10 Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

For its wide variety of attractions, Montreal is an ideal city to visit and enjoy with the family and the little ones. Here are some of the best options for touring this destination with children.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

Castillo con luces azules en Montreal |©DiZzY Photograph

Montreal is one of the most important cities in Canada, an important industrial, commercial and cultural centre in North America and also an ideal destination to visit with family and children, especially for the wide variety of activities available for visitors of all ages.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal with the little ones include visiting the Children's Museum, touring La Ronde Amusement Park, visiting the Safari Park, exploring the Museum of Natural Sciences, enjoying a puppet show, seeing Jarry Park and climbing to the top of the Place Ville-Marie observatory for open views of the city.

1. Take a tour of the Montreal Children's Museum

Canadian Children's Museum|©Natulive Canada
Canadian Children's Museum|©Natulive Canada

The Montreal Children's Museum is a fascinating destination that offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is the perfect place to explore the world through the eyes of a child.

The tour of this museum begins with an interactive introduction that transports visitors into a world of imagination and play. With interactive and colourful exhibits, children can learn about everything from science and technology to history and nature. Each room is creatively designed to encourage active participation, with hands-on activities and games that challenge both mind and body.

One of the most outstanding exhibits is the Discovery Lab. Here visitors can experiment with different scientific concepts and conduct their own experiments. From building structures with blocks to creating simple chemical reactions, little scientists are immersed in the world of science in an exciting and accessible way in one of Montreal's best museums.

In addition to interactive exhibits, the Children's Museum also hosts special shows and activities, which is why it is often included in the city's best excursions. From theatrical performances to art workshops, there is always something exciting happening in this vibrant place. Children will have the opportunity to actively participate, whether as actors in a play or artists in a painting class.

Book a tour of Montreal

2. Visit La Ronde Amusement Park

La Ronde|©David Dufresne
La Ronde|©David Dufresne

Visiting the La Ronde Amusement Park in Montreal is a fun-filled and thrilling experience not to be missed. Located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, this park offers a wide variety of attractions to suit every visitor's tastes.

Upon arriving at the park, you'll be amazed by the sight of towering roller coasters towering on the horizon. From thrilling free-falls to dizzying twists and turns, there are rides for adrenaline junkies around every corner. The bravest can ride the famous Le Monstre roller coaster, one of the biggest in North America.

But La Ronde is not only for thrill-seekers, it also offers family rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The little ones will have fun in the themed areas designed especially for them, with interactive games, animated characters and soft rides. In addition, the park features live shows.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of Montreal from the iconic Ferris Wheel. Climbing to the top of this attraction gives you a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings, creating a perfect moment to take pictures and appreciate the beauty of the place. You can also make the most of your visit to the St. Lawrence River and enjoy the best cruise excursions in Montreal.

Book a St. Lawrence River cruise

3. Tour the Safari Park

Safari Park|©Márcio Cabral de Moura
Safari Park|©Márcio Cabral de Moura

Touring the Safari Park in Montreal is a unique experience that will immerse you in the beauty and diversity of wildlife. Set in a vast natural terrain, this park offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide variety of exotic animals.

Upon entering the Safari Park you will find yourself surrounded by a breathtaking natural environment where you can drive through vast grasslands and forests, as the animals approach your vehicle. It's an experience where you'll have the chance to see majestic lions, giraffes and towering elephants up close in their natural habitat, making it one of the best tours to do from Montreal along with the excursions to Quebec.

The driving tour is just the beginning of the adventure. The park also has walking areas where you can hike and explore. You can feed the curious lemurs, interact with jumping kangaroos and marvel at the graceful pink flamingos. In addition, the park offers educational shows and live presentations where you can learn more about the life and behaviour of these fascinating animals.

The Safari Park also cares about conservation and animal welfare. It participates in breeding and rescue programmes for endangered species, which makes the visit even more meaningful. You will learn about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting and preserving wildlife for future generations. If you don't plan to visit Montreal by car, you can opt for the city's tour buses.

