Montreal for Families and the Ultimate Kid Friendly Travel Guide

Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal is a stunning landmark that’s sure to captivate families with its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history. While the basilica is renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows and intricate design, it also offers family-friendly tours and events. Kids can enjoy the interactive light and sound show that brings the history of Montreal to life, offering a unique experience that blends art, culture, and storytelling. The grand interior, with its vibrant colors and towering spires, is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages, making it an excellent stop for families exploring Montreal.

This hands-on museum is perfect for curious kids, featuring interactive exhibits on space, robotics, engineering, and the human body. Younger children can explore a play area with water tables and building blocks, while older kids can test virtual reality experiences and science experiments. The IMAX theatre screens stunning educational films about nature and space. Regular workshops and demonstrations make learning fun. Located in the Old Port, it’s surrounded by family-friendly attractions like boat rides and ice cream shops, making it a great place to spend the day.

The museum offers free family activities on Sundays, including hands-on workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling sessions. While parents admire world-class art collections, kids can participate in creative activities designed to introduce them to painting, sculpture, and photography. The museum also has interactive exhibits for younger visitors, making art appreciation fun for all ages. With a welcoming atmosphere and changing exhibits, it’s an engaging way to introduce children to culture and creativity.

This indoor ice-skating rink, located inside a skyscraper, is open year-round, making it a great family activity regardless of the season. Kids can rent skates, join beginner-friendly sessions, and enjoy gliding on the smooth ice. The rink is surrounded by food courts and seating areas, so parents can relax while kids practice their skating skills. Special events like themed skating nights and music-filled sessions add extra excitement. It’s an ideal spot for families looking for a fun and active indoor experience in downtown Montreal.

The Biodôme lets families explore four ecosystems under one roof. Walk through a tropical rainforest with monkeys and sloths, a Laurentian maple forest with otters and lynxes, a marine environment with fish and seabirds, and an Antarctic habitat with playful penguins. Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and a discovery zone designed for hands-on learning. The Biodôme is part of the Space for Life complex, which includes the Insectarium, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium, making it easy to turn the visit into a full day of exploration.

One of the largest botanical gardens in the world, this peaceful escape features over 20 themed gardens, including a Japanese garden with koi ponds and a Chinese garden with intricate pavilions. Families can explore interactive exhibits, discover rare plant species, and visit the Insectarium to see live insects up close. Kids will love the butterfly exhibit in the greenhouse during spring. Seasonal events like the Gardens of Light lantern festival in autumn make it a magical place to visit year-round. It’s a great mix of education and outdoor fun.

Located just outside Montreal, this museum is a dream destination for kids who love trains. Families can explore historic locomotives, climb inside vintage train cars, and even take a short ride on a real train. Interactive exhibits teach kids about railway history, from steam engines to modern high-speed trains. The museum hosts themed events, including Thomas the Tank Engine days, making it an exciting visit for young train enthusiasts. The indoor and outdoor exhibits make it a great destination in any season.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium offers an immersive space experience with two domed theaters that showcase stunning astronomy films. Families can learn about the universe, constellations, black holes, and the latest space discoveries through interactive exhibits and hands-on displays. Kids can touch meteorites, explore digital star maps, and experience simulated space travel. The Planetarium is part of the Space for Life complex, making it easy to combine a visit with the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, or Insectarium for a full day of science and nature exploration.

This pirate-themed outdoor adventure park in the Old Port offers climbing courses, aerial obstacle challenges, and an inflatable playground for younger kids. Families can explore full-size pirate ships, try archery, or navigate zip lines high above the ground. The park has activities suitable for all ages, from easy walking courses for toddlers to high-intensity climbing challenges for adventurous older kids. Located near the waterfront, it’s a great way for kids to burn energy while enjoying incredible views of the city.

A unique attraction in downtown Montreal, the Barbie Expo features over 1,000 Barbie dolls dressed in designer outfits, cultural attire, and movie-themed costumes. Families can see dolls styled by famous designers like Dior and Versace or dressed as characters from Star Wars, Disney films, and Hollywood classics. Kids can also interact with digital exhibits and take fun photos with life-sized Barbie displays. The exhibition is free to visit, making it an easy and enjoyable stop for families exploring Montreal’s shopping district.

Located on Île Notre-Dame, this urban beach offers a sandy escape in the middle of Montreal. Families can swim in the calm waters, build sandcastles, or rent kayaks and paddleboards. There’s a floating inflatable water park with slides and obstacles, making it extra fun for kids. Lifeguards are on duty, and there are shaded picnic areas for families who want to relax. The beach is easily accessible by public transit or bike and provides a great way to cool off during Montreal’s hot summers.

This massive park, spread across two islands, is home to numerous family-friendly attractions, including playgrounds, biking trails, and outdoor picnic areas. Families can visit the Biosphere environmental museum, swim at Jean-Doré Beach, or ride the scenic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland with ice skating, snowshoeing, and tubing. The park regularly hosts festivals, concerts, and events, making it a dynamic place to visit year-round. It’s an excellent spot for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

La Ronde is Montreal’s largest amusement park, offering rides for all ages. Younger kids will enjoy the carousel, bumper cars, and mini roller coasters, while thrill-seekers can try high-speed rides like the Goliath and Vampire roller coasters. The park also has water rides, live entertainment, and special seasonal events like Halloween Fright Fest. Families can relax in shaded picnic areas or grab a snack from various food stands. During summer, La Ronde hosts international fireworks competitions, making it an exciting evening destination as well.

Located in Montreal’s Old Port, this massive indoor maze offers an exciting challenge for families. The labyrinth features over two kilometers of twists and turns, with hidden obstacles and themed mysteries to solve along the way. The paths are redesigned regularly, making each visit a unique experience. Kids will love the treasure hunt-style adventure, while parents can join in or watch from observation points. It’s a great indoor activity for a rainy day, keeping kids entertained and engaged while they work together to find the exit.

This outdoor zoo focuses on Quebec’s native wildlife and provides a home for rescued animals that can’t return to the wild. Families can see black bears, arctic foxes, owls, wolves, and river otters in naturalistic enclosures. Unlike traditional zoos, the Ecomuseum prioritizes animal welfare and environmental education. Kids can watch feedings, learn about conservation, and even meet some animals up close during special programs. Located just outside Montreal, it’s a quiet and family-friendly alternative to busier attractions, making it ideal for young children who love animals.