Any traveling family will love all these things to do in Montreal with kids! As a multicultural city with European roots, this kid-friendly destination is perfect for families who want to stay close to home while enjoying a change of pace. After all, it’s known for its delicious cuisine, unique history, and an abundance of art. Plus, you’ll discover activities for all ages across town! Whether you have an active teenager searching for an outdoor escape or little kids who need to tire themselves out, Montreal has it all. Cobblestone streets line the Old Town picturesque blocks, sporting opportunities abound at Mount Royal, or there’s even La Ronde Amusement Park. And don’t forget about the city’s wonderful museums! Next time you’re planning a family trip to Montreal, use this list of The Best Things To Do In Montreal With Kids. Please keep reading for our parent-approved kid’s activities in Montreal!
Best Things to Do in Montreal for All Ages
Montreal is a kid-friendly city that accommodates all ages! Though some kid’s activities in Montreal may be better than others for certain ages, the city offers its fair share of family attractions that appeal to the whole family. If your family has kids of multiple ages or you just need to mix up your itinerary, check out these best things to do in Montreal for kids of all ages!
Spend an Afternoon at Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park appeals to families all-year-round! Offering a lot of open space, paved paths, and a lake, this elevated hill rises above the center of the city as a symbol of Montreal’s history. It’s definitely a must-see for energetic families who love the outdoors! The park is 470 acres and offers something for everyone. In the colder months, cozy up with a hot drink from Cafe des Amis or try your hand at an array of sports. As one of the best things to do in Montreal in the winter, you can find tubing, sledding, and ice skating. During the summer, stick around for live music, kid-friendly hikes, or delicious barbeques. Not to mention, stunning skyline views of downtown atop any of the three peaks! Most family attractions in Montreal within the park are free or very affordable, so it’s a great find for any age group!
What Our Families Say
“There are several trails to hike, picnic areas, the perfect place for bird watching all year long and have a panoramic view of the city’s skyline from Park Belvedere (there is a chalet beside it for restrooms and snacks). You can winter hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and go tubing during winter.”
– Lia Kouri
Please find the current COVID-19 practices for Mount Royal Park here.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at a Sugar Shack
Have a sweet tooth? Stop at a Sugar Shack! A popular activity in Canada’s northeast, these eating establishments allow families to enjoy mother nature’s best-made treat: maple sugar! Best enjoyed in the spring, the shacks share the history of maple sugar’s unique harvesting, featuring various activities for families. Plus, you can’t beat the tasty array of maple-flavored snacks! Most sugar shacks offer a whole meal, starting with a hearty bowl of soup and ending with a maple dessert (each meal usually offers three dishes). Depending on where you visit, many also offer petting zoos, music, and hiking. Montreal has many sugar shacks in the area, but we recommend trying Au Pied de Cochon. Located a little outside the city, Le Chalet des Érables is also worth visiting from February to April, where you can enjoy a tour of the farm. The Sucrerie de la Montagne is open all-year-round!
Ride La Grande Roue de Montréal
When visiting Montreal with your family, be sure to take a ride on La Grande Roue De Montréal! Otherwise known as the Montreal Ferris Wheel, this tourist attraction is located at the Old Port of Montreal, along the Saint Lawrence River. It’s also the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, making it unique on our list of things to do in Montreal with kids! Entrance is free for kids younger than three, with various packages available if your family wants a more private experience. You can even opt for a Family Package, valid for two adults and two children, to save money. Luckily, the enclosed gondola is also climate-controlled, which means the Ferris wheel operates year-round! Offering spectacular panorama views of Montreal, we guarantee this will be one of the most memorable parts of your vacation.
Feeling hungry after your adventure? Once your ride concludes, head to nearby Le Cafe for a quick pick-me-up!
Please find the current COVID-19 practices for La Grande Roue De Montréal here.
Immerse Yourself in a Canadian Olympic Experience
Get your blood pumping at the Canadian Olympic Experience! Located inside the Canada Olympic House in downtown Montreal, this immersive museum brings the dream and adventure of Olympic competition to life. With three distinct zones dedicated to Canadian Olympic history, it’s a great kid’s activities in Montreal and recommended for children seven years or older. (Younger ones are welcome too, but may not find it as interesting!) The Canadian Olympic Experience highlights Canadian athletes and their Olympic journeys – giving children a unique chance to find out what it takes to become an elite athlete. Visitors can even try out different sports at the museum, including bobsleighing and virtual mogul skiing. Size yourself up to discover your “athlete profile!” Prices range depending on age (kids seven to seventeen enter for $9), but there’s also a family package covering two kids and two adults to help you save money.
What Our Families Say
“The Olympic Stadium should be on your list right after Biodôme, as it is right beside it. You can take your family all the way up to the tower to see the panoramic view of Montreal. During winter, the Olympic park has Winter Villages, ice skating rink, bon fires, and many other activities.”
