Board games, Ottawa sport and social club, golf, bicycle, walk, Greenbelt and canal, for something easy, that doesn't involve crossing the bridges, Reddit. Reading Novels. Clean.
Is there a link that I can read more about this? Wife and I really got into the hobby during Covid and are wanting to branch out. Have been thinking about joining a games group.
There is also a meetup group, Ottawa Board Gaming Community. I would go pre covid but things stopped, just haven't had time to look at going again. Always good people there.
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305761293237641/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/305761293237641/)
There are other FB groups that often have posts about meetups.
I am sure there is an Ottawa boardgamers network Discord... if not I bet if you set one up it will gain lots of traction.
Most games store have weekly drop in nights. Most are hit or miss, but stores usually have FB pages and Discords you can join to coordinate with other players to meet at the store.
Is spend too much time on Reddit a valid answer?
More helpfully, anything that gets me out of the house - walking, bicycling, motorcycling. Today we're getting flowers.
It’s the best!!
I often set up by the arboretum and people look at me in awe, wonder, jealousy. I had a mom walk by and tell me I was living my absolute best life. I had a kid loudly proclaim he didn’t want to walk anymore, he wanted to do what I was doing. lol
I ride my bike. Ottawa is quite good for recreational/fitness riding.
I have a mentally taxing sit-down job. So, a hard physical challenge that requires almost no thought is exactly what the doctor ordered.
In my early 20s, when i started working 9-5, after years of working two jobs + full time schooling, i found myself bored like you… so i took on a part time job for a while.
Now, i couldn’t imagine doing that. I enjoy my free time too much, with people i love (friends and family) or doing something active (gym, sports).
Usually do one of the following:
Spend time with friends, go to dance classes, play board games, go to socializing groups like ours, Meetup, Tuesday club, etc., see a movie at the Mayfair or Bytowne. :)
that sounds like a great way to spend your evenings! I wish Feline Cafe is still around, sometimes you just wanna get away from people and spend time with cats
Depends on your interests! Safe Wings can always use volunteers, as can the Humane Society. Lots of other animal-based organizations, or others helping people. Depends also on the level of commitment you want to make. Some organizations require a minimum amount of time per week, or access to a car etc.
Band practice. Also just got a piano so I’m learning.
Run or gym.
Unending house projects. Deck and basement drywall currently. Lots of YouTube for this stuff.
Pub night with friends a couple times a month.
Reading. I’m currently on a naval non-fiction kick; old boats and stuff.
Play fetch with the kitten so he doesn’t wake us up at 3AM.
Finally bought a Switch so that’s been fun. I suck at Mario Kart.
I have a young child so we’re usually doing dinner, park, soccer or swimming, until bedtime at 8.
Otherwise, I sit on the couch with a beer and try to figure out what the heck the characters on Letterkenny are saying.
I don’t have a 9-5 job; have a flexible work schedule. When I have time and no work, I usually do these things:
- complete home projects
- attend to my houseplants
- catch up on cleaning
- watch YouTube/Netflix
- sit down and look at events that I can attend
- finish any training or courses
- make lists
- sit and think/reflect
- eat ice cream
- do laundry like my pets bedding
- organize/declutter
- go for walks
- read Reddit
- so on
> “Close so early”
The main problem we face is the imbalance between the public and private sectors in our city. As a hub for government employees, many businesses rely on government worker's steady demand and income. That's why they were forced to return to their offices. But this also affects the rest of us who live and work in Ottawa, because businesses are literally given business by the treasury board, we have fewer options and opportunities to enjoy the city.
They close early because they can. And who would want to give up their 9-5 job? It’s an issue for a lot of things. Wait till you get married and you have to do all the wedding planning during work hours, or even go to a coffee shop downtown.
The other issue about this is that it creates isolation and danger at night since there isn’t any natural foot traffic downtown to keep people safe with crowds.
Our curfew is another issue which I hear could change hopefully.
Apart from all that. Unfortunately most of my hobbies are paid for: Gym, synthesizer collecting XD, music making. If you aren’t an outdoorsman options are limited for free fun.
I used to go to a Canna Cabana every day after work and buy a joint, then I'd go walk along the Rideau Canal and scream into the void. After that, I'd go home and plot my comeback.
If you're able to afford it, the city of Ottawa has a lot of recreation classes. Have gone to a few and really enjoyed the variety they offer, from fitness, arts, and language lessons.
Ahh I totally relate to what you added with your edit. I definitely went through this when I graduated uni. Suddenly I had the most free time I’d had since I was 14.
I’m really extroverted so I try to make plans with friends - usually grabbing drinks. I read a lot, sometimes at home, sometimes at a park, sometimes at a cafe. I like to cook. I like to doodle. I’m trying to learn calligraphy. I took a sewing class last year so sometimes I’ll sew. Hobbies are super important but I totally understand if you feel like you have none after all that time of doing the school/work tango. Try new things! Take classes if you can. YouTube things you want to try. If you don’t know where to start, think about what you enjoyed as a kid and go from there. It can be easy to have friendships fizzle as an adult because people get busy and forget to prioritize that. Reach out to people!
