Activities for Teens and Tweens in Ottawa and surrounding areas

Having been around for 13 years, a lot of the families that first started following Kids in the Capital now have teens and tweens!

We have so many great attractions in and around Ottawa to check out but we’ve mostly written about them from a kid perspective. This post is going to focus specifically on attractions we think teens and tweens will like. Some we have our own content on and others we’re working to get. Stay tuned as this post will continue to be updated regularly!

Outdoor adventures

Eco Odyssee

Eco Odysée has a variety of water mazes that you can take in a paddle boat, kayak, or SUP. They also have daytime and evening mazes, as well as additional walking mazes on site.

Pricing ranges from $40-55 depending on the maze, but they are also piloting a program where you can bring your own kayak/SUP and the cost is $30.

Marked Adventure Park

Marked Adventure Park has obstacle courses, paintball, axe throwing, archery tag, disc throwing, watergun fights and more.

They are located on Highway 7 just past Carleton Place.

Many of their activities are available by reservation only so check out their website and plan for the best time to visit!

Waterslides

We have two great waterparks in the Ottawa area that are great for teens and tweens. Many parents of teens have also recommended buying their teens summer passes and drop them off at the park weekly.

Here are reviews written a few years ago targeted more for children but with good info to have when deciding to take your teens and tweens as well.

Calypso

Mont Cascades

Ziplining

Camp Fortune has a great peak to peak zipline experience.

Interzip is a nice and short zip lining experience. It doesn’t go too fast which makes it good for those who don’t love the thrill of ziplining and it’s right in the city, so easy to get to.

Arbraska Lafleche has ziplines and they also have cave tours.

Great Canadian Bungee has a zipline called the RipRide that our teen blogger David got to enjoy recently.

Art

Ottawa Art Gallery

The Ottawa Art Gallery is a lovely place to go and enjoy local art. It’s free (though they appreciate donations) and they have four floors of exhibitions.

Indoor Activities

Room Escape

Room Escape is located on Bank Street near Walkley and has six escape rooms to choose from. They are open 7 days a week and the cost is $29/person.

This was a bit hit with the three teens who are big escape room fans and recently got to try out Undermined.

Where: 1860 Bank Street, #3B

Cost: $29/person

Hours: Monday/Tuesday - 5pm - 10pm
Wednesday/Sunday - 10am - 10pm

Archery Games

Archery Games is located on Bank Street in the same facility as Room Escape and is an indoor archery game space. We sent a family with kids ranging in ages from 8-14 and they had a blast!

Where: 1860 Bank St, #3B
Cost: $29/person
Hours: Monday/Tuesday - closed, Wednesday/Thursday - 5-10pm, Friday - 5-9pm, Saturday/Sunday - 11am-9pm  *Bookings outside of these hours are available by appointment only and require a minimum of 10 players.

Bad Axe Throwing

Bad Axe Throwing is a fun activity and Bad Axe welcomes kids to try it out. While there is no official minimum age we believe 10+ is a good guideline. It’s also good to note that axe throwing is an activity where there might be adults using adult language so if you were prefer your kids not be in that environment you may want to pass on this or go in earlier in the day.

Address: 1580 Liverpool Ct #8, Ottawa ON
Booking Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-11pm
Walk-in Hours (schedule subject to change - call before heading over): Friday 6pm-9pm, Saturday (2pm-7:30pm), Tuesday (3pm-4:30pm)

Cost:
Walk-ins - $26.98pp (45 minutes)

Bad Axe Booking - $41.99pp with a minimum of 6 people (1.5 hours)

VR Adventures Zone

If your teens/tweens like video games, VR Adventures Zone is a fun way for you to do something they love together!

Location: 1642 Merivale Rd Unit 300 (Merivale Mall)

Cost:

Pricing differs based on which experience you choose and how long you play, but expect about $25-40/person.

Hours:

They are open daily from 11am-10pm and on weekends they stay open until 11pm.

