A Fall Day Out: From Dinosaurs to Tanger Outlets Ottawa

After a fun morning exploring the Canadian Museum of Nature, our day wasn’t quite over yet—we decided to make the most of the afternoon with a stop at Tanger Outlets Ottawa for some much-needed fall shopping for my little one.

Planning the Trip

My main goal was to find new fall clothes for my daughter. She’s at that stage where she’s in between sizes (a struggle I’ve mentioned before), so I was on the hunt for comfy, jogger-style pants and cozy layering pieces. I didn’t make a shopping list—something I’m notorious for skipping! Instead, I like to browse and let inspiration (and sales) guide me.

We stuck mainly to the kids’ stores, and Old Navy was one of our main stops. I found a pair of pants I absolutely loved the look of for my daughter—comfortable, cute, and perfect for everyday wear. It’s definitely a store I’d like to return to when we have more time to browse.

Shopping with a Toddler

My daughter joined us on the trip, and lately she’s been very opinionated about her outfits—with a strong preference for dresses! While I’m not hunting for matching mum-and-toddler outfits, I do love seeing her personality shine through in her choices.

One thing I’ve learned: bring the stroller. Even though she’s walking now, she still likes to be carried, and the stroller makes it easier to shop hands-free—especially when you’re juggling bags, snacks, and a wandering toddler.

A Quick Break at Café Van Houtte

After a busy day at the museum and the outlets, we were ready for a little rest. We stopped at Café Van Houtte for a drink and a bite, which was the perfect way to unwind before heading home. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made it a lovely end to our day.

My daughter nibbled on a muffin while I enjoyed a warm drink—it was a small but sweet moment to pause, chat, and soak in the day’s adventures.

Final Thoughts

While we didn’t stay long at Tanger Outlets this time, it was still a nice visit after such an exciting morning. I’m already planning to go back soon for a proper shopping day. Between the museum fun, a bit of browsing at Old Navy, and our café stop, it turned out to be the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.

Days like this remind me how special it is to make little memories—even when plans are simple.

If you like this blog post you may like these other posts:
Seasonal Style: My Favourite Fall/Winter Looks for Toddlers

Fashion on a Budget: How to Look Chic Without Breaking the Bank

Day-to-Day Wear: How to Build Effortless, Stylish Outfits from Your Closet

Tanger Outlet covered

Tanger Outlet parking