– Lia Kouri
McCord Museum
Dedicated to the preservation of Canadian history, the McCord Museum offers families a fantastic opportunity to learn about indigenous communities, art, and more! Plus, the museum offers an array of permanent and traveling exhibits that are sure to thrill your kids. For example, your kids will love participating in the Exploration Card program, where they can learn more about what they are seeing at the museum in a fun and playful way (focusing on finding hidden shapes, flowers, animals, and more!). Can’t travel to the museum? They are offering virtual programming for families to enjoy from home. Families should note that many programs are limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend reviewing the website for protocols and information ahead of your visit. Located in downtown Montreal, families will love visiting this museum! It is the perfect way to escape the elements and learn more about Canada.
Families traveling during the Christmas holidays should add the special holiday exhibit at McCord Museum to their itinerary! It is surely one of the best things to do in Montreal with kids during Christmas.
Enjoy Family Fun at La Ronde Amusement Park
Don’t be surprised if La Ronde Amusement Park is your children’s favorite destination in Montreal! As one of the biggest amusement parks in Canada, this sprawling park has enough to keep your whole family entertained for the day. As a plus, La Ronde goes out of its way to make visiting more convenient for families, offering discounts for big groups or advanced purchases. There’s also a designated Stroller Rental counter. Once you’re in, be strategic about your rides: start away from the main entrance and then continue toward your favorite ones. Little kids can ride the condor planes or the bumper cars, while older, thrill-seeking children can get their dose of adrenaline from the catapult or boomerang roller coasters. The Grand Carousel is also a nice option for families to overlook the city. Pack your own food if you can, since the food court gets crowded.
What Our Families Say
“Take day to enjoy at Montréal six flags amusement park, La Ronde at Parc Jean- Drapeau in Île Saint Hélène (Saint-Hélène Island). Pack a lunch to picnic at Parc Jean-Drapeau and go for a hike, bike ride, ride canoes, and watch many wild animals as you go into the trails.”
– Lia Kouri
Please find the COVID-19 practices for La Ronde Amusement Park here.
Take in the Sights from the Jacques-Cartier Pier
The Jacques-Cartier Pier is packed with family-friendly activities! Also known as the Old Port, this family-friendly landmark is located in the heart of Old Montreal, making it a convenient stop on our list of best things to do in Montreal with kids. It also offers a scenic view of the river, live entertainment, and activities for all ages! Take kids on a ride aboard La Grande Roue, a giant Ferris wheel that towers over the Old Port to provide panoramic vistas of Vieux Montreal. Nearby, you’ll also find the Montreal Science Center, which is perfect for older kids, preteens, or tweens. This educational facility with interactive exhibits centered on subjects like chemistry, physics, and astrology. Afterward, be sure to explore the area. You can even walk around and make a scavenger hunt out of all the public art you see! There’s also a playground for little children in the vicinity.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Montreal here.
Venture to Voiles En Voiles
Photo Courtesy: Voiles En Voiles Photo Courtesy: Voiles En Voiles
When visiting Montreal with your family, Voiles En Voiles is a crowd pleaser! Located in the Old Port of Montreal, this adventure park offers endless family fun. As one of the best things to do in Montreal in the summer, families can embark on (docked) life-size pirate ships with aerial courses. Adrenaline-loving kids will also delight in climbing walls, inflatable games, and a foam archery arena. Voiles En Voiles is also one of the best things to do in Montreal in the winter. During winter months, families can go tubing or try snow scooters. Then, check out the hebertism course. Plus, the infamous foam arrows are still available in the winter. Afterward, take rosy cheeks on the terrace, where you can warm up before heading out. The minimum age to participate is 3 years old, but some courses have additional age and height requirements. Check the FAQs before visiting.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Voiles En Voiles here.
Embark on a Thrilling Boat Tour with Saute-Moutons Jet Boating
Embark on a boat tour down the St-Lawrence River with Saute-Moutons Jet Boating. With three tour options, you will definitely find a great option for your family. The Jet Boating and Spin Boating tours are available for children ages 6+, while the Panorama Boating experience is available for all ages. Tour lengths vary depending on selection, but all are under 60 minutes. Departing from the Old Port of Montreal, this is one of the best things to do in Montreal in the summer! Kids will adore seeing Montreal from a new angle while cooling off on hot summer days. Be prepared to get wet (Panorama Boating is a dry experience)! Plan ahead, as early arrival is expected. Finally, life jackets are provided. Families looking for a less adventurous option should consider a Le Bateau-Mouche, which includes a fine dining experience.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Saute-Moutons Jet Boating here.