Important to know:

Kids must be at least 7 years old to play and anyone under 18 needs a waiver signed by a parent to participate.

Rollerskating

4Wheelies

4Wheelies has just opened in Ottawa and is a roller rink and arcade. Located at 1101 Baxter Road, the cost to skate is $16.99. You can bring your own traditional roller skates (no in-line skates are allowed) or you can rent a pair for $5.

They are open 6 days a week (closed on Mondays) from noon - 9pm.

Drive in Movies

Drive-in movies are nostalgic for many parents and there are some options in the Ottawa area!

Port Elmsley is located halfway between Perth & Smiths Falls Ontario and is open 5 nights a week!

Your price includes a double feature and they recommend getting there early to get a good spot.

Ticket prices include HST and are per person.

Age 5-12 $6

Age 13+ $15

Skylight Drive-In Theatre is located in Pembroke, Ontario.

They are open seven days a week and your price includes at least two movies.

Every night is Carload Night! (except for select Dusk to Dawn nights - please check website for details)
$25 Carload Up to 6 People OR
$14 adult
$7 Youth (4-14)
Children up to 3 free.

Movie Program starts at dusk.

Events

House of PainT Festival

The House of PainT Festival is a FREE Outdoor HipHop Jam that showcases Graffiti, Breakdancing, Dj’s and MC’s from across Canada and this year is their 20th anniversary!

The Main Event happens Saturday, August 12th, with amazing performances from DJs, MCs, artists, and dancers.

Location: Dunbar Bridge 100 Brewer Way

Graffiti & Murals/Dance Battles/ Choreography Performances/ Community Workshops/Art Vendors/Music/Poetry/Food Vendors/
Featuring Music, Art, Workshops and Dance Battles

Tickets are not needed to attend but registration is encouraged to stay up to date with House of PainT news, updates, and relevant information. The Main Event on August 12th is free to attend. Donations are encouraged and appreciated!

PuppetCon

It's time to get your Con on! Join us for PuppetCon in Almonte, August 11 – 13, 2023 for a weekend of workshops, shows and panel discussions.

Theatre

There is lots of great theatre in Ottawa and many teens and tweens love taking in a show with their parents.

Broadway Across Canada

Broadway Across Canada has a great series of shows every year. Upcoming shows in the 2023/24 season include Hairspray, Ain’t Too Proud: Life and Times of the Temptations, Disney’s Frozen, and Six.

Odyssey Theatre

Odyssey Theatre is running a summer production of the Miser at Strathcona Park from from July 27-August 20, 2023 Tuesdays through Sundays at 8pm, with matinees on Sunday afternoons at 2pm, PWYC. Tickets are on sale now, with 50% off opening weekend (July 27th to 30th).

The Miser is satire about greed and love is performed in the style of commedia, featuring mask performance, choreography, and singing. Our show is recommended for ages 8 and up, runs for about 2 and a half hours with a 15 min intermission, and takes place next to the banks of the Rideau River..

Rock Climbing

Altitude Gym

Altitude Gym now boasts three locations (Gatineau, Kanata, and Orleans) and the Gatineau location has clip’n’climb.

Coyote Climbing Gym

Coyote Climbing Gym is located at 1737B St Laurent and a youth climbing pass is $15. They also have 10 pass punchpasses for $125 as well as memberships.

If you have any suggestions to add to the list of if you’d like to write some content for us, comment below or email us at kidsinthecapital@gmail.com!

The Lost Kingdom at Wesley Clover Parks

The Lost Kingdoms roars into the nation’s capital for its North American debut this summer.

A unique edutainment event for the entire family, The Lost Kingdoms features fifty life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and Ice Age beasts with robotic moving body parts including opening jaws and blinking eyes and the sounds of roaring, hissing and snarling coming from the bushes.

The Lost Kingdoms opened in Ottawa on June 23 and will run daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm until July 9.

