Montréal winter fun for families: Your ultimate guide

Ice skating is a quintessential Montréal winter activity that gets families moving together. The city offers a variety of indoor and outdoor rinks, many featuring music, colourful lights, and on-site rentals that make it easy to lace up and go. Local favourites include:

Esplanade Tranquille (Quartier des Spectacles / Saint-Laurent Metro): A large refrigerated outdoor rink with music, lights and a multipurpose room with lockers. Steps away from the Chinatown.

Beaver Lake ice skating rink (Mount Royal): A picturesque rink atop the mountain. Skate rentals available, plus snacks and hot chocolate at Café des Amis.

Parc La Fontaine (Plateau-Mont-Royal / Sherbrooke Metro): Skate along the tree-lined winding pond in one of the city's most beloved parks. Rentals and skate sharpening available.

Atrium Le 1000 (Downtown / Bonaventure Metro): A large, lively indoor rink where families can skate to music while also taking shelter on particularly cold or stormy days. Skate and learning aid rentals are available on-site and the adjacent food court is perfect for grabbing a quick bite.

BLEU BLANC BOUGE (Verdun / Verdun Metro): A pro-sized, refrigerated outdoor rink that’s large enough to accommodate aspiring hockey pro-athletes, future olympians and casual skaters, alike. Check the weekly schedule for open skate and adult and child skate times before heading out.

Need to know: Most outdoor rinks are free, but skate rentals typically cost a small fee. Check ice conditions online before heading out.

Prefer to watch the action from the stands? Montréal is home to three professional hockey teams, making it easy to catch a live game in the city:

Montréal Canadiens (Bell Centre / Downtown / Bonaventure and Lucien-L'Allier Metro stations): Cheer on the city's iconic NHL team and prepare to be overcome with infectious local pride as you cheer from the stands. Kid-friendly food available on-site, and Sainte-Catherine Street is steps away for more dining and entertainment.

Rocket de Laval  (Place Bell, Laval, Montmorency metro). The Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Rocket will keep you on the edge of your seat in a family‑friendly arena surrounded by restaurants. While you're in Laval, you can also visit the Children’s Museum, and iSaute trampoline park.

Victoire de Montréal (Bell Centre and Place Bell Laval): Revel in the action of Montréal’s very own women’s professional hockey team, made up of players from The Professional Women’s Hockey League, a first-of-its-kind women’s hockey league that brings together the best players in the world. Home games take place at both the Bell Centre (Downtown / Bonaventure and Lucien-L'Allier Metro stations) and Place Bell (Laval / Montmorency Metro).

Pro tip: Arrive early to watch warm-ups! Kids love seeing players up close before the game.

Montréal's parks offer both gentle slopes and thrilling hills, making sledding and snow play easy and accessible for kids of all ages.

Mount Royal: Offers two prime locations by way of the slope facing du Parc Avenue near the Sir George-Étienne-Cartier Monument and the hill overlooking Beaver Lake.

Parc Jean-Drapeau (Jean-Drapeau Metro): Features excellent hills for sledding, along with space for cross-country skiing and fat biking.

Parc Angrignon (Angrignon Metro): A great spot for sledding and snowshoeing with rentals available on-site.

Neighbourhood slopes: Try Parc du Pélican and Parc André-Lavallée (Rosemont–La-Petite Patrie), Parc Jarry (Villeray), Parc La Fontaine (Plateau-Mont-Royal) or the King George Park Toboggan Run (Westmount).

You can also try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in parks around town, with rentals on-site.

Pro tip: Bring your own sled as rentals aren't available at all parks.

After your outdoor adventures, warm up in a café or bakery where hot chocolate flows freely and the pastries are pure comfort. And if you're looking for a full meal, plenty of restaurants are ready to welcome your family.

Bakeries and Cafes (Various locations): Montréal is a pastry lover's paradise! From buttery croissants and fresh baguettes at Mamie Clafoutis to babka and bagels at Boulangerie Hof Kelsten, every neighbourhood offers a bread basket of delicious treats ready to be savoured.

