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Family-Friendly Activities to Do in Montreal

Whether you’re looking for something educational, playful, outdoors, or simply easy and fun, Montreal has plenty of family-friendly activities you can enjoy today. Here are options you can choose from depending on weather, age range, and mood.

⭐ Top Quick Picks for Today

Activity Location Best For Why It’s Great
Montreal Biodome Olympic Park Ages 2+ Explore five immersive ecosystems with animals and interactive exhibits
Montreal Science Centre Old Port Ages 4+ Hands-on STEM exhibits + IMAX films
La Grande Roue Ferris Wheel Old Port All ages Amazing city views + stroller-friendly
Mount Royal Park Walk & Lookout Plateau / Downtown All ages Free, beautiful, easy picnic option
Atwater Market + Canal Walk Atwater / St-Henri All ages Fun to explore snacks + stroll by the water

Indoor Activities (Great for Rain or Cold)

1. Montreal Biodome

Walk through tropical rainforests, sub-Antarctic islands, rivers, and forests — all in one place.
Fun for: Curious kids who love animals and nature.

4777 Pierre-de-Coubertin Ave
Usually open daily
https://espacepourlavie.ca/biodome

2. Montreal Science Centre (Old Port)

Hands-on science zones, building stations, experiments, and IMAX movies.

2 Rue de la Commune O.
https://montrealsciencecentre.com/

3. Museum of Illusions (Old Montreal)

Optical illusions + mind-bending visual rooms = kids LOVE it.

44 Rue Saint-Antoine O.
https://museumofillusions.ca/montreal/

4. FUNHUB Montreal (Downtown)

Arcade + virtual reality + games = rainy-day win.

733 Rue Cathcart, #2
https://funhub.ca/

☀️ Outdoor Activities (If Weather is Nice)

Old Port of Montreal

  • Walk the waterfront

  • Ride La Grande Roue (Ferris wheel)

  • Try MTL Zipline (seasonal)

  • Grab ice cream or beavertails

Old Port Waterfront

Mount Royal Park

  • Walk to the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout

  • Birdwatching + open play space

  • Bring snacks for a simple picnic

1260 Remembrance Rd.

Montreal Botanical Garden

In fall & early winter, look for:

  • Gardens of Light Lantern Festival (seasonal)

  • Discovery trails for kids

4101 Sherbrooke St. E.
https://espacepourlavie.ca/botanical-garden

Free or Low-Cost Activities

Activity Cost Why It’s Good
Local Library Story Time Free Perfect for toddlers + social play
Beaver Lake (Mount Royal) Free Space to run, explore, and relax
Lachine Canal Walk Free Flat, stroller-friendly paths
Atwater or Jean-Talon Market Free to explore Snack adventure + seasonal treats

Tips:
Check the Montreal Library Events Calendar for storytime & craft activities today:
https://montreal.ca/en/what-to-do

Seasonal & Weekend Extras (When Available)

  • Pumpkin Village at Jean-Talon Market (Fall)

  • Gardens of Light Lantern Festival (Fall)

  • Winter Lights in Old Montreal (December–February)

  • Sugar Shacks (February–April)

  • Outdoor pools + splash pads (June–September)

Pro Parent Tip

If you want one easy, guaranteed-success plan:

Biodome → Snack → Old Port carousel → Walk by the water → Hot chocolate

Simple. Relaxed. No rush. Everyone’s happy.

Frequently asked questions

What can families do in Montreal?

Top family activities in Montreal: Biodome ($25 adult), Botanical Garden + Insectarium ($25), Old Port mini-golf and giant ferris wheel, Mount Royal Park (free), La Ronde theme park, Stewart Museum, Centre des Sciences in the Old Port, Beaver Lake skating in winter, BIXI cycling on the Lachine Canal.

Best Montreal activities for kids under 6?

Botanical Garden, Insectarium, Centre des Sciences (interactive exhibits), Atwater Market, Lachine Canal flat bike paths, Parc Jean-Drapeau, splash pads city-wide in summer, and seasonal sugar shacks within an hour drive. Most kid programming is bilingual.

Are Montreal museums kid-friendly?

Yes — most have dedicated family programming. Highlights: Pointe-a-Calliere Museum (history with hands-on exhibits), Stewart Museum, Centre des Sciences, Insectarium, Biodome, Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan. Many offer free admission for children under 12.

What free activities can families do in Montreal?

Mount Royal Park, Lachine Canal bike path, Atwater and Jean-Talon Markets, the underground city, all city libraries with kid spaces, splash pads in summer, free outdoor festivals (Jazz, Just for Laughs free shows), botanical garden grounds, and first-Sunday-of-the-month free museum admission.

Is Montreal a good city for kids?

Yes — Montreal consistently ranks among Canada’s best cities for families due to affordable childcare ($9.35/day CPE), parental leave (QPIP), abundant green space, walkability, and a strong arts scene with dedicated kid programming.

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