Best Things To Do In Montreal With Babies Or Toddlers
Heading to Montreal with little kids? Weve got you covered! Whether its a walking tour or visiting a kid-friendly museum, theres plenty to do in town with tots in tow. Visiting Montreal with your family wont be complete without checking off a few of these sites! Weve also included a few indoor activities in Montreal for toddlers.
Best Things To Do In Montreal Canada
Montreal is a beautiful city set on an island in Quebec, Canada. Home to famous attractions, museums and great restaurants, Montreal is a fun weekend destination for couples and families. Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, take a romantic walk through the Montreal Botanical Garden, and admire the architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica. Best things to do in Montreal with kids include the Old Port of Montreal, the Biodome, the Pointe-a-Calliere Museum and the Montreal Science Centre. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Stay In A Great Hotel
In my books, the hallmarks of a family-friendly hotel are walkability, proximity to transit and room categories that satisfy different family budgets and needs. The InterContinental Montreal is all of this and more.
Whether you stay in a classic room with a couple of beds to share or upgrade to a suite so you and your partner have separate sleeping quarters, youll still be able to take advantage of the hotels wonderful customer service, indoor pool, its short walk to Old Montréal or underground access to the subway on days where the weather just wont co-operate.
You May Like: Things To Do In Cleveland With Kids
Explore The Talent At Place Des Arts Junior Theatre
At Place des Arts Junior Theatre, you’ll find live shows that the whole family can enjoy. While there are plenty of theatres throughout Montreal, this one is like a one-stop-shop for a variety of different genres with plenty that’s appropriate for young children. The genres on display here include standard plays, dance, concerts, puppetry, circus arts, storytelling, and even cinema if you’re interested in just sitting back and watching a movie. Just make sure to keep an eye out for their junior series, as not everything they produce would be interesting to kids.
Meet The Animals At The Montreal Biodome
Take the Metro from Old Montreal to the site of the 1976 Olympic Games. At the Montreal Olympic Stadium complex, the Montreal Biodome showcases an indoor encapsulation of our natural world. There are several biospheres to walk through, including a rain forest, the Laurentians Mountains, a polar area, and the St. Lawrence River. View more than 4,000 types of animals and plants, including lynx, beaver, and penguins. The Biodome is a manageable size, not so big that young children tired quickly and not so small that bigger kids get bored.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do Downtown Syracuse
Things To Do In Montreal
With so many options, families often find it difficult to choose. Something one kids likes the others may not, and what mom and dad want to do isnt always fun for the little ones. Here are the top things to do in Montreal with kids all year-round as dished by a local Montreal mom.
Head to the Biodome to say hello to the penguins and many different types of environments. Kids legit like it.
Take In History At Chteau Ramezay
The Château Ramezay is perfect for history lovers! Located in the historic Old Montreal district , families with older children interested in Montreals backstory will love a visit to this iconic landmark on Notre-Dame Street. In this 18th-century residence, youll get to see how the history of the Quebec Province was shaped by the indigenous people, the French, and the British. With some American history thrown in the mix, the mansion has Canadian artifacts dating back centuries and interesting explanations of little-known events. Sometimes, there are even special activities for children, especially during Spring break. Once youre done exploring the inside, be sure to check out the garden area for some fresh air. The Château Ramezay is near the Champ-de-Mars metro station and is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit the official website.
You May Like: Things To Do In Cleveland Today With Kids
Learn Something New At The Montral Science Center
The whole family will have a blast at the Montreal Science Center! Located on the King Edward Pier in Montreals Old Port, this science museum is open daily to visitors. Youll have to get out at the Place dArmes metro station to reach here. Little ones who love science will enjoy their time here, as the museum offers a ton of interactive exhibits on subjects like electricity, gravity, etc. One cool thing for parents with younger children is that they have an 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. As a mechanical engineer, I love it! I definitely recommend you add this to your three-day Montreal itinerary with kids. For more information, visit the official website.
Take A Trip On Montreals Ferris Wheel
A trip on La Grand Roue is definitely one of my top things to do in Montreal in winter. What could be more magical than catching sunset from Montreals illuminated ferris wheel?
Located in the old port area, overlooking one of the citys winter ice rink, the trip on the wheel takes around 20 minutes. As Montreal is pretty flat its a great way to see the entire city, along with some key landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal Biosphere and the peak of Mount Royal.
Don’t Miss: Lunar Golf Wichita Falls
What To Do In Montreal With Kids
As we were strolling along the wide, clean avenues of Montreal in late summer, watching the work crews set up for yet another city festival this one involving some crazy soapbox racers Hannah proclaimed that if she was going to move to a city, she would want it to be Montreal.