Book a trip to Quebec City from Montreal

4. Explore Montreal's Museum of Natural Sciences

Museum in Montreal|©John Poole
Museum in Montreal|©John Poole

To explore the Montreal Museum of Natural Sciences is to enter a fascinating world of discovery and knowledge about natural history. Housed in an imposing building, this museum houses a vast collection of specimens and exhibits that will transport you through time and space.

Upon entering the museum, you will be greeted by dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric fossils that will take you back to the age of the reptilian giants. Marvel at the majesty of Tyrannosaurus rex and explore the evolution of life on Earth through interactive and audio-visual exhibits.

One of the highlights of the Natural Science Museum is its famous biodiversity gallery. Here, you can admire an impressive variety of animal and plant species, from colourful butterflies to exotic mammals. You will learn about the importance of conservation and the protection of biodiversity for our planet.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also presents temporary exhibitions that address current and relevant scientific topics. These exhibitions will allow you to keep abreast of scientific developments and explore topics such as climate change, biotechnology and space research.

5. Get to know the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and visit the interactive children's exhibitions.

Musée des beaux-arts|©Grégoire Breault
Musée des beaux-arts|©Grégoire Breault

Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and immerse yourself in a world of art and creativity. Housed in a building in the city's downtown area, this museum houses a large collection of masterpieces from different periods and artistic styles. It also offers a unique experience for the little ones with its interactive children's exhibits.

At the Museum of Fine Arts you can admire iconic paintings, international sculptures and temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. Each work of art tells a story and will transport you to a world of emotions and reflections.

For children, the museum offers interactive exhibitions specially designed for them. These exhibitions allow them to explore art in a fun and educational way. They can experiment with different artistic techniques such as painting, drawing and sculpture, and express their creativity through hands-on activities. The museum is also illuminated outside, so you can discover it at night in Montreal.

In addition to interactive exhibitions, the Museum of Fine Arts also organises workshops and educational programmes for children. They can participate in art classes, learn about the artists and their works, and develop an appreciation for art from an early age.

6. Enjoy a puppet show at the Théâtre de Montréal

Puppets|©Jose Luis Garcia
Puppets|©Jose Luis Garcia

Enjoying a puppet show at the Théâtre de Montréal is a magical experience that transports spectators into a world of fantasy and enchantment. The theatre, located in the heart of the city, has been the stage for countless artistic productions and has a long tradition of presenting puppets.

Puppet shows, which are ideal for children, offer a unique combination of live performance and craftsmanship, where puppets come to life and become endearing characters. Strings and strings become invisible links that connect the audience to the magical world unfolding on stage.

Puppet shows at the Théâtre de Montréal cover a wide range of themes and styles. From classic tales and folk legends to original and contemporary stories, each show is a unique experience that combines visual art, music and captivating storytelling.

Through their skill, the puppeteers are able to masterfully manipulate the puppets and infuse them with life and personality. The precise movements and expressiveness of the puppets make the audience become immersed in the story and connect emotionally with the characters. Don't miss this activity for the whole family!

7. Marvel at the indoor amusement park Amaze Escape Game

The MEMORI Escape Room|©Kate Raynes-Goldie
The MEMORI Escape Room|©Kate Raynes-Goldie

If you want to enter a world full of mystery, challenges and excitement, don't miss the Amaze Escape Game indoor amusement park in Montreal. Located in the historic city centre, this park offers unique escape room experiences that will test your puzzle solving and teamwork skills.

Upon entering Amaze Escape Game you will be greeted by an intriguing environment full of puzzles to solve. Each escape room is carefully designed with a unique and captivating theme, from detective adventures to fantasy and science fiction stories. You'll be immersed in an immersive world where you'll have to search for clues, solve puzzles and unravel secrets to escape before time runs out.

