Fall 2026: family fun in Montréal
Leisure activities Museums Downtown Les Quartiers du Canal Little Italy and Villeray Mount Royal, Outremont and Westmount Old Montreal and Old Port Olympic District and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End Pôle des Rapides - Verdun Autumn
Come fall, Montréal pulls out all the stops when it comes to family activities across the island. From cultural outings and outdoor adventures to playful experiences and delicious foodie finds, rediscover the city through the eyes of little ones and teens alike.
Family-friendly activities in Old Montréal and the Old Port
From waterfront attractions and thrills for adventure seekers to kid-friendly museums, Old Montréal and the Old Port make it easy to combine discovery, play and culture.
For thrill seekers
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-Golf 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), then buckle up for some fun in Kaboom Montréal inflatable bumper cars
Experience the St-Lawrence River
If the weather is fine 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 The Black Mirror Experience™at the King Edward Pier, an immersive adventure that blends the physical world with virtual reality (for kids 12 and up, running until October 22, 2026).
Visit museums with kids
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. 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 19th edition of World Press Photo Montréal, on now at Marché Bonsecours until October 12, 2026—a must-see with your teens.
Family-friendly activities downtown and in the Quartier des spectacles
Downtown Montréal and the Quartier des Spectacles offer plenty of family-friendly things to do this fall, from cultural outings and shows for young audiences to creative workshops, free activities and a little – or a lot of - shopping.
Get ready for back-to-school in downtown Montréal
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.
Take in a family show in the Quartier des spectacles
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.
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.
Free activities at the Esplanade Tranquille
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. From September 5 to October 25, 2026, teens will love disco roller skating (on site rentals available) with Tranquille à roulettes. Check out the program now.
Kid-friendly museums downtown
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. And every weekend, the McCord Stewart Museum keeps the fun rolling with a wide range of workshops and tours for the entire family. Finally, even if the Musée d’art contemporain is closed for renovation (opening planned for 2028), the En famille at the MAC workshop program will offer activities during the Journées de la culture event on September 26, 2026.Things to do with kids in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve this fall
Family-friendly activities in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve this fall
With animals, insects, science, vibrant gardens and outdoor activities to explore, this east-end Montréal neighbourhood makes it easy to spend a full day with kids of all ages.
Explore Espace pour la vie as a family
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.
Admire fall colours at the Botanical Garden
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!
Discover the Parc Olympique with your kids
Be sure to stop by the Olympic Park Esplanade and the Îlots76 play and relaxation area, where street food, ice cream, specialty coffee and local beer (for the parents) await until October 12, 2026.
Enjoy the fresh air of Parc Maisonneuve
Right next door is Parc Maisonneuve’s 63 hectares of greenspace: an ideal spot to commune with nature, enjoy a picnic and have some fun with the whole family.
Family fun in the Plateau, Villeray and Rosemont
Stroll through parks ablaze with fall colour, enjoy creative activities and live performances, try your hand at foodie workshops and dive into cultural discoveries: just follow the guide!
Revel in fall colour in Montréal parks
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 be sure not to miss The Mountain’s Best-Kept Secrets, a guided nature hike designed for families. And, of course, gorgeous fall walks at Parc Jarry, Parc Laurier or Parc La Fontaine are best enjoyed with coffee, hot chocolate and churros.
Explore Plateau Mont-Royal with children
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.
Over on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Savonnerie M’Nonga hosts guided creative workshops for all ages, where participants learn the basics of artisanal soap-making and get to craft their own soap.
Going out with teens in the Plateau
In the fall, the Pop Montréal International Music Festival returns to Plateau Mont-Royal from September 23 to 27 featuring a vibrant, independent mix of music and arts to enjoy with your older teens.
Family-friendly activities in Little Italy and Petite Patrie
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, a café designed for today’s family.
Attend a play, a circus performance or enjoy the outdoors
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.
Things to do as a family in Outremont and Westmount
In Outremont, the Casteliers theatre company, which is dedicated to marionette arts, showcases highlight productions from here and abroad. The Théâtre Outremont also offers a great youth program this fall. Over in Westmount, Geordie Theatre offers theatre classes for kids.
Things to do with kids in the Quartiers du Canal and Pôle des Rapides
Waterfront strolls, activities along the Lachine Canal, public markets and delicious places to eat: from Verdun to Saint-Henri, with the Lachine Canal in between, there’s no shortage of things to do and great spots to discover.
Spend quality family time in Verdun
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.
Admire the pastoral charm along the Lachine Canal
The banks of the Lachine Canal are especially lovely for exploring with the family on a beautiful fall day. While the season lasts, rent a pedal boat or small electric boat from Aventures H2O and set off on a mini cruise along the canal.
A day on the water pairs perfectly with a walk or bike ride along the canal, followed by a stop at Atwater Market to browse local products and stock up on delicious treats.
Family brunch spots in Saint-Henri, Little Burgundy and Griffintown
Next, head out for a delicious brunch along Notre-Dame Street West: Foiegwa, L’Avenue Notre-Dame, Barley – cereal bar, Arthurs, Maman Montréal or Spanel Crêpes & Gourmets are all excellent options.
Things to do with kids this fall at 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, take a picnic or go hiking 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
With autumn comes the launch of the cultural season: it’s the perfect time to introduce your toddlers, teenagers and every age in-between to culture.
Discover Montréal’s cultural scene with your children and teenagers
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 25 to 27, 2026, when artists, artisans, and cultural players invite you to take part in more than 2,000 free activities happening all across the city.
Explore Montréal with a guided tour
Guided tours are a great excuse to explore with your children. 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.
Indoor activities for inclement weather
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.
For families travelling with a baby or young child, this guide to Things to do with babies and toddlers also brings together plenty of ideas tailored to younger visitors.
That said, as long as the weather cooperates, make the most of Montréal’s pop-up outdoor spaces for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, a market visit or simply some time outdoors on a beautiful fall day.
Cheers to delicious family outings!
What to do on a chilly day? Swap ice cream for delicious hot chocolate. The 14th edition of MTLàTABLE will be held from October 29 to November 15 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 Grand parc de l'Ouest - 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.