Montreal just has that effect on people, at least in the summer. In the summer, the city is alive with food, music, and week after week of festivals. Visitors can get their taste of Europe without the transatlantic flight and soak in the French-Canadian culture without putting too much stress on their language skills. Plus, there is so much to do in Montreal with kids!
Our visit over Labor Day Weekend , was our second trip to Montreal in recent years so we have had time to really uncover what Montreal has to offer families. Currently, the Canadian dollar is very weak against the U.S. dollar, making it a great time for Americans to plan a summer trip
To help with your planning, Ive put together a list of great activities to do in Montreal with kids. If you are also visiting Quebec City, be sure to read our suggestions on things to do in Quebec City with kids.
Thrill The Kids At La Ronde Amusement Park
After a few days of city exploration and educational fun in Montreal with kids, thrill them with a visit to La Ronde amusement park. Part of the Six Flags family, La Ronde is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, a small island near downtown Montreal. Daredevils have plenty of options. Slingshot catapults riders 245 feet in the air. Meanwhile, the Vampire is a roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hourin reverse! More timid park-goers can stick to mellow options like bumper cars and a Ferris wheel. There are plenty of kiddie rides for little ones, too.
Read Also: Fun Things To Do With Kids In Cleveland Ohio
Learn About Montreals History
What we now know of as Montreal is an island at the confluence of two rivers, the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. The city was founded by the French in the 1600s as a fur trading post, but there have been peoples living in modern day Quebec much longerfor about 3500 years, in fact.
Montreal has a fascinating relationship with the rest of Canada, with certain factions of Quebec advocating for the province to be independent dating back to the 1960s. You can learn about this and other local history, including First Nations people, at the Centre DHistoire de Montreal.
- Travel Tip: Download the free Cite Memoir app to interact with figures from Montreals history through projections around the city!
Here are a few suggestions to learn more about Montreals history, both pre and post-Colonization.
Learn About Montreals Indigenous Culture & History
There are ten Indigenous nations in the state of Quebec: The Cree, Miqmaq, Naskapi, Algonquin, Montagnais, Abenaki, Mohawk, Attikamekw, HuronandMalecite.
Although the Indigenous peoples of Quebec have not been recognized historically, the City of Montreal recently updated its Crest and added a white pine for first Americans, joining French, British, Scottish and Irish symbols and acknowledging the importance of First Nations peoples in the area.
Learn About Montreals European Culture & History
Zipline Over The City
The Old Port section of Montreal is zipping with action and there is so much to do with kids. One of the newest attractions is the Montreal Zipline, allowing you to get the birds eye view of Montreal with Canadas first urban zip line.
Ive now ziplined through rainforests, down mountains, near beaches, and across cities. This one-zip attraction is good for a quick thrill not too fast and not too scary. Id suggest waiting until the line isnt too long, as the ride itself is quite quick. Hannah and I gave this one two thumbs up while Glenn was our self-appointed photographer.
The Montreal Zipline is located in the Old Port of Montreal at Hangar 16, near Clock tower Pier. Ziplining is available for individuals age seven and up weighing from 50 to 250 pounds. Please check the website for current information.
Read Also: Kids Activities Cleveland Ohio
Ice Skating In Montreal
This has to be one of the most popular activities in Montreal in winter. While you can go ice skating up on Mount Royal Id recommend visiting the Natrel Skating Rink in Old Montreal by the ferris wheel.
The setting is really picturesque, and along with a main rink, theres also a track that goes round in a loop, taking you under a bridge and closer to Old Montreal. Id never seen an ice skating experience like that before, and loved how pretty it all looked with so much snow around. It was even prettier at sunset with a pinky sky enveloping the city.
Travel To The Stars At The Cosmodome
The Cosmodome is a fascinating attraction that the whole family can enjoy, especially if you have any aspiring astronauts among your kids. You’ll find a wide range of exhibits and displays here showcasing all the intricacies and challenges of space travel as well as potential solutions once the technology is sufficiently advanced. For a more interactive experience, your little ones can participate in astronaut training and even a simulated space mission.
Recommended Reading: Things To Do In Cleveland For Kids
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 citys skyline from Park Belvedere . You can winter hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, and go tubing during winter.
Lia Kouri
Have a sweet tooth? Stop at a Sugar Shack! A popular activity in Canadas northeast, these eating establishments allow families to enjoy mother natures best-made treat: maple sugar! Best enjoyed in the spring, the shacks share the history of maple sugars unique harvesting, featuring various activities for families. Plus, you cant 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 . 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 Érablesis also worth visiting fromwhere you can enjoy a tour of the farm. TheSucrerie de la Montagne is open all-year-round!
Unwind At A Chic Wine Bar In Montreal
One of the locals recommended we stop by Pullman if we had time. We ended up visiting on a Sunday night, craving a simple dinner of wine and cheese. It was the perfect spot. Romantic with its flickering candles and dim lighting, and beautifully cosy, with a casual sophistication. We loved it!