Best Things to Do in Montreal with Tweens or Teens
What are the best things to do in Montreal with tweens or teens? Any parent with older kids knows they’re not always easy to impress. Luckily, Montreal provides tweens and teens with an abundance of activities they’ll enjoy! When visiting Montreal with your family, here are a few of our favorite attractions for tweens and teens.
Tour the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal during your family vacation! Flanking one side of Place d’Armes square, this tourist attraction is located in Montreal’s historic district. It’s definitely a must-visit for all ages, even if you just sneak a peek from the outside! However, the inside is equally as spectacular, ranking as one of the world’s most dramatic interiors. Once the largest in North America, it’s also the oldest Catholic church in Montreal, which you can learn more about during your visit. Guided tours of the basilica are recommended for all ages but may be of particular interest to older children or history buffs. Or, you could take a self-guided tour with an information packet from the visitors center. Either way, prepare to see the famous stained glass that highlights Montreal’s early history! This is one of the best things to do in Montreal with kids.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal here.
Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum | Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
The Pointe-à-Callière Museum, otherwise known as the Montreal Archaeology and History Complex, is a beautiful attraction for curious families! Located in Old Montreal, it’s a designated archaeological and historic site designed to teach Montreal visitors. As a “museum for the whole family,” it chronicles the city’s human history, from its Indigenous inhabitants to the multicultural city it is today. In fact, the museum is located on the very spot that Montreal was founded! It’s also home to truly exceptional architectural ruins and other exhibits that children will enjoy exploring. Guided tours and activities are offered, as are family activities. Though all ages are welcome (those under 4 years of age can enter for free!), it’ll be of particular interest to older children who can understand the depth of history here. Little ones can nonetheless roam around, so don’t hesitate to visit on your family trip to Montreal!
Explore the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is Montreal’s largest museum. Located off the historic Golden Square Mile, it’s also one of Canada’s most prominent museums in general, and one of the best things to do in Montreal with kids. While all ages are welcome to visit, tweens or teens will find the exquisite exhibits (including permanent and traveling exhibits) particularly fascinating. Explore themes like French-Canadian couture, jewelry, glass and ceramics, and a famous Egyptian collection, among other things. Tell kids to keep an eye out for some slumbering mummies! Permanent exhibits even include a furniture design section, displaying authentic furniture from history. Rest assured, this museum is huge! We recommend at least two or three hours to take advantage of everything here. Admission is free every first Sunday and on Wednesday evenings after 5 pm. After your visit, take a walk down historic Rue Sherbrooke!
Find Your Inner-Artist at the Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal
Have any contemporary art lovers in the family? Take them to Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal! As part of the Place des Arts complex, this family-friendly museum flanks Place des Festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal’s foremost cultural district. Teens will appreciate the history here, as it was Canada’s first museum dedicated to contemporary art. A remarkable find for creative families, your experience here will likely depend on which exhibit is running, so be sure to check if it’s of interest to your family before visiting. Past exhibits have included modern artists like Alian Paiement, Janet Werner, and Gisele Amantea. Most exhibits even have designated areas for little kids to enjoy too. While it’s closed on Mondays, admission is half-price on Wednesday evenings. However, regardless of the day, there’s free admission for children age 12 and younger and a family package admission option.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for the Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal here.
Enter the St. Joseph Oratory of Mount Royal
Boasting one of the world’s biggest domes, St. Joseph’s is the largest church in Canada. It’s also a good supplement to your visit to Mount Royal, providing the entire family with a traditional experience centered on spirituality, nature, and culture. Located in Montreal’s city center, it also offers a great opportunity for panoramic views of Montreal! Though one of the best things to do in Montreal for kids of all ages, don’t expect younger children to have much interest in architectural history. They may be wowed by the glittering lighting inside, however! The votive chapel offers a stunning view with over 10,000 candles. Visitors during the Christmas holidays also have the opportunity to marvel at one of the most breathtaking nativity scenes ever. Check the website for more information on special music events and religious celebrations that happen throughout the year. Formal tours can be reserved in advance.
Best Things to Do in Montreal with Babies or Toddlers
Heading to Montreal with little kids? We’ve got you covered! Whether it’s a walking tour or visiting a kid-friendly museum, there’s plenty to do in town with tots in tow. Visiting Montreal with your family won’t be complete without checking off a few of these sites! We’ve also included a few indoor activities in Montreal for toddlers.
Walk Around Old Montreal/Vieux-Montréal
Don’t leave town without a trip to Vieux-Montreal! As one of Montreal’s most historic neighborhoods, Old Montreal is lined with cobblestone streets waiting to be walked down, so don’t forget to bring your most comfortable shoes. Take a walk down Rue Saint Paul, the neighborhood’s main street, for a feel of the area. Along the way, you’ll pass cute cafes, delicious restaurants, souvenir shops, and other points of interest. It’s also especially fantastic for people-watching. Architecture buffs will be in heaven, too—many of the buildings populating this authentic neighborhood date back as long as the 17th-century. For an official history of the district, walking tours are widely available through various companies. Or, take a self-guided tour! In Old Montreal, travelers will find easy access to many historic churches, museums (including Pointe-à-Callière), occasional festivals, nightlife, art, and more. Whatever your travel “musts,” you’ll find it in Old Montreal!