We had a chance to send an Ottawa family to check it out and here’s what they thought! They brought their two kiddos along with them, who were 5 and 6 years old.

“It was a totally unique experience and fun for all ages!

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of dinosaurs that were set up. The kids get up close which is really nice and some of the dinosaurs move and make noise, which is pretty neat. The enormous T-rex at the beginning is set to a timer and moves and makes noise. I had to remind my youngest that it wasn’t real ;)

Everyone left with a smile on their face and my youngest is ready to head back again any time!”

Tips:

• It’s a lot of walking. Bring a wagon or stroller for younger kids.

• It’s a fairly long walk without shade and entirely outdoors so dress accordingly. On a hot day you’ll definitely want to bring lots of water and a hat .

• Construction at Moodie makes it difficult to get there easily so take the March Road exit.

• For the little ones with unpredictable bathroom breaks, send them before the tour because there were no washrooms in sight.

• Staying for a picnic or snacks would be a great idea.

Tickets are $28 each or you can get a family bundle and tickets are $24.50 each.

Can you touch the dinosaurs?

Kids are encouraged to get up close and personal with the exhibits, but they should not try to climb, ride or poke them.Will there be food on site?

Food and beverage will be onsite, but it will vary from day to day based on local vendor availability.

You can check out the Lost Kingdoms in Ottawa until July 9th!

We were invited to attend the media preview at no cost. All thoughts are our own.

50+ things to do with kids in Ottawa

This is the most popular post we’ve ever had on this blog and if you’re landing here from Google we want you to know that we are currently working on updating this post-pandemic. Please check all attraction web sites to make sure information is still accurate.

Ottawa has so many amazing things to see and do with kids! We wanted to put together the ultimate list, so that you can grab loads of ideas from one spot.

From museums, indoor activities, outdoor activities and parks - there's always something to do in Ottawa, no matter the season!

A trip to the National Gallery is fun and FREE for kids aged 11 and under

MUSEUMS

Having lived in other cities in Canada, I think the best thing about Ottawa is our amazing museums. There are many options that will please young and old!

National gallery

Explore art and make your own creations at the National Gallery

You wouldn't think an art gallery, with really beautiful, expensive art, would be a great place for kids, but if you follow some tips, it can still be a fun outing. You can also take a walk around with your baby.

Billings estate

Visit the historic estate of one of Ottawa's founding families and spend the day enjoying one of their special events (including awesome themed teas!) or kid-friendly programs.  

Bytown museum

The Bytown Museum offers plenty of interactive activities for our young and young at heart visitors!

Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum

Snuggly animals, food demonstrations, and special events - the agriculture museum has it all!

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Aviation is the third museum, along with Agriculture and Science and Tech (which is currently being rebuilt!), that makes up a great 3-in-1 membership for families. This museum is perfect for the little ones that love planes, space and so much more. There are daily kids activities, camps and a special play area for the kiddos!

Canada Science and Technology Museum

We’re so excited to finally be adding this one back into our “50 things” post! Completely renovated, this museum offers SO much for all ages. The best part for little ones (under 8) is the new Zoom exhibit!!

Canadian War museum 

When you think "kids," you may not think the war museum - but the little ones still get a kick out of looking at all the exhibits. And if you have older children, you may all get lost in there reading and exploring!

Children's museum

My kiddos LOVE this museum, and we make it a special treat. Their main attraction changes every few months or so, but the regular exhibits are a huge hit. And don't forget to try to check out a movie at the Imax theatre!

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

My daughter's Sparks group recently spent the day at the Cumberland Museum, and we had SO much fun! What a fantastic way to teach our children about the past, with many activities and displays scheduled throughout the day. Also check out their special events, including the Village of Lights in the winter!

Diefenbunker

Check out Lara's trip to the Diefenbunker with her kids! This giant underground bunker was built during the cold war to house government officials in the event of nuclear war. It's sure to be a fun place for kids to explore.