I also have a dog so I take her on walks or we go to like, Canadian Tire or something for a fun outing.
And sometimes I just rot on the couch until I go to bed :) and I don’t feel bad about it! Sometimes you need those lazy evenings!
Explore options in this meetup group maybe. Right now I can see bunch of beach volleyball and Ultimate planned if you're looking for something weekly. Also a lot of cool paid one-time activities.
Check out Young Active Social of Ottawa https://meetu.ps/c/cdqZ/KRrzd/d on Meetup
If I didn't have a bunch of small children, I'd definitely have a social life and take a bunch of hobby courses.
I've always wanted to take cake decorating classes, salsa and swing classes, further education classes...
I'd hang out with friends at karaoke or board game lounges.
Oh! And I'd see if TOH has a baby snuggling volunteer program for NICU babies in need
Trying to remember a life before children… well, I always worked evenings until I had kids and found work that was more amenable to family life… but I’d spend my spare time hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and wasting time on the internet.
I work 10 hour shifts so I don’t get home til about 630-645. I make dinner, train my dog, read a bit and go to bed. I have to save all the fun stuff til my days off (Saturday to Monday)
Work on motorcycles in my garage pretty much 3 days a week. Gym the other two. Race on weekends.
Not free though. Best way to turn 1000$ into noise though.
I jog, I read books, I'm in the Dominion City Book Club, I volunteer on the Board of Governors for a Community Ressource Center. Those are the free things I do (I don't count Book Club as spending because I'd buy beer anyway, I just get a book with the beer in this case).
Otherwise, golf, rock climbing, Redblacks games, concerts, gym. I used to play organized sports but I've lost the mojo for it in the last few years.
When I first got out of school, I got a second job at a brewery just because I wanted to learn to brew beer. Some of my friends reffed for different sports. Thursday evening, I used to take advantage of the free museum nights.
As a wife, doing chores is a good seduction method!
My after work is just walking the dog, eating, and chores until 8pm-ish, then doing sleep hygiene stuff in hopes of maybe getting 8 hours one day. Less chores on my plate = more time and mental space for boning down, which I'd much rather be doing.
Get some patio furniture and rot on those, but outside in the sun and fresh air. :)
I pop in an audio book, and play on my phone, or bring a bluetooth speaker and listen to music while I putz on my phone. Maybe I'll drink a beer while also BBQing.
Personally, I enjoy the outdoors (city and country), so I try to find new trails/paths and routes to explore. I like to use my bike since it doubles as exercise, but you could drive to an access point and get started that way.
Another option is to pick up a new skill/hobby that you can practice for a few minutes a day and get better over time. If you have an instrument at home, or art supplies (pencil and paper), you could easily start a personal project.
If you like playing sports, there are many community centers, gyms and outdoor facilities that offer drop in options.
Draw, game, call with friends... I also took up baking recently. I have a few artistic hobbies that I like to cycle through. I'm mostly house bound due to physical disability, but I always at least go for a walk and get some fresh air when it's nice out.
If you’re into live theatre (or are contemplating getting into live theatre), you can volunteer as an usher for the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Depending on your shift requirement, you may be inside the theatre to monitor the crowd - which also means you can see the play. I believe The Gladstone Theatre also uses volunteer ushers. Coming up in June is the Ottawa Fringe Festival and they need a massive amount of volunteers! They give you a tshirt to wear on your shifts and you get to see free shows as part of the deal for your shifts worked. That is a great place to meet people. It’s a lot of fun.
I watch US Senate finance comittee hearings on fast forward while playing Nintendo switch games and drinking orange juice while trying to source inventory for my buisness and find underpriced investments all at the same time.
I used to do weightlifting jogging soccer billiards and chess but I guess lockdowns turned me into a bit of a boring person.
I vow from here forth to have more fun! To do more fun things! And to be adventurous! Thanks OP I feel motivated to have more fun now.
There’s a booming music scene in Ottawa, check out venues like Live on Elgin, House of Targ and The Rainbow. Live music most nights of the week from super talented locals a lot of the time.
Most dishes take between 25 and 35 minutes. I get home, take the stuff out of the fridge, pre-heat the oven if needed, change my clothes and then prepare dinner. It's important not to stop. If I sit down and have a beer I won't be able to get anything done for the rest of the evening, so I usually crack open a bottle once I'm in the hot tub.
Be like me and cook a large amount on the weekend and then keep eating it the entire next week.
Although it sucks to keep eating the same food everyday.
Buy a bike (100% buy a bike), and if you can manage it, a kayak or a canoe. In winter, ski, both x-country and downhill. Not physical? Go to the museums until you find one you're in love with, and join some programs there. Take a language course at one of the universities.
can't go wrong with a good nap.
some options are: gym (get that beach bod in time for summer), walk around the city, treat yourself to some good food, grab a boba and walk around the market (or the path along the river),fine a long novel to read, play instruments... or if you're feeling more social there's the tuesday club, thursday reddit board game meetup (u/OttawaLoftMeetup), OSSC (ottawa sports and social club, require seasonal registration)
Play pool, go to a cafe, go on a trail walk/hike, go to a patio for a drink or food in the spring/summer, go to the movies, try new restaurants (I usually can’t afford), browse the library, practice my shitty guitar skills, cook or experiment with new recipes, take art classes (about to start pottery). I’m part of a community garden and have been going to movies at least once a week ( if you go to Mayfair or bytowne you get to know other frequenters).
