Free things to do in Kanata

Sun Nov 22, 10 am

Out of the Archives: queer history art show in Stittsville

West Side Pride art exhibition on 200 years of 2SLGBTQIA+ stories in Ottawa. Free admission and everyone is welcome.

CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, 1500 Shea Rd, Stittsville, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · West Side Pride

Tomorrow, 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Knitting circle at Beaverbrook library

Bring your knitting, crochet or sewing and chat with others. All skill levels.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tomorrow, 7 to 8:30 pm

French book club at Beaverbrook library

Monthly book club in French. This month: La porteuse de lettres by Francesca Giannone. All are welcome.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Adults (in French)

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 17, 5:30 to 8 pm

Board games and brain teasers at Centennial library

Drop in with friends and family to play board games, card games, puzzles and Rubik's cubes. Bring your own or use theirs.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 20, 10:30 to 11:30 am

STEM drop-in for families at Beaverbrook library

Science, tech, engineering and math activities, crafts and games. Just drop in.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 11 am to noon (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Beaverbrook library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:30 to 11:30 am (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Centennial library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:15 to 10:45 am and 11:30 am to noon (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Hazeldean library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver. Two sessions each Tuesday.

Hazeldean branch, Ottawa Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:30 to 11:15 am (Nov 17, 24)

Baby storytime at Stittsville library

Stories, rhymes and songs for babies up to 18 months with a parent or caregiver.

Stittsville branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1637 Stittsville Main St, Stittsville, ON · Babies 0 to 18 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 2 to 4 pm (Nov 17, 24)

Crafting circle at Centennial library

Bring your craft project and chat with others who share the hobby. All skill levels.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 7 to 8 pm (Nov 17, 24)

English conversation group at Beaverbrook library

Practise speaking English in a relaxed, friendly group. All levels, just drop in.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Adults learning English

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 3 to 4:30 pm (Nov 17, 24)

Teen video gaming at Beaverbrook library

Drop in to play PS4 and Nintendo Switch 2 games with other teens.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Teens 13 to 17

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tuesdays 10:15 to 10:45 am (Nov 17, 24)

Toddler storytime at Beaverbrook library

Stories, rhymes and songs for toddlers (19 to 35 months) with a parent or caregiver.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Toddlers 19 to 35 months with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 5:15 to 6:15 pm (Nov 18, 25)

English conversation group at Stittsville library

Practise speaking English in a relaxed, friendly group. All levels, just drop in.

Stittsville branch, Ottawa Public Library, 1637 Stittsville Main St, Stittsville, ON · Adults learning English

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Wednesdays 10:15 to 11:15 am (Nov 18, 25); Saturdays 10:30 to 11 am (Nov 21, 28)

Family storytime at Beaverbrook library

Stories, rhymes and songs for kids of all ages with a parent or caregiver. Wednesdays are bilingual.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Kids of all ages with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Any day

Beaver Pond Park and Graham Beasley Trail

A wooded City park around Beaver Pond in Kanata Lakes, with a walking trail.

Beaverpond Park / Graham Beasley Trail, 243 Walden Dr, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · City of Ottawa open data (maps.ottawa.ca)

Every day, year-round

Beaver and Chipmunk trails in Stony Swamp

Two short, kid-friendly loops (1.2 and 0.7 km) from parking lot P8 with boardwalks and wildlife.

Beaver and Chipmunk trails, Stony Swamp (NCC Greenbelt), parking lot P8, Stony Swamp, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: No dogs allowed

Checked Nov 15 · National Capital Commission

Any time the branch is open, while passes are in

Borrow a free museum, ski or park pass from the library

With an Ottawa library card you can borrow a pass for free entry: Kanata Nordic ski trails (family), Museum of Nature, National Gallery, History and War museums, Ingenium museums, Ontario Parks and more.

Beaverbrook, Hazeldean, Stittsville or any Ottawa Public Library branch, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Ottawa Public Library card holders

The catch: Passes can't be put on hold: check availability, then pick one up in a branch. One pass at a time, up to 7 days.

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Usually December to February, when cold enough

Bridlewood community outdoor rinks (12 rinks, 9 parks)

Volunteer-built outdoor rinks, boarded and puddle, across Bridlewood, Emerald Meadows and Monahan Landing. Season starts once it's cold enough to flood, usually December.

Bridlewood Community Association rinks, Laura Dubois, Sawyer Way, Brian Parsons, Meadowbreeze, Stonemeadow, Huntsman, Bluegrass, Scissons and Mattawa parks, Kanata, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Bridlewood Community Association

Open all year

Crazy Horse Trail in the Carp Hills

Rugged 6.2 km hiking trail with boardwalks, a beaver pond and lookouts, kept up by volunteers. Snowshoe it in winter; wear hiking boots.

Crazy Horse Trail trailhead, March Rd at Huntmar Dr (northwest side), Carp, ON · Fit hikers; not suitable for strollers or running shoes

The catch: Very limited roadside parking; wear orange during fall hunting season

Checked Nov 15 · Friends of the Carp Hills

Wednesdays, 6 to 7:15 pm

Free Wednesday run club at Running Room, Stittsville

Drop-in group run from the Grant Crossing store, all paces welcome. No sign-up needed.

