Winter is one of the best and most wonderful times to explore Montreal. There are so many fun things you can do with the kids that will never get old! You’ll find 13 kid-approved winter activities in Montreal for families below.
The choices include indoor and outdoor winter activities in Montreal, as well as free and paid options.
We’re not just talking about skating on the ice rink at Parc Jean-Drapeau or skiing down a mountain – we also have indoor options like an escape room, laser tag games, and rock climbing.
So what are you waiting for? Get moving with your family this weekend! Check out all these great winter activities in Montreal that you can do with your family.
Outdoor Winter Activities In Montreal
1. Ice Skating
When winter arrives, one of Montreal’s most iconic winter activities for families is to go ice skating in Montreal. With over 200 indoor and outdoor rinks in and around Montreal to pick from ice skating is without a doubt a winter favorite for many Montreal families.
Some of the most popular winter destinations to go ice skating in Montreal and surrounding areas include
- Old Port Of Montreal: Patinoire Du Vieux Port
- Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve: Parc De La Bruère
- Mount Royal: Beaver Lake Pavillion
- Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie: Parc Maisonneuve
- Ville-Marie: Parc Jean Drapeau
- Ville-Marie: Cabot Square Ice Rink
- Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce: Parc de la Confédération
- Le Sud-Ouest: Carré d’Hibernia
- Saint-Léonard: Complexe sportif Saint-Léonard outdoor skating rink
- Le Plateau-Mont-Royal: De Gaspé skating rink
- Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension: Parc Champdoré
- Pierrefonds-Roxboro: Parc Alexander
- Saint-Laurent: Parc Beaulac
- Verdun: Parc Beurling refrigerated ice oval
- Lachine: Parc Carignan
- LaSalle: Parc Hayward refrigerated skating rink
- Dorval: Courtland Park
- Pointe Claire: Cartier Avenue refrigerated skating rink
- Kirkland: Ecclestone Park Rink
- Dollard Des Ormeaux: Centennial Park
- Beaconsfield: Windermere Park
- Baie D’Urfe: Balsam Park
- Sainte Anne De Bellevue: Aumais Park
Don’t see your borough listed above? Visit the Ville de Montreal website for a list of all the skating rinks in Montreal.
2. Sledding
You don’t have to head up to the Laurentians to get in some tobogganing or sledding with kids in Montreal! There are a few great spots that you can visit to experience the thrill of sliding down a snow-covered hill without having to travel very far at all.
The most popular spot for winter activities in Montreal including tobogganing and sledding is Mount Royal and Beaver Lake. This famous Montreal hill offers a variety of different official trails, which means there’s almost always a spot for you in the kids to get in some sledding fun.
But, as one of those winter activities in Montreal that peaks in popularity right after major snowfalls there are many other great hills to visit that might just be closer to home.
Here are some great sledding hills in Montreal that are perfect for getting in some sledding in Montreal this winter.
Beaver Lake Pavillion
1260 Remembrance Rd, Montreal
Sliding down private lanes on the banks of Beaver Lake, surrounded by lush green wilderness, is a delight for both children and young people in Montreal. An on site chalet with washrooms and a café is available fun seekers.
Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
20099 Boulevard Gouin Ouest, Pierrefonds
The country in the city concept takes on full meaning at the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques. This park has a sledding hill that the entire family will enjoy without leaving the island, and it’s just steps from downtown Montreal.
Parc Des Hirondelles
2601, rue Sauvé Est, Ahuntsic-Cartierville
Notorious for it’s steep slopes Parc Des Hirondelles located on the border of Ahuntsic and Montréal-Nord is a great choice for thrill seekers.
Centennial Park
3000 Lake Rd, Dollard Des Ormeaux
A well known popular destination for families looking for somewhere to go sledding in the West Island of Montreal.
3. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another one of those great winter activities in Montreal that encourage spending time enjoying the great outdoors. If you’re looking for fun outdoor winter activities in Montreal that will get you moving then snowshoeing is a great choice.
There are may winter trails and snowshoeing spots around Montreal where you can enjoy snowshoeing for a small fee with the fam. From The Morgan Arboretum on the western tip of the island to Mount Royal Park, Montreal has snowshoe spots for snowshoers of all experience and skill levels.