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Montreal here.
Experiment at the Montreal Science Centre
Enjoy an educational excursion at the Montreal Science Centre! Located on King Edward Pier in Montreal’s Old Port, this science museum is open daily to visitors. It is also one of the best indoor activities in Montreal for toddlers and a fantastic find for kids who love discovering how the world works. The museum offers a ton of interactive exhibits on subjects like electricity and gravity. Parents traveling with younger children will love the exhibition specifically dedicated to kids under 7 years old: Clic! The Zone for Curious Young Minds. Here, little ones are surrounded by shapes and colors to initiate them into the world of science! Other permanent exhibits include Water in the Universe and Human. A family package is available for purchase here, and children aged two or younger can enter for free. Entrance to an IMAX movie is an additional ticketed price.
The Montreal Science Centre is currently closed to the public. You can find more information here.
Watch a Showing at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium welcomes families from far and wide inside its grand halls. Located near other family attractions in Montreal, like the Olympic Stadium and the Biodôme, this planetarium offers a state of the art educational experience for children of all ages, boasting two theaters and many exhibits dedicated to space and astronomy. Kids will be amazed from the minute you arrive, greeted by the planetarium’s shiny silver exterior! Additionally, it offers activities for families and children throughout the week, including interactive exhibits. Reserve your theater tickets beforehand, as they tend to sell out fast! Afterward, grab lunch in the museum cafe for a quick refreshment. The entrance is free for children 4 years of age or younger, making this one of the best indoor activities in Montreal for toddlers. Plus, the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium also sells combination tickets with the Montreal Botanical Garden.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium here.
Encounter Wildlife at the Ecomuseum Zoo
Prepare for a one-of-a-kind animal encounter at the Ecomuseum Zoo! Located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue (20 minutes from downtown Montreal), this sustainable zoological park is the only outdoor zoo in the area. It’s also one of the best things to do in Montreal with toddlers! The Ecomuseum Zoo features a wonderful array of wildlife in natural settings to teach little ones about the natural world. Open all year round, families can see animals like the river otter and arctic fox up close. With carefully curated exhibits, the park also pays great attention to the wildlife unique to the Saint-Lawrence Valley surrounding Montreal. Spend the afternoon exploring and making memories together! Parents can even bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas and make it a day trip. Admission is less expensive during the winter, making it one of the best things to do in Montreal in the winter!
Our families also recommend the Granby Zoo (outside Montreal Island) or Biodôme of Montréal for animal encounters in Montreal.
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Ecomuseum Zoo here.
Stroll through the Montreal Botanical Garden
Escape the city bustle at the Montreal Botanical Garden! Located in the north of Montreal adjacent to The Biosphere and The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, this sprawling gem comprises over 190 acres of scenic land for families to explore. The Botanical Gardens (or the Jardin Botanique de Montréal) is known as one of the greatest botanical gardens globally, featuring a collection of over 22,000 plant species. All that room to run around will seem especially appealing to children! You’ll also find 10 themed greenhouses and over twenty gardens – including a special Chinese lantern garden. Regardless of how long you’re in Montreal, this family-friendly attraction offers the perfect urban location for beauty and fresh air. It’s specifically perfect for families who need a break during the day to enjoy a nice stroll in the tranquil atmosphere. Families can save on an admission package and bundle their visit with other museums nearby.
What Our Families Say
“A popular oasis in the heart of the city is our Botanical Garden where you get to walk around with your family in the large outdoor/indoor garden admiring different flowers/plants from many countries and learn about them. Relax by Japanese pavillon by the water. During the month of October, the Botanical Garden has their Chinese lantern festival, as well as Halloween activities for kids. One shouldn’t miss the Insectarium to learn about the fascinating world of insects. During March break, they organize an event called ” Butterflies go free” where you find yourself interacting with hundreds of butterflies. One of the highlights for children during their visit to the Botanical Garden.”
– Lia Kouri
Please find the COVID-19 practices for Botanical Garden here.
Happy Travels!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of 18 Things to Do in Montreal with Kids! Whether you’re visiting for a winter weekend or an extended summer escape, there’s no doubt you’ll have a blast in this charming Canadian city. Have fun in Montreal with your kids! With so many family attractions in Montreal, you’ll never hear “I’m bored” on this trip!
Before traveling, make sure you review the COVID-19 updates for Montreal.
A special thanks to Lia Kouri and Emilie Brillon who helped us immensely in finalizing this article! And, Christina Kim, for use of her image in the banner of this article.
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