Nepean Museum

The Nepean Museum is a space where kids and families can learn and explore together. The exhibition gallery showcases Nepean’s history through a series of changing exhibits. With many fun hands-on events, programs and exhibitions, you’ll find lots to discover together.

Weekend Crafters

Dates: May 17, June 14, July 5, July 19, August 2 and August 16
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Ages: Weekend Crafters is best suited to families with children ages 6 to 12.
Cost: Pay-what-you-can

Play, tinker, and create at Nepean Museum’s MakerStudio! Families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. We’re switching up the craft and themed scavenger hunt at each session to explore the permanent exhibition from new perspectives!

Notes:

• This is a drop-in style program; families are welcome to join the activities at any time during the advertised hours. Please note that the craft activity can only be offered as long as supplies last.
• Weekend Crafters is best suited to families with children ages 6 to 12. However, younger children may be able to enjoy the activities with the assistance of an adult or older sibling.
• The primary language of delivery for this program is English. Any printed materials will be provided in both official languages (English/French).

Craftspace

Dates: July 4, July 11, July 18 and July 25
Time: 10 am to 11 am
Ages: 3 to 6
Cost: $7.29 per session
Advance registration is required. Registration opens May 14 at 9 pm. 

Get creative and engage with the museum’s collection through play! Each week we’ll complete a craft or artmaking activity inspired by a unique object with a heritage theme.

Themes

July 4 - Sidewalk chalk quilt

July 11 - DIY Toy

July 18 - Natural inks and dyes

July 25 - Robots

Notes

• The primary language of delivery for this program is English.
• Parental/guardian supervision is required (no additional cost for adult accompanying the participating child).
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Please pack a small snack and a bottle of water for your child.
• If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact 613-580-9638 (Nepean Museum) or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If the session cannot be rescheduled, a refund will be issued.  

Make It!

Dates: July 4, July 11, July 18 and July 25
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Ages: 6 to 9
Cost: $13.04 per session
Advance registration is required.

Make it creative! Make it silly! Make it messy! Make it fun! History is never boring at Nepean Museum. We’re shaking things up and exploring a different heritage theme through engaging, hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities each week.

Themes

July 4 - Slime

July 11 - Music and audio

July 18 - Secret codes

July 25 - Robots

*Additional sessions are offered in French.

Notes

• This is a drop-off program. Parental participation is not required.
• The primary language of delivery is English. Verify the language in which your preferred session is offered before registering. Additional sessions are offered in French.
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Please pack a small snack and a bottle of water for your child.
• If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact 613-580-9638 (Nepean Museum) or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If the session cannot be rescheduled, a refund will be issued.  

Permanent exhibition - Rural Roots and City Streets 

"Nepean: Rural Roots and City Streets" explores this essential piece of Ottawa’s history. Using dozens of photos, artefacts, and interactive elements, this new, permanent exhibition spans the full history of Nepean from its use by Algonguin peoples from time immemorial, up until Nepean’s amalgamation with Ottawa at the turn of the 21st Century.

The City of Ottawa Museums are committed to offering residents meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences.

Heritage volunteers play an invaluable role in preserving our unique heritage and in providing museum visitors of all ages with opportunities to appreciate our shared story.

Thank you to all our volunteer team members for their continued support.

The museums are not currently accepting new volunteers. If you have any questions about the volunteer program or would like to be notified when volunteering resumes, please contact museums@ottawa.ca.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk. Call 613-580-9638 or email museums@ottawa.ca.

Work with us to shape your experience. Contact the museum before your visit to discuss your needs. Information about accessibility at the facility, programs, and services is available upon request.

The accessibility features of this facility are detailed below. While the City of Ottawa is constantly working to improve access, please note that not all parts of every facility are necessarily 'accessible for all' as facilities were built to meet accessibility standards of their time.

Parking

• 3 designated parking spaces
• Accessible path of travel from the parking lot to entrance
• 20 metres from parking space to the door

Entrance/Exit

• 2 accessible entrances
• Entrances marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility
• Ramp
• Wide door for wheelchair passage
• Automatic door opener
• Direct access to the main floor, lobby, elevator

Interior 

• All public spaces on accessible path of travel
• Ramps or elevators to all levels
• Accessible seating available

Reception desks

• Floor area for manoeuvring a wheelchair
• Swipe access from seated position

Signage

• Large lettering

Washrooms

• Located on lower level
• Automatic door opener
• Large stalls to allow transfers
• Universal (gender-neutral)

Elevator/Lift

• Access to all floors
• One-wheelchair lift
• Located between the two entrances

Telephone

• Volume control
• Accessible path

Museums/Galleries/Archives

• All exhibition spaces are accessible
• Captioned videos
• Wheelchair accessible
• Good visibility for patrons in wheelchairs
• Interpretative labels/panels in large font 

Learn more about Inclusive Recreation and accessible services.