Free family outings in Montreal and Laval: 12 ideas
Good news for the budget: many great family outings cost nothing in Montreal and Laval. Big parks, forest trails, a beach, a mini-farm and skating rinks: here are twelve free ideas for every season.
In short: the Centre de la nature in Laval is the most complete free outing; in winter, the Esplanade Tranquille and Beaver Lake; in December, the Montreal Christmas Village.
Parks and nature in Laval
1. Centre de la nature de Laval
Gardens, ponds, a greenhouse, a mini-farm, trails and a big playground, free year-round. In winter, skating and tube sliding.
- 901, avenue du Parc, Laval
- See the listing
2. Bois de l'Équerre
Nearly 13 km of forest trails, part of them accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- 49, rang de l'Équerre, Laval
- See the listing
3. Bois de la Source
A maple grove, streams and about 5 km of trails, with more than 67 bird species observed.
- 705, 18e Avenue, Laval
- See the listing
4. Berge aux Quatre-Vents
A beach and a large lawn on the Rivière des Mille-Îles; sledding and skating in winter.
- Laval-Ouest, Laval
- See the listing
5. Berge des Baigneurs
Trails and birdwatching year-round in Old Sainte-Rose; a rink and a snow maze in winter.
- 13, rue Hotte, Laval
- See the listing
6. Parc des Prairies
A pond, trails, a bike path and disc golf with discs lent for free.
- 5, avenue Crochet, Laval
- See the listing
Skating for free
7. Esplanade Tranquille rink
Montreal's largest refrigerated rink, free, from late November to early April.
- Quartier des spectacles, Montreal
- See the listing
8. Beaver Lake rink
Free skating at the top of Mount Royal, on refrigerated ice.
- Mount Royal Park, Montreal
- See the listing
9. Parc Pie-X covered rink
Free public skating and free loans of skates, helmets and skating aids.
- Parc Pie-X, Laval
- See the listing
10. Saint-Charles Arena
Free public skating almost every day from September to April.
- 1055, rue d'Hibernia, Montreal
- See the listing
Free events
11. Montreal Christmas Village
More than 90 free family activities in front of Atwater Market, November 26 to December 24, 2026.
- 3325, rue Saint-Ambroise, Montreal
- See the event
12. Montreal Great Christmas Market
More than 150 free activities in the Quartier des spectacles, November 13, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
- 1499, rue Jeanne-Mance, Montreal
- See the event
Our tips
- Bring snacks and water bottles: they are often the only cost of a park outing.
- Check ice conditions before skating outdoors.
- Browse the site's Events page: many neighbourhood festivals are free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free outing in Laval with kids?
The Centre de la nature: mini-farm, greenhouse, trails and playground, all year.
Where can you skate for free in Montreal?
At the Esplanade Tranquille, Beaver Lake and municipal arenas such as Saint-Charles.
Is there a free beach in Laval?
Yes, Berge aux Quatre-Vents, on the Rivière des Mille-Îles.
Information verified on October 13, 2026. Prices and hours can change: confirm with each venue before you go.
