When the grandkids come over for the day, the plan usually starts the same way: a big breakfast, a few rounds of cards, maybe a walk to the park. Then, somewhere around 11 a.m., someone says “I’m bored,” and the search begins for things to do with grandkids in Ottawa that everyone can actually enjoy together — not just something the kids do while Grandma and Grandpa watch from a bench.

This guide is written for grandparents (and the parents who hand over the car seats). It covers how to pick an outing that works across generations, what a relaxed indoor visit to Crazy Bear in Nepean looks like with grandchildren of different ages, and a few simple ways to make the day feel like a tradition rather than a babysitting shift.

What Makes a Good Grandparent-and-Grandkid Outing?

Grandparent days have a different rhythm than regular family outings. There’s usually more time, less rush, and a genuine wish to do something together. The best outings tend to share a few qualities:

Easy logistics. Free parking close to the door, one building, no long walks between activities, and no complicated tickets or timed entry.
Something for every age. If you have a four-year-old and a ten-year-old for the day, you need a place where both are happy at the same time.
Room to join in — or sit out. Grandparents should be able to play a round of air hockey, then take a break with a coffee without losing sight of the kids.
Weather-proof. Ottawa gives us about five months where outdoor plans can fall apart at short notice. An indoor backup makes the visit stress-free.
A clear finish. Kids handle the end of an outing better when there’s a natural wrap-up, like picking out a prize.

Things to Do with Grandkids in Ottawa: Indoor Options Worth Knowing

Ottawa has some wonderful grandparent-friendly classics. The Canada Science and Technology Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature are great for curious school-age kids, local library branches run free drop-in programs, and community centres across Nepean and Barrhaven offer seasonal public swims and skates.

Those outings are excellent, but they tend to need planning around schedules and can be tiring for very young children. An arcade-style family entertainment centre fills a different gap: it’s flexible, open for drop-in play, and works as a quick one- or two-hour visit or a longer afternoon. That’s where Crazy Bear on Merivale Road comes in.

Why an Arcade Works Surprisingly Well for Grandparents

Many grandparents grew up with pinball, skee-ball, and air hockey, so there’s a built-in “let me show you how it’s done” moment. With over 120 arcade, VR, and claw machines under one roof, there’s always something familiar for adults and something new for kids. You buy a play card loaded with credits, tap it at whatever machine you like, and play at your own pace — no need to commit to a set session length.

Classic games like basketball hoops, racing cabinets, and ticket-redemption games are easy to explain and easy for small hands to try. Our guide to family-friendly arcade games in Ottawa walks through which games tend to suit which ages.

Planning the Visit by Grandchild Age

Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

Little ones love the lights, the sounds, and pressing big buttons. Stick with simple games that pay out tickets quickly, and let them feed the tickets into the counter at the end — that part is often a highlight. Keep the visit to about an hour and go earlier in the day, when energy is high and the space is calmer. For more ideas with the youngest grandchildren, see our toddler activities in Ottawa guide.

School-Age Kids (Ages 6–10)

This is the sweet spot for friendly competition. Challenge a grandchild to a basketball shoot-out or a racing game and let them win (or don’t). The claw machines are a big draw at this age, and they’re a nice chance to talk about patience and budgeting: decide together how many tries to spend before moving on.

Tweens (Ages 11–13)

Tweens often want a little independence. VR games and rides give them the “cool” factor, while grandparents can watch the action on screen and cheer them on. Before trying VR, it helps to check age guidance with staff and start with a short, gentle experience — the same comfort tips parents use apply to grandparents in charge for the day.

Mixed-Age Groups

With several grandchildren at once, give each child their own play card with an equal number of credits. It prevents arguments over “fair shares,” lets older kids play at their own speed, and makes it easy for a grandparent to stay with the youngest while the older ones roam nearby within sight.

Practical Tips for a Comfortable Visit

A little planning goes a long way, especially when you’re the one responsible for someone else’s children:

Pick a quieter time. Weekday afternoons and weekend mornings tend to be calmer than Saturday afternoons. School PA days and holiday breaks get busy.
Set a budget up front. Credit packages on our pricing page start at $10, and larger packages add bonus credits. Deciding the amount in advance keeps the day relaxed.
Take breaks. Grab a coffee, a slushie, or popcorn from the snack counter and sit down between rounds. Kids recharge too.
Plan the prize moment. Save 10–15 minutes at the end to redeem tickets at the prize counter. With more than 500 prizes to choose from, it can take a while — and that’s part of the fun.
Bring a small bag. Prizes, jackets, and mittens add up quickly in an Ottawa winter.
Ask about discounts. Crazy Bear offers discounts for military and first responders and for Access 2 Card holders; check the current details before you visit.
Know your grandchild’s sensitivities. Arcades are bright and loud. If a grandchild is sound- or light-sensitive, our sensory-friendly arcade guide has helpful tips on timing and preparation.

Turning It into a Grandparent Tradition

Some of the best grandparent memories come from repeating a small ritual. A few ideas Ottawa families use:

The monthly “Grandpa day.” Same day each month, same breakfast spot, then an hour of games. Kids look forward to it for weeks.
The high-score challenge. Pick one game and keep a running family leaderboard on the fridge. Every visit is a rematch.
The ticket jar. Save tickets across visits for a bigger prize. It teaches patience and gives kids a goal.
The report card treat. Mark end-of-term or a good week at school with a visit and a small play card.

Crazy Bear’s Annual VIP Membership ($29.99) gives 10% off in-store purchases for a year, which can make sense for grandparents who plan to visit regularly.

Hosting a Birthday When the Grandparents Are in Charge

Sometimes grandparents offer to host a grandchild’s birthday — especially when parents are busy or the family lives out of town. A private party room keeps things simple: the space is set up and cleaned up for you, and a party package typically includes food, drinks, and play cards for each child. It means you get to spend the party with the birthday child instead of cleaning the kitchen. Details are on our party room rental page.

Getting There from Across Ottawa

Crazy Bear is on Merivale Road in Nepean, a short drive for grandparents living in Barrhaven, Centrepointe, Bells Corners, Craig Henry, or Carlington, and an easy trip down from the Glebe, Westboro, or Alta Vista. It also works well as a meeting point when grandparents and grandchildren live in different parts of the city: one household drives from Kanata, the other from Riverside South, and everyone meets in the middle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some indoor things to do with grandkids in Ottawa on a cold day?

Museums, library programs, public swims, and family entertainment centres are all good options. For a flexible drop-in visit without timed tickets, an arcade like Crazy Bear lets grandparents and kids play together for an hour or an afternoon, with games for toddlers through teens.

Can grandparents play the games too?

Absolutely. Games are open to all ages, and many — air hockey, basketball, racing, and ticket games — are just as fun for adults. Friendly grandparent-versus-grandkid rematches are one of the most popular ways to visit.

How much should we budget for a grandparent visit?

It depends on how long you stay and how many grandchildren you bring. Many families start with a $25–$50 credit package per child and add snacks. Check the current pricing for bonus-credit packages before you go.

Is Crazy Bear suitable for very young grandchildren?

Yes, with a little planning. Choose simple, quick-payout games, visit during quieter hours, and keep the outing to about an hour for preschoolers.

Plan Your Next Grandkid Day

Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday, a school holiday, or a birthday you’ve promised to host, Crazy Bear in Nepean makes it easy to spend real, playful time together. Check current pricing and credit packages, browse our deals and events, or book a party room for your grandchild’s next celebration. We’ll have the games ready — you bring the rematch.