Social activities linked to better health

Recreation activities are not just about exercise and fitness to improve our physical health, they’re also about focusing on our social wellbeing. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported loneliness was rapidly becoming a global concern and posed risks to people’s physical and mental health. The City of Ottawa’s recreation and culture activities have the right combination to promote your social and physical wellbeing. The entire list of City’s spring recreation and cultural activities and programming are now live online at register.ottawa.ca – including these social and special interest programs: Latin Social Dance As the spring sun and weather becomes a bit more caliente, instructors will teach you to get in the rhythm of the season with various Latin dances. It’s a great way to get your body moving, melt away the winter blues. No experience required and both singles  and couples are welcome. Enjoy the fun and share laughter in a social setting. Grey Matter Gatherings for adults 50 plus Enjoy the social connections and engage your mind, knowledge, and opinions with activities around problem-solving, trivia, and debates and discussion around the latest thought-provoking topics – and with today’s current events, the subjects are boundless. Enjoy the conversations and laughter. Dungeons and DragonsTM The world’s most popular role-playing game ever comes to the City’s spring activity lineup.  Create your own character, form a party, and embark on a journey to gather treasures, engage in battles, explore and solve problems or become a Dungeon Master. It’s a fun and engaging way to connect and earn valuable experience.  Our program has two levels one he  novice and one for the more experienced players:  

• Dungeons and DragonsTM Dungeon Master introductory program offered to adults
• Dungeons and DragonsTM campaigns for youth and adults

In addition to these highlighted activities, the City also offers a wide range of other new and popular recreation and cultural activities that focus on creativity, fitness and social health, including:

• Fitness
• Aquafit
• Yoga
• Strength training,
• Balance exercise for older adults
• Arts programs at Shenkman Arts Centre and Nepean Visual Arts Centre for children
• Musical instrument and dance
• Crafts and hobbies

Registration information: Mark your calendars with these important registration dates:

• Swimming lessons: Tuesday, February 11 at 9 pm
• All other recreation, culture and virtual activities: Thursday, February 13 at 9 pm

In-person registration begins Wednesday, February 12, for swimming lessons and Friday, February 14, for all other activities. Be sure to check the facility’s business hours before visiting.