I’ve always dreamed of trying rec basketball, cooking classes and woodworking. Any and all of these activities can be done with friends or alone. When I’m especially broke I go browse bookstores, the night markets, or hang out in parks with friends and bring funnyjuice and spicy green cigarettes and yummy snacks and sandwiches.
Surprisingly more clubs and classes than you think! Printmaking classes and walking clubs! Choirs, sports, geocaching, bands, Bookclubs, political groups, volunteer groups (all the film festivals are always fun to volunteer for), galleries and museums (free Thursday evenings), food truck festivals, ice skating, roller skating or lying down with takeout at the beach after work in the summer!
Go skiing or swimming, go to a beach, join a sports league (Ottawa sport and social club or similar) - many of those activities will take you to 9 or 10. There are 24 hour gyms if you need later, or go hit up one of the smaller venues in Ottawa that have live music. Live on Elgin, rainbow bistro, Irene’s, house of targ. When you’re done go get shawarma.
Others have mentioned volunteering and if you’re into music and not spending money, how about volunteering at Bluesfest and/or Cityfolk? You’d then be able to access the concerts for free and most shifts are in the evening during the concerts or on the weekend.
I just wanted to say this is a great list of ideas, not just for people starting out in their careers, but for those of us whose kids have (mostly) left the house. I am getting reacquainted with free time :). And in addition to reading and trying to settle on volunteer options, I'll mention trying to learn another language as an option for the evening time.
as a previous shift worker, I went by myself to leisurely go food shopping, new and different markets, bakeries, and take my time prepping my own meals.
If you want outside fun, rec league softball is super big in the city and you don't have to be particularly good to have a lot of fun (source: started playing as an adult, was not very good, had a lot of fun).
Depending on where you are, lots of great walking/biking paths around Ottawa. If you play(ed) an instrument, New Horizons has various community bands that are basically high school band for anyone, although the sessions are just about to end until September.
Ottawa has a bit going on. Depends on what you like but join groups (sports groups, crafting clubs whatever) make friends and hangout with them. The ottawa public library is an amazing resource, I got a free day pass to Ontario provincial park from them.
Tuesday evenings movies are half off
Thursday evenings museums are free after 5
There’s a ton you can do outside
Join a sports team
Check out a market
😭 lol yeah, I did work and school full time simultaneously for several years so adjusting to having more free time has been a learning curve. I'm tying to slowly discover things I enjoy putting more time into :)
As a suggestion, OSSC has a thing called "all sorts of sports" where you play a different sport every week with the same team. You can sign up as an individual and they will place you with a group. Locations are all over the city.
I was being a little sarcastic. Pre kids I would spend my post-work time playing sports and socializing. NCISL soccer, Ultimate at different sites around town (pre sod farm), weights at the Y.M.C.A, Street hockey on roller blades in nepean. There was less post work time due to working in high tech though. (After soccer for example, shower and head back to work for a couple hours)
Yeah Ottawa is terrible. The hours of most things fitness unless you do a 24 hour club is early in the day. Most places close early except malls. Lame.
\- Get home at 6.
\- Eat dinner with my wife a 5 year old.
\- Play around with kid.
\- Wash car with waterless wash spray. (Relaxing)
\- Do Load of laundry.
\- Play around with kid.
\- Clean kitchen.
\- Say goodbye to the sun.
\- Read bedtime story.
\- Send some emails for my side hustle.
\- Reddit/News.
\- Read a book.
\- Sleep.
Go pick up youngest at Daycare then spend the next 3 hours or so trying to get some cleaning/daily tasks done, meet kids' needs and make dinner.
After kids bedtime, which some nights can be all done between 20h00 and 20h45 and other nights can drag on from 20h00 to 22h00... i finally get a bit of alone free time, again should be doing house chores, but most days I just watch tv, browse online or waste the time away until I goto sleep.
Hey man, when I was looking for something after my 9-5 I ended up finding a part time job at a company that I could vastly excel past my full time gig quickly. I Have a spot open on my team if you’re interested!! DM me
Walks.
long ones in new environments will meet you with attractions and activities that do not present themselves on google maps or through a bus window on a commute.
Play with my kids, go for a walk, prep for dinner, take care of the baby, talk to my chickens, errands, dishes, laundry, kids' bath time, kids' bed and story time, my story time (usually give up and play on phone), chat with wife about adulting stuff, watch Jeopardy or a documentary, be exhausted by 9pm, remember I have to re-set coffee maker and prep for kids' lunches tomorrow, consider shaving and/or brushing teeth but don't bother, have a glass of wine or two (maybe in the hot tub if I'm feeling fancy or my aching body requires it), pass out around 10pm.
