Things to do in Montreal in winter with kids: 12 indoor and outdoor ideas
Montreal winters are long, but they're full of great family outings. Here are twelve ideas, half outdoors to enjoy the snow, half indoors for bitterly cold days.
In short: outdoors, free skating at Beaver Lake and Esplanade Tranquille; in December, the Grand Marché de Noël and the Christmas Village; in February, Montréal en Lumière; indoors, the Biodôme and the Science Centre.
Free skating
1. Beaver Lake rink
A free refrigerated rink on top of Mount Royal, with skate rentals and sharpening at the pavilion. Pair it with sledding on the mountain.
- Mount Royal Park
- See the listing
2. Esplanade Tranquille rink
Montreal's largest refrigerated rink, free, with a heated pavilion, in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles. In the evening, light projections make it magical.
- Corner of Sainte-Catherine West and Clark
- Late November to early April
- See the listing
3. Atrium Le 1000
An indoor rink open year-round downtown: perfect when it's too cold outside.
- 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West
- See the listing
For free public skating in arenas, see our article Free family skating.
Winter events
4. Grand Marché de Noël de Montréal — November 13 to January 3
About forty artisan chalets and more than 150 free activities, right next to the Esplanade Tranquille rink.
5. Montreal Christmas Village — November 26 to December 24
The family-focused Christmas market in front of Atwater Market, with the Elves' Kingdom and over 90 free activities.
6. Festilumi — until January 3
A 1.5 km outdoor light trail with 13 themed worlds, stroller-friendly.
- Marché Central
- See the event
7. Montréal en Lumière — February 18 to 28, 2027
Montreal's winter festival, with an outdoor site downtown and spring-break programming.
Indoors
8. Montreal Biodôme
Five ecosystems of the Americas, from tropical rainforest to polar regions. A sure bet in bitter cold.
- 4777 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin
- See the listing
9. Montreal Science Centre
Hands-on interactive exhibits and the IMAX TELUS theatre, at the Old Port.
- King-Edward Pier, 2 Rue de la Commune West
- See the listing
10. La Grande Roue de Montréal
Canada's tallest Ferris wheel, open even in winter, warm inside its climate-controlled cabins.
- 362 Rue de la Commune East (Old Port)
- See the listing
11. Olympic Park Sports Centre
Quebec's largest aquatic centre, with a wading pool and splash features during public swims. Go swimming in the middle of winter!
- 3200 Rue Viau
- See the listing
An outing off the island
12. Ecomuseum Zoo
Open even in winter: wolves, lynx and arctic foxes are very active in cold weather.
- 21125 Chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
- See the listing
Our tips
- Outdoor rinks depend on the weather: check their status on the city's website before you go.
- For days below -20 °C, keep a list of indoor activities handy.
- For rainy days, see our article Things to do in Montreal when it rains.
Frequently asked questions
Where can we skate for free in Montreal in winter?
At Beaver Lake on Mount Royal and Esplanade Tranquille downtown, two free refrigerated rinks.
What can we do in Montreal when it's very cold?
The Biodôme, the Science Centre, the Ferris wheel (heated cabins) or a public swim at the Olympic Park Sports Centre.
When is Montréal en Lumière 2027?
February 18 to 28, 2027.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Dates, prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
