I'm travelling to Ottawa with my 10 year old son this summer. What are some inexpensive outings we would enjoy?

Most kids love animals (my daughter did), so, the horses at the RCMP college are a good thing, and free to see. They practice the Musical Ride there, so, you may see them in action. The Experimental Farm is great for kids too. It is a real farm, but, oriented for visiting - a cross between a farm, and a petting zoo sort of.

The Science Museum was great when I lived there. I understand it has been completely renovated since I left, but, it could be even better. The Nature Museum has all sorts of dinosaur bones, and dinosaur things, as well as loads of other nature stuff. My daughter loved it there too.

The Museum of Civilization has the Children's Museum, which is a big play place, but for learning. My daughter liked going there to play, but, I am not sure how much she learned! The other parts of that museum are amazing, and they have an IMAX theatre as well. Thursday evenings used to be the cheap night, but, I am not sure if they still are.

There are some pretty good playgrounds scattered throughout the city. The one on Prince of Wales Drive south of Hunt Club was pretty good before, and I understand it is now being revamped. It is free. The Place d'Orleans mall has a kids play area beside the food court. Great for romping around it, and free.

For a bit more money, there is a zoo east of Ottawa (the downtown part) at Wendover. This does have a cost, but, it is pretty decent. South of there is the Bearbrook Farm, with wild animals that you can eat. A lovely idea I know, but, young boys like the morbid. It is a farm that raised wild animals to eat, and looking around it is free. Buying a deer for the freezer costs though! But, at least you get to pick the deer you want.

My daughter grew up going to the Experimental Farm, which has gardens, and a free greenhouse. Lovely flower gardens. I am not sure a 10-year old boy on a first visit would enjoy it, but, it is a great place to wander around in.

Go see the light show on Parliament Hill in the evening and the Changing of the Guard in the morning. Both are free and both are interesting. You can find other things to see and do here: https://www.ottawatourism.ca/ottawa-insider/changi...