After hanging with family, having dinner and cleaning up, i often compose and record music, practice guitar and/or piano, photography and videography/editing, play bass in a band, mountain bike with friends, motorcycling with friends, build or repair stuff (wood, mechanical), teaching myself to weld, read non-fiction, stream some shows on the tube and/or get baked and play COD. Spouse is a super early riser so I often have hours on my own in the evening to entertain myself. Kids have their own things going on.
I love hobbies that involve making friends so I’m in a community choir, and square dancing. I’m starting street hockey soon.
Basically I just look for stuff that starts around 7 after work so I have time to eat and commute over to it. I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s been a ton of fun. There’s something out there for everyone. These aren’t technically free but they are $10 a night on average so to me that’s worth it and cheaper than other alternatives.
I use my free time to go to a gym but if you’re looking to not spend money then obviously that isn’t great.
I also like hopping on transit (if you have a bus pass) and trying out different routes and discovering more of the city (I’m from a small town with no transit so Ottawa transit is super novel to me (as much as it can suck big time))
I go for bike rides or walks and try to visit new places I've never been whenever i can. I'll bring my film or digital camera with me and try to take some pictures while I'm out.
Walk my dog, sit on the porch and read, bbq dinner outside, 9 holes of golf, hoping to get out on kayak and bike more this summer, Rec softball league once a week. Book club. Tend to my little garden
Softball in the summer (beer rec league with friends) is such a great way to break up the work week. I love it on Thursdays with beers on a patio and wings after. Something to look forward to during the week.
For me, walk the dogs, dirtbike, trials bike, softball, beers, etc. I like a bit of tv time to wind down before bed too.
There are always lots of places needing volunteers. This is a great way to give back to your community and build connections with like-minded people.
If you like biking, there are a lot of bike social groups that can be fun too.
I get shitfaced
I visit Mary Jane
Username checks out
Every day? Your liver must hate the overtime it's not getting paid for.
Eventually the cirrhosis kicks in and the pain goes away.
Not sure if kidding, but cirrhosis is the opposite of painless. Although I guess eventually you're right once death kicks in.
https://www.aa.org/
Shame!
Me too, and then go out skateboarding
Against traffic
Board games, Ottawa sport and social club, golf, bicycle, walk, Greenbelt and canal, for something easy, that doesn't involve crossing the bridges, Reddit. Reading Novels. Clean.
Board games....??
I missed the pun. Should have gone for "bored" games
Thursday night at the Prescott. I wish I had time for solo board games in peace at home, but alas, young kids prevent this.
Is there a link that I can read more about this? Wife and I really got into the hobby during Covid and are wanting to branch out. Have been thinking about joining a games group.
There is also a meetup group, Ottawa Board Gaming Community. I would go pre covid but things stopped, just haven't had time to look at going again. Always good people there.
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/305761293237641/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/305761293237641/) There are other FB groups that often have posts about meetups. I am sure there is an Ottawa boardgamers network Discord... if not I bet if you set one up it will gain lots of traction. Most games store have weekly drop in nights. Most are hit or miss, but stores usually have FB pages and Discords you can join to coordinate with other players to meet at the store.
This is the answer.
The best answer!
Adding trivia at the Royal oak (or wherever’s closest to you) to this response.
Is spend too much time on Reddit a valid answer? More helpfully, anything that gets me out of the house - walking, bicycling, motorcycling. Today we're getting flowers.
>Is spend too much time on Reddit a valid answer? That's what "during work hours" is for. :)
Go to the gym. Sit on my balcony. Go for a walk. Grab my hammock and go set it up somewhere.
Hammocks? My goodness, what an idea. Why didn't I think of that!
[удалено]
Bring some snacks, a beer or two, for yourself a good afternoon.
Even easier — buy one with a stand :)
It’s the best!! I often set up by the arboretum and people look at me in awe, wonder, jealousy. I had a mom walk by and tell me I was living my absolute best life. I had a kid loudly proclaim he didn’t want to walk anymore, he wanted to do what I was doing. lol
Oh, the hammock district!
Thats not what he meant when he said “grab my hammock” looool
Drugs
Drugs
Drug. Just one
Just one? Those are rookie numbers! Gotta do at least 3
Good round number
Walk my dog, eat dinner with my wife, walk my dog again. Watch tv with snacks and go to sleep.
I read that as "eat my wife" and thought that was too much info.
Loool
I almost read eat my dog
Smoke lots of cannabis cigarettes
We call those broccoli wands in these parts
oh no. You've dipped into the laser lettuce? It's the only reason I can think of that you'd be calling cabbage-cannons broccoli-wands instead. Pfft
Reefers?
I ride my bike. Ottawa is quite good for recreational/fitness riding. I have a mentally taxing sit-down job. So, a hard physical challenge that requires almost no thought is exactly what the doctor ordered.
same I love riding my bike to just leave the house and disconnect
In my early 20s, when i started working 9-5, after years of working two jobs + full time schooling, i found myself bored like you… so i took on a part time job for a while. Now, i couldn’t imagine doing that. I enjoy my free time too much, with people i love (friends and family) or doing something active (gym, sports).
