Family Travel/Montreal

Montreal Kids Travel Guide

Discover the City of Festivals. Plan a perfect kid-friendly family adventure with local tips and curated day-by-day itineraries.

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Best Time

June to September

⚠️

Avoid

January and February

✈️

Arrival

Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

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Transport

STM Metro (kids under 6 free) and 747 bus; stroller-friendly buses

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Rating

9.5 / 10

ASK A LOCAL

Travel Insights

Select Date:
Expected Weather (October)
5°C to 14°C
Cool
Expected Crowds (October)
Medium
Expect some company at spots. 👥

Choose Your Duration

Pick how long you plan to stay in Montreal using the selector below.👇

Aesthetic Summary

Perfect for Families with kids 3-12 wanting history, splash pads, and easy stroller walks

DAY 1

Old Montreal Discovery Day

🗺️ Today's Route
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Explore the Gothic Revival basilica at 110 Notre-Dame St W. Kids love the 7000-pipe organ and the blue starry ceiling. Self-guided visit with a family activity booklet available at the entrance.

Kid-proof

Stroller accessible via side ramp; kids under 6 free. Quiet voices inside; the light show 'Aura' is optional but may be intense for toddlers.

Pro Tip

Arrive by 9 AM to beat tour buses. Buy tickets online ($16 adult, $10 child) to skip the line. Restrooms are in the adjacent building.

Open 8 AM-4:30 PM Mon-Fri, 8 AM-4 PM Sat-Sun. Address: 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 1T1.
🎒 Pack for this:
Sweater for cool interiorCameraSmall snacksWet wipes
Place Jacques-Cartier & Montreal City Hall
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Walk the lively square at 407 Place Jacques-Cartier. Street performers, caricature artists, and a gentle slope down to the waterfront. Kids can run in the open plaza.

Kid-proof

Watch for horse-drawn calèche rides (seasonal). The slope is stroller-friendly. Public toilets at the nearby Marché Bonsecours.

Pro Tip

Grab a maple taffy stick from a vendor for $3. Keep kids close in crowds. Free water refill station near City Hall.

Free. Best photo spot: the Nelson Column at the top of the square.
🎒 Pack for this:
SunscreenHatReusable water bottleSmall change for performers
Lunch at Marché Bonsecours Food Hall
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Indoor food hall at 350 Notre-Dame St E with crepes, poutine, and sandwiches. Family-friendly seating and clean restrooms.

Kid-proof

Kid-sized crepes and poutine available. High chairs on request. Quiet enough for naps.

Pro Tip

Try the maple crepe at Crêperie du Marché. Avoid the outdoor terrace if it's windy.

Open daily 10 AM-6 PM. Average meal $12-18.
🎒 Pack for this:
Bib for toddlersHand sanitizer
La Grande Roue de Montréal (Ferris Wheel)
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Canada's tallest observation wheel at 362 de la Commune St E. 60-meter ride with glass cabins and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Montreal.

Kid-proof

Cabins are enclosed and safe for all ages. Kids under 3 ride free. Motion is slow and gentle.

Pro Tip

Buy combo tickets online ($25 adult, $20 child) to save 15%. Best views at sunset but lines are shorter at 1 PM.

Open 10 AM-11 PM daily (seasonal hours). Address: 362 de la Commune St E, Montreal, QC H2Y 0B1.
🎒 Pack for this:
SunglassesCameraLight jacket for wind
Clock Tower Beach (Plage de l'Horloge)
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Urban beach at Quai de l'Horloge with imported sand, Adirondack chairs, and shallow water play area. Free entry.

Kid-proof

Shallow water is perfect for toddlers. Lifeguards on duty in summer. Sand toys available for rent.

Pro Tip

Bring a change of clothes. Outdoor showers available. No swimming in the river itself.

Open June to September, 11 AM-7 PM. Free. Address: 333 Rue de la Commune E.
🎒 Pack for this:
Swim diapersTowelSand toysChange of clothesSunscreen
Pointe-à-Callière Museum Kid's Area
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

At 350 Place Royale, this archaeology museum has a dedicated 'Kids' Zone' with interactive dig pits and a pirate ship play area.

Kid-proof

Hands-on exhibits designed for ages 3-12. Stroller parking available. Family restrooms.

Pro Tip

Last entry 4:30 PM. Family rate $45 (2 adults + 2 kids). The underground ruins are cool and dark—bring a light sweater.

Open 10 AM-5 PM Tue-Sun. Address: 350 Place Royale, Montreal, QC H2Y 3Y5.
🎒 Pack for this:
SweaterComfortable shoes
Dinner at Les Délices de l'Île
5:15 PM - 6:30 PM

Family-run restaurant at 400 Notre-Dame St E serving Quebecois comfort food: meat pies, poutine, and maple-glazed salmon.

Kid-proof

Kids' menu with small portions. High chairs and coloring sheets provided. Quiet before 6 PM.

Pro Tip

Reserve a table by the window for street views. Try the sugar pie for dessert.

Open 11 AM-9 PM. Average $20 per adult, $12 per child.
🎒 Pack for this:
Wet wipesSmall toys for waiting
Old Port Stroll & Fireworks (seasonal)
6:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Walk along the Quai des Convoyeurs. On summer Saturdays, catch the Loto-Québec International Fireworks at 10 PM from the Clock Tower pier.

Kid-proof

Wide boardwalk is stroller-friendly. Ear protection recommended for fireworks.

Pro Tip

Grab a bench early. Bring a blanket for kids to sit on. Ice cream stands open until 9 PM.

Free. Fireworks run late June to August on Saturdays.
🎒 Pack for this:
Ear muffsBlanketFlashlight

💡 Daily Pro Tips

  • •Buy a 1-day STM family pass for unlimited metro/bus.
  • •Old Montreal streets are cobblestone—use a stroller with large wheels.
  • •Most attractions are within a 15-minute walk; plan for nap time around 1 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions about Montreal

What is the best time to visit Montreal with kids?▼

The best time to visit Montreal with children is June to September. Avoid travelling during January and February.

How do I get around Montreal with children?▼

In Montreal, families typically use STM Metro (kids under 6 free) and 747 bus; stroller-friendly buses. Always confirm child-seat availability in advance.

What airport serves Montreal?▼

Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

What languages are spoken in Montreal?▼

The primary languages in Montreal are French, English. English is generally understood in tourist areas.

Is Montreal safe for family travel?▼

Montreal is generally safe for families. KidsVentura itineraries are designed with child safety in mind — we recommend kid-friendly attractions, restaurants with high chairs, and comfortable transit routes.

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