11 Fantastique Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

Montreal with kids is truly fantastique. As the largest French-speaking city in North America, Montreal stands out as a unique and historic metropolitan area. Its French Canadian charm is mixed with many immigrant cultures, making this city in the Quebec province a lively mix of people, food, and attractions. This list of 11 fun things to do in Montreal, Canada is sure to keep any family happy on holiday.

This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases.

1. See the stained glass windows at Notre-Dame Basilica.

First up, explore the towering Notre-Dame Basilica. Stop into this church to view the unique stained glass windows and impressive altar.

This 19th-century cathedral was built in English Gothic Revival style, on the site of the former chapel founded in the 1600s. The interior and statuary are made from wood imported from France. Interestingly, the cathedral’s stained glass panes feature the history of the founding of Montreal, rather than the usual biblical scenes of saints and miracles.

2. Zip and climb above the Old Port.

If your family is feeling adventurous, then take a ride on Canada’s longest zipline. Get a bird’s eye view of the Old Port as you soar through the sky. Buy your MTL Zipline tickets in advance.

The Voiles en Voiles aerial park and ropes course is located just next to the MTL Zipline tower. Challenge any fear of heights on a pirate ship-shaped adventure course. It is 32 feet high and includes seven aerial routes, connecting two huge sailing ships.

3. Learn history at the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History.

The Pointe-à-Callière is the birthplace of Montreal and home to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History. This fabulous museum offers loads of hands-on opportunities for curious would-be historians and anthropologists. Don’t miss the 30-minute multi-media show illustrating the 375-year history of the city through videos and animation.

4. Get schooled at the Montreal Science Centre.

A visit to the Montreal Science Centre in the Old Port presents another interactive, kid-friendly environment. Among other permanent and traveling exhibits, the IMAX Telus Theatre features films that fascinate all ages.

In the Fabrik – Creativity Factory, kids aged 6+ use their hands and minds to craft Derby cars, parachutes, catapults, floating vessels, and whatever their imaginations dream up.

For smaller children (aged 4-7), there’s Clic! The Zone for Curious Young Minds. That’s where children can build a house, design a roller coaster, and mix colors.

5. Meet the animals at the Montreal Biodome.

Take the Metro from Old Montreal to the site of the 1976 Olympic Games. At the Montreal Olympic Stadium complex, the Montreal Biodome showcases an indoor encapsulation of our natural world.

There are several biospheres to walk through, including a rain forest, the Laurentians Mountains, a polar area, and the St. Lawrence River. View more than 4,000 types of animals and plants, including lynx, beaver, and penguins. The Biodome is a manageable size, not so big that young children tired quickly and not so small that bigger kids get bored.

6. See stars at Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.

Next door to the Biodome is the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, a fabulous place to visit in Montreal with kids. The planetarium has two unique theaters for introducing space enthusiasts to the wonders of astronomy and our solar system.

Filmgoers can lie back on bean bag chairs or sit in comfortable seats to watch the universe unfold around them. The shows differ seasonally and are offered in both English and French.

7. Attend a festival in Montreal with kids.

Montreal is known as a festival city, particularly in summer. From food and art fairs to music, sports, and comedy festivals, there’s something to please your family. Check out Tourisme Montreal’s festival guide for information about what’s happening when, and to purchase tickets.

8. Ride bicycles up Mount Royal.

Rent bicycles in Montreal to take a serene ride along the Lachine Canal. Infant seats and children’s bike trailers are available. Bike up the road to McGill University and Mount Royal, the mini-mountain with lovely green spaces, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and Beaver Lake for impressive views of the city.

For a guided bicycle tour of Montreal with teens aged 13+, take a look at this Montreal: Guided Bike Tour of City, Old Port & Plateau.

9. Embark on a site-seeing cruise on the St. Lawrence River.

Explore Montreal by water aboard Le Bateau-Mouche St. Lawrence Sightseeing Cruise. During summer months, vacationers enjoy cruising from the Old Port and along the St. Lawrence River.

Take in pretty views of the city and learn about Montreal from a bilingual local guide. Expect to see sites like the Clock Tower, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Habitat 67. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

10. Thrill the kids at La Ronde amusement park.

After a few days of city exploration and educational fun in Montreal with kids, thrill them with a visit to La Ronde amusement park. Part of the Six Flags family, La Ronde is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, a small island near downtown Montreal.

