Montreal needs no introduction. It’s Canada’s second-largest city and consistently ranks as one of the most liveable cities in the world for good reason.

There’s no shortage of culture, arts, food, sport, and entertainment. Montreal is a magnet for family vacations, and the hardest part of our visit was narrowing down the endless list of family-friendly attractions and kid-friendly activities.

During our 1-week visit, I explored the city solo with Mia and Caius, soaking in the summer vibes and making the most of fun family things to do in Montreal.

Where to Stay in Montreal with Kids

We spent two nights at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in downtown Montreal, close to shopping, restaurants, and the metro. This classic hotel is famous for John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s 1969 Bed-in for Peace.

The remaining five nights were in a centrally located Airbnb about 10 minutes west of downtown, near the Orange Metro Line.

Getting Around Montreal with Kids

If a family trip to Montreal is on the cards, you can easily navigate by car, metro, or on foot. Parking is expensive, but occasional free street parking exists on Sundays. The metro system is fast, and tickets are CA$6 for a return trip.

Montreal Underground City, locally called RÉSO, connects many buildings to the metro. It’s the largest underground city in the world, useful for navigating in winter or avoiding summer heat. Look for exterior access points, of which there are 120, making Montreal attractions a quick and easy find.

13 Fun Things to Do in Montreal With Kids This Summer

Without further ado, here’s our list of our favourite things to do in Montreal with kids this summer.

1. Redpath Museum – Kid-Friendly Museum in Montreal

This free museum (donation optional) is tucked inside McGill University, right in the heart of Montreal. Spread over three floors, Redpath has a mix of fascinating exhibits, including dinosaurs, world cultures, minerals, and even Egyptian mummies. Two hours wandered through this hidden gem flew by. What amazed me was how many local families had never heard of it before. It’s definitely one of Montreal’s lesser-known kid-friendly attractions. And one of the best free things to do in Montreal.

Location: 859 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal

Price: Free (donations welcome)

 

2. La Ronde Amusement Park – Fun Family Attraction in Montreal

If your kids love the theme parks, La Ronde is a must. It’s the largest amusement park in Quebec, but surprisingly close to Montreal’s centre. Opened as part of Montreal Expo ’67, it now has over 40 rides, including 10 roller coasters. Mia and Caius couldn’t get enough.

Our kids’ favourite ride was Le Splash, a log-style ride with a huge splashdown that soaked riders and anyone standing on the overpass above. Double win.

 

La Ronde operates from mid-May to late October. Tickets in 2025 are around CA$55 for kids under 12 and CA$70 for adults. They offer a Baby Swap service if your little ones are too small for some rides.

Tips for families: You can’t bring outside food except baby food, but lockers are available to store snacks. Parking is CA$20 per day, or take buses 767 and 769 if you want to save money. Bring an extra change of clothes for the Aqua Zone splash pad, although children must wear shirts and shoes, not swimsuits. One of the best family-friendly activities in Montreal.

Location: 22 Chemin Macdonald, Montreal

Price 2025: Adults CA$70, Kids (under 12) CA$55

 

3. Montreal Insectarium & Botanical Garden – Best Summer Activity for Kids

If your kids are fascinated by creepy crawlies, the Montreal Insectarium is one of North America’s largest, showcasing over 250,000 specimens. It’s located inside the Botanical Garden, which spans 75 hectares and has 20 thematic gardens.

Lunch at the Botanical Garden Restaurant is pricey (CA$28 for two mini quiches and a toasted sandwich), so pack a picnic or head back downtown. The Pie-IX metro station is closest to the main entrance, while the Viau station is better for leaving after your visit.

Location: 4581 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal

Price 2025: Adults CA$23, Children (5–17) CA$13, Kids under 5 free

 

4. Montreal Biodome – Indoor Montreal Attraction for Families

The Biodome, once the Olympic velodrome in 1976, now lets you walk through replicas of four ecosystems found in the Americas. Mia and Caius loved the interactive exhibits, touchscreens, and built-in slides. It’s open year-round and indoors, perfect for a hot summer day. Just bring a light jacket as it gets warm inside.

Location: 4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal

Price 2025: Adults CA$24, Youth (13–17) CA$16, Children (5–12) CA$11, Under 5 free

 

5. Montreal Tower & Olympic Stadium – Iconic Montreal Landmark with Kids

This iconic structure, designed by Roger Taillibert for the 1976 Olympics, remains a Montreal landmark. At 165 metres, Montreal Tower is the tallest inclined tower in the world at a 45-degree slope. Don’t worry about climbing stairs. A glass-enclosed funicular carries 76 passengers up the tower in two minutes, offering incredible views of the city.

