Parents, clear your calendars! On April 18 and 19, the Nepean Sportsplex is transforming into the ultimate family wonderland for the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo. It’s the capital’s longest-running parenting event, and the Puppets Up! – Presented by Minto team is packing our bags (and our humanettes) to join the party.
If you’ve been looking for a way to burn off some of that kid-energy while making memories that actually stick, this is the place to be.
A Weekend Packed with Play
The Expo is pulling out all the stops this year with a lineup that sounds like a toddler’s dream come true. While you explore the 75+ exhibitors, your family can dive into:
- The A-List Meet & Greets: Get those cameras ready for Zuma and Chase from PAW Patrol, and the icons themselves, Bluey and Bingo!
- High-Energy Action: From the massive bouncy slide and mini obstacle course on bikes to soccer try-its and the gymnastics try-it zone, there isn’t a “boring” corner in the building.
- Games & Discovery: Face off in a Mario Kart tournament, test the race simulator, see a live animal presentation, or meet your favorite superheroes and powerful princesses.
Don’t Just Watch the Magic—Be the Magic!
Amongst the famous pups and obstacle courses, you’ll find the Puppets Up! booth. While the stage shows are fantastic, we offer something you won’t find anywhere else: the chance to actually become a puppet.
We are bringing our famous humanette puppets—the hilarious contraptions that use a real person’s head on a tiny, dancing puppet body. Whether it’s a small human being or a very brave adult, the transformation is instant, hilarious, and the absolute best photo-op of the weekend. It’s a tiny taste of the world-class interactive joy coming to Almonte on August 8th and 9th.
Join the Movement & Win!
We’re making it easy for busy parents to get their summer plans sorted:
- Pick Up Your Passes: We’ll have QR codes at the booth so you can quickly grab your festival tickets on your phone while the kids are busy at the gymnastics zone.
- The Grand Prize Draw: Don’t leave without entering our contest! We are drawing for free festival passes, giving your family a chance to join us in Almonte this summer on the house.
Event Details
- When: April 18 & 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Where: Nepean Sportsplex (1701 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa)
- Tickets: Grab yours at ca. (Pro-tip: Parking is free!)
A Sincere Note
Between the princesses, the pups, and the puppets, the Parent & Child Expo is a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. It’s about that look of pure wonder on a child’s face—a spark we strive to ignite every single day at Puppets Up!. We can’t wait to see you at the Sportsplex!
Who are you most excited to meet: Bluey, Zuma, or a Humanette? We’ll see you at the booth!
Parent and Child Expo
