Autumn 2025: Montréal cultural guide for families

Spring Culture, arts and heritage The city
  • Le Renard perché bookstore
  • Insectarium de Montréal – Espace pour la vie
Laure Juilliard

Laure Juilliard

With so much going throughout the year, it’s easy to get your kids plugged into Montréal’s cultural scene with happenings designed just for them.  Here’s the scoop on cultural activities created for children 0-17 years. 

Montréal Botanical Garden – Espace pour la vie - Gardens of Light

FESTIVALS

Gardens of Light – August 29 to November 2, 2025, Montréal Botanical Garden
Now in its 13th year, this signature fall event transforms the Botanical Garden’s three cultural gardens into a dreamlike experience. This edition brings exciting new features, including a creation inspired by the Shan Hai Jing, the legendary “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” a cornerstone of Chinese mythology. Prepare to be amazed!

Montréal Intercultural Storytelling Festival – October 17 to 26, 2025
Around sixty artists from near and far will spark the imagination of families with timeless tales and original creations, shared in both French and English, across venues throughout Montréal.

LA MÈCHE COURTE Festival – November 7 to 16, 2025
Bring the whole family to the very first edition of this brand-new cultural festival celebrating youth-focused creations from here and abroad. For ten days, theatre, dance, and other live art forms bursting with the colours and energy of childhood and youth will take over stages and public spaces across the city.

Bach Incognito – November 15, 2025, St. Andrew & St. Paul Church (Sherbrooke Street entrance)
As part of the Montréal Bach Festival, enjoy a family afternoon full of twists and turns inspired by Baroque opera. Under the direction of Francis Colpron, Ensemble Les Boréades brings the story of Acis and Galatea to life: a tale of love, monsters, and transformations set to Handel’s mesmerizing music. Recommended for children aged 8 and up.

Maison Théâtre

THEATRE, FILM, LIVE PERFORMANCES AND SHOWS

Maison Théâtre, Quartier des Spectacles
Introduce your children to the magic of theatre at this iconic Montréal venue, a staple of the city’s cultural scene since 1984. Maison Théâtre presents around fifteen productions each season for young audiences aged 1 to 17. This fall’s lineup includes:

Place des Arts Junior, Quartier des Spectacles
Cirque, theatre, dance, music, and puppetry: this series of cultural events invites the whole family to enjoy performances full of fun, emotion and discovery. The Sons et brioches morning shows even offer muffins and croissants before diving into the captivating world of each performance. This fall’s lineup includes:

Teens will love the regular programming at Place des Arts, which offers an array of choices to spark their interest in culture.  Choose a show and set aside some special time to bond together.

Maison symphonique, Downtown
Ages 6+ : Trick or Treat! (October 26, 2025)

Théâtre Outremont – Youth Performances, Outremont
Give your kids and teens a special introduction to the arts and culture with youth theatre and film screenings offering a wide variety of experiences at accessible prices. This fall’s lineup includes:

L’Illusion Puppet Theatre, La Petite-Patrie
This freshly renovated creative and performance space dedicated to the art of puppetry invites families to discover imaginative productions this fall:

La Tohu, Saint-Michel
This venue for performance, creation, and experimentation specializes in contemporary circus, showcasing the finest circus acts from here and abroad. This fall, catch:

Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal (MAC) - In Praise of the Missing Image

MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS

Musée d’art contemporain, Downtown

The MAC family exhibitions and activities are designed for children aged 6 and up, as well as teenagers. Alongside a dynamic and welcoming staff, you can admire original works as a family and open your vision to avant-garde creations. For fall 2025, the workshops on October 4, November 1 and December 6  are organized around the collective exhibition, "In Praise of the Missing Image,”, the central exhibition as part of the 19th edition of MOMENTA Biennale d'art contemporain, Free for people under 18.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , Downtown
Right in the heart of the historic Golden Square Mile downtown, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM) hosts world-class international exhibitions and offers workshops for all ages on Saturdays and Sundays. Families can enjoy an artistic experience focused on the current major exhibition or explore the museum’s permanent collections. Admission is free for visitors aged 20 and under.   Now on:

From the Functional to the Fabulous : 600Years of Decorative Arts and Design (September 13 to December 31, 2025); Worlds of Wonder : The Surrealist Journey of Adam Glass (until September 28, 2025); Two by Two, Together (until October 5, 2025); Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors  (September 27, 2025 to March 8, 2026); Rising Suns:  Indigenous Art from the Confederacies of the Great Lakes and Rivers (starting November 29, 2025); and  Streaming Light (until January 4, 2026).

The Art of the Brick: LEGO® Art Exhibition – September 3 to October 31, 2025, 312 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Downtown
Created by artist Nathan Sawaya, this exhibition features 130 incredible works built from over one million LEGO® bricks. Marvel at original sculptures, reimagined versions of some of the world’s most famous masterpieces, and even a 6-metre-long Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton! Admission is free for children under 4.