Daredevils have plenty of options. Slingshot catapults riders 245 feet in the air. Meanwhile, the Vampire is a roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 50 miles per hour…in reverse!

More timid park-goers can stick to mellow options like bumper cars and a Ferris wheel. There are plenty of kiddie rides for little ones, too.

11. Eat classic French Canadian cuisine.

Montreal is home to many culinary sensations. Look for poutine, smoked meat sandwiches, Montreal-style bagels, crêpes, and more.

Poutine

Poutine is a kid-pleasing, finger-licking sensation made of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds. There are many places for poutine in the city. When searching for one of the best, check out La Banquise. If you’ve never enjoyed poutine, then try the classic to start before venturing into the more adventurous toppings and flavors.

Smoked Meat Sandwiches

The huge smoked meat sandwiches at Schwartz’s Deli are simple but delicious. Expect rye bread, yellow mustard, and a massive helping of savory smoked meat. The big portion sizes mean sharing is more than acceptable.

Montreal-Style Bagels

We can’t forget the amazing Montreal-style bagels. Compared to traditional New York bagels, these goodies are thinner, sweeter, and always baked in a wood-fired oven after being boiled in honey-sweetened water.

There are many bagel spots in the city, but your family won’t regret a stop at Fairmount Bagel Bakery. Pack a half-dozen for the drive or flight home.

Refined Fare for Families

For more refined fare, choose lunch or dinner in the charming, flower-filled garden of the Jardin Nelson restaurant in Old Montreal. The extensive bistro menu features sweet and savory crepes. Grown-ups will enjoy a memorable duck leg confit salad. Kids can order favorites like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches.

Where to Stay in Montreal with Kids

A stay at Le Place d’Arts Hotel and Suites puts your family just a few steps from Old Montreal and attractions like Notre Dame Basilica. This chic, urban oasis has a Kids in the City concierge team that can tailor your holiday to meet the needs of smaller guests.

The hotel is located in a 19th-century Neo-classical building with all the modern comforts like a spa, restaurants, a bar, and spacious rooms. And, it’s just one block from the Metro station. 

Enjoy a continental breakfast and café au lait in the charming on-site brasserie, Brasserie 701. Kids will love the pains au chocolat (chocolate croissants) and cereal selection. Read more reviews of Le Place d’Arts Hotel and Suites and book your stay via Travelocity. Take a look at additional family-friendly accommodation options in Montreal.

Getting to Montreal

Fly into Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport (YUL) and catch a cab into Old Montreal. You will not need a car during your stay since most attractions are within walking distance or easily accessible via Metro.

Make the Most of Montreal with Kids

To make the most of your Montreal family vacation, buy the Montreal Passport. It provides access to 28 attractions including the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium and Biodome, plus unlimited public transportation.

Want to learn more about visiting Montreal with kids? Consider purchasing Fodor’s Montreal & Quebec City. It receives 4.5 stars on Amazon and features full-color maps. This guide also offers all sorts of tips for Montreal’s best sites, hotels, and restaurants.

Get kids excited for their Montreal vacation with My Travel Journal for Kids Montreal. Inside kids will find prompts, journal pages, and drawings to keep kids engaged while exploring the city.

Explore more Montreal attractions and guided tours with our partner, GetYourGuide.

Explore More of Canada

Located just 155 miles from Montreal, Quebec City is another delightful vacation destination. Discover all sorts of winter activities in Quebec.

For an array of outdoorsy adventures for families, take a peek at our guide to Whistler in summer.

Maple syrup festivals take place across Canada each spring. Learn about what to expect at Canadian maple syrup festivals.

Canada’s capital is particularly pretty in autumn. Read about fun things to do in Ottawa in fall.

Fabulous all year long, discover the wonders of Nordic spas in Canada, many of which are family-friendly.

Save These Things to Do in Montreal

Dreaming of a Montreal family vacation? Be sure to keep this list of kid-friendly activities in Montreal for future reference. Just pin the image above to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Do you have any questions about visiting Montreal with kids? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Curious Travel Mama: Tourism Montreal hosted my visit to Montreal. As always, my opinions are my own.

Sharing is caring!