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.

Drop-in activities 

Dates: September 13, October 11, November 15 and December 20
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Cost: Pay-what-you-can

Play, tinker, and create at Nepean Museum’s MakerStudio! Families are invited to get creative with drop-in activities inspired by heritage skills and local history. Bonus! Explore the museum’s permanent exhibition from a new perspective with a fun, kid-friendly scavenger hunt.

Activities are best suited for families with children aged 6 to 12 but all are welcome. 

Activities
September 13 – Bottle cats
October 11 – Clay pinch pots
November 15 – Weaving
December 20 – Beeswax candles

Notes:

• This is a drop-in style program; families are welcome to join the activities at any time during the advertised hours. The activity is offered while supplies last.
• Activities are best suited for families with children aged 6 to 12 but all are welcome. Younger children may require the assistance of an adult or older sibling to complete the activities.
• The primary language of delivery for this program is English. Any printed materials will be provided in both official languages (English/French).

Storytime at the Museum

Dates: September 5, October 10, November 14 and December 12
Time: 10 am to 10:45 am
Ages: 2 to 5
Cost: $6.95 per child  
Advance registration is required. 

Join us for fun stories and activities about our communities, our histories and the things that connect them!  Each session we will explore a theme by reading a story together and creating a craft or project inspired by the book. Participants are also invited to play with objects from the museum’s working collection at the touch table. The story and activities are designed with children aged 2 – 5  in mind. 

Themes
September 5 – Neighbours
October 10 – Trains
November 14 – Seeds
December 12 – The Farm

Notes 

• This program is delivered in English.
• Parental/guardian supervision is required (there is no additional cost for the adult accompanying the participating child). Infants younger than 2 years old may accompany the adult who is supervising a registered participant at no additional cost.
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca.  Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

Creation Station

Dates: September 12 and September 26
Times: 10 am to 11 am
Ages: 6 to 8
Cost: $7.78 per child
Advance registration is required.

Create memories at the museum! Explore how people lived, worked and played in the past through engaging heritage-inspired activities and make an awesome keepsake of your very own to remember the adventure.

Themes
September 12 – Life on the Farm
September 26 – All About Apples

This program is also offered on alternative dates at Fairfields Heritage House. 

Notes

• This program is delivered in English.
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

Make It!

Dates: September 26 and October 17
Times: 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Ages: 9 to 11
Cost: $7.78 per child
Advance registration is required.

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

Themes
September 26 – Apple Investigators
October 17 – Celebrating Latin America Month

This program is also offered on alternative dates at Fairfields Heritage House.  

Notes

• This program is delivered in English.
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

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.