Explore the best bakeries and pastry shops in Montréal

Family Restaurants: Looking for more substantial family-friendly dining in Montréal? The city is full of diverse sit-down options that’ll appeal to the whole family from vegan comfort food at Lola Rosa to all-you-can-eat sushi, dumplings, tempura and more at Sushi Beaumont (kids under 5 eat free!).

Spark curiosity and learning with interactive exhibits designed to engage young minds at Montréal's kid-friendly museums and historical sites:

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) (Downtown / Guy-Concordia Metro): Home to nearly 47,000 works ranging from ancient artefacts to masterpieces by Rodin, Monet, and Rembrandt. Families can explore Indigenous, Québec, and Canadian art alongside global collections, with engaging activities and temporary exhibits designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.

Pointe-à-Callière (Old Montréal / Place-d'Armes Metro): A national historic site built on the very place Montréal was founded, Place Royale. Experience Montréal's history, as well as that of the world's greatest civilizations, through immersive activities and archaeological exhibits designed to bring the past to life.

McCord Stewart Museum (Downtown / McGill Metro): Features exhibits that highlight Montréal's history, diversity, and creativity. Its permanent exhibition, Indigenous Voices of Today, is a must-see, while temporary exhibitions on food, fashion, and history are sure to spark interesting family conversations.

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (temporarily at Place Ville Marie / McGill or Bonaventure Metro): Montréal's premier destination for contemporary art, offering thought-provoking exhibits and interactive programming that encourage kids to see the world in new ways.

Château Ramezay (Old Montréal / Champ-de-Mars Metro): Step into 18th-century New France at this historic governor's residence, where hands-on activities and costumed interpreters make history feel alive for young visitors.

Écomusée du fier monde (Centre-Sud / Beaudry Metro): This off-the-beaten-path gem is housed in a grand former public bathhouse and offers a unique window into Montréal's working-class history and neighbourhood heritage.

Canadian Railway Museum (Saint-Constant): A must-visit for train lovers young and old, featuring miniature train exhibits and ride-on locomotives. 30 minutes by car from downtown. Free parking available.

Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historic Site (Old Montréal / Champ-de-Mars Metro): Take a trip 2,400 years back in time through archaeological discoveries and stories of early Montréal.

Pro tip: Many museums offer free admission for children under 12 or discounted family rates on weekends.

Montréal brightens up the darkest days with dazzling light installations and winter festivals the whole family will love. Montréal’s solution to shorter days and longer nights? Turn on the party lights!

LUMINO (Quartier des Spectacles / Place-des-Arts Metro): From 27 November 2025 to 8 March 2026, show your kids how to look on the bright side at this outdoor festival where light, interactive installations and winter wonderment will boost everyone’s spirits, even on the darkest of days.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE (Quartier des Spectacles): Running 27 February to 7 March 2026, this beloved festival combines art, food, and entertainment that’ll light the whole family from within.

La Grande Roue (Old Port / Champ-de-Mars Metro): Hop on the Ferris wheel for glittering nighttime views of the city and the Jacques Cartier Bridge all lit up and reflected on the waters of the St-Lawrence River.

AURA at Notre-Dame Basilica (Old Montréal / Place-d'Armes Metro): A stunning indoor light and sound experience that impresses all ages.

OASIS immersion (Palais des congrès de Montréal (Montréal convention centre) / Place-d'Armes Metro): Walk through immersive digital art installations created by world-renowned artists.

There’s a reason why Montréal is called the City of Lights!

Need to know: Outdoor light festivals are best enjoyed after sunset. Dress warmly!

When the temperature drops, head indoors for active adventures that let kids burn off energy while staying warm and entertained:

iSaute (Kirkland / Anjou / Laval): When kids start bouncing off the walls at home, let them do it for real! These indoor trampoline parks feature foam pits, dodgeball courts, and endless jumping fun for all ages.

Climbing Centres (Various Neighbourhoods): Trade figurative wall climbing for the literal kind. Montréal's family-friendly climbing gyms offer routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike, making it a great activity for adventurous kids.