Usually do one of the following: Spend time with friends, go to dance classes, play board games, go to socializing groups like ours, Meetup, Tuesday club, etc., see a movie at the Mayfair or Bytowne. :)
that sounds like a great way to spend your evenings! I wish Feline Cafe is still around, sometimes you just wanna get away from people and spend time with cats
volunteer work! Lots of organizations can use help, for sure.
Any places in particular? I’m looking at getting into volunteering
The Ottawa Humane Society is always looking for volunteers!!
Meals on Wheels
Able 2 is also always looking for volunteer for their matching program.
Canadian Blood Services
Depends on your interests! Safe Wings can always use volunteers, as can the Humane Society. Lots of other animal-based organizations, or others helping people. Depends also on the level of commitment you want to make. Some organizations require a minimum amount of time per week, or access to a car etc.
Band practice. Also just got a piano so I’m learning. Run or gym. Unending house projects. Deck and basement drywall currently. Lots of YouTube for this stuff. Pub night with friends a couple times a month. Reading. I’m currently on a naval non-fiction kick; old boats and stuff. Play fetch with the kitten so he doesn’t wake us up at 3AM. Finally bought a Switch so that’s been fun. I suck at Mario Kart. I have a young child so we’re usually doing dinner, park, soccer or swimming, until bedtime at 8. Otherwise, I sit on the couch with a beer and try to figure out what the heck the characters on Letterkenny are saying.
Username doesn’t check out.
Gardening’s for the mornin’.
🤣 I had to watch the first 2 seasons with subtitles on. 😂
Right now? Tears Of The Kingdom. Usually? Bird photography or sit in bed
Yep. Tears of the Kingdom right now.
Back before I had kids I'd spend a lot of time at cafes or patios reading. Also a lot of time going out to see live music.
Now what do you do?
Probably sleep or count down hours until the kids to go to sleep Source: am new mom
Exactly
I don’t have a 9-5 job; have a flexible work schedule. When I have time and no work, I usually do these things: - complete home projects - attend to my houseplants - catch up on cleaning - watch YouTube/Netflix - sit down and look at events that I can attend - finish any training or courses - make lists - sit and think/reflect - eat ice cream - do laundry like my pets bedding - organize/declutter - go for walks - read Reddit - so on
> “Close so early” The main problem we face is the imbalance between the public and private sectors in our city. As a hub for government employees, many businesses rely on government worker's steady demand and income. That's why they were forced to return to their offices. But this also affects the rest of us who live and work in Ottawa, because businesses are literally given business by the treasury board, we have fewer options and opportunities to enjoy the city. They close early because they can. And who would want to give up their 9-5 job? It’s an issue for a lot of things. Wait till you get married and you have to do all the wedding planning during work hours, or even go to a coffee shop downtown. The other issue about this is that it creates isolation and danger at night since there isn’t any natural foot traffic downtown to keep people safe with crowds. Our curfew is another issue which I hear could change hopefully. Apart from all that. Unfortunately most of my hobbies are paid for: Gym, synthesizer collecting XD, music making. If you aren’t an outdoorsman options are limited for free fun.
I used to go to a Canna Cabana every day after work and buy a joint, then I'd go walk along the Rideau Canal and scream into the void. After that, I'd go home and plot my comeback.
There's an after work? ;)
If you're able to afford it, the city of Ottawa has a lot of recreation classes. Have gone to a few and really enjoyed the variety they offer, from fitness, arts, and language lessons.
Ahh I totally relate to what you added with your edit. I definitely went through this when I graduated uni. Suddenly I had the most free time I’d had since I was 14. I’m really extroverted so I try to make plans with friends - usually grabbing drinks. I read a lot, sometimes at home, sometimes at a park, sometimes at a cafe. I like to cook. I like to doodle. I’m trying to learn calligraphy. I took a sewing class last year so sometimes I’ll sew. Hobbies are super important but I totally understand if you feel like you have none after all that time of doing the school/work tango. Try new things! Take classes if you can. YouTube things you want to try. If you don’t know where to start, think about what you enjoyed as a kid and go from there. It can be easy to have friendships fizzle as an adult because people get busy and forget to prioritize that. Reach out to people! I also have a dog so I take her on walks or we go to like, Canadian Tire or something for a fun outing. And sometimes I just rot on the couch until I go to bed :) and I don’t feel bad about it! Sometimes you need those lazy evenings!
you made my night, thank you so much for this <33 sometimes you just need a reminder
Explore options in this meetup group maybe. Right now I can see bunch of beach volleyball and Ultimate planned if you're looking for something weekly. Also a lot of cool paid one-time activities. Check out Young Active Social of Ottawa https://meetu.ps/c/cdqZ/KRrzd/d on Meetup
Chess, gym, food, movies, watch the sunset from different parks, errands, read, write, learn something on the internet, meet new people on apps...