Museum of Nature

The first time I visited the museum, I didn't allocate enough time. Floors of amazing exhibits, activities for kids young and old, and an Imax theatre. The special exhibits that arrive every six months or so are always a big hit!

Vanier museopark

What's better than a park and sugar bush smack in the middle of an urban neighbourhood? A great place to walk your dog too!

ATTRACTIONS

Governor General estate

Whatever season, Rideau Hall is a beautiful place for a visit. Special events are often held there, and winter is great for a skate or celebration!

High tea at the Chateau Laurier

Your kids will love you forever if you take them for high tea at the superb Chateau Laurier. Who doesn't love tiny sandwiches?

The Mint

Call ahead to book a tour at the Mint! Our experience has been that tours are great for children ages 5 and up, although most kids will get a kick out of the facility that produces Canada's investment and collector coins. 

Parliament Hill

The free sound and lights show on Parliament is SPECTACULAR, and a must-see if your kids are able to stay up until 10pm in July, 9:30pm in August and 9pm in September. Check out our blog post from the Mosaika show.

Changing of the guard

Not for the wee ones, the changing of the guard would be great for your tweens and teens who have the patience and interest to sit for the show. If you have little ones they may still enjoy watching a few minutes! 

SHOWS

NAC children's events

The National Arts Centre has some fantastic children's programming, and you can read about French Youth Theatre here! 

Broadway Across Canada is also really popular with the kids, teens and tweens.

Outerbridge Magic - Mysteries of the Keyhole House

Renowned illusionists and Magic Castle headliners, Ted and Marion Outerbridge, are touring their captivating new, Magic show, Mysteries of the Keyhole House, perfect for the entire family (ages 8-108)!  The show is inspired by the couple's home restoration of the historic Keyhole House in the Ottawa Valley, a journey that unearthed a trove of artifacts whispering tales of past lives, not to mention a friendly ghost!

FESTIVALS

Children’s Festival

Winterlude!

Award-winning programming from Canada and across the world! Check out one of our reader's past experience at the festival.

Ottawa International Buskerfest

The ultimate live performance event, Buskerfest is a huge crowd pleaser! 

PuppetsUp

Looking for a creative outing for your crafty kids? The brains behind Almonte's beloved Puppets Up! festival are hosting PuppetCon August 11-13 and they've got some amazing workshops for kids and families. Learn how to turn an umbrella into a dragon or make your very own puppet head out of foam or latex! Then relax and enjoy a hiliarious family-friendly puppet show about pirates! Check out www.puppetsup.com for more information!

Winterlude

This festival is an essential part of Ottawan life, even if you're not too fussy about snow and ice! Whether you're snow tubing, skating, or maybe just enjoying a beaver tail, there is much to see and do! Check out our tips for heading down to the festival.

The Tulip Festival

The Tulip Festival is one of many great things to enjoy about Spring in Ottawa. There's nothing better than seeing the tulip bulbs pop up when the snow has melted!

INDOOR PLAY

Cosmic Adventures

Flying squirrel trampoline park

Kids of all ages can have a blast at Cosmic, an indoor play place in Gloucester (east end of Ottawa.) There are slides, climbing structures, ball pits and a smaller area for the wee ones. A place to go on really cold, hot or rainy days!

Kids Kingdom

With locations in the West and East end of the cities, this indoor play place is a local favourite - they also have daycare for parents looking for a fun and active centre for their child. Birthday parties and laser tag are other faves!

Funhaven

Perfect for those in the West end (or even if you're willing to make the drive!) The number of things you can do indoors at Funhaven is astounding - games, jungle gym, toddler play, laser tag, mini bowling, and so much more!

Flying Squirrel

Another great indoor trampoline park in the East end!

Altitude climbing gym

Lara got a chance to check out Altitude gym a few summers, and her three kids really enjoyed the indoor climbing walls.  They now have several other locations to check out as well.

