Fall 2024: Montréal cultural guide for families
Spring Culture, arts and heritage The city
Back-to-school is always an excellent time to reconnect with your kids and get them plugged into Montréal culture. Here’s the scoop on cultural activities created for kids 0-17 happening this autumn.
FESTIVALS
MAPP_MTL – September 24 to 28, 2024
Take a deep dive into digital creativity with a fest that uses video projections to transform public spaces. On the program for this 9th edition: projection mapping, electronic music, performances, creative and screen printing workshops as well as food stands for young and old. A great Montréal family experience.
Kids POP – September 29, 2024, Marché des Possibles on De Gaspé
As part of the POP Montréal Festival program, this new edition of Kids POP offers a series of activities that lets kids explore the flora and fauna of the Champ des Possibles, in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation. Don’t miss the free Patrick Watson concert, also on the program for all those music lovers and dreamers!
Jardins de lumière – du 30 août au 31 octobre 2024, Jardin botanique
Pour une 12e édition, cet événement phare de l’automne montréalais permet d’admirer les trois jardins culturels du Jardin botanique sous un angle onirique. Cette année, l’équipe a totalement repensé la mise en lumière du Jardin japonais et propose une version multimédia féérique pour La légende des amants papillons, au Jardin de Chine. Prenez-en plein la vue en famille!
Les P'tits Loups - October 8, 2024, Maison Théâtre
As part of the Festival du nouveau cinéma, take part in a full day of cinema and activities for the whole family. For children aged 3 and over.
Bach Incognito - November 16, 2024, Église Saint-Andrew and Saint-Paul
As part of the Festival Bach de Montréal, enjoy a family afternoon of discovery around the music of Bach and Corelli. For children aged 8 and up.
THEATRE, CINEMA AND SHOWS
Maison Théâtre, Quartier des spectacles
Introduce your kids to theatre at this iconic venue, which has been part of the cityscape since 1984. The Maison Théâtre is putting on over a dozen shows for kids from 1 to 17. Here’s a peek at the fall 2024 program for the following ages (in French):
2 to 6 year olds: SCOOOOOTCH! (October 4 to 20, 2024)
6 to 10 year olds: La floraison des souvenirs (October 23 to November 3, 2024)
11 to 14 year olds: Rose (November 6 to 17, 2024)
7 to 12 year olds: Joséphine et les grandes personnes (November 21 to December 1, 2024)
6 to 12 year olds: Quand tu me regardes (December 3 to 8, 2024)
4 to 10 year olds: LÀ-BAS (December 11, 2024 to January 5, 2025)
Place des Arts Junior Shows, Quartier des spectacles
Circus, theatre, danse, music and puppets: the whole family can enjoy a series of cultural shows that tap into your emotions as well as your sense of fun and discovery. Start your day off with muffins and croissants before being immersed in the fascinating world of the sweet shows featured on the Sons et brioches series. Here’s this fall’s program for kids:
3 to 8 year olds: Cirk'Alors! (September 22, 2024)
6 to 12 year olds: Le bal de l'Halloween (October 27, 2024)
2 to 8 year olds: Kattam et ses Tam-Tams (November 10, 2024)
7 to 12 year olds: Lionel et Mary (November 17, 2024)
Teens will love the regular programming at Place des Arts, which offers an array of choices (like Back to the Future in concert!) to spark their interest in culture. Choose a show and set aside some special time to bond together.
Théâtre Outremont, youth programming, Outremont
Treat your tots and teens to an exclusive foray into arts and culture thanks to a youth program chock full of affordable choices. Bonus: your third child gets in for free! Here’s a look at the fall 2024 programming (in French):
12 and over: Survie du vivant (September 22, 2024)
5 and over: La nuit du caribou (October 6, 2024)
4 and over: Les Âneries (November 3, 2024)
6 and over: Clémentine – Une histoire (vraie) (November 17, 2024)
6 and over: Glob (November 29, 2024)
7 and over: Les Illusionnistes (December 27 and 28, 2024)
TOHU, Saint-Michel
A creative hub for innovative and boundary-pushing contemporary circus arts, TOHU offers the best circus performances from here and around the world. What to see this fall:
7 and over: Duel Reality (October 16 to November 3, 2024)
Maison symphonique, downtown
6-12 years old: Fantastic creatures (October 27, 2024)
5-12 years old: Le Petit Prince symphonique (November 17, 2024)
L’Illusion Théâtre de marionnettes, Little Italy
This recently-renovated creative hub for the marionette arts features many shows at its home in Petite-Patrie. What’s on this fall:
7 and over: Lueurs (October 16 to 27, 2024)
3 to 8 years old: Archipel (November 5 to 17, 2024)
3 to 6 years old : Pain d’épice (November 26 to December 15, 2024)
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert - November 30, 2024, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Bring the whole family to see Tim Burton's stop-motion masterpiece, whose music composed by the legendary Danny Elfman is here magnificently performed by L'Orchestre FILMharmonique.
MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS
Musée d’art contemporain, Downtown
En famille at the MAC exhibitions and activities are designed for children 6 and over and teenagers. Passionate art mediators are on hand to welcome and guide you and your family as you admire original works and open your minds to avant-garde creation. Free for under 18.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , Downtown
In the heart of downtown’s historic Golden Square Mile, the MMFA hosts top international exhibitions, and offers workshops for all ages on Saturdays and Sundays. Bring your family to enjoy an art experience on the major exhibition on now or the museum collections. Free for 0 to 25 years old.
Now on: Saints, Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools – Three Hundred Years of Flemish Masterworks (Until October 20, 2024).
The PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art
Located in two heritage buildings in Old Montréal, the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art is presenting a number of free exhibitions this autumn. It's a great way to introduce young people to contemporary art, with workshops and guided educational tours given by PHI Foundation educators, in French and English.
World Press Photo Montréal Exhibition – Until October 14, 2024, Marché Bonsecours
Bring your teens to the 17th edition of this prestigious exhibition showcasing photos of the 2024 competition winners, selected from tens of thousands of images submitted to the jury by photographers from around the world. Free for kids 10 and under.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
OASIS immersion, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Immerse yourself in the magical world of OASIS immersion! Three immersive galleries and two illuminated experiences fill this 2,000-m2 multimedia space with dazzling effects to delight all ages. This fall, travel to the cultural heart of China and Japan with Dreaming Asia or commune with nature during Root for Nature, a sensorial experience created in collaboration with National Geographic to highlight conservation and sustainable development issues. Encore exhibition: immerse yourself in the beautiful and luminous world of VAN GOGH – Distorsion, through over 225 paintings, drawings and sketches. Free for children 5 and under.
Museum of Illusion, Old Montréal
An edu-tainment destination for all ages, the Museum of Illusion offers over 70 visual animations, exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions and immersive rooms designed to awaken the senses and play tricks on the mind. Free for children 4 years and under.
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.
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. Don't miss a family discovery day on October 20, 2024, when kiosks will be set up to introduce you to frame-by-frame animation, 3D modeling and audio production. The Satosphère will also be open for a unique immersive audiovisual experience. For children aged 6 to 17.
![Society for Arts and Technology [SAT] – MTL connect](https://api.mtl.org/files/default/styles/square_330_330/public/2024-08/54467.jpg.webp?itok=sxujuea_)
HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS
Musée McCord Stewart, Downtown
Explore the history of Montréal in all its diversity through museum exhibitions, many of which are interactive. Numerous workshops and guided tours for the whole family are organised in tandem. Don’t miss the permanent exhibition Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience, which explores the knowledge and history of Indigenous peoples, as well as the temporary exhibitions: Portraits and Fashion – Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders (until September 29, 2024); To All the Unnamed Women (September 13, 2024 to January 12, 2025), Manasie Akpaliapik. Inuit Universe (October 4, 2024 to March 9, 2025) and Costume Balls – Dressing Up History, 1870-1927 (November 14, 2024 to August 17, 2025). Free admission 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
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. Still on display: The Heart and Soul of Saint Henri exhibition (until May 11, 2025). Free for children aged 4 years 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 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.
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. The temporary exhibition two five zero, 1 chapel - 15 artists (until March 13, 2025) highlights the 250th anniversary of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel with 14 artists paying tribute with original works. You could become the 15th artist by entering your own artistic interpretation of the chapel. Free for children 12 and under.
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.
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
The Montréal Science Centre offers budding scientists fun and enriching exhibitions for all age groups. This fall, take your family to see the fun permanent and temporary exhibitions for all ages. Check out the interactive exhibition Banquet(until March 16, 2025) and The Techno Garden (until September 29, 2024), located outdoors at the end of the King Edward Quay.
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.
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
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.
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.
MORE IDEAS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Family-friendly hotels in Montréal;
Great places to eat with kids in Montréal
Experience Montréal as a family and save on all your activities
Indoor activities for kids in Montréal;
Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
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.