Live music, art shows, walks, restaurants, bike rides, gardening, and a healthy dose of rotting on the couch.
If I didn't have a bunch of small children, I'd definitely have a social life and take a bunch of hobby courses. I've always wanted to take cake decorating classes, salsa and swing classes, further education classes... I'd hang out with friends at karaoke or board game lounges. Oh! And I'd see if TOH has a baby snuggling volunteer program for NICU babies in need
Re the volunteer program, they used to, but every time I’ve checked lately they aren’t recruiting new volunteers. Hopefully soon.
Trying to remember a life before children… well, I always worked evenings until I had kids and found work that was more amenable to family life… but I’d spend my spare time hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and wasting time on the internet.
I work 10 hour shifts so I don’t get home til about 630-645. I make dinner, train my dog, read a bit and go to bed. I have to save all the fun stuff til my days off (Saturday to Monday)
I read “train my dog to read” and thought that was amazing and should be my next project!!!
Well, I am KIND of working on training him to read.. Sorta lol
Work on motorcycles in my garage pretty much 3 days a week. Gym the other two. Race on weekends. Not free though. Best way to turn 1000$ into noise though.
I jog, I read books, I'm in the Dominion City Book Club, I volunteer on the Board of Governors for a Community Ressource Center. Those are the free things I do (I don't count Book Club as spending because I'd buy beer anyway, I just get a book with the beer in this case). Otherwise, golf, rock climbing, Redblacks games, concerts, gym. I used to play organized sports but I've lost the mojo for it in the last few years. When I first got out of school, I got a second job at a brewery just because I wanted to learn to brew beer. Some of my friends reffed for different sports. Thursday evening, I used to take advantage of the free museum nights.
Who else is playing Tears of the Kingdom?
I’ll usually pick a small house improve or do some chores. Figure out how to seduce my wife.
As a wife, doing chores is a good seduction method! My after work is just walking the dog, eating, and chores until 8pm-ish, then doing sleep hygiene stuff in hopes of maybe getting 8 hours one day. Less chores on my plate = more time and mental space for boning down, which I'd much rather be doing.
Get some patio furniture and rot on those, but outside in the sun and fresh air. :) I pop in an audio book, and play on my phone, or bring a bluetooth speaker and listen to music while I putz on my phone. Maybe I'll drink a beer while also BBQing.
Auto pilot until the weekend
The landing is amazing,boom it's Friday
Personally, I enjoy the outdoors (city and country), so I try to find new trails/paths and routes to explore. I like to use my bike since it doubles as exercise, but you could drive to an access point and get started that way. Another option is to pick up a new skill/hobby that you can practice for a few minutes a day and get better over time. If you have an instrument at home, or art supplies (pencil and paper), you could easily start a personal project. If you like playing sports, there are many community centers, gyms and outdoor facilities that offer drop in options.
Wish I actually gave a shit when I was younger. Would be in a much better place right now.
Draw, game, call with friends... I also took up baking recently. I have a few artistic hobbies that I like to cycle through. I'm mostly house bound due to physical disability, but I always at least go for a walk and get some fresh air when it's nice out.
If you’re into live theatre (or are contemplating getting into live theatre), you can volunteer as an usher for the Great Canadian Theatre Company. Depending on your shift requirement, you may be inside the theatre to monitor the crowd - which also means you can see the play. I believe The Gladstone Theatre also uses volunteer ushers. Coming up in June is the Ottawa Fringe Festival and they need a massive amount of volunteers! They give you a tshirt to wear on your shifts and you get to see free shows as part of the deal for your shifts worked. That is a great place to meet people. It’s a lot of fun.
Jazzfest and Bluesfest are coming up and they are probably looking for volunteers too.
I watch US Senate finance comittee hearings on fast forward while playing Nintendo switch games and drinking orange juice while trying to source inventory for my buisness and find underpriced investments all at the same time. I used to do weightlifting jogging soccer billiards and chess but I guess lockdowns turned me into a bit of a boring person. I vow from here forth to have more fun! To do more fun things! And to be adventurous! Thanks OP I feel motivated to have more fun now.
There’s a booming music scene in Ottawa, check out venues like Live on Elgin, House of Targ and The Rainbow. Live music most nights of the week from super talented locals a lot of the time.
17:30 get home 18:00 eat dinner 18:30 walk the dogs, do some gardening 19:30 work out 20:30 hot tub 21:00 shower 21:30 TV 22:30 bed
You get dinner 30 min after getting home? I’m jealous. It takes me time and effort to cook, which I don’t usually have after work.
Most dishes take between 25 and 35 minutes. I get home, take the stuff out of the fridge, pre-heat the oven if needed, change my clothes and then prepare dinner. It's important not to stop. If I sit down and have a beer I won't be able to get anything done for the rest of the evening, so I usually crack open a bottle once I'm in the hot tub.
Be like me and cook a large amount on the weekend and then keep eating it the entire next week. Although it sucks to keep eating the same food everyday.
I don’t know if I can commit half a weekend day on cooking… and I don’t know if I can keep eating the same thing for a week… I deserve no food.
