How to Best Enjoy Your Visit to Ottawa’s Largest Playground, Cosmic Adventures!
I think most of us have shared experiences of playing in a playground, not wanting to leave even if our parents begged us to. I don’t blame our younger selves; if only they knew what adulthood had in store, they might have set up camp right there!
One place I wish had been around when I was younger is Cosmic Adventures, Ottawa’s largest playground. And that’s why we’re diving into today’s article!
With the help of my lovely nieces, I was able to create this guide to help you navigate this fun destination you can experience for the whole family.
Kids today (man, do I feel ancient!) are a lucky bunch with all the exciting hotspots popping up for maximum fun!
As a little bonus, I’ve added a few extra tidbits to enhance your stay, such as recommendations for nearby accommodations, dining options, and other exciting family-friendly adventures not too far away.
About Cosmic Adventures
Cosmic Adventures spans 20,000 square feet, providing a safe and fun indoor playground experience for kids while giving parents peace of mind.
It’s considered the biggest of its kind in Ottawa, making it a must-visit for youths 0 to 12 years old.
Pricing
Single entries at Cosmic Adventures come in different price points depending on the age. Please refer to the table below.
Cosmic Adventures also offers a year-long membership priced at $149.99. It includes other fun-tastic perks, such as 10% off on your Cosmic birthday party and on Starcade games.
It’s a great bang for your buck especially if you plan on visiting multiple times with your kids.
What to Do in Cosmic Adventures
Embark on an adventure with the play sculptures
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Cosmic Adventures is most popular for its play sculptures, which include fun and challenging courses. They provide an exciting environment for children to explore, engage in imaginative play, and meet other kids in the process.
Crawl into the exciting tunnels
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During my visit to Cosmic Adventures with my nieces, there was a specific corner they couldn’t seem to leave – the tunnels!
I’m not sure what it is about them that makes them such a magnet for kids, but I’m all for it! Perhaps it ignites their sense of adventure, where every twist and turn holds the promise of an exciting surprise.
Be immersed in a variety of arcade games at the Starcade Room
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I remember going to amusement parks when I was a kid, and you know what I always gravitated towards – the arcade rooms! I’d play Street Fighter until sundown, even forgetting to try the famous attractions like the Ferris wheel and roller coaster.
Reflecting on those memories, the kid in me approves of the Starcade Room at Cosmic Adventures, offering a variety of games where you can lose track of time trying to aim for the high score and ultimate bragging rights.
Dive into the ball pit
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During my visit to Cosmic Adventures, I remember the joy on my nieces’ faces as soon as they dove into the ball pit. Like being in a giant tub of Skittles, their faces mirrored the excitement of kids in a candy store.
It was one of those moments where the pure joy of childhood was on full display. I’m sure adults wouldn’t be able to help but join in the fun. I know I did!
Glide down the slides
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Sliding down the slides at Cosmic Adventures is an absolute blast! While it’s no elevated slide that will shoot you to space like the one at Calypso Theme Waterpark, one of the best water parks near Ottawa, it guarantees safe unadulterated fun.
Things to Keep in Mind
Top up your cashless payments
Cosmic Adventures is completely cashless, so make sure to top up your cashless payments before your visit to avoid inconveniences.
Supervise your children
To ensure an extra safe experience, children should be supervised by adults 18 years old or older when at Cosmic Adventures.
Don’t bring outside food and drinks
Cosmic Adventures boasts a nut-free environment, catering to those with terrible allergies. This is why outside food isn’t allowed, so the management is able to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Wear socks
As soon as you enter the play area at Cosmic Adventures, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes, as it’s a socks-only environment.
If you happen to forget one that day, you can always purchase one at Admission Control. However, to save a few bucks, I recommend bringing your own.
Where to Stay Near Cosmic Adventures
Holiday Inn Ottawa East, an IHG Hotel
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Address: 1199 Joseph Cyr St
Phone: +1 613-744-1060
Pricing: $
Holiday Inn, a 3-star hotel just a 4-minute drive from Cosmic Adventures, offers a convenient base for your playful adventures.
While it’s not extravagant, the rooms ensure a comfortable stay, perfect for unwinding after a day of city exploration.
Plus, you’ll find convenient amenities like a fitness center to enhance your stay.
And here’s the kicker: kids eat for free, and it’s pet-friendly too!
Courtyard Ottawa East
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Address: 200 Coventry Rd
Phone: +1 613-741-9862
Pricing: $$
Courtyard is a slightly more expensive option, making it the ideal choice for those who don’t mind the splurge.
Located just a 6-minute drive from the Cosmic Adventures, and 11 minutes from the buzzing downtown, accessibility is truly its finest feature.
And, of course, let’s not forget about the rooms. It’s huge and spacious, offering ample space to relax and unwind after a day of adventures.
Where to Eat Near Cosmic Adventures
La Bonita
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Address: 1128 Cadboro Rd, Gloucester
Phone: +1 613-695-7373
Pricing: $$
La Bonita is a festive gem with two locations in the city – one in Wellington and one in Cadboro. The latter location is quite near Cosmic Adventures, being just a 2-minute stroll away.
After an exciting fun-filled day, order one of their delicious Mexican dishes to recharge. The Best in Ottawa team loves this spot so much, it even made it to our list of best Mexican restaurants in the city (mexican restaurant ottawa)!
The quesadilla is our favorite, however, it doesn’t hurt to try the quesabirria too, especially if you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous and full of flavor.
Ottawa Falafel House
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Address: 1077 Cyrville Rd, Gloucester
Phone: +1 613-745-1117
Pricing: $
Ottawa Falafel House is a casual neighborhood gem with Palestinian roots, offering mouth-watering bites at affordable prices.
Found just a 2-minute drive from Cosmic Adventures, you don’t have to travel very far to try their legendary kunafa and falafel sandwich that will make your taste buds tingle in delight.
Montana’s BBQ & Bar
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Address: 1750 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester
Phone: +1 613-747-2744
Pricing: $$
Montana’s BBQ & Bar, located just an 8-minute walk from Cosmic Adventures, is a delicious hotspot for grilled delights and hearty comfort food.
The ribs are definitely the star of the show here, boasting tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection with every bite.
Other Kid-Friendly Experiences Near Cosmic Adventures
Lockdown Ottawa Escape Room
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Address: 1080 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester,
Phone: +1 613-680-5625
Lockdown is one of the top escape rooms in Ottawa (escape rooms ottawa), offering a variety of escapes that challenge your wit and teamwork skills to the fullest.
Folks ages 6 and above can participate, so it’s perfect for family-friendly fun! Those looking for unique thrills will surely love visiting here.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
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Address: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd
Phone: +1 613-235-7053
It just so happens that one of the best museums in the city is near Cosmic Adventures – the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
It serves as a fun and educational adventure for the youngins, with a plethora of new discoveries just waiting for them, including immersive displays designed to maximize learning.
Of course, it goes without saying that adults will enjoy this attraction too!
Here’s an exciting insider’s tip before you go: if you want to snag free admission, make sure to visit anytime between 4 PM to 5 PM.