Biodôme, Insectarium, Planetarium and Botanical Garden: Space for Life with kids
In east-end Montreal, around the Olympic Park, four Space for Life institutions sit side by side: the Biodôme, the Insectarium, the Planetarium and the Botanical Garden. It's one of the city's best outings with kids, rain or shine. Here's how to make the most of it.
In short: the Biodôme and Planetarium are neighbours, easy to visit the same day; the Insectarium is near the Botanical Garden; in the fall, the Botanical Garden hosts the Gardens of Light and Halloween events.
The Biodôme
1. Montreal Biodôme
Five ecosystems of the Americas under one roof: step from tropical rainforest to polar regions in a few paces. Kids love the penguins and fish. A sure bet on rainy or bitterly cold days.
- 4777 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montreal
- Parking at 3000 Rue Viau; cafés and snack bars on site
- See the listing
The Planetarium
2. Montreal Planetarium
Under its 360° domes, immersive shows take the whole family among the stars and planets. Exhibitions round out the visit.
- 4801 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montreal
- Next to the Biodôme; picnic area on site
- See the listing
The Insectarium
3. Montreal Insectarium
A multisensory path that puts visitors at insect scale, then the Grand Vivarium, where you walk among hundreds of free-flying live insects.
- 4581 Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal
- Near the Botanical Garden
- See the listing
The Botanical Garden and its events
4. Gardens of Light — until November 1, 2026
Hundreds of glowing lanterns in the Chinese and Japanese gardens, in the evening. Timed ticket required.
5. Halloween at the Botanical Garden — all October
Decorated pumpkins, a mysterious but not-too-scary atmosphere, and the show "Même pas peur !" for ages 4 to 8.
What to visit by age
- Toddlers: the Biodôme, for penguins and fish at kid height.
- Ages 5 to 10: the Insectarium and its Grand Vivarium, then the Botanical Garden.
- Older kids: the Planetarium and its immersive shows.
Our tips
- Buy tickets online on the Space for Life website, especially during the holidays and spring break.
- The Biodôme and Planetarium are side by side: do both on the same day, with lunch in between.
- Both accept the Carte accompagnement loisir (CAL).
Frequently asked questions
Can we visit the Biodôme and the Planetarium on the same day?
Yes, they are neighbours in the Olympic district.
Which Space for Life museum suits a 3-year-old?
The Biodôme, where little ones watch penguins, fish and animals from five ecosystems.
Does the Botanical Garden have fall activities?
Yes: the Gardens of Light in the evening and Halloween events throughout October.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices and hours may change: check the Space for Life website before you go.
