with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Parliament Hill. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Parliament Hill?

  • A neo-Gothic architectural complex dominating Ottawa’s skyline as the seat of Canada’s federal parliament
  • Composed of three main buildings—Centre Block, East Block and West Block—anchored by the soaring Peace Tower
  • Symbolic heart of Canadian democracy, featuring heritage chambers, gothic spires and the century-old Centennial Flame

What is so special about Parliament Hill for with kids?

  1. Free guided tours introduce children to Canadian history.
  2. Ceremonial Guard parade thrills kids with color and music.
  3. Statue hunt turns the grounds into an outdoor game.
  4. Evening light show brings history alive with projections.
  5. Wide lawns offer space for kids to stretch and play.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time allows you to tour indoor chambers, walk the grounds and see the Guard ceremony at a relaxed pace with kids.

(View Parliament Hill on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Parliament Hill

Guided Tour of Centre & West Block:

Join a free tour to explore the Senate and House of Commons chambers.

Tip: Reserve spots online 1–2 days ahead and arrive 10 minutes early for security checks.

Changing of the Guard Ceremony:

Watch the Ceremonial Guard parade onto the East Lawn in bright red tunics.

Tip: Get there by 9:45 a.m. for a front-row view and bring a small foldable mat for kids.

Self-Guided Statue Hunt:

Use the Discover the Hill map to find the Famous Five, the Centennial Flame and other monuments.

Tip: Challenge kids to spot each statue and check off names as you go.

Northern Lights Sound & Light Show:

Experience 30 minutes of projection mapping and music on Centre Block at dusk.

Tip: Shows run June–August, start around 9 p.m. Bring blankets, small snacks and flashlights.

Parliament Hill Challenge:

Book an interactive game tour on democracy and Canadian history.

Tip: Book at least one week in advance; best for older kids (grade 6+).

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Parliament Hill

  1. Book Tours Early: Reserve guided tour spots online as soon as your travel dates are set.
  2. Pack Snacks and Water: Carry refillable bottles and easy-to-eat snacks to keep kids energized.
  3. Use Stroller-Friendly Paths: Stick to paved walkways and avoid gravel areas for smoother strolling.
  4. Download the Hill Map: Grab the Discover the Hill brochure PDF in advance to plan your statue hunt.
🏖️ Tour Parliament Hill like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Parliament Hill. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Parliament Hill

Powered by Google
Amara Ranze

Amara Ranze

Oct 2025

I was stunned in admiration of the Parliament buildings . Beautiful view 😍. I visited over the weekend so I had no access into the building just the surroundings and it’s free access. Just walk around take pictures and videos and admire the structures and seeing the busyness of downtown at night was beautiful as a tourist.

Mike Howard

Mike Howard

Sep 2025

Took tour which was informative and well produced. The guide gave a good overview of basics of Canadian government which I lacked being from the states. Would of been nice to see in actual buildings they use but understood the massive retrofit of parliament prevented that

Parag Molla

Parag Molla

Aug 2025

One of the must-see places in Canada. Visiting Parliament Hill was an unforgettable experience. The architecture of the Parliament Buildings is absolutely breathtaking, with their Gothic Revival style standing tall as a symbol of Canada’s history and democracy. Walking through the grounds, you can feel the importance and pride this place holds for the country. The location along the Ottawa River m...

Mohamed Thaufeeq

Mohamed Thaufeeq

Aug 2025

Parliament Hill is a must see when you are in Ottawa. The buildings are beautiful and the architecture is impressive up close. Walking around the grounds is peaceful and you really get a sense of history. It is especially nice in the summer with the views of the river. The only downside is it can get very busy with tourists, but it is still worth the visit. A great spot to take pictures and enjoy ...

Simarjeet Singh

Simarjeet Singh

Jul 2025

I had such a wonderful time walking around the grounds and just taking everything in. The views are stunning, especially with the river in the background and the Peace Tower standing tall above the buildings. It’s one of those places that feels both grand and welcoming at the same time. What surprised me most was how much history is packed into the place. I expected politics, of course it’s the ce...

When is the best time to visit Parliament Hill (Ottawa, Canada)?

Late June to early September has the daily Guard ceremony at 10 a.m. and evening light shows. In cooler months, dress in layers and limit outdoor play on icy paths.

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

Explore These Activities

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

ItemCost (Approx.)
Guided toursCAD 0
Changing of the GuardCAD 0
Statue huntCAD 0
Light showCAD 0
Total EstimatedCAD 0

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 Parliament Hill

Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Parliament Hill (Ottawa)?

← See other Things to Do in Ottawa (with kids)

About Parliament Hill

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 613-992-4793

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇨🇦 Canada, with kids

Things to Do in Vancouver, with kids
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, with kids
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, with kids
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇺🇸 United States, with kids

Things to Do in Hawaii, with kids
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, with kids
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, with kids

Things to Do in Dublin, with kids
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, with kids
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, with kids
Galway

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids

Things to Do in London, with kids
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, with kids
Manchester

🇮🇹 Italy, with kids

Things to Do in Rome, with kids
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, with kids
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, with kids
Milan

🇫🇷 France, with kids

Things to Do in Paris, with kids
Paris
Things to Do in Nice, with kids
Nice
Things to Do in Lyon, with kids
Lyon

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Ottawa, Canada

searching for