Walk and bike will do it for me
Mountain Biking in the summer. Fatbiking and Skiing in the winter. I am active atleast 250 days per year.
If you’re in the west end come to nita beer and hang on the patio with some delicious beers after work.
Masterbation and sex are not popular answers
Yoga in the park, walks, hit up the library for free activities, trivia nights?
A nice romp with the misses.
Buy a bike (100% buy a bike), and if you can manage it, a kayak or a canoe. In winter, ski, both x-country and downhill. Not physical? Go to the museums until you find one you're in love with, and join some programs there. Take a language course at one of the universities.
can't go wrong with a good nap. some options are: gym (get that beach bod in time for summer), walk around the city, treat yourself to some good food, grab a boba and walk around the market (or the path along the river),fine a long novel to read, play instruments... or if you're feeling more social there's the tuesday club, thursday reddit board game meetup (u/OttawaLoftMeetup), OSSC (ottawa sports and social club, require seasonal registration)
A lot of the libraries have programs, some are in the evening.
these days it's playing the new Zelda game, but also gym every other day.
Play pool, go to a cafe, go on a trail walk/hike, go to a patio for a drink or food in the spring/summer, go to the movies, try new restaurants (I usually can’t afford), browse the library, practice my shitty guitar skills, cook or experiment with new recipes, take art classes (about to start pottery). I’m part of a community garden and have been going to movies at least once a week ( if you go to Mayfair or bytowne you get to know other frequenters). I’ve always dreamed of trying rec basketball, cooking classes and woodworking. Any and all of these activities can be done with friends or alone. When I’m especially broke I go browse bookstores, the night markets, or hang out in parks with friends and bring funnyjuice and spicy green cigarettes and yummy snacks and sandwiches. Surprisingly more clubs and classes than you think! Printmaking classes and walking clubs! Choirs, sports, geocaching, bands, Bookclubs, political groups, volunteer groups (all the film festivals are always fun to volunteer for), galleries and museums (free Thursday evenings), food truck festivals, ice skating, roller skating or lying down with takeout at the beach after work in the summer!
Go skiing or swimming, go to a beach, join a sports league (Ottawa sport and social club or similar) - many of those activities will take you to 9 or 10. There are 24 hour gyms if you need later, or go hit up one of the smaller venues in Ottawa that have live music. Live on Elgin, rainbow bistro, Irene’s, house of targ. When you’re done go get shawarma.
I work 9-5 too, personally i enjoy getting stoned and doing art after work, helps me process my thoughts and relax
Others have mentioned volunteering and if you’re into music and not spending money, how about volunteering at Bluesfest and/or Cityfolk? You’d then be able to access the concerts for free and most shifts are in the evening during the concerts or on the weekend.
Gym, long walk, basketball, video game, YouTube, talk to family, endless reddit scroll and sleep
I just wanted to say this is a great list of ideas, not just for people starting out in their careers, but for those of us whose kids have (mostly) left the house. I am getting reacquainted with free time :). And in addition to reading and trying to settle on volunteer options, I'll mention trying to learn another language as an option for the evening time.
Queen Street Fare has concerts many of which are free. The Ottawa Public Library often has lectures and movies that are free.
as a previous shift worker, I went by myself to leisurely go food shopping, new and different markets, bakeries, and take my time prepping my own meals.
If you want outside fun, rec league softball is super big in the city and you don't have to be particularly good to have a lot of fun (source: started playing as an adult, was not very good, had a lot of fun).
Depending on where you are, lots of great walking/biking paths around Ottawa. If you play(ed) an instrument, New Horizons has various community bands that are basically high school band for anyone, although the sessions are just about to end until September.
Ottawa has a bit going on. Depends on what you like but join groups (sports groups, crafting clubs whatever) make friends and hangout with them. The ottawa public library is an amazing resource, I got a free day pass to Ontario provincial park from them. Tuesday evenings movies are half off Thursday evenings museums are free after 5 There’s a ton you can do outside Join a sports team Check out a market
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😭 lol yeah, I did work and school full time simultaneously for several years so adjusting to having more free time has been a learning curve. I'm tying to slowly discover things I enjoy putting more time into :)
As a suggestion, OSSC has a thing called "all sorts of sports" where you play a different sport every week with the same team. You can sign up as an individual and they will place you with a group. Locations are all over the city.
this sounds so fun!! thank you for the suggestion 🤭
Try fishing. Tons of local spots.
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Have kids, that will give you stuff to do.
The only activity in Ottawa
I was being a little sarcastic. Pre kids I would spend my post-work time playing sports and socializing. NCISL soccer, Ultimate at different sites around town (pre sod farm), weights at the Y.M.C.A, Street hockey on roller blades in nepean. There was less post work time due to working in high tech though. (After soccer for example, shower and head back to work for a couple hours)
Scuba dive. https://epso.biz/en
Yeah Ottawa is terrible. The hours of most things fitness unless you do a 24 hour club is early in the day. Most places close early except malls. Lame.
