Family-Friendly Attractions in Montréal

Sometimes called “the Paris of North America,” Montréal is a captivating city that straddles two worlds: there’s a hint of old Europe, with French accents, Québécois cuisine, and cobblestone-lined neighborhoods, but plenty of familiar North American food and shops as well. Montréalers tend to have a soft spot for kids, and families are generally given the royal treatment.

Is Montréal Good for Kids?

Most children have a blast in Montréal. There are many kid-friendly attractions, from hands-on science museums to amusement park rides within easy reach of downtown. Kids can explore spaces where they can look for rainforest creatures, take a trip to the stars, and gaze at creepy crawlies, all within easy reach of the metro. More active adventures range from cycling and boat rides to various amusement parks. Much-loved parks and green spaces give kids the chance to have some unstructured downtime.

However, it’s not always smooth going in Montréal. The narrow sidewalks and cobblestone lanes of Old Montréal can be a challenge for stroller navigation, while the lack of public toilets can lead to frustration. The weather is also a significant consideration, with long, cold winters and short, steamy summers – plus a late spring that sometimes means snow is still falling in early April.

Where is Best in Montréal for Kids?

Old Montréal steals the show, featuring numerous top kid-approved sites. This area is known for pirate-themed exhibits, ghost tours, and waterfront activities such as zip lines, jet boats, and a Ferris wheel. When hunger strikes, the streets are lined with plenty of bakeries, cafes, and snacks. If you need a break from sightseeing, head up to Parc du Mont-Royal for walking forested trails, picnicking, and enjoying some free time by the lake. Another big draw is the Olympic District, where you’ll find a biodome, planetarium, insectarium, and botanical gardens.

Best Things to Do in Montréal with Babies and Toddlers

Learn About Nature in the Biosphère

Built for the 1967 World’s Fair, this massive geodesic dome houses a playful environmentally themed museum with lots of fun interactive features for young visitors. Check out nature-themed films designed for youngsters, grab a seat for story time (ideal for ages 5 and under), or head to the ecolab to peer through microscopes. Afterwards, get some fresh air on nearby woodland paths. The Biosphère sits on an island in the St Lawrence and is an easy metro ride from Old Montréal.

See Wildlife in the Biodome

Out in the Olympic District, the Biodome is a futuristic building that houses five different areas, each dedicated to a distinct ecosystem brimming with plant and animal life. Watch penguins gliding through the water in the sub-arctic section, then warm up in the humid rainforest as parrots squawk overhead and capybaras scurry beneath the undergrowth. Amid the Laurentian maple forest, keep an eye out for river otters, porcupines, and a majestic lynx.

Best Things to Do in Montréal with School-Aged Kids

Journey into the Past at Pointe-à-Callière

One place not to be missed in Old Montréal is Pointe-à-Callière, a history-themed museum with eye-popping exhibitions. Start off with Generations MTL, an impressive multimedia show that brings Montréal to life across five centuries. Older kids will enjoy the exhibition Crossroads, with interactive displays illuminating life in an indigenous village as well as city life under both the French and British. There’s also a hall dedicated to Pirates and Privateers, where children can climb aboard a pirate ship and learn about tools used for navigation, sailing, and combat!

Get Active at Voiles en Voiles

Voiles en Voiles takes things up a notch, with an adventure park set around faux pirate ships. There are activities here for all levels, including climbing walls, a zip line, bouncy castles, archery, and a merry-go-round. The biggest draw, though, is the collection of aerial ropes courses, rated from easy to extreme, where participants don a helmet and harness and navigate suspended log bridges, through tunnel nets, and along hanging beams. Afterwards, you can reward the efforts of your hardworking sea dogs with treats nearby.

Best Things to Do in Montréal with Tweens and Teens

Ride a Jet Boat on the St Lawrence

Give the whole family an adrenaline rush on a jet boat ride. Departing from the Old Port, these jet boats promise excitement and fun. Three tours are available, including a wild 20-minute adventure called Spin Boating and a classic 60-minute high-speed ride where participants are sure to get soaked, whether or not they opt for the provided poncho and waterproof face shield.

Embrace Wintertime Activities

Don’t let the sub-zero temperatures deter you. Most Montréalers embrace winter because there’s so much to do: ice skating on frozen ponds, cross-country skiing in Parc du Mont-Royal, and watching hockey matches at the Bell Centre. Afterwards, you can warm up with hot chocolate by the fire and enjoy a hearty meal of poutine, the must-try Québécois dish of fried potatoes topped with cheese curds and gravy. Local spots serve up some of the best varieties.

Planning Tips

Montréal’s extensive metro system and city bus lines are the best ways to navigate the city. Kids aged 11 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult. When getting around on foot, a sturdy stroller is handy for navigating the sometimes uneven pavement and snow or ice in the winter.