Things to do in Montreal in summer with kids: 10 sunny ideas
Summer in Montreal is lived outdoors: beach, boats, pedal boats and splash pads. Here are ten ideas to enjoy the season as a family without (really) leaving the city.
In short: for the beach, Cap-Saint-Jacques; at the Old Port, Écorécréo's pedal boats, the Bateau-Mouche and the Ferris wheel; for thrills, Saute-Moutons from age 6.
At the Old Port
1. Écorécréo
Pedal boats on the Bonsecours Basin and quadricycles for family rides along the promenade.
- Jacques-Cartier Pier
- Spring to fall
- See the listing
2. Le Bateau-Mouche
A 60- or 90-minute cruise on the St. Lawrence; the one-hour cruise suits young kids well.
- Jacques-Cartier Pier
- See the listing
3. Saute-Moutons
The jet boat to the Lachine Rapids. Minimum age: 6. You'll get soaked!
- 1 Rue Quai de l'Horloge
- Mid-May to early October
- See the listing
4. La Grande Roue de Montréal
60 m tall, climate-controlled cabins and a river view, sometimes with fireworks.
- 362 Rue de la Commune East
- See the listing
5. Montreal Science Centre
For heat-wave afternoons: interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre, in the cool.
- King-Edward Pier
- See the listing
Beach and nature
6. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
A beach on Lac des Deux Montagnes, kayaks, pedal boats and the ecological farm.
- 20099 Gouin Boulevard West (Pierrefonds)
- See the listing
7. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
Right across from Montreal: biking on flat trails, canoeing and pedal boats in the channels.
- 55 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville
- See the listing
8. Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park
Kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and guided cruises through a "bayou" of islands, in Laval.
- 345 Sainte-Rose Boulevard, Laval
- See the listing
Cool off
9. Olympic Park Sports Centre
A wading pool and splash features during public swims, in Quebec's largest aquatic centre.
- 3200 Rue Viau
- See the listing
10. Neighbourhood splash pads
Most boroughs have free splash pads in their parks: check the City of Montreal website for the closest one. To go further, see our article Water parks and splash pads.
Our tips
- On heat-wave days, plan outdoor activities in the morning and save the afternoon for indoors or water.
- Sunscreen, hats and water bottles for everyone.
- Book weekend cruises ahead in July and August.
Frequently asked questions
Where can kids swim in Montreal?
At the beach in Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park, or at borough splash pads and pools.
What can we do at the Old Port in summer?
Écorécréo pedal boats, the Bateau-Mouche, Saute-Moutons, the Ferris wheel and the Science Centre.
Which water activity suits young kids?
Pedal boats at the Old Port or the Bateau-Mouche's one-hour cruise.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and seasons may change: confirm with each place before you go.