Running Room Grant Crossing, 5-5507 Hazeldean Rd, Stittsville, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Running Room

Daily in store hours, now to Dec 24

Free photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops Ottawa (Kanata)

Santa's Wonderland: a free 4x6 photo with Santa plus a shareable video, kids' crafts and games. Book a free time slot online or walk in.

Bass Pro Shops Ottawa, 3065 Palladium Dr, Ottawa, ON K2T 0N2 · Families with kids

The catch: Extra photo packages cost money; free online booking recommended, walk-ins served first come

Checked Nov 15 · Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's newsroom

Any time the branch is open

Get a free library card at Kanata and Stittsville branches

A free Ottawa Public Library card gets you books, movies, e-books, museum passes and programmes. Sign up in person at any branch.

Beaverbrook, Hazeldean or Stittsville branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Ottawa residents

The catch: Bring photo ID and proof of address. People living outside Ottawa pay $90 a year.

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Every day, year-round

Jack Pine Trail boardwalks in Stony Swamp

Three short loops (0.7, 1.7 or 2.3 km) over beaver ponds with interpretive panels. A favourite with kids.

Jack Pine Trail, Stony Swamp (NCC Greenbelt), parking lot P9, Moodie Dr, Ottawa, ON · Everyone

The catch: No dogs allowed; a short section (waypoints 26C to 26G) is closed

Checked Nov 15 · National Capital Commission

Every Saturday, 9 am

Kanata parkrun: free 5 km walk or run every Saturday

Volunteer-run timed 5 km on the Beaver Pond Trail; walk, jog, run or just watch. Coffee together afterwards is optional.

Beaver Pond Trail, The Beaver Pond Trail, Kanata, ON · Everyone

The catch: Register once online (free) and bring your barcode if you want a time

Checked Nov 15 · Kanata parkrun

Wednesdays 1 to 3 pm (Nov 18, 25)

Ask a public health nurse: parenting drop-in at Beaverbrook

Talk in person with an Ottawa Public Health nurse about feeding, growth and parenting. No appointment needed.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Parents and caregivers of babies and young kids

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue 1 to 3 pm and 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Wed 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Thu 10 am to 12 pm and 1 to 3 pm, Sat 1 to 3 pm

FAMSAC food cupboard in Bells Corners, by appointment

Emergency groceries once every 30 days for people in Bells Corners and nearby west-end areas. Home delivery if you can't get to the pantry.

FAMSAC Food Cupboard, Hollyer House, 3865 Old Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2H 5C1 · Residents of Bayshore, Bells Corners, Crystal Beach, Craig Henry, Manordale and Trend-Arlington

The catch: Appointment needed: new clients email food@famsac.ca or call 343-596-8288 to register. Once every 30 days.

Checked Nov 15 · FAMSAC

Walk-ins and phone: Wed 4 to 7 pm, Thu 9 to 11:30 am, Fri 1 to 3:30 pm

Free counselling and crisis walk-ins at WOCRC in Kanata

Short-term counselling (6 to 8 sessions), crisis walk-ins and phone support in English or French. Staff also help with housing, Ontario Works, ODSP, bus tickets and the baby cupboard.

Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, 2 MacNeil Court, Kanata, ON K2L 4H7 · Children, youth and adults in Kanata, West Carleton and Goulbourn

The catch: To book a session call 613-591-3686 and ask for a counsellor. No couples or family counselling.

Checked Nov 15 · Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre

Apply by Thu Nov 26; gift card pickup Dec 7 and 8, hamper delivery Dec 14

Kanata Food Cupboard holiday hampers: apply by November 26

Families get a holiday meal (grocery gift card or food hamper) plus gift cards for children 17 and under. Pickups and deliveries run Dec 7 to 14.

Kanata Food Cupboard, 1240 Teron Rd, Unit 3, Kanata, ON K2K 2B5 · Kanata families in need

The catch: Apply online by Thu Nov 26. Pickup or delivery details are sent Dec 2.

Checked Nov 15 · Kanata Food Cupboard

Appointments Mon, Wed and Thu afternoons and evenings, Fri afternoons; delivery Tue evenings

Kanata Food Cupboard: free groceries by appointment

Shop for groceries with a volunteer at the Teron Rd warehouse, or get a hamper delivered on Tuesday evenings if you have no way to get there. Bring your own bags.

Kanata Food Cupboard, 1240 Teron Rd, Unit 3, Kanata, ON K2K 2B5 · Kanata residents in need

The catch: Book first at 613-836-7847 (Mon to Fri, 9 am to 1 pm; no voicemail). Bring photo ID and a bill from the last 1 to 2 months with your Kanata address. First-timers fill in an online registration form.

Checked Nov 15 · Kanata Food Cupboard

Wed Nov 18, 2:30 to 4:30 pm

Newcomer support drop-in at Beaverbrook library

New to Canada? Meet a settlement youth outreach worker from Jewish Family Services for help with school, work or social life. Aimed at youth, all welcome.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Newcomers to Canada (youth focus, all welcome)

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Ongoing; by appointment

Free placement assessment at Kumon Kanata South

Kumon's Kanata South centre gives a child a free placement test, then the instructor goes over the results with you.