Public swimming / wave pools / wading pools

There is nothing better than heading out for a swim when you're stuck for something to do with the kids. In the summer it's great to check out the outdoor pools and wading pools, but in the winter, sometimes we just want to imagine we're on the beach, getting hit by a huge wave. Happy swimming! 

Public skates

There are some great outdoor skating rinks to enjoy in the winter (including the free one at Lansdowne,) but it can be a fun summer activity to cool off on a sweltering day. Check out the City of Ottawa for public skating schedules, or maybe you have a local pond to discover when everything freezes over!

OUTDOOR PLAY

Zip Lines and Bat Caves at Arbraska Labfleche

With zip lines and ropes courses for kids and adults alike, Arbraska Lafleche is a fun outing. And they have a bat cave too!

Parc omega

Calypso Water Park

We visited Parc Omega for the first time last summer, and I was really impressed by the experience. The property is SO huge, but there are options to take nature walks and picnics if you don't feel like sitting in your car.

Peak to Peak Zip Line and Coaster at Camp Fortune

There’s a peak to peak zip line and a coaster that goes down mountain at Camp Fortune. You must be at least 8 for the coaster and 100lbs for the zip line.

Interzip

If you’re interested in a slower paced zip line, check out the Interzip and zip from Ontario into Quebec with beautiful views of the Parliament buildings. You must be at least 70lbs and under 250lbs for this zip experience.

Mont cascades

A lovely, small water park, nestled in the Gatineau hills. And you really can't beat the price when taking the whole family!

Eco odysee

A water maze adventure in the Outaouais region!

Calypso

A water park that invented the saying "go big or go home." This is the ultimate water park experience for your family, and just a quick jaunt just outside Ottawa!

Gatineau Park

THE best place in the Ottawa region to see the Fall leaves, head out for a nighttime snowshoe (yup, kids would enjoy this too!) or spend a bit of time there with both winter and summer camping. There are also great hikes for the older kids, and a short walk around Pink Lake for the younger ones.

Rideau canal boating or skating

Boating in the summer, or skating in the winter - everyone can enjoy this beautiful heritage site in the heart of Ottawa! 

Rideau canal Locks

Don't want to boat OR skate on the canal? Just head down with the kids in the summer to see a boat make its' way through the locks!

Kayaking

Yup, kids can definitely kayak, and it's easier than you think! Check out Lara's post on kayaking and SUPing (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) with her kids.

Pirate adventures

Take an imaginary pirate adventure along the Rideau Canal, and have a barrel of laughs! Arrrrr! 

Feeding the ducks near billings 

There are so many activities in Ottawa that don't cost an arm and a leg, and kids will have so much fun - feeding cute ducks is definitely one of those activities to file away for the days when your kids are whining "I'm bored!!" (According to wildlife experts, bread is actually dangerous for ducks and other water birds (like the swans.) We suggest these alternatives: lettuce, peas and sweet corn!

Geo caching

Who knew there were secret treasures hiding all around this city? And people are on the hunt to find them! 

Saunders farm

Boasting one of the best mazes in the city, along with fantastic activities all summer long (and check out their spooky Halloween activities!) this is a place you'll want to visit again and again. 

Valleyview Little Animal farm

A farm with a tiny train to ride and animals to pet, located in Southwest Ottawa. A great alternative to the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum if you feel like switching things up!

Proulx Farm

We love this farm out in the East end, with their horse-drawn wagon rides, pancake breakfasts, pumpkin patch, strawberry picking and so much more! Proulx Farm is also a staple at some of the farmer's markets around the city.

Mer Bleue Boardwalk

The perfect walk for little ones, with ample snow and ski trails in the winter. Don't forget to bring the bird seed to feed the chickadees!

Mooney's Bay

The perfect place to cool off in the summer, check out Ottawa's Dragonboat Festival, or take a picnic to the park!

Sunday bike days

Each year from mid-May to early September you can cycle along some car-free roads in Ottawa every Sunday. Don’t forget your yearly bike tune-up! 