Escape Rooms (Various Locations): Put young problem-solvers to the test with themed escape game adventures. Many venues offer kid-friendly rooms designed for families to work together and crack the code.

Laser Game Evolution (Downtown / Place-des-Arts Metro): Young Jedis-in-training will love this futuristic laser tag experience, complete with glowing obstacles and intergalactic missions.

Olympic Park Sports Centre (Hochelaga-Maisonneuve / Viau Metro): Water babies and future Olympians can splash around in the Big O's Olympic-sized swimming pool that’s perfect for all ages.

Hotel Pools: Many Montréal hotels offer indoor pools that are perfect for a spontaneous splash session. This is a great option for visitors and staycationers alike looking for low-key fun.

Pro tip: Book escape rooms and other activities in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

Montréal offers plenty of immersive cinema experiences, inspiring bookstores, and hands-on explorations perfect for curious young minds:

Libraries and bookstores (Various Neighbourhoods): Whether your kids are voracious readers or need a little nudge in that direction, Montréal's libraries and independent bookstores are wonderful places to inspire a lifelong love of reading. Browse picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels in cozy spaces across the city.

1000000 Comix: The name says it all! Manga fans and comic book lovers will be in heaven exploring the endless shelves at this beloved shop.

Neighbourhood Cinemas: Foster a love of arthouse film and charming movie houses by visiting Cinéma Moderne (Mile End), Cinéma Beaubien (Rosemont), Cinéma du Parc (Downtown / Place-des-Arts Metro), Cinéma du Musée (Downtown / Guy-Concordia Metro), or Théâtre Outremont (Outremont). These theatres offer a more intimate movie-going experience perfect for families.

Blockbuster Cinemas: Catch the latest big-budget flicks at Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal (Downtown), Cinéma Cineplex Forum (Downtown / Atwater Metro), or Cinéma Cineplex Royalmount (Town of Mount Royal).

IMAX® TELUS theatre at the Montreal Science Centre (Old Port / Place-d'Armes Metro): Experience movies like never before on the giant screen with crystal-clear visuals and immersive surround sound.

Montréal International Children’s Film Festival (FIFEM): Don't miss this annual family film extravaganza showcasing the best in international cinema for young audiences.

Montreal Science Centre (Old Port / Place-d'Armes Metro): Budding scientists will love the interactive exhibits that make learning about technology, nature, and innovation feel like play.

Espace pour la vie (Hochelaga-Maisonneuve / Viau and Pie-IX Metro): This incredible complex is a nature lover's dream, encompassing the Jardin botanique, Planétarium, Biodôme, Biosphère and Insectariumall within walking distance in the Olympic District, plus the Biosphere, an environmental museum located in Parc Jean‑Drapeau.

Pro tip: Purchase tickets online in advance for the Biodôme, Planétarium, and Science Centre, as timed entry helps you skip the lines and plan your day with ease.

Embrace winter in Montréal with energetic outdoor festivals, guided neighbourhood tours and wildlife encounters that make the season unforgettable for the whole family:

Winter walking tours (Various Neighbourhoods): Prefer to march to your own beat? Older children will love exploring the city's history, art and architecture on guided winter walking tours through Old Montréal and beyond. It's a fantastic way to discover hidden stories while staying active outdoors.

Self-guided tours: Plan your own adventure and visit Montréal's most famous landmarks at your own pace. From Mount Royal's Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout to the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, the city is full of photo-worthy stops the whole family will enjoy.

Ecomuseum Zoo (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue): This outdoor zoo is dedicated exclusively to Québec's native wildlife, including wolves, bears, lynx, and birds of prey. Open year-round, it's a perennial favourite for families seeking a nature-filled outing. About 40 minutes by car from downtown. Accessible via the 211 bus from Lionel-Groulx Metro.

City parks (Various neighbourhoods): You might be surprised by just how many parks Montréal is home to. From friendly neighbourhood green spaces to major nature reserves, the city offers endless opportunities for winter exploration, snowshoeing, and outdoor play.

Pro tip: Dress in layers and consider hand warmers for outdoor events like Igloofête.

View the complete guide to Montréal winter festivals