Here are some of the best snowshoe spots in and around Montreal:
Morgan Arboretum
150 chemin des Pins, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
The Morgan Arboretum is a 245 hectare forest reserve in Ste Anne De Bellevue offering 13km of snowshoe trails. The Morgan Arboretum offers snowshoeing trails for the whole family (including dogs!) that allow visitors to snowshoe into areas of the forest that are not accessible during warmer months. Make sure to check trail conditions before heading out!
Mount Royal Park
1260, chemin Remembrance, Montréal
Located at Beaver Lake, Mount Royal Park offers an easy 3km snowshoeing trail perfect for families. Easy to access by public transport and buses 165-166 369-435 Mount Royal park is one of those easy winter activities in Montreal that older and younger kids alike enjoy.
Parc Nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
20099, boulevard Gouin Ouest, Pierrefonds
With over 330 hectares of land, Parc Nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques in Pierrefonds-Roxboro is the biggest park in Montreal. On-site you’ll find a cabane a sucre, two heated chalets ,and even an organic farm. In the winter, Cap Saint Jacques offers free access to a 5km snowshoe trail. Access to this snowshoe spot is free but expect to pay for parking.
Ile-de la Visitation Nature Park
2425 Boulevard Gouin Est, Montréal
Located in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Montreal-Nord boroughs of Montreal, L’Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park is a large nature park that offers a variety of outdoor winter activities in Montreal including snowshoeing. Access to the trails is free of charge but parking is paid hourly. On site facilities incude a snack bar, washrooms and water fountain.
4. Illumi by Cavalia
A dazzling world of light mesmerizes visitors all winter long at Illumi located in Laval on Montreal’s north shore. Perfect for a family activity on foot or by car Illumi boasts 25 million lights and structures that are truly larger than life. Buy your tickets early because reservations sell out quickly.
Indoor Winter Activities In Montreal
5. Montreal Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a winter favorite for kids and teens in Montreal.
If nasty weather is forcing you indoors and you’re looking for winter activities in Montreal that don’t include any time outdoors, escape rooms are a super choice.
Escape rooms are perfect winter activity ideas for children and families who want to do something together but don’t know what to choose.
This winter consider trying your hand at an escape room in Montreal with your family.
Escape rooms are always different and there’s a new challenge around every corner, indoor winter activities in Montreal don’t get much better than this!
Here are a few escape rooms in Montreal we highly recommend checking out:
A/Maze Escape Game Montreal
With 4 locations in an around Montreal A/Maze offers 7 different adventures making it a perfect choice for families with a variety of different interests.
Vortex Montreal
This family-friendly escape room is a great winter activity in Montreal with a variety of different adventures and challenge levels to choose from. Vortex is the perfect winter activities Montreal for kids ages 8+.
EZKAPAZ : Escape Game in Montréal
Located on St Laurent boulevard the heart of downtown Montreal, EZkapaz offers escape rooms in-person on via zoom.
6. Laser Tag Winter Activities In Montreal
Laser tag is a winter favorite that’s a sure way to get the adrenaline going this winter.
Montreal laser tag is a fun winter activity for kids and teens of all ages because it gets them moving without having to spend any time outdoors.
Laser tag offers a variety of different winter activities in Montreal for everyone to try. It’s a great choice for children who are looking to do winter activities in Montreal that don’t involve spending time outdoors in the cold.
Here are some fun laser tag locations in Montreal that are worth checking out:
SkyTag Montreal
Offering trampoline, laser tag and cyber sport fun for everyone, Sky Tag is a one of those winter activities in Montreal that kids of every age will enjoy. Reservations are a must so always call ahead.
BoulZeye
Located to the east of Montreal in Pointe Aux Trembles BoulZeye offers a variety of fun activities including laser tag, bowling, arcades and even escape rooms. Make reservations to avoid long line ups and to guarantee a day of fun winter activities in Montreal.
Action 500 Dorval
Conveniently located off the Trans Canada highway in Dorval, Action 500 is a winter favorite for people looking for something fun to do indoors. This is a winter activity in Montreal for families looking for excitement. Onsite activities include laser tag, karting, and x-cape, all of which are fun.
7. Indoor Surfing Montreal
Did you know that you can surf indoors in the winter? Surfing indoors is one of those winter activities in Montreal that just can’t be missed. Oasis Surf, located in Brossard’s legendary Dix30 offers indoor surfing for kids of ages 4 and over.