Our waitress let us taste a few options before we decided on a bottle of red. Even better, on Sundays the entire wine list is half price, meaning we could select a bottle in a slightly higher league than usual.
The food was divine too. Our favourite dishes were the flavoursome tuna tataki and the winter beet salad. The Quebec cheese board was great too, and exactly what we left our hotel in search of.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Minocqua Wi This Weekend
See A Show At The Centaur Theatre
At the Centaur Theatre, you can see an unforgettable live performance put on by the local theater company focusing on English language plays. The plays can vary quite a bit, with some original productions and other adaptations of beloved classics, including some Shakespeare work. Your kids will especially enjoy the puppet shows put on quite regularly here most Saturday mornings, so it should be easy to fit into your itinerary. Whatever you see, you can be sure that the stories this theatre strives to tell will focus on expanding perceptions of the world.
The Hyatt Regency: An Ideal Montreal Hotel For Families
We like the Doubletree by Hilton Montreal and have stayed there a few times now. Its not in the middle of anything but its convenient to everything. Its on Catherine Street just a few blocks from the heart of downtown. Its only a few blocks from the historic old town and from Blvd St. Laurent with its restaurants and shops.
It also connects to Underground Montreal from the Complexe Desjardins next door. And it has two metro lines nearby that will get you pretty much anywhere in the city in under 30 minutes.
Its across the street from two art museums and opposite the Place des Festivals, where special events take place. The Complexe Des Jardin atrium, next door, has bakeries, a liquor store, a small supermarket, and some other conveniences we found handy whenwe stayed. It also hosts a lot of events, including a large cheese tasting that was going when we were last there.
Recommended Reading: What To Do In Mystic Ct
Catch A Game At The Percival Molson Memorial Stadium
Sports fans likely already know about the Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Here, you’ll be able to find the home of the Montreal Alouettes, a Canadian football team that’s won several Grey Cup Championships throughout the years. You can also catch a game of ultimate disc, as the Montreal Royal team calls this stadium home as well. Just be sure to see what’s in season before you try to visit the 25,000-seat stadium here.
Montreal With Kids : 25 Best Things To Do In Winter
When I told people we were headed to Montreal for Christmas Vacation I got a lot of quizzical responses. Yes, it is cold in Montreal in winter, but Canada knows how to do cold weather well and theres lots to make Montreal merry for the whole family.
Montreal is a popular destination for people looking for a taste of the Old World any time of year. French is the native language as well as the culture and cuisine in all of the Quebec Province. A trip to Montreal means great food, great museums, and, surprisingly, lots of outdoor fun, even in winter. Especially during the holidays, Montreal becomes a sparkling city of lights with lots of wintry fun.
Getting There Car vs Public Transit:From the Northeast, Montreal is easy to get to by car, rail or plane. If you are a car-free city dweller, like me, you can fly to Montreal in an hour or take Amtrak. Getting around the city by public transportation is easy. The metro system is clean and efficient and bus routes can get you directly to any destination. The Downtown and Old Montreal are very walkable and the best way to see the city is on foot. However, if you are traveling with small children, be aware that snowed over streets make strollers very impractical. Locals carry little ones in backpacks. A car may make travel with small children a lot easier and it will make the logistics of getting around the city a little smoother for everyone.
Catch a Holiday Show like The Nutcracker or Cirque du Soleil .
More Museums:
Don’t Miss: Best Things To Do In Minocqua Wi
Short Day Trips From Montreal
Domaine Labranche
Domaine Labranche is A family-run historical maple sugar shack just south of Montreal.
The shack offers guided tours, as well as hiking trails, a farm, and wine tasting.
Although it could be considered a bit of a tourist trap, if you want to experience the wonderful world of maple-infused foods and get a better idea of why maple syrup is so good in Quebec, this is the place to visit.
Granby Zoo
The largest zoo in Quebec, thanks in large part to its roomy animal enclosures, Granby Zoo is a good family day trip option from Montreal.
The zoo houses almost 1500 animals from 225 different species and can easily take up a half day of exploration.
If youre traveling in Montreal with kids, this is an ideal day out with the young ones.
Theres also a popular water park thats worth checking out across the street during the warmer months.
Parc National dOka
Although its first and foremost one of the best places to see herons in their natural habitat, Park National dOka also offers a lot more than just bird watching.
The park has a complex of historical buildings called the The Calvaire, some of which date back to the 1700s.
And, theres a popular local beach at the park that fills up in the summer, as well as numerous hiking trails to enjoy the stunning wetlands around the park.
Hike to the top of the Calvaire dOka trail for expansive views looking out over Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks.
Mont-Tremblant
Ottawa
Quebec City
Seasonal Events