Kumon of Kanata - South, 430 Hazeldean Rd, Unit 5, Kanata, ON K2L 1T9 · School-age children with a parent

The catch: Book an appointment; it leads into Kumon's paid program, but there is no obligation to enroll

Checked Nov 15 · Kumon of Kanata - South

Ongoing; during staffed club hours

Free workout at GoodLife Fitness Kanata Hazeldean Mall

GoodLife's Kanata Hazeldean club gives non-members one free workout after a club tour.

GoodLife Fitness Kanata Hazeldean Mall, 300 Eagleson Rd, Kanata, ON K2M 1C9 · Non-members who have not been GoodLife members in the last 12 months; adults, or minors with a parent or guardian

The catch: Fill in a form and take a club tour first; the workout must be within a week of the tour; GoodLife will contact you with offers; one pass per person every 12 months

Checked Nov 15 · GoodLife Fitness Kanata Hazeldean Mall

Sunday to Thursday, 5 pm to close

Kids eat free Sunday to Thursday evenings at Zak's Diner Kanata

One free kids' meal for a child 10 or under with an adult meal and drinks, Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to close.

Zak's Diner Kanata, 499 Terry Fox Dr, Kanata, ON K2T 1H7 · Kids 10 and under with a paying adult

The catch: One kids' meal with each adult meal and drinks; not on civic holidays, school holidays or long weekends

Checked Nov 15 · Zak's Diner

Tuesdays

Kids eat free on Tuesdays at East Side Mario's Kanata

Every Tuesday, a child 10 or under gets a free kids' meal with each adult entrée of $19.99 or more.

East Side Mario's Kanata, 651 Terry Fox Drive, Kanata, ON K2L 4E7 · Kids 10 and under with a paying adult

The catch: One free kids' meal per adult entrée of $19.99 or more; dine-in only; not for groups of 8 or more kids; can't be combined with other offers

Checked Nov 15 · East Side Mario's Kanata

Wednesdays

Kids eat free on Wednesdays at Swiss Chalet Kanata

On Wednesdays kids get a free meal from the kids' menu with an adult entrée, plus a toy from the treasure box.

Swiss Chalet Kanata, 653 Terry Fox Dr, Kanata, ON K2L 4E7 · Kids with a paying adult (no age limit stated)

The catch: With purchase of an adult entrée; dine-in only

Checked Nov 15 · Swiss Chalet Kanata

Mon Nov 23, 10 to 11:30 am

LEGO block party at Beaverbrook library

Build with LEGO with library staff: take on a challenge or free-build. Ages 4 and up with family.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Families with kids 4+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Mon Nov 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Mystery Mondays family activity at Beaverbrook library

A new self-guided activity each week to explore together. For families with kids 4 and up.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Families with kids 4+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Tue Nov 24, 6 to 8 pm

Free family movie: Despicable Me 4 at Beaverbrook library

Drop in to watch Despicable Me 4 (95 min). You can bring a light snack and a covered drink.

Beaverbrook branch, Ottawa Public Library, 2500 Campeau Dr, Kanata, ON · Families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Thu Nov 26, 2:15 to 3 pm

Homeschool social club at Hazeldean library

An afternoon of LEGO, chess, games and crafts for home-schooled kids and their families. 45 minutes, drop in.

Hazeldean branch, Ottawa Public Library, 50 Castlefrank Rd, Kanata, ON · Home-schooled kids and families

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 27, 2 to 4 pm

Keep your passwords safe: drop-in talk at Centennial library

The Ottawa PC Users' Group shows how to use a free password manager and protect your accounts.

Centennial branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3870 Old Richmond Rd, Nepean, ON · Adults

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Fri Nov 27 to Sat Nov 28

Carp Farmers' Market Christmas Market, free entry

Two-day Christmas market with 70+ local vendors at the Carp Fairgrounds. Entry and parking are free; bring a non-perishable for the food drive if you can.

Carp Fairgrounds, Agricultural Hall, 3790 Carp Rd, Carp, ON · Everyone

Checked Nov 15 · Carp Farmers' Market

Sat Nov 28, 10:30 am to noon

Saturday storytime and play time at Carp library

Half an hour of stories, rhymes and songs, then an hour of toys and play. For kids 0 to 5 with a grown-up.

Carp branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3911 Carp Rd, Carp, ON · Kids 0 to 5 with a grown-up

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 28, 1 to 2 pm

Kids food science workshop at Carp library

Learn about nutrients and make and taste a snack, with the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Ages 6 to 12.

Carp branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3911 Carp Rd, Carp, ON · Kids 6 to 12

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library

Sat Nov 28, 3 to 3:40 pm

Meet real hens at Carp library

The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum brings hens to the library: listen, touch their feathers and learn about them. Ages 4 and up.

Carp branch, Ottawa Public Library, 3911 Carp Rd, Carp, ON · Families with kids 4+

Checked Nov 15 · Ottawa Public Library