PHI

In the heart of Old Montréal, PHI offers a wonderful way to introduce young people to contemporary art through innovative and avant-garde programming. Guided tours  are available  and admission is free for children aged 12 and under. Don't miss the current exhibitions: Josèfa Ntjam: swell of spæc(i)es (September 10, 2025 to January 11, 2026), Manuel Mathieu: Unity in Darkness (October 23, 2025 to March 8, 2026) and Keiken: Sensory Oversoul (October 23, 2025 to March 8, 2026).

World Press Photo Montréal – August 28 – October 13, 2025, Marché Bonsecours
Explore the 18th edition of this prestigious exhibition showcasing the winning photos from the 2025 contest—chosen from tens of thousands of submissions by photographers worldwide. Admission is free for kids under 10.

Oasis Immersion - Root for Nature

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

OASIS immersion, Palais des congrès 

Experience immersive adventures in the enchanting world of OASIS immersion. Located in a 2,000-m² multimedia space, discover three immersive galleries and two luminous experiences with your family. This fall until November 30, 2025, explore Root for nature, a true sensory bath in nature created in collaboration with National Geographic, focusing on conservation and sustainable development issues, and AMPLIFIED, featuring immersive spaces inspired by the world of music of the legendary magazine, Rolling Stone.  Free for children aged 0-5.

Dinos Alive: A Spectacular Journey into the Jurassic Era – Until November 28, 2025, Place Bonaventure, Downtown
Step back in time with Dinos Alive, an immersive exhibition featuring life-size dinosaur reproductions and a fully themed environment. Discover over 40 iconic dinosaurs, including T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Velociraptor, as you explore the Jurassic era like never before.

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage – Until October 26, 2025, Place Bonaventure, Downtown
This bilingual exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the fate of the legendary ship through archival materials, immersive installations, and virtual reality experiences. Step aboard and explore the Titanic like never before.

Museum of Illusions of Montréal, Old Montréal
At the heart of this playful and educational destination for all ages, discover over 70 visual experiences, including holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms designed to delight the senses and challenge the mind. Admission is free for children aged 0–4.

The AURA Experience at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal, Old Montréal

This multimedia experience created by renowned Montréal studio Moment Factory immerses the whole family in a captivating visual and musical universe, projected onto the neo-Gothic architecture of Montréal's Notre-Dame Basilica. Free for children 5 years and under.

Life Chronicles– Until October 13, 2025, Quai King-Edward, Old Port
Presented by PHI, this immersive journey spans 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and its living organisms. Don a virtual reality headset and explore with the whole family the major stages of the planet’s evolution, from Paleolithic landscapes to key geological eras, encountering spectacular creatures such as dinosaurs, giant centipedes and marine reptiles. Recommended for children aged 8 and up.

SAT, Quartier des spectacles 

Exhibitions and immersive experiences come together in this creative laboratory dedicated to the development of digital culture. At the heart of the Satosphère, you and your teens and kids can enjoy a true audiovisual experience.  This summer, AdoLabs invites youth aged 13 to 17 to dive into the world of digital arts. Explore animated creation, digital avatars, social media, and concepts of time from July 30 to August 27, 2025.

Tonight with The Impressionnists – Paris 1874 – until September 21, 2025, Arsenal Contemporary Art ,

Equipped with your virtual reality headset, step into 19th-century Paris, family in tow, to relive the birth of Impressionism as if you were truly there. This immersive virtual reality expedition transports you to the very first Impressionist exhibition in 1874 bringing you face to face with Monet, Degas, Renoir, and their contemporaries at a pivotal moment in art history. For ages 8 and up. 

McCord Stewart Museum

HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS

Musée McCord Stewart, Downtown

Explore the history of Montréal in its diversity through exhibitions that often take interactive avenues. Numerous workshops and guided tours for the whole family are organized every weekend. Don't miss the permanent exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience which showcases the knowledge and history of Indigenous peoples, as well as the current temporary exhibitions:  Africa Fashion (September 25, 2025 until February 1, 2026), Aunties’ Work (October 23, 2025 to May 24, 2026), On the Menu – Montréal, A Restaurant Story (November 26, 2025 to October 18, 2026), Little Burgundy – Evolving Montréal (until September 28, 2025) and Pounding the Pavement: Montréal Street Photography (until October 26, 2025). Free entry for children 12 and under.

Redpath Museum, Downtown

Head over to the McGill University campus to discover incredible specimens of extinct animal species, fossils - including impressive dinosaur skeletons sure to impress young and old alike - and collections from ancient Egypt, including mummies. Suggested contribution of $10 (adults only).

Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, Old-Montréal

Step into the fascinating world of chivalry and adventure with the Knights exhibition, on until October 19, 2025. Discover nearly 250 artifacts that bring the age of chivalry to life! Kids (and grown-ups!) can dive into a hands-on experience zone: try on pieces of armour, design your own coat of arms, feel the weight of a real suit of armour, handle a sword and take on challenges worthy of a grand tournament.

The Come aboard! Pirates or Privateers? permanent exhibition is sure to delight budding sailors (5 to 12 years old) thirsty for knowledge and adventure. More of a landlubber? With Archaeo Adventure youngsters can follow the steps of an archaeologist and experience a simulated archaeological dig through the construction site, the tent and the laboratory area. 

