THEATRE, CIRCUS ARTS AND SHOWS 

Maison Théâtre, Quartier des spectacles

Entertaining young audiences since 1984, this iconic venue offers an ideal way to introduce your children to the world of theatre. La Maison Théâtre has 15 shows lined up to entertain young theatre-goerss aged 1 to 17 years. Here's what’s in store for spring 2024:

4 to 8 years: Cadeau: ce qui me reste de toi  (March 26 to April 7, 2024) French only 
8 to 12 years: Jardins d’enfances (April 17 to 21, 2024) French only
18 to 14 years: Norman c’est comme normal, à une lettre près (May 1 to 12, 2024) French only
6 to 12 years: Battements de rêves (May 15 to 26, 2024) French only
2 to 6 years: Racines (June 5 to 16, 2024) French only

Place des Arts junior, Quartier des spectacles

Circus, theatre, dance, music and puppetry: a series of cultural events combining fun, emotion and discovery for the entire family! Sons et brioches mornings also offer the chance to share muffins and croissants before plunging into the fascinating world of a great show. Here's the what’s in store this spring:

3 to 7 years: Good Night! (March 24, 2024)
5 to 9 years: Biscuits, tempêtes et mélodies (April 14, 2024) French only  

Your older teens, meanwhile, will appreciate the regular programming at Place des Arts, which offers a wide array of choices to pique their cultural curiosity. Concerts, comedy shows, live music or dance: choose a show and discover something new together!  

Théâtre Outremont, shows for young audiences, Outremont

Treat your children and teens to a privileged foray into arts and culture, with a wide range of shows for young audiences at low prices. And the 3rd child is free! Check out what they have planned for spring 2024:5 to 11 years: Dessine-moi une bouche (March 24, 2024) French only 
4 years+: Circus Opus (April 7, 2024) French only 
4 to 8 years: Sonia et Alfred (May 5, 2024) French only

La Tohu, Saint-Michel

Be entertained and amazed! This venue is dedicated to the performance, experimentation and creation of modern circus arts and welcomes the best circus performers from here and abroad. Children of all ages will love it! This spring, check out: 
For teenagers: SLAM! (until April 7, 2024)
6 years+: Esquive (April 24 to 28, 2024)

L’illusion Théâtre de marionnettes, Little Italy

This newly renovated creative puppet theatre can be found in the Petite-Patrie district. On the bill this spring (in French only):

8 to 12 years: La floraison des souvenirs (April 3 to 6, 2024) 
3 to 6 years: Odin (April 16 to 28, 2024) 
3 to 6 years: Jacques et le haricot magique (May 21 to June 2, 2024) 

FESTIVALS

Parent and Kids Fair – April 4 to 6, 2024, Palais des congrès de Montréal

Aimed at parents with children aged 0-6, it's the place to go for information on education, daycare, leisure and family activities. You'll also find a wide range of conferences, children's shows, fashion shows and other kid-friendly activities.

Courts d’un soir Festival – April 4 to 11, 2024 

Don’t miss this series of screenings dedicated to children as part of a new program called Les Courts sur Pattes, at the Bistro Unis TV on the Esplanade Tranquille, on April 7, 2024. It’s a great way to introduce youngsters aged 8 to 10 to the arts and cinema.

 TD- Blue Metropolis Children’s Festival – April 20 to 29, 2024

The family program of the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival enables young people and their families to discover the wonderful diversity of children's literature, while enjoying a host of activities, events and exhibitions in numerous venues across Montréal.

Festival Petits bonheurs – May 3 to 12, 2024, Maison de la culture Maisonneuve

This event, specially designed for toddlers aged 0-6 and their families, features shows, workshops, short films and exhibitions to help children develop their creativity.

Festilou – May 16 to 26, 2024 

The 15th edition of this children's storytelling festival brings the whole family together for 75 activities at Théâtre de l'Esquisse, more than 20 Montréal libraries, four parks, Le Jockey bar, La Cenne and much more. For children aged 4 and over, their families and teachers.

Eurêka! Festival – May 24 to 26, 2024, Biosphère, Musée de l'Environnement

Eureka!, Québec's biggest science festival offers three days of scientific discovery  at the foot of the Biosphère. On the program: over 100 free outdoor activities for the whole family, including some 50 hands-on science-related activities and workshops.

Festival sur le Canal – June 14 to 16, 2024, Esplanade du centenaire

The corner of Saint-Patrick and Pitt streets comes alive with music and open-air activities, with concerts by local artists and gourmet food stands for this annual showcase of local talent. Family-friendly and free, enjoy a weekend of fresh air and fun along the Lachine Canal.

MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS 

Musée d’art contemporain, Downtown

En famille at the MAC exhibitions and activities are designed for children aged 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. This spring, workshops on Saturday May 4, June 1, July 6 and August 3, 2024, as well as on Friday July 5 and August 2, 2024  will focus on the exhibition, femmes volcans forêts torrents where children can experiment with creative strategies for using recycled materials and express their environmental concerns through their creations. Free for under 18.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts , Downtown

The MMFA hosts top international exhibitions and offers workshops for the entire family on Saturdays and Sundays in the heart of downtown's historic Golden Square Mile. Everyone can tap into their inner artist inspired by the current exhibition on view or the Museum's permanent collections. Bonus: admission is free for 20 years and under. Now on display: Georgia O’Keeffe et Henry Moore: Giants of Modern Art (February 10 to June 2, 2024), Wanda Koop – Who owns the moon (April 11 to August 4, 2024), 東海道 Tōkaidō – Dreamscapes by Andō Hiroshige (April 27 to September 8, 2024), Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools – Three Hundred Years of Flemish Masterworks (June 8 to October 27, 2024), The Pop of Life! (until July 2024) and Pixels, Petit Point and Monument (a work that illuminates the facade of the Michal and Renata Hornstein pavilion every evening, from sunset until 11 p.m., until March 31, 2024).

The Little Prince - from May 1st, 2024, Place Bonaventure

Immerse yourself in the poetic and philosophical world of The Little Prince with this exhibition featuring sculptures, moving images, replica airplanes, film projections, audiovisual montages and testimonials from the author, his family and friends. Free for children aged 4 and under.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

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.

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 Spring, travel to the cultural heart of China and Japan with Dreaming Asia or soak yourself in nature with Root for Nature, a sensorial experience created in collaboration with National Geographic to highlight conservation and sustainable development issues. Free for children 5 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.

Arsenal Contemporary Art, Quartiers du canal

This 80,000 sq. ft. private contemporary art centre is in a former 19^th-century shipyard on the Lachine Canal in Griffintown. Now playing:  Immersive Disney Animation (until May 5, 2024), a monumental and innovative experience that plunges you into the heart of Walt Disney Animation Studios' greatest films, from their very first features to today's hits. It's a great way to rediscover the iconic scenes from The Lion King, Frozen, The Little Mermaid and many others. Free for children 2 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. This spring, discover Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon (until May 4, 2024), a mesmerizing show that juxtaposes striking images of space with the musical score of Pink Floyd's legendary album.

The Horizon of Khufu – February 16 to April 28, 2024, Old Port of Montréal, 2, de la Commune Street West 

Immerse yourself in the mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza and experience the funerary rites of King Khufu as you embark on a virtual reality expedition to discover ancient Egypt. Ages 8 and up.

HISTORICAL EXHIBITIONS 

Musée McCord Stewart, Downtown

Here, you can explore the history of Montréal in all its diversity through exhibitions that often take an interactive approach. Numerous workshops and guided tours for the whole family are organised in parallel every weekend. 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 Norman Parkinson: Always in Style (until April 21, 2024), Becoming Montréal (until April 21, 2024), and Portraits and Fashion : Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders (May 31 to September 29, 2024).Free admission for children aged 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 aged 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. Finally, until May 11, 2025, , the exhibition, The Heart and Soul of Saint Henri , which highlights the fascinating living history of this unique neighbourhood. 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 exhibitions Detours – Urban Experiences (produced in collaboration with Urbania (until December 2025), in addition to the MEM's public spaces. Free admission for children aged 12 and under, and special rates for teenagers aged 13 to 17.

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

The permanent exhibition La vie de Château : grandeurs et misères en Nouvelle-France offers an immersion into 18^th-century Montréal that's sure to intrigue children of all ages. Free admission for children aged 4 years 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 colony. Free for children aged 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 17^th and 20^th centuries. Guided tour available for ages 6 years and up.

SCIENCE ET NATURE

Space For Life, Olympic District

The largest museum complex in Canada devoted to the natural sciences, Space For Life 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 winter, discover with your family the origins of biomimicry, or how plants and animals have inspired technologies to make transport more efficient and eco-responsible (until March 23, 2024). Your tickets also give you access to the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition (until March 23, 2024) and  four permanent exhibitions.

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, 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, with a Youth Cross-Country Ski Program showing youngsters the basics to get out on the trails, 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 

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.