Amy Creates

Family Things to Do in Petawawa

Petawawa does not always get the attention it deserves as a family destination. People know it for the military base, and that is fair enough. But if you actually live here or spend any real time in the area, you know there is a lot more going on. The Ottawa River runs right through the backyard. The trails are excellent. And the community puts together events that are worth showing up for.

We moved here a few years ago and spent the first summer just figuring out what was where. Turns out, there is enough to fill every weekend from May to October without repeating yourself. And winter has its own surprises. Here is what we have found and what keeps us coming back.

Ottawa River Beaches

The beaches along the Ottawa River are the biggest draw in the summer, and for good reason. The water is warm by July, the sandy stretches are wide enough that you do not feel crammed in, and the kids can wade in the shallow areas without anyone panicking.

Petawawa Point is the spot most families head to first. There is parking, a playground nearby, and enough sand to keep the castle builders busy for hours. Bring a picnic, a bucket and shovel, and some sunscreen. That is a full afternoon sorted.

The river itself is beautiful. Wide and calm in many spots, with views across to Quebec. On a still evening, the sunsets from the shore are genuinely stunning. Even if the kids are too busy throwing rocks to notice.

Trails and Hiking

The trail system in and around Petawawa is one of those things that surprised us. There are paved paths for stroller walks and gravel trails through the woods that feel like you are much further from town than you actually are.

The Algonquin Trail runs through the area and is great for biking and walking. It is flat, well-maintained, and long enough that you can pick your distance based on how ambitious everyone is feeling. For something with more trees and shade, the trails near the base and through the wooded areas around town give you that forest feel without a long drive.

If your family is up for a short road trip, Algonquin Provincial Park is about an hour and a half away. The day-use areas and shorter trails there are perfect for families with younger kids. But honestly, you do not need to go that far. The local trails here are more than enough for a regular weekend outing, and they are the kind of thing you can do on a Tuesday evening after dinner.

Parks and Playgrounds

Petawawa has a solid set of parks spread across the town. The main ones get busy on nice days, but there are smaller neighbourhood parks that are almost always available. If your kids have a favourite type of climbing structure, it is worth driving around and trying a few different spots until you find the right fit.

Civic Centre Park is well-known for a reason. It has sports fields, playground equipment, and open green space for running around. It is also where a lot of community events happen, so it is a good spot to know about even outside of regular park visits.

In the winter, the outdoor rinks get flooded and maintained, and there is nothing better than skating on a cold clear afternoon with hot chocolate waiting in the car. Some of our best winter memories have happened at the local rinks, with the kids learning to skate by holding onto the boards and each other.

Community Events and Seasonal Traditions

The community calendar in Petawawa stays busier than you might expect. There are regular events through the recreation centre, seasonal celebrations, and one-off things that pop up through the year. Heritage Day brings people out in droves. Canada Day celebrations along the river are a highlight every summer. Fall fairs in the surrounding communities are worth the short drive.

The Petawawa Civic Centre hosts programs for kids and families throughout the year. Swimming lessons, drop-in activities, and seasonal programs run on a schedule that is easy to build your week around. It is worth checking what is coming up at the start of each month so you can plan ahead.

Library programs are another underrated resource. Story times, craft sessions, reading challenges, and special events all happen through the public library and they are free. My kids look forward to library days, and I appreciate that someone else is running the activity for a change.

Seasonal Activities

Spring is when the trails dry out and everyone remembers how much they missed being outside. The river levels are high and the fishing gets good. It is a great time for nature walks while everything is waking up. Bring a bag for nature craft supplies. The kids will find sticks, feathers, and interesting rocks without even trying.

Summer is the main event. Beach days, evening walks along the river, ice cream runs, and the long daylight hours that let you squeeze in one more activity after dinner. If you are here during Canada Day weekend, the celebrations are worth planning around. Festival of Lights at Centennial Park in the fall is also becoming a bigger draw each year.

Fall brings the colours and the cooler air. Trail walks in October are spectacular when the leaves are turning. Apple picking is a short drive away, and the fall fairs in nearby communities like Pembroke and Cobden are old-school fun with midway rides, livestock shows, and pie. Lots of pie.

Winter is long here, but that just means you learn to work with it. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the local trails are peaceful and free. Sledding hills appear wherever there is a decent slope. And when it is truly too cold, there are still indoor activities and rainy day crafts to fall back on. The arena programs and indoor pool keep families moving even in February.

Day Trips from Petawawa

Pembroke is just down the road with its own waterfront and shops. Bonnechere Caves near Eganville are a hit with kids who want to explore underground. And Algonquin Park is close enough for a full day trip without needing to leave at sunrise.

Making It Work

The trick with family activities is not trying to do everything. Pick one or two things each weekend and give yourselves room to enjoy them. Some of our best days in Petawawa have been unplanned. We drove to the river, found a good spot, and stayed until the kids were hungry. No itinerary needed.

If you are new to the area or just looking for fresh ideas, start by exploring the Things to Do section for more ways to balance getting out with seasonal family fun at home. Petawawa has more than enough to keep a family busy year-round. You just have to get out the door.