This feature is a partnership with The National Gallery of Canada

Hey it’s Ryan!!  I’d like to think we’re pretty lucky to get to live in Ottawa. The Capital of Canada.

I love this city. I love it’s history and BREAKING the old concept of it being a “sleepy town that fun forgot”. There’s SO MUCH TO DO HERE including the National Gallery of Canada!

I’ve lived here for over 30 combined years (left a few times ;) ),  and now that my boys are 7 and 4 it’s time to get out and do more things WITH them. I’ve been to the Gallery with my wife a few times (when I was trying to impress her with my classy appreciation for the finer things in life lol)  but these days it’s all about QUALITY  family time.

So I was pretty stoked to hear the Gallery launched some really fun kid-first programming. SWEET!! The Gallery is SUPER kid-friendly and they have some great free activities.

I recently went to the Gallery with the whole family and here are a few highlights of the day!

Family Art Adventures

This is a completely free activity (with admission to the Gallery ) that runs on weekends. Stop by the garden court in the Gallery to pick up your art kit and register for a family tour!

My boys really enjoyed the experience, and learned quite a bit about some different styles, techniques and even how important the use of colour in some pieces was. PLUS: my heart couldn’t handle how adorable they were drawing their own art, alongside some of the most famous paintings/sculptures in the country! You can also get a private family tour for your family. Ask to see this room with painted walls. The kids loved it.

It’s Not Just Art You Will Be Seeing

Sure you go to the Gallery for the incredible art. But they also have some of the best views in the city!!

At the end of the day, Léa and I really appreciated the change of scenery. What’s that expression… a change is as good as a break, right? It was great to just have a few moments where the kids were walking around the Great Hall and we could take a minute to just DRINK IN Parliament in the background.

Give Me Some Space

I felt so safe at the Gallery because it’s such a massive building. It has lots of huge spaces that allow for physical distancing and all procedures in place to keep EVERYONE safe. ADDED BONUS: there are limits in place to make sure overcrowding isn’t an issue, too.

It’s too easy!!!

Cold kids are unhappy kids so I love that The Gallery’s onsite heated indoor parking makes visiting so easy (you can leave your jackets in the car!!)  BONUS TIP: if you become a MEMBER, you save $2 off your parking every visit!

The gallery is OPEN Thursday to Sunday with extra hours for Christmas break. It’s truly a fun time that you and your family will really enjoy!

Gift Giving Made Easy

THIS YEAR, Give the gift of EXPERIENCES, quality time together and expand your cultural palette with a membership to the National Gallery of Canada. Members enjoy unlimited free access and discounts at the Boutique on parking. The Gallery is OPEN and: it’s safe! So put the screens away, grab your family and rediscover art. Buy a gift membership and make art a part of your life. Visit gallery.ca/gift