The Amaze Escape Game indoor amusement park offers challenges for both beginners and experienced escape game players. If you're new to this type of experience, you can start with rooms designed for beginners, where you'll be guided and given additional clues if you get stuck. For the more experienced, there are rooms of higher difficulty that will test your skills to the max.

The thrill of the Amaze Escape Game is the sense of achievement and teamwork you'll experience as you solve the challenges. Communication and collaboration are key to overcoming the obstacles and completing the objective. It's a perfect activity to enjoy in a group, whether with friends, family or work colleagues, but also with children, as the activities accept participants from the age of 12 and up.

8. Get to know the Montreal Science Centre

Montreal Science Centre|©Dennis Jarvis
Montreal Science Centre|©Dennis Jarvis

To visit the Montreal Science Centre is to enter a fascinating world of discovery and learning. Housed in a modern building, the centre offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities that invite visitors to explore and understand scientific phenomena, many of them geared towards children.

As you enter the Science Centre, you will be surrounded by innovative and surprising exhibits. You can immerse yourself in the world of physics, chemistry, biology and many other scientific disciplines through hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations. You will have the opportunity to touch, experiment and play while learning about complex scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way.

One of the highlights of the Science Centre is its planetarium, where you can explore the universe. Through 3D projections and audiovisual presentations, you will embark on a journey through the stars, planets and galaxies. The total tour lasts approximately 2 hours, so it is compatible with a short visit to the city. If that's your case, here's a list of things to do in Montreal in 2 days.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the Science Centre also presents temporary exhibitions that address contemporary and relevant scientific topics. These exhibits will keep you up to date on scientific advances and give you a fascinating perspective on the challenges and innovations in the world of science.

9. Explore Jarry Park's play area

Parc Jarry @ Montréal|©Guilhem Vellut
Parc Jarry @ Montréal|©Guilhem Vellut

To explore the Parc Jarry playground is to immerse yourself in a world of fun and adventure for children and families. This park offers a wide range of outdoor games and activities that guarantee hours of entertainment.

Upon arrival at Parc Jarry you will find a vibrant and colourful playground that will capture the attention of the little ones. Slides, swings, climbing structures and suspension bridges are just some of the options available for children to enjoy and have fun.

Jarry Park's playground also features large green areas where children can run, jump and play freely. Parents can relax on the benches and enjoy a moment of rest while their children have fun in a safe and cheerful environment. Also, if you plan to visit Montreal at Christmas time, you can discover some of the best Christmas Eve decorations in the city.

Aside from the traditional games, Jarry Park also offers other activities for children, such as sports fields, skating rinks and biking areas. There are options for all ages and abilities, ensuring that every child will find something they like and enjoy.

10. Visit the Place Ville-Marie Observatory and take in the views of Montreal.

Place Ville Marie (Montreal)|©Bob (sideshow015)
Place Ville Marie (Montreal)|©Bob (sideshow015)

Visiting the Place Ville-Marie Observatory is a must-do experience for those who want to see the sights of Montreal from above and for children too, as they can discover the city lit up in magical colours, especially at night. Located in the centre of the city, this observatory offers a unique and panoramic perspective that will allow you to appreciate the magnitude of this destination.

When you arrive at the Place Ville-Marie Observatory, you will be immersed in a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. As you take the panoramic lift up, the excitement intensifies and the anticipation of the sights that await you grows. In addition, you will also have access to an interactive exhibit that will tell you about the construction of the observatory.

Once you arrive at the observatory, you will be greeted by a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Montreal. From this height, you will be able to admire the skyscrapers, parks, rivers and emblematic monuments of the city such as Mont-Royal and Notre-Dame Basilica.

The Place Ville-Marie Observatory also offers information and interactive panels that will help you identify the different landmarks and understand the history and evolution of the city. You can learn about Montreal's architecture, culture and geographical features while enjoying the panoramic views.

Book a winter bike tour of Mount Royal