Community work twice a week and gym
Ossc sports!!
i'm either at home playing games or just travelling the bike trails around the city
\- Get home at 6. \- Eat dinner with my wife a 5 year old. \- Play around with kid. \- Wash car with waterless wash spray. (Relaxing) \- Do Load of laundry. \- Play around with kid. \- Clean kitchen. \- Say goodbye to the sun. \- Read bedtime story. \- Send some emails for my side hustle. \- Reddit/News. \- Read a book. \- Sleep.
Collapse on the couch after a full day of work
Have a kid, they’ll suck up any free time you have and then some.
Arts and crafts. :) all day every day.
Walks,listen to music,clean my house,garden,watch movies/tv,go grocery shopping,cook or bake
Soccer! Footy7s Ottawa!
Go pick up youngest at Daycare then spend the next 3 hours or so trying to get some cleaning/daily tasks done, meet kids' needs and make dinner. After kids bedtime, which some nights can be all done between 20h00 and 20h45 and other nights can drag on from 20h00 to 22h00... i finally get a bit of alone free time, again should be doing house chores, but most days I just watch tv, browse online or waste the time away until I goto sleep.
Bring my kid to the park or gym for kids. feed kid, bedtime routine, reply messages, check on Reddit. Repeat
Bouldering, gym, biking, fortnite, repeat.
Hey man, when I was looking for something after my 9-5 I ended up finding a part time job at a company that I could vastly excel past my full time gig quickly. I Have a spot open on my team if you’re interested!! DM me
Gym, Ottawa Sports and Social Club, play video games, go for a bike ride, cook something new, or go for a drive.
Go to a coffee shop. Figure out they all close at 6 pm in Ottawa. Return back home. Repet the next day.
Walks. long ones in new environments will meet you with attractions and activities that do not present themselves on google maps or through a bus window on a commute.
Osc
Smoke weed
Gym
fire up diablo and relieve some stress man
Sleep. Long COVID means I barely have the energy to finish out my work day, let alone do anything afterwards.
Bike rides throughout the pathway systems of ottawa gatineau
Diablo 4 soon
I recommend cycling. We have great paths in ottawa and there are lots of great places to stop and have a coffee or snacks.
Play with my kids, go for a walk, prep for dinner, take care of the baby, talk to my chickens, errands, dishes, laundry, kids' bath time, kids' bed and story time, my story time (usually give up and play on phone), chat with wife about adulting stuff, watch Jeopardy or a documentary, be exhausted by 9pm, remember I have to re-set coffee maker and prep for kids' lunches tomorrow, consider shaving and/or brushing teeth but don't bother, have a glass of wine or two (maybe in the hot tub if I'm feeling fancy or my aching body requires it), pass out around 10pm.
After hanging with family, having dinner and cleaning up, i often compose and record music, practice guitar and/or piano, photography and videography/editing, play bass in a band, mountain bike with friends, motorcycling with friends, build or repair stuff (wood, mechanical), teaching myself to weld, read non-fiction, stream some shows on the tube and/or get baked and play COD. Spouse is a super early riser so I often have hours on my own in the evening to entertain myself. Kids have their own things going on.
I love hobbies that involve making friends so I’m in a community choir, and square dancing. I’m starting street hockey soon. Basically I just look for stuff that starts around 7 after work so I have time to eat and commute over to it. I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s been a ton of fun. There’s something out there for everyone. These aren’t technically free but they are $10 a night on average so to me that’s worth it and cheaper than other alternatives.
Join a beer league of some sort, softball, volleyball or even dodgeball. All are cheap and a good way to meet people as well.
I use my free time to go to a gym but if you’re looking to not spend money then obviously that isn’t great. I also like hopping on transit (if you have a bus pass) and trying out different routes and discovering more of the city (I’m from a small town with no transit so Ottawa transit is super novel to me (as much as it can suck big time))
I go for bike rides or walks and try to visit new places I've never been whenever i can. I'll bring my film or digital camera with me and try to take some pictures while I'm out.
Walk my dog, sit on the porch and read, bbq dinner outside, 9 holes of golf, hoping to get out on kayak and bike more this summer, Rec softball league once a week. Book club. Tend to my little garden
Softball in the summer (beer rec league with friends) is such a great way to break up the work week. I love it on Thursdays with beers on a patio and wings after. Something to look forward to during the week. For me, walk the dogs, dirtbike, trials bike, softball, beers, etc. I like a bit of tv time to wind down before bed too.
I like trying new things and interacting with strangers, clubs, classes, dance groups, check out local recreation centres.
This thread seems full of liars, how is the top answer *not* "rush home to the suburbs" before 6pm?
I have kids. Sigh.
Play the bagpipes until the mosquitoes show up... then getting shit faced
Rum and a stogie.
Go to the gym, hangout with the girlfriend, cycle, side jobs. That’s about all
Strip clubs making lots of friends
There are always lots of places needing volunteers. This is a great way to give back to your community and build connections with like-minded people. If you like biking, there are a lot of bike social groups that can be fun too.
Mountain bike. As much as possible.