Things to do in Montreal with kids: 15 ideas for every age
Whether you live in Montreal or are visiting for a few days, the city is full of outings for kids: nature museums, the Old Port, free rinks and parks. Here are fifteen ideas, grouped by type of outing.
In short: for a first visit, the Biodome and the Old Port; with toddlers, KidZillafun and Maison Théâtre; for a free outing, the Esplanade Tranquille and Beaver Lake rinks.
The Olympic Park and Space for Life
1. Biodôme de Montréal
Five ecosystems of the Americas under one roof, from penguins to the rainforest.
- 4777, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montreal
- See the listing
2. Insectarium de Montréal
A Grand Vivarium where you walk among hundreds of free-roaming live insects.
- 4581, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal
- See the listing
3. Planétarium de Montréal
Immersive shows under 360° domes, next door to the Biodome.
- 4801, avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montreal
- See the listing
4. Centre sportif du Parc olympique
Quebec's largest aquatic centre, with a wading pool and water play during public swims.
- 3200, rue Viau, Montreal
- See the listing
Old Port and Old Montreal
5. Centre des sciences de Montréal
Interactive exhibits to touch, handle and understand science.
- Quai King-Edward, 2, rue de la Commune Ouest, Montreal
- See the listing
6. La Grande Roue de Montréal
The tallest observation wheel in Canada, open year-round.
- 362, rue de la Commune Est (Vieux-Port), Montreal
- See the listing
7. SOS Labyrinthe
A 2 km treasure hunt in a former Old Port hangar.
- Vieux-Port de Montreal, Quai de l'Horloge (Hangar 16), Montreal
- See the listing
8. Pointe-à-Callière, Cité d'archéologie et d'histoire de Montréal
Walk among real archaeological remains, on the site where Montreal was founded.
- 350, place Royale, Montreal
- See the listing
With toddlers
9. KidZillafun
An indoor play garden for ages 1 to 7, with a café for parents.
- 7955, boulevard Newman (LaSalle), Montreal
- See the listing
10. Maison Théâtre
Shows for ages 1 to 17, several of them for toddlers.
- 245, rue Ontario Est, Montreal
- See the listing
Outdoors and free
11. Patinoire de l'Esplanade Tranquille
Montreal's largest refrigerated rink, free, from late November to early April.
- Angle des rues Sainte-Catherine Ouest et Clark (Quartier des spectacles), Montreal
- See the listing
12. Patinoire du lac aux Castors (parc du Mont-Royal)
A free refrigerated rink at the top of Mount Royal.
- Parc du Mont-Royal, accès par la voie Camillien-Houde ou le chemin Remembrance, Montreal
- See the listing
13. Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
Beach, ecological farm and sledding: the countryside without leaving the island.
- 20099, boulevard Gouin Ouest (Pierrefonds), Montreal
- See the listing
In the West Island
14. Zoo Ecomuseum
Quebec wildlife in a small, stroller-friendly zoo, open year-round.
- 21125, chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
- See the listing
15. Sportplexe Pierrefonds
Low-cost public skating, free during the holidays and spring break.
- 14700, boulevard de Pierrefonds, Montreal
- See the listing
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Montreal with kids when it rains?
The Biodome, Insectarium, Planetarium, Science Centre and SOS Labyrinthe are all indoors.
Which activities are free in Montreal for families?
The Esplanade Tranquille and Beaver Lake rinks, public skating in several arenas, and Christmas market activities in December.
How long should you plan for the Biodome?
Allow about two hours. The Planetarium and Insectarium are close by, so you can combine two in the same day.
Information checked on October 12, 2026. Prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