Petrie Island

In the East end, this beach is great in many seasons, with summer fun and beautiful Fall colours. For the avid naturalist, it's also a great place to spot turtles and participate in Nature Camps!

Ottawa Farmers' Markets

My kids LOVE the Ottawa Farmer's Market. There are locations all over the city, and we usually visit the Orleans location or the big Landsdowne location. My girls enjoy the free samples, picking out fruit and vegetables, and the occasional special events like face painting or balloon animals. 

 SPORTS

Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) in Ottawa

Take in a PWHL game in Ottawa!

PARKS

Canada-Themed playground at Mooney’s Bay

We have so many awesome parks in the city, and when we surveyed YOU, our lovely readers, you told us that these four were your favourites:

Canada-themed playground at Mooney's Bay

Brewer Park

Walter Baker Park

Andrew Haydon Park

Millenium Park

And that's a wrap on our 50 things to do with kids in Ottawa - what's YOUR favourite things to do?

Peak to Peak Zipline Tour at Camp Fortune

I have always enjoyed all sorts of thrill seeking activities. Bungee jumping, ziplining and roller coasters are all appealing to me. I also love the outdoors and being in nature. Combine the two, and I have the perfect weekend activity. Camp Fortune’s new peak to peak ziplines and mountain coaster fit the bill.

For this excursion, I brought a friend with me. My parents opted to only ride the mountain coaster. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by our guide who took us to the chairlift. There, we went on a five minute scenic ascent to the peak, getting an incredible view of Gatineau park along the way. 

Once we reached the summit of the mountain, our guides took us up the stairs of a short tower. There, we attached ourselves to the ziplines and were ready to go. Because there were two zip lines next to each other, my friend and I were able to go at the same time. 

As soon as the guides let us go, we glided 150 feet above the forest at high speed. My friend had been somewhat nervous at first, but once we got going, he was ecstatic. From the zipline, I was able to see stunning sights all around me while flying through the air. When we arrived at the second tower, we were excited to do it again.

We waited for a few minutes for our guides to return and do the safety checks, and we were once again ready to go. Before going on the second zipline, our guides had told us that it would be a good idea to spin on this one. They were right. I let go of my harness and spun around, learning what it's like to zipline backwards. I made sure to get into my brace position in time.

After the second, we went on the third and final zipline. This one was a bit smaller, but it was still fun. At the end, there was an optional 50 foot free fall. I stood at the edge of the platform, staring straight down before going against my natural instincts and walking off of it. I plummeted for two meters before the cord slowly lowered me to the ground for a not-so-graceful landing. In total, I ziplined the distance of 4,478 feet in about an hour. 

Following lunch, we went back up the relaxing chairlift for one last activity- the mountain coaster. The mountain coaster consisted of one seat that rolled down a winding metal track through the trees. I used the lever to go at the maximum speed of 40 km/h, holding on tight as it made sharp drops and turns. It was a great adrenaline rush.

If you are interested in either of these activities, arrive 30 min ahead of schedule and check in at new customer service, lower level of the main lodge. Remember to dress for the weather, active clothing and running shoes. The ziplines have a minimum weight of 100 lbs and a max weight of 240 lbs. Pricing is $55 for youth 14 and under and $65 for those 15 and older. The coaster is $20 per ride and you have to be 8 years old or older to ride alone.  Safety equipment and instructional sessions are provided. For more information please visit https://campfortune.com. 

David is a fifteen-year-old aspiring adventure and travel writer living in Ottawa.  Skydiving is on his bucket list.

Middle Grade Fantasy Favourites: Mystery, Magic and More

The power of a novel to transport one to another world, filled with excitement and thrills, is incredible.  The magic in new middle grade fantasy stories is no exception! As Popp (2021) points out:

“Middle grade books with magical themes are literal magic, in a way. They transport readers to places real or imagined. Their lore is wholly concocted by the author or inspired by mythologies from around the world.”

Further, as Popp (2021) references, these types of novels can help readers feel empowered; magic can help one to achieve their goals—and find courage, and strength and to remember than they have these abilities within them.

This blog will focus on some of my newer fantasy favorites—with strong characters, new adventures and a focus on doing what is right....

CeCe Rios and the  Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera

When CeCe was 7, she was wandering in the desert and met Tzizimitl, the criatura of stars and devouring.   Five years later she encounters a dark criatura  called El Sombrerón when he captures her sister Juana and takes her back to Devil's Alley to make her his bride. Cece is determined to get her sister back and is willing to do whatever it takes to get to Devil’s Alley to save her... even if it means training to be a bruja and practicing dark magic...

 Kirkus describes CeCe as a “...culturally rich adventure weaves Spanish and Nahuatl throughout the text. With strong ties to Mesoamerican lore and culture, the story hits the sweet spot between dark and light.”

This is a story of inner strength, magic, spirits, and adventure and is to keep readers of all ages captivated until the very end! 

Amari and the Night Brothers- B.B. Alston

Quinton Peters, Amari's brother, is missing. She misses him greatly and is determined to find him. One day a mysterious package appears in Quinton's closet containing a magic suit, and a nomination to join a summer camp with the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. It also contains magic glasses that allow her to see a whole other world...

As Amari discovers her inner power, and strength, she also discovers that she is a magician, and unfortunately, magicians are not looked upon with favor in this new world.

This novel has some great lessons about privilege and prejudice, as well as magic, mythical creatures, humor, and adventure (and the best part—it's part of a trilogy!).

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas

For Nic’s 12th birthday her father gets her a pet hellhound (Cocoa)...but refuses to share with her how to use her ‘gift’ and what makes her a ‘remarkable.’ When Nic gets grounded the same night that her favorite author TJ Retro is in town for a signing, she sneaks out... and that night her world changes forever. She learns that her favorite book series is actually a fictionalized version of her father (and friends) childhoods fighting evil AND that TJ is actually a manifestor!  She learns her dad has been accused of stealing something very powerful and they are in danger.

It is up to Nic to navigate this new world to try to save him, with the help of her Cocoa, her long lost twin, and ‘unremarkable’ best friend as they embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

Kirkus describes as “A story of African American folklore and mythology, and an examination of Black American’s history and trauma in a fantastical world.”  

An excellent novel sure to be devoured!

Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows- Ryan Calejo

Charlie grew up listening to his abuela’s stories about the supernatural, but he soon discovers that they may not be just stories...

When Charlie’s parents mysteriously go missing he is determined to find out what happened to them, and why he has started growing feathers (and horns).  When he discovers a map in his mother’s old locket he embarks upon the adventure of a lifetime, where La Llorona, La Cuca and El Sombrerón are awaiting (and are no longer just names from his abuela’s stories).

Chupacarter – George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

A humourous story involving 12 –year-old Jorge, and his new best friend, a 7 foot tall chupacabra! 

When Jorge is sent away to live with his grandparents  he is not pleased.  They live in a remote area of New Mexico, and he doesn’t know anyone there.  When he meets a monster in the woods, he is initially terrified, but he soon learns that the monster Carter is not dangerous, and is just a lonely chupacabra that has been separated from his family.  He soon discovers that they share a love of video games, junk food and shoes, and they become fast friends.

When livestock start showing up dead Jorge becomes worried for Carter’s safety, as the townspeople want to know who (or what) is responsible are looking for creatures in the woods. Jorge knows Carter is innocent, and with the help of his new friends he embarks upon a quest to save him...  

All these great books are available to borrow from the Ottawa Public Library! Really enjoyed one of the titles and want to find something similar? Check out NoveList K-8 for read-alikes, recommendations, and more!

Don’t have a library card yet? No problem, you can register for free online!

This month’s blog is written by Charmaine Atrooshi, Children and Teen Librarian at the Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.