You know what’s more challenging than getting a blog post out on time with a new baby? Getting a blog post out on time with a new baby while on vacation! Yep, sorry if this is a little behind my normal schedule but we are away for a few weeks. Better late than never – here is my list of family friendly events for the weekend of July 27-28.

Saturday:

• Summer Family Mornings – National Arts Centre, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ( FREE activities, games, musical guests and more, for children of all ages.)
• CHEO Family Fun Day BBQ – Kilbirnie Park, Barrhaven, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (pony rides, petting zoo, bouncy castles and more)
• Up Baby Wearing and Parenting Conference – Glebe Community Centre, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm ($15 tickets, browse exhibits from partners from across the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as access to two days of speaking sessions featuring experts on topics broadly ranging from infant sleep to maternal mental health.)  
• Mermaid Ice Cream Party – Sundae School, 131B Beechwood Ave, 10:30 am – 11:30 am ( a magical mermaid and princess ice cream sundae decorating party, tickets are $20 and must be purchased ahead of time)
• Parrot Partners Bird Show – The Log Farm, 11:00 am (Parrot Partners Canada at The Log Farm for an interactive parrot training experience, bring a blanket to watch the show)
• Catherine McKenna’s Annual Park Party – Brantwood Park, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (There will be activities and entertainment for the entire family and all ages are welcome. There will also be community booths and refreshments.)
• Ottawa Night Market – Chinatown, 12:00 pm – midnight (blend of Asian street food and classic Asian cuisine from chefs across Ontario. Also cultural performances, Lion dance parade, beer tent, DJ’s, and special events )
• Storytime at Rideau Hall – Rideau Hall, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Frontier College’s volunteers provide books and other materials and hold a variety of different activities. All activities organized at Storytime are free.)
• Sports Spectacular: Wading Pool Event – Woodroffe Wading Pool, 200 Lockhart Ave, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (test your skills in a variety of fun & challenging water sports! Including a bean bag toss, balloon pop, crafts & water sports and a bouncy house for jumping.)
• Family Fun Dayz – Roy Duncan Park, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (crafts, games, surprise guest)
• Star Wars Night: Ottawa Champions Baseball – RCGT Park, 7:05 pm (enjoy the baseball game and visit with Star Wars characters, music, fireworks and more)
• Lansdowne Movie Night: Paddington 2 – Great Lawn, Lansdowne Park, 8:30 pm (everyone is invited to this outdoor, free movie night)
• Pineview Movies in the Park – Meadowbrook Park, 8:30 pm (enjoy a free outdoor showing of the movie ‘Coco’)
• Centretown Movies: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – Dundonald Park, 9:00 pm (pay by donation outdoor movie, bring your lawn chairs and blankets)

Sunday:

• Nokia Sunday Bikeday – Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway, Colonel By Drive, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Gatineau Park, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (car free cycling along Ottawa’s beautiful park ways)
• Awesome Highlanders – Canadian War Museum, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Witness the tradition and spectacle of the pipes and drums and Highland dancers. Test your aim at a archery station where you can meet our “Scottish Princess”. Try other awesome activities including free face painting and a Scottish-themed craft to take home. Included with museum admission)
• National Capital Car Show – Wesley Clover Parks, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (admission is $5, kids 12 and under are free, classic cars, activities, vendors, contests, and more)
• Up Baby Wearing and Parenting Conference – Glebe Community Centre, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm ($15 tickets, browse exhibits from partners from across the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as access to two days of speaking sessions featuring experts on topics broadly ranging from infant sleep to maternal mental health.)  
• Ottawa Night Market – Chinatown, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (blend of Asian street food and classic Asian cuisine from chefs across Ontario. Also cultural performances, Lion dance parade, beer tent, DJ’s, and special events)
• Ottawa Champions Game Family Day – RCGT Park, 1:30 pm (baseball game plus face painting, rock climbing, kids run the bases and more)
• Zumba on the Hill – Parliament Hill, 4:00 pm (free, all ages welcome zumba class on the hill)