Location: 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal

Price 2025: Adults CA$28, Children (4–17) CA$18, Under 4 free

6. Montreal Science Centre – Interactive Family-Friendly Attraction

The Science Centre mixes permanent and rotating exhibits, so each visit feels new. Located in Old Montreal, the building is modern and easy to navigate. Caius loved the “Clic!” exhibit, while Mia enjoyed “Fabrik,” which has hands-on invention challenges better suited to kids over eight. Kids under four enter free and can still enjoy interactive areas. Check the latest schedules before visiting, as exhibits sometimes open at different times. A food court nearby makes it easy to grab lunch afterward.

Location: 2 de la Commune St W, Montreal

Price 2025: Adults CA$22, Children (4–12) CA$14, Under 4 free

 

7. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus – Explore Montreal With Kids Easily

Even after years of traveling, I love a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. It’s the easiest way to get an overview of Montreal, its history, and family-friendly attractions. I took the red loop, valid for two days, which allowed us to explore a lot at our own pace.

Favourite stops include Mount Royal, where the kids played around Beaver Lake on sunny days, and St. Joseph Oratory, Canada’s largest church, which was humbling and emotional to visit.

Location: Starts at Dorchester Square, 1000 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montreal

Price 2025: Adults CA$50 (2-day pass), Children (4–12) CA$25, Under 4 free

8. Just For Laughs: Comedy Festival – Summer Family Fun in Montreal

Montreal’s summer festivals are incredible. Just For Laughs, founded in 1983, is the world’s largest international comedy festival, with over 1,600 performances by 1,700 artists. There’s something for everyone, including families. We caught a free concert at Place des Arts and had a blast, though be ready for Montreal’s temperamental summer weather.

Location: Various venues, downtown Montreal

Price 2025: Varies by show; many free outdoor performances, ticketed shows start around CA$25

9. Splash Parks – Free Outdoor Activities for Kids

When the weather heats up, Montreal’s free splash parks are a lifesaver. They keep kids entertained for hours. We visited the one at Parc Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Don’t miss nearby family-friendly attractions in the neighbourhood while you’re there. Summer only, not for Montreal winter.

Location: Example – Parc Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, 5100 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal

Price: Free

10. Bagels at St-Viateur Bagel & Café – Famous Kid-Friendly Food Spot in Montreal

A trip to Montreal isn’t complete without trying a Montreal bagels. The city’s large Jewish community has created a hub for bagel lovers. At St-Viateur, every bagel is hand-rolled, boiled, and baked in a wood-fired oven. Cinnamon & Raisin was a hit with Mia and Caius. Grab some cream cheese to complete the perfect Montreal bagel experience. A yummy thing to do in Montreal.

Location: 263 St Viateur St W, Montreal

Price 2025: Bagels CA$1.50–CA$3 each, Cream cheese CA$3–CA$5

 

11. Ta Pies – Hidden Montreal Gem for Families

This Aussie-style pie shop is tucked away at the north end of Mount Royal, but worth seeking out. The pastry is buttery and flaky, and the filling bursts with flavour. You can even take away frozen pies to enjoy later. Ta Pies has been praised internationally, including by Hugh Jackman, making it a must-visit for families in Montreal.

Location: 1482 Avenue du Mont-Royal E, Montreal

Price 2025: Pies CA$6–CA$12 each, Takeaway frozen pies CA$10–CA$20

 

12. AURA at Notre‑Dame Basilica of Montréal – Immersive Visual Art Experience

This multimedia show projects stunning visual and musical journeys across the facade of the Basilica. It’s perfect for kids and parents alike – immersive, colourful, and a bit magical.

Location: 110 Notre‑Dame St W, Montréal

Price 2025: Adults CA$25, Children under 12 CA$15

13. Les Trois Monkeys Entertainment Centre – Indoor Family Fun

A large newish indoor playground/entertainment hub featuring laser tag, bowling, mini‑putt, VR games, and an arcade area. Ideal for when you need some air‑conditioned family fun or if you’re visiting Montreal in winter.

Location: 1455 Peel St, Montréal

Price 2025: Entry CA$18–CA$25 per child for basic access; add-ons for VR or laser tag extra

Explore With Erin Wrap Up: Things to do in Montreal with kids

I worried about the language barrier in Montreal, but everyone we met could communicate in English, and most signage is bilingual.

Montreal in summer is an incredible family destination, with so many attractions in Montreal that are perfect for kids. From fascinating museums to fun splash parks and delicious bagels, there’s truly something for every family. We could have easily spent weeks finding family things to do in Montreal, and I’m already planning a return trip to revisit our favourites and uncover even more hidden gems, starting with one of those amazing meat pies. Hopefully, next time, I can experience things to do in Montreal in winter and see how magical the city is in the snow.