Weekend in Montreal
This itinerary for Montreal, from October 3rd to 5th, 2025, balances thrilling ticketed attractions with wonderful free family activities, ensuring a memorable and budget-conscious weekend for families with children aged 3-12. Please note that specific event details for October 2025 may not be fully released yet; information provided for attractions and typical activities is based on their regular operating schedules and common annual offerings. We recommend checking official websites closer to the date for the most up-to-date hours, pricing, and specific event listings. Consider purchasing tickets for paid attractions in advance online to secure spots and often save money.
Friday Evening - Family Fun Night
Friday, October 3Science Centre Discovery
Dive into the wonders of science at the Montreal Science Centre, offering engaging and interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds aged 3-12.
Explore various themed zones, from the human body to technology and the environment. There's often a special children's area with hands-on activities.
Kids will love the interactive displays and hands-on experiments, making learning an adventure. The museum is fully stroller-accessible and has family restrooms. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration before closing. Consider the IMAX theatre for an added experience (separate ticket). Age suitability: 3-12 years.
Paid parking is available in the Old Port. The Science Centre is also accessible via public transport (Champ-de-Mars metro station, then a short walk). Stroller-friendly public transport routes are generally available.
Old Port Stroll & Treat
After your scientific adventures, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the picturesque Old Port of Montreal. Take in the waterfront views and treat the family to some delicious BeaverTails or ice cream from one of the many vendors, enjoying the vibrant evening atmosphere.
A perfect way to wind down the evening. Kids will love the treat and the open space. The Old Port is very stroller-friendly with flat paths. Restrooms are available at various points along the port. This is a casual activity, allowing for flexibility with bedtimes.
Easily accessible by foot from the Science Centre. Paid parking is available in the Old Port area. Public transit access via Champ-de-Mars metro station.
Saturday - Family Adventure Day
Saturday, October 4Biodome Exploration
Embark on an immersive journey through five ecosystems of the Americas at the Biodome, where you can see penguins, monkeys, sloths, and a diverse array of marine and plant life up close.
It's an educational and exciting experience for all ages.
Kids will be captivated by the animals and the distinct environments. It's fully indoors, making it a great option regardless of weather. The Biodome is stroller-accessible and has family facilities. Allow 2.5-3.5 hours for a thorough visit. Age suitability: all ages, especially 3-12.
Located at the Olympic Park. Paid parking is available on-site. Easily accessible by the Pie-IX metro station (green line), which has accessible entrances. Consider taking public transport to avoid parking fees and traffic.
Botanical Garden Picnic
Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery of the Montreal Botanical Garden.
Find a scenic spot near the Kids' Garden or one of the many themed gardens to relax and refuel.
The Kids' Garden often has interactive elements and plenty of space to run around, perfect for energetic children after a morning indoors. Pack a lunch to save money, or grab affordable options from the on-site cafe (check opening hours). Restrooms and water fountains are available throughout the gardens. Age suitability: all ages.
Directly adjacent to the Biodome, so it's an easy walk. Same parking and public transport options apply (Pie-IX metro station).
Mount Royal Play
Head to Mount Royal Park, Montreal's iconic green space, for an afternoon of outdoor fun.
The Beaver Lake area offers a large playground, open spaces for running, and easy walking trails suitable for families. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and stunning city views.
Kids will love the expansive playground and the chance to explore nature. It’s a great spot for burning off energy. Pack a frisbee or ball. Public restrooms are available, and the paths around Beaver Lake are stroller-friendly. Allow 2-3 hours. Age suitability: all ages.
Paid parking lots are available within Mount Royal Park, near Beaver Lake. It can also be reached by public bus (11 West from Mont-Royal metro station or 165 from Guy-Concordia metro station).
Mile End Pizza Dinner
Enjoy an early, delicious, and budget-friendly family pizza dinner in the vibrant Mile End neighborhood.
This area is known for its independent shops and eateries, offering a casual and welcoming atmosphere for families.
Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser for kids! Many pizzerias offer kids' menus or smaller portions. Aim for an earlier dinner to beat the rush and accommodate children's bedtimes. Restrooms available. The Mile End atmosphere is lively but generally laid-back for families.
Accessible via public transport (bus routes from Mount Royal or Laurier metro stations). Street parking can be challenging but is available.
Sunday - Relaxed Family Day
Sunday, October 5Jean-Talon Market Delights
Spend your Sunday morning exploring the lively Jean-Talon Market, one of Montreal's largest public markets. Kids will love seeing the colorful produce, local delicacies, and perhaps sampling some seasonal fruits or a fresh pastry. It's a feast for the senses and a great way to experience local culture.
The market is a bustling, open-air environment with plenty to see and smell. It's stroller-friendly, though it can get crowded. Public restrooms are available. Kids can pick out a healthy snack or a small treat. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Age suitability: all ages.
Directly accessible via Jean-Talon metro station (blue line) or de Castelnau metro station (blue line). Paid parking lots are also available nearby.
Park Play & Relax
After the market, unwind at a nearby park.
Jarry Park, a large urban park not far from Jean-Talon Market, offers extensive playgrounds, green spaces for running, and paths for gentle strolls. It's a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy and for parents to relax.
This large park is ideal for children with its multiple play structures suitable for different age groups. It has open fields for games, public restrooms, and is entirely stroller-friendly. It's a great free activity to round off the weekend before heading home. Age suitability: all ages, especially 3-12.
Easily walkable from Jean-Talon Market (approx. 15-20 minutes). Also accessible via Jarry metro station (orange line) for closer access. Street parking is often available around the park.
Early Family Dinner
Conclude your weekend with a relaxed, early family dinner at a casual, kid-friendly restaurant.
Many neighborhoods offer welcoming spots with menus that cater to diverse tastes and often have special options for children.
Choosing a family-friendly spot that offers good value helps wind down the weekend. Look for places with high chairs, kids' menus, and a relaxed atmosphere. An early dinner ensures kids are home in time for their Sunday evening routine, preparing for the week ahead.
Dependent on chosen restaurant location; utilize local public transit or driving. Parking availability varies by neighborhood.
This weekend itinerary for Montreal can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.