Take the kids to these fun Easter 2024 events

There’s lots to do over the Easter weekend in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais. Along with more Easter egg hunts than you can shake a basket at, there are opportunities to see newly hatched chicks, pet bunnies, ride in a vintage caboose, play mini-putt, pat alpacas, go on a scavenger hunt or play in a bouncy castle. Here’s where to find your Ottawa Easter events and nearby Easter activities. NOTE: Many of these activities require advance registration, so sign up soon if you’re keen.

Cover photo by Waranya Mooldee on Unsplash.

Saturday, March 23: Kemptville Easter Bunny Hop

Kemptville is getting a “jump” on its Easter festivities by hosting its Easter Bunny Hop a week before the long weekend. On Saturday, March 23, from 11am to 2pm, many businesses in downtown Kemptville will be giving out treats to kids. Look for the Easter Bunny Hop poster in the window of participating businesses. There will also be a scavenger hunt, face painting, bouncy castles, a colouring contest, a special Easter egg hunt on the grounds of the old North Grenville High School and other diversions.

March 29 to April 1: Farm fun

Easter at the Log Farm includes fun like an Easter egg hunt in the forest and the chance to visit the farmyard animals, including bunnies. It’s happening from March 29 to April 1, and you need to register in advance online. The Log Farm is in Ottawa’s west end, between Bayshore and Barrhaven.

At the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Easter at the Farm (March 29 to April 1) is a chance to see bunnies and newly hatched chicks, learn about chocolate and make an Easter craft. Advance tickets are required and will go on sale at noon on Tuesday, March 26.

Many local sugar bushes are also open for all or part of the Easter weekend. Check my sugar bush guide for details.

Saturday, March 30: So many events!

Easter at the Bunker on Saturday, March 30, features family fun at the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum in Carp. Plant seeds, enjoy a scavenger hunt and make holiday crafts. To attend, you must buy timed tickets in advance.

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is offering Hop Into Spring on Saturday, March 30. Aimed at children 10 and under, activities include learning meeting baby animals, doing seasonal crafts and solving the mystery of a farmer’s missing carrots, all while keeping an eye peeled for the Easter Bunny. Advance reservations strongly encouraged.

On Saturday, March 30, the Metcalfe Farmers’ Market is holding an Easter Market at the Greely Community Centre.

In Arnprior, the Downtown Easter Egg Hunt actually starts on Friday, March 29, and continues on Saturday, March 30. As well as hunting for treats, kids can get their faces painted or get glitter tattoos. More activities will be announced closer to the day.

The Easter Eggspress event rolls into the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls on Saturday, March 30, from 10am to 4pm. Amusements will include rides in a vintage caboose, face painting, pony rides, a scavenger hunt and Easter crafts. Sign up in advance.

The Town of Perth is hosting an Easter egg hunt in Stewart Park on Saturday, March 30, rain or shine. The fun starts at 11am and includes live music, a fire truck and more. The organizers warn attendees to arrive at or before 11am, because the hunt is quick!

Rosetta Hills Farm in Lanark is offering Easter Alpacas and Mini Putt on Saturday, March 30, from 10am to 4pm. You can play a round of mini putt, hunt for chocolate Easter eggs (hunts take place at 11am and 3pm), hike trails through the 103-acre farm, and hang out with alpacas and dwarf goats in their pens.

What will be open and what will be closed on Easter weekend?

Closer to the day, I’ll have information on closures. Stay tuned!

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide.