Fall 2025: family fun in Montréal
Autumn The city
Rediscover everything the city has to offer with our top picks for family fun. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to show kids everything that’s great about Montréal and spark their minds and imaginations.
Old Montréal and the Old Port
The gigantic, graceful Grande Roue de Montréal is a definite must-see Not only will kids enjoy spectacular views, but they can try naming the city’s different monuments when they reach the top.
Thrill seekers big and small can unleash their inner superhero when they go flying down the MTL Zipline or play pirate as they weave their way through ropes and platforms connecting the two majestic ships of Voiles en Voiles family aerial obstacle course. Budding young detectives will relish the chance to crack the case SOS Labyrinthe. Step right up for a round at Mini Putt Montréal, where the playful courses on the Quai des Convoyeurs are just a stone’s throw from Montréal Bungee (for the big kids at heart).
In nice weather, boat tours and quadricycle rentals are excellent ways to experience Montréal in a whole new way. Climb aboard with the whole family for a ghostly treasure hunt hosted by Navark, where little adventurers aged 3 to 10 can join Captain Bracco’s crew for a thrilling expedition on the St. Lawrence River. Back on dry land, slip on a VR headset and dive into Life Chronicles at the King Edward Pier, a fascinating journey through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and living creatures (for kids 8 and up, running until October 13, 2025). As you can see, with this many activities, the Old Port keeps everyone entertained!
Looking for some exhibitions? The Château Ramezay, a historic site and museum in Old Montréal, presents Life at the Château: Splendour and misery in New France, which takes visitors time travelling back to life in Montréal during the 18th century. Budding swashbucklers 5 years and older will love the Come aboard! Pirates or Privateers? exhibition at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, swordfights (of the foam variety) and adventure guaranteed. Back on dry land, slip on a VR headset and dive into Life Chronicles at the King Edward Pier, a fascinating journey through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and living creatures (for kids 8 and up, running until October 13, 2025). Young scientists will love the Montréal Science Centre offering fun, enriching permanent and temporary exhibitions for kids of all ages. Little history and archaeology buffs, will love the Marguerite Bourgeoys historic site, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River: an outstanding heritage site that offers sweeping vistas from its tower. And to top it off, don’t miss a back-to-school cultural classic: the 18th edition of World Press Photo Montréal, on now at Marché Bonsecours until October 13, 2025—a must-see with your teens.
Downtown and the Quartier des spectacles
Downtown shopping malls are teeming with treasures for your back-to-school bounty. Young fashionistas will love looking for a new outfit, school supplies or a brand-new backpack along Sainte-Catherine Street, in Place Ville-Marie or at the Complexe Desjardins, Centre Eaton, Place Montréal Trust, Cours Mont-Royal and Alexis Nihon.
Downtown and the Quartier des spectacles have been transformed into a giant playground for the whole family—check out all the exciting activities to discover here.
On the stage, La Maison Théâtre, young Montréal theatregoers’ place of predilection features magical programming of close to 15 shows for one-and-a-half-year-olds and older. After the show, head over to L’Esplanade Tranquille, a lively public square where you can kick back, take in artistic activities, catch free performances and shows, and of course, grab a bite. Check out the program now.
Place des Arts Junior also has over twenty shows each year designed for children aged 3 to 12 including "Sons et brioches" mornings where muffins, croissants, juices and coffees are served in the entrance hall when the theatre opens, 45 minutes before the start of the performance.
At the Museum of Fine Arts on Saturdays and Sundays, all visitors with a general admission ticket can join in various creative family workshops in line with current exhibitions. At the Musée d’art contemporain, the MAC en famille activities serve up inspiring workshops on October 4, November 1, and December 6, 2025. And every weekend, the McCord Stewart Museum keeps the fun rolling with a wide range of workshops and guided tours for the whole family.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
The giant Espace pour la vie museum complex will wow kids both young and young at heart. The Biodôme invites children to observe lynxes, monkeys, exotic birds and a raft of penguins in their brand-new homes. At the recently renovated Insectarium, children will have the opportunity to discover thousands of naturalized or living insects. Bring your older kids to immerse yourselves in the ultra-high-definition experience at the Planetarium. Grab you picnic basket and set out for a stroll among the gorgeous colours of the immense Botanical Garden. Fall evenings glow at the Gardens of Light, a showcase of light and sound in the site’s three cultural gardens. A not-to-be-missed, signature Montréal fall event!
Then head to the grounds of the Parc olympique where children can have fun in the bouncy castles and playground of Îlots76. Right next door is Parc Maisonneuve’s 63 hectares of greenspace: an ideal spot to commune with nature and have some fun with the whole family.