Château Ramezay – Historic Site and Museum of Montréal, Old Montréal

The permanent exhibition Life at the Château: Splendour and Misery in New France offers an immersion into 18th-century Montréal that's sure to intrigue children of all ages. Free admission for children 4 and under.

Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historic Site, Old Montréal

Step back in time to the city’s beginnings and meet some of Montréal's most symbolic figures at this historic site. Take in the permanent exhibition, Meet Margeurite! where children can learn more about this extraordinary woman hailed as the “Mother” of the 17th-century colony.  Free for children 12 and under.

MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises, Quartier des spectacles

This brand-new, inclusive and innovative museum and civic space celebrates the voices of citizens past and present, highlighting the identities and stories that define "montréalité". Discover the current permanent and temporary exhibitions  in addition to the MEM's public spaces with your family. Free admission for children 12 and under, and special rates for teenagers 13 to 17.

Écomusée du fier monde, Village

At the heart of a spectacular public bath converted into a museum, youngsters can discover the industrial and working-class history of the Centre-Sud district. Free for children 6 years and under.

La Maison Saint-Gabriel, Pointe-Saint-Charles

Head southwest of Montréal to visit a three-hundred-year-old farmhouse, where you'll get a glimpse of rural Montréal between the 17th and 20th centuries. There are many family activities offered this summer in addition to guided tours for ages 6 years and up.

Harvest Festival at the Musée de Lachine – October 11, 2025, Pôle des Rapides
At this family-friendly festival, children can meet farm animals in the museum’s outdoor spaces. The event also features traditional Indigenous foods and a variety of hands-on activities for all ages.

Musée des Hospitalières de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal
This museum offers a look back at four centuries of history through its former monastery, the caregivers’ garden, hospital, three chapels, a crypt and the burial site of Jeanne Mance—co-founder of Montréal and founder of the Hôtel-Dieu. Explore the permanent collection focused on sacred art, hospital care, medicine and pharmacy., Every last Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon, families are invited to take part in thematic activities for children. Admission is just $5 for ages 5 and up and includes access to the current exhibition and a fun collage workshop.

Biodôme de Montréal – Espace pour la vie

SCIENCE AND NATURE

Espace pour la vie, Olympic District

The largest museum complex in Canada devoted to the natural sciences, Espace pour la vie encompasses the Biodôme, the Planetarium, the Botanical Garden, the Insectarium, and the Biosphère (in Parc Jean-Drapeau). For all ages and free for children 4 years and under.

Montréal Science Centre, Old Port of Montréal

For budding scientists of all ages, the Montreal Science Centre offers fun and enriching exhibitions for all age groups. Don’t miss the blockbuster exhibition T. rex: The Ultimate Predator (May 1 to September 7, 2025), an up-close, life-sized encounter with the tyrannosaur superfamily in this interactive show from the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Also on view: Nanualuk – Northern Expedition, a brand-new permanent exhibition that takes visitors on an immersive quest into the Canadian Arctic filled with enriching interactive challenges, along with the 5 permanent exhibitions and the film Australia 3D: The Wild Continent shown at the IMAX®TELUS cinema.

Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum, Saint-Constant

This museum on Montreal's South Shore offers permanent, temporary and virtual exhibits to introduce visitors to the fascinating world of railways. Children can climb aboard various train carriages, take a ride on a miniature train, and participate in the numerous thematic activities held throughout the year. Free admission for children 2 years and under.

Smith House (under construction until March 2026), on Mont Royal

Why not round off a wonderful walk on the “mountain” with a visit to Smith House to take in the free exhibition, The Thousand Faces of Mount Royal: Olmsted, the Visionary? Here, you’ll experience an ode to the mountain and the photographers who have immortalized it through their lenses, from the vision of the architect of Mount Royal Park to the shots of celebrated photographer William Notman, with a few of today's Instagram photos thrown in for good measure. There’s no lack of things to do as a family on the mountain, plus plenty of other fun activities designed to awaken your senses and help you get in tune with nature.

Ecomuseum Zoo, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue

The only outdoor zoo on the island of Montréal, here you can observe native Quebec animals in their natural habitat. Wolves, hawks, and other magnificent creatures: keep your eyes peeled! 

GENERAL CULTURE

Les Journées de la culture Montréal– September 26 to 28, 2025
For three days, artists, artisans, and cultural organizations invite you to take part in over 2,000 free activities across Montréal. Browse the online program and create your own personalized schedule of events.

Municipal Librairies

The libraries in Montreal's various boroughs are goldmines for reading, playing and listening to stories as a family. It's a simple (and free!)way to stimulate your children's curiosity. There’s even something for babies, with sensory books made just for them.

Les Maisons de la culture  

Thanks to the Maisons de la culture and their partners, the City of Montréal offers a varied and accessible cultural program throughout the year. Dance, theatre, concerts, visual arts exhibitions, cinema and more: consult the calendar.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are an excellent way to explore with the kids in tow. Haunted Montréal, foodie hotspots, a special "mural" open-air museum, nighttime projections: there's no shortage of choice, and some tours are suitable for all ages and even free for children under 12. Check out our recommendations here.

 

Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans. 

Laure Juilliard

Laure Juilliard

Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.

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