8. The Montreal Children’s Museum
Perfect for kids aged 2 to 8 the Children’s Museum located on the North Shore in Laval is another one of those winter activities in Montreal you have to try at least once if you’ve got young kids. Known for encouraging imaginative play, The Montreal’s Children’s Museum boasts a mini city where 22 professions are represented. Kids are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild as they transform into police officers, firemen, astronauts, veterinarians and so much more!
9. Indoor Playgrounds Montreal
Montreal winter weather can get really cold, often hitting -20 or colder making outdoor play nearly impossible. So, if you’re looking for winter activities in Montreal that involve bringing young kids indoors then consider checking out an indoor playground.
There are a large number of indoor playgrounds spread out across the island of Montreal making finding a local indoor playground pretty simple. From bouncing on trampolines to traditional play structures there are a variety of different indoor playgrounds for kids.
Here are a handful of our favorite indoor playgrounds in Montreal:
Kazoom Cafe
With two convenient locations in St. Laurent and Brossard Kazoom Cafe is an indoor playground that caters to the whole family. With a safe toddler zone this indoor playground in Montreal is a great choice for older and younger kids. No outside food is allowed so plan accordingly.
Bouge Petit
Created with kids aged 0 -36 months Bouge Petit is a safe and fun environment for parents and young children. Located on Papineau Avenue, Bouge Petit is accessible by public transport and is located near Fabre metro station.
Kids R Us Playzone
A hidden gem on Montreal’s south shore, Kids R Us Playzone offers an amazing family entertainment experience. Located in Kahnawake minutes from the Mercier bridge, Kids R Us boasts a large play structure, toddler zone and arcade. Parents admission is always FREE making this an budget-friendly choice for families.
Woohoo Fun
Woohoo Amusement center in Vaudreuil boasts the largest indoor playground in all of Canada. Their massive indoor labyrinth play structure includes ball blasting areas, tornado slides, a rock cliimbing wall, an aracade and an on-site restaurant.
Related: The Ultimate Guide To Indoor Playgrounds In Montreal: 20+ Spots You Need To Know About
10. Rock Climbing
If winter isn’t your thing why not try rock climbing? No winter activity list would be complete without mentioning indoor rock climbing. There are a couple of great rock climbing places in and around Montreal that offer affordable climbing experiences for families and kids.
Here are a few climbing places worth checking out:
Shakti Rock Gym
Located in the Mile End Shakti Rock Gym is an old school bouldering gym that offers climbing classes for kids and adults alike. However, if you’re searching for winter activities in Montreal to do with the kids, consider Shakti Rock Gym’s single one-time sessions for some rock climbing fun.
Clip n Climb
Conveniently located off boulevard St. Martin Ouest in Laval, Clip n Climb offer 75-minute climbing sessions for young and older kids alike. With a variety of different skill levels, Clip n Climb is a good choice for the first-time climber.
Allez-Up
Kids who love to climb anything they can get their hands on are going to love Allez-Up. Youth can try climbing at Allez-Up by trying the auto-belays or bouldering. With its gym located on St. Patrick’s street in Pointe St Charles, Allez Up is easily accessible by bus and metro. Don’t forget to reserve ahead because spots fill up quick.
11. The Biodome
Montreal is a winter wonderland for kids and adults alike! One of the most popular indoor winter activities in Montreal is the Biodome. It’s an indoor, climate-controlled environment that has everything from tropical rainforests to polar ice caps, with over 50 different species of animals to explore. The best part? Adults are just as excited about it as their children!
12. Indoor Karting
K1 Speed is an indoor Karting experience that makes for a great kid approved winter activity in Montreal. Their Arrive & Drive racing allows visitors to come in and compete for the fastest lap against friends, family and other racers. This adrenaline filled winter activity in Montreal is sure to get your kids excited and on the go!
13. Montreal Science Centre
For indoor winter activities in Montreal that are fun for the whole family, explore the Science Centre. With interactive exhibits for children and adults of all ages, they’re sure to learn something new about this world we live in and have fun in the process.
14. Indoor Miniature Golf
Putting Edge is far from the vintage mini putts you remember from when you were a kid. Spots like Putting Edge provide a fresh twist to a classic game that kids love playing. From the second you enter one of their “Black Lit” courses your imagination runs wild as you play the activity and make your way through the course.
Expect vibrant glow in the dark colors, images and sounds that rock your senses in ways you probably have never experienced.
With 3 convenient locations in Montreal, Laval and St Laurent making reservations is a must to secure your spot.
What are your go-to indoor or outdoor winter activities in Montreal? Let us know by leaving a comment down below.
