Kid-friendly museums in Montréal
Montréal's museums constantly reinvent themselves with new multimedia exhibitions, educational activities and fun, hands-on workshops for the whole family. Among the many indoor activities for kids in Montréal, museums are at the top of the list, whether your kids love science, the animal world, art or the thrill of stepping into the past.
Inspire creativity
In the heart of the historic Golden Square Mile in downtown Montréal, the Museum of Fine Arts masterfully curates its collections and hosts a roster of high-quality international exhibitions and workshops for all ages – the museum is also simply a magical place to explore, with multiple floors, striking architecture and pavilions. Free admission for those 20 and under.
Temporarily located at Place Ville Marie in downtown Montreal, the exhibitions at the MAC and its MAC en famille activities offer you the chance to admire original works and broaden your perspective on avant-garde creation. Free admission for those 18 and under.
Discover the natural world
Home to Canada's largest museum complex dedicated to the natural sciences, Montréal is where you can visit the Biodôme, Planetarium, Insectarium, Montréal Botanical Garden and the Biosphere (at Parc Jean-Drapeau). Young scientists will have a blast at the Montréal Science Centre (in the Old Port).
On McGill University campus in downtown Montréal is the place to go to discover incredible specimens of extinct animal species, fossils – including impressive dinosaur skeletons – as well as collections from Ancient Egypt.
In the heart of the only outdoor zoo on the island of Montréal, observe Quebec's native animals in their natural habitat, including wolves, hawks, caribou, and other magnificent creatures.
Immersion and illusions
Featuring over 70 visual and educational exhibits including holograms, stereograms, optical illusions and fully immersive rooms, the museum is fun for people of all ages, including individual visitors or larger groups.
Revel in immersive journeys into the magical world of OASIS immersion in the Palais des congrès convention centre. Located in a 2,000 m² multimedia space, explore three immersive galleries and two light experiences with your family. Free admission for those 5 and under.
In Old Montréal, this multimedia experience created by the renowned Montréal studio Moment Factory immerses the entire family in a captivating visual and musical universe, projected onto the neo-Gothic architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. Free admission for those 5 and under.
In the Quartier des Spectacles, the Société des Arts Technologiques offers exhibitions and immersive experiences infused with digital culture. Head to the Satosphère to enjoy a true audiovisual experience with your teens and children.
Dig into history
Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
An expert in creating educational exhibitions and activities for kids and their parents, the Pointe-à-Callière museum takes us back to Montréal's very beginnings through multimedia and interactive exhibitions that make history come alive. What’s more, young children will love to sail the high seas while having fun at the swashbuckling exhibit, Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers? or stroll through a collector sewer dating back to the early 1830s. Free admission for those 4 and under.
Downtown, kids can explore the diversity of Montréal’s history through interactive exhibitions. Come together as a family to trace the cultures of indigenous peoples in the permanent exhibition, Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience. Free admission at all times for children 12 and under.
Château Ramezay - Historic Site and Museum of Montréal
In Old Montréal, step through a portal to 500 years of history, tracing the city's past in compelling exhibitions (including the original home of Claude de Ramezay, a Governor of Montréal in the 18th century), an engaging multimedia circuit and, in summer, a beautiful French colonial garden. Free admission for those 4 and under.
Maison Saint-Gabriel, Museum and Historic Site
Head to Pointe-Saint-Charles in the southwest end of Montréal to explore a historic three-century-old farmhouse. This fascinating glimpse into the past offers a unique opportunity to discover Montréal’s rural heritage, spanning from the 17th to the 20th century.
Château Dufresne – Museum and Historical Heritage Site
Behind an elegant, Beaux-Arts style façade, enter the private world of a middle-class French family at the beginning of the 20th century.
Marguerite-Bourgeoys Historic Site
Immerse yourself in the foundations and iconic figures of the city at the heart of this historic site nestled in Old Montréal. Among its highlights are the three-century-old Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, the oldest in Montréal, the history museum, an 18th-century stone vault, an archaeological site and the tomb of Sainte Marguerite Bourgeoys. Conclude your visit at the chapel's belvedere, where the view of the river is nothing short of spectacular. Free admission for those 12 and under.
Exporail / The Canadian Railway Museum
In Saint-Constant, on the South Shore of Montréal, children can board various train cars and learn more about railway history. Free for ages 0-2.
Enjoy your visit!
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.