Well, we’re three days into summer vacation around here and I’m already sunburnt, tired, frizzy-haired and perma-coated in sand. Summer is awesome!

We’ve got another relatively quiet weekend coming up in Ottawa. But that’s okay with me, because we are busy, busy, busy. Still, here’s some great things that are worth squeezing into the schedule for the weekend of July 14/15. (Which is not this coming weekend. For activities for July 7/8, see here.)

Onward!

While swinging single types will likely be over at the Hope Volleyball Tournament, it’s not the most kid-friendly environment in town. Instead, consider (seriously) the Ottawa Fishing Festival. I know, it’s kind of a niche sport but the festival also has performances by magicians, mariachi bands, folk dance troops, and several local martial arts schools. You can also try out fun games like minnow races and fish golf or go for a jump on bouncy castles. Admission is free for kids under 5, $10 for ages 6 to 11, and $15 for everyone else. Plus, admission allows everyone to take part in an actual fishing competition, with judging and everything! Not for everyone, surely, but something to consider.

For something even more different, there’s the Muslim Summer Festival in Britannia Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 14. There will be a petting zoo, henna tattoos, the ubiquitous bouncy castles, a reptile show, and tons and tons of fabulous exotic food. Although I’m sure the food costs money, it seems the kids’ activities are free and they look pretty fun.

At the Diefenbunker, experience musical acts sprinkled throughout the compound as part of the Beyond the Bomb: Music of the Cold War concert. It’s on Wednesday, July 11 at 6 p.m., and costs a (hefty) $50, but it sounds just so cool. Over at the NAC, the acclaimed musical Wicked starts on July 11 and runs through July 29; tickets start at $67 and run upwards to Really Freaking Expensive, so likely you only want to take your older kids who will actually Appreciate It. Gah.

On the other end of the price spectrum, Place D’Orleans shopping mall presents their Movies Under The Stars series starting Saturday, July 14. The Lorax will start at dusk in the southwest parking lot, and it’s free. Meanwhile, the Cumberland Museum is having a Classic Car Show on Sunday the 15th, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; I believe you have to pay regular admission (which is pretty cheap) to get in.

Next weekend is also the date of the Ottawa Cycling Club’s Grand Prix, which includes an event for 13 and 14 year old avid bikers. Registration (for the kids) is $20 each and entry to the race will be closed on July 11.

Lastly, I’d just like to mention A Company of Fools, which is a troupe here in Ottawa well known for its wacky outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays in Ottawa parks each summer. This is an event I have never considered taking the kids to, because kids? and Shakespeare? outside? late at night? seems like a recipe for disaster. However, I have heard really good things about how accessible and funny their shows are, and also, I just learned that they start at 7 p.m., which seems quite within reach for summertime bedtimes. The show this year is Henry V and performances have already started, but there are still plenty to come; you can see their full schedule here. I think they accept donations but you do not need a ticket in advance, so when they’re coming to a park near you, just come out and have a good time.

And that’s it for next week – have a great weekend!