From the Plateau to Villeray to Rosemont
A definite must-see is Mont Royal, our giant green lung of the city, is perfect for hanging out, walking, biking or jogging. Keep up to date on activities for children here. And gorgeous fall walks at Parc Jarry, Parc Laurier or Parc La Fontaine are best enjoyed with coffee, hot chocolate and churros.
Get a fresh new look at the lively Plateau Mont-Royal with Les Fouines du Plateau, an outdoor activity that links nine can’t-miss neighbourhood attractions between Saint-Denis Street and Coloniale Street. Indulge in public art, architecture, gourmet and educational stop-offs as you roam the Plateau’s pretty streets and back alleys at your own leisure. There’s lots for kids to discover along Mont-Royal Avenue and on Saint-Denis Street, where hands-on fun awaits at Café La Chouette, a cake and cookie shop that offers cookie decorating workshops.
Pop Montréal International Music Festival is back from September 24 to 28 featuring a vibrant, independent mix of music and arts to enjoy with your older teens.
A little further north in Little Italy, head over to Jean-Talon Market, then roll up your sleeves for a special kid/parent pottery workshop or a Halloween-themed ceramic workshop for children at the charming Les Faiseurs café. A little further east, in Petite-Patrie, step into Café des Habitudes, an environmentally-friendly and vegetarian café designed for today’s family. On stage, the Illusion Théâtre de marionettes puppet theatre offers a sublimely poetic programme for the entire family and TOHU will wow young and old alike with its high-flying circus artistry. You can also stroll through the huge Parc Frédéric-Back, an ambitious environmental rehabilitation project in Montréal with a truly unique atmosphere.
Outremont and Westmount
In Outremont, the Casteliers theatre company, which is dedicated to marionette arts, showcases highlight productions from here and around the world. The Théâtre Outremont also offers a great youth program this fall. Over in Westmount, Geordie Theatre offers theatre classes for kids.
Quartiers du Canal and Pôle des Rapides
In family-friendly Verdun, enjoy a vegetarian break at Café Chato, surrounded by cats and kittens. The kids will love it! Next, go for a stroll Promenade Wellington,) which is dotted with great restaurants, and have a seat at one, like the popular Janine Café.
You’ve still got time to rent a pedal boat or a small electric boat and go on a mini cruise with the whole family along the Lachine Canal. Be sure to stop at the Atwater Market, then head out for a delicious brunch along Notre-Dame Street West: Foiegwa, Barley – cereal bar, Arthurs, Maman Montréal or Spanel Crêpes & Gourmets.
Parc Jean-Drapeau and La Ronde
With easy métro access and just minutes from downtown, Parc Jean-Drapeau offers a variety of activities in a picturesque setting. Go on a discovery ride aboard an electric vehicle as you learn about the park’s history and islands, get an eyeful of public art that showcases talented local and international artists, or go hiking or biking for a full day of fun. Also visit La Biosphère to take in a breathtaking panoramic view from the top floor. An amusement park paradise for kids, La Ronde is finally welcoming back thrill-seeking families.
All over Montréal
The launch of the cultural season is the perfect time to introduce your toddlers, teenagers and every age in-between to culture. Explore an array of cultural activities to discover, specially designed for 0-17 year olds. Don’t miss Les Journées de la culture Montréal, running from September 26 to 28, 2025, when artists, artisans, and cultural players invite you to take part in more than 2,000 free activities happening all across the city.
Guided tours are a great excuse to explore with your children. Haunted Montréal, bike rides, culinary tours, special open-air mural museums, video and light projections at dark: there is so much to choose from and some tours are adapted to all ages and are even free for children under 12.
No matter the weather, Montréal offers a host of indoor activities, be they physical, playful, educational or cultural. Of course, there is still time to enjoy the best seasonal outdoor spaces that the city offers for picnicking, strolling, shopping or gardening.
What to do on a chilly day? Swap ice cream for delicious hot chocolate. The 13th edition of MTLàTABLE will be held from October 30 to November 16 to explore Montréal's culinary scene with your family. You can also check out our guide to family-friendly restaurants and our selection of the best bakeries and pastry shops to fill up on delicacies!
A little farther out
For a green getaway just a few kilometres from the city centre, the Îles de Boucherville National Park is lush oasis that offers walking trails, fishing, water activities and campgrounds. With its miles and miles of walking trails and ecological farm, the Parc-nature du Cap–Saint-Jacques is also worth the detour. You can also see the fauna of Québec in a natural setting at the Ecomuseum Zoo, about 30 minutes from downtown.
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.