With Thanksgiving weekend coming up, we’ve got THREE WHOLE DAYS to fill with kids activities. Do you want to wake up on Thanksgiving Monday and have to go online to research what’s open or closed, then somehow get sucked into Facebook, then have your spouse get testy at you, then find that the kids have been completely zombified by morning cartoons? Me neither!

So I called around and made a list of family attractions that will be open, as well as a list of kids movies that are now playing in theatres. Also, based on calls to three local shopping centres (Fairview, Angrignon and Champlain malls) it will be business as usual through the holiday weekend and on Monday.

Family attractions open on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010.

The Ecomuseum is open daily (closes only on Dec. 25) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over Thanksgiving weekend there will be some special activities, including the opening of a wild turkey enclosure.
Read a guided tour of the Ecomuseum.

The Montreal Botanical Gardens, which hosts the Great Pumpkin Ball, the Magic of Lanterns and several other Halloween-related activities, is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Laval Children’s Museum will be open throughout the weekend, including Monday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read a guided tour of the Laval Children’s Museum.

Chateau Ramezay’s outdoor pumpkin exhibit will be open throughout the weekend and the hours on Monday, Oct. 11 are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Centre d’Interpretation de la Courge du Québec is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read a Guided Tour of the Centre d’Interpretation de la Courge du Québec.

Shed 16 Labyrinth is open on weekends and public holidays, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., until Oct. 31.
Read a Guided Tour of Shed 16 Labyrinth.

Exporail Canadian Railway Museum will be open through the holiday weekend and on Monday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the outdoor activities close at 4 p.m.) On Oct. 10, 11 and 12, there will be a special exhibit on trams and tramways.
Read a Guided Tour of Exporail.

La Ronde is open weekends and Monday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 31.
Read a Guided Tour of La Ronde

Granby Zoo is open weekends and Monday Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read a Guided Tour of Granby Zoo.

Play Centres

Fundomondo play centre in Pointe Claire will be open through Thanksgiving weekend and the hours on Monday, Oct. 11 are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information about Fundomondo.

ZigZagZoo play centre in Vaudreuil will be open through the holiday weekend and the hours on Monday, Oct. 11 are 9:30 to 5 p.m.
More information about ZigZagZoo.

Funtropolis play centre in Laval will be open throughout the holiday weekend. Hours on Monday, Oct. 11 are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information about Funtropolis.

Jungle Adventure play centre in Laval will be open throughout the holiday weekend. Hours on Monday, Oct. 11 are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information about Jungle Adventure.

Kazoom play centre in Dollard des Ormeaux will be open throughout the weekend on Monday, Oct. 11, the hours are: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information about Kazoom.

Children’s Movies playing in Montreal

The following roundup is based on Cinema Montreal movie listings. Movie times are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm the showtime.

• Alpha and Omega. Showtimes.
• Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore. Showtimes.
• Despicable Me. Showtimes
• Legend of the Guardians. Showtimes
• Nanny McPhee Returns. Showtimes
• Ramona and Beezus. Showtimes
• Toy Story 3. Showtimes
• Shrek Forever After. Showtimes

Photo courtesy of Ruthanne Reid.

Related posts:

1. Labour Day Weekend Family Activities Montreal 2010
2. Splash! Montreal Water Parks Open This Week
3. Montreal Children’s Attractions

We revisited the Children’s Museum in Laval recently, having not been there in about two years. It was great to see that some exhibits had been refreshed during that time, and there was lots to keep the kids happy and busy for around an hour.

The Children’s Museum looks and feels nothing like a traditional museum. Located in a large, office-y building on Curé Labelle Blvd. in Laval, it’s a two-storey setup of different environments designed to let kids try out various professions.

What’ll it be: police officer, astronaut, or cook?
The minute they walk in, kids will zoom for the real police car and probably jump at the chance to wear an officer’s hat and coat. In the “police headquarters”, there’s a jail cell, where they can put siblings. Or mom and dad (bring a coffee, you could be in there for a while!). There’s a real ambulance truck, with flashing lights and paramedics’ coats to wear. Other setups on the main floor include a boat, where kids can practise fishing, and an auto body shop, with a cute little Fiat and real tires to roll around.

Upstairs, there is a fire truck, space shuttle, a veterinarian’s office (where kids can treat stuffed animals), a classroom (kids can pretend to be teachers and write on a blackboard), cafeteria-style restaurant (make plastic meals to serve parents), a construction area (manipulate a digger and play with foam bricks) and a theatre stage (try out a real microphone).

The best part
The hit area with our kids – and many others – was the pretend grocery store, located on the first floor. There are shelves stocked with plastic food and empty food boxes. Kids can pretend they’re doing the shopping, using a miniature cart. There are checkout counters, and some of the food boxes have UPC symbols that prompt the scanner to “beep” and the price to come up on a computer screen – just like the real thing.

Aside from the grocery store, kids seem to love the opportunity to get behind so many steering wheels (police car, ambulance, fiat, fire truck) and control panels (space shuttle, digger). C’mon parents – we all know how much kids love to press buttons . It’s also a nice touch that authentic uniforms are provided with so many of the environments – most kids love to dress up.

A Children’s Museum visit provides an educational and imaginative experience – a great destination on rainy or cold days. And it’s open at 9 a.m. EVERY DAY – a godsend for those weekend mornings that start at 5:30 a.m. For mom and dad, it’s a nice alternative to a play centre because you don’t have to worry which tunnel your child has disappeared into. For parents on their own with more than one child, it’s a fairly compact area, and since there’s a gate at the front, the kids can’t go too far. You have to walk up two flights of stairs to the second floor, so parents with strollers may need help hoisting babies up. There are bathrooms with changing tables on both levels.

Good to know:
The Laval Children’s Museum doesn’t serve food, so you may want to bring your own food and eat it at tables set up in the front. You can buy drinks on-site, but there is no obvious place to eat within walking distance.
In the same strip as the Children’s Museum is Funtropolis play centre and Coup Sûr, a baseball practice centre.

Laval Children’s Museum
Address: 3805 Curé Labelle Blvd., Laval (view map)
Cost: Siblings 17 months and under, free; children $13.29, adults $7.10.
Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri. to Sun. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Telephone: 450-681-4333
Website: http://www.museepourenfants.com/

Related posts:

1. Guided Tour: Exporail Canadian Railway Museum
2. This Just In: Bébélatte opens in Laval

Here's the toddler hangout at Bourgeau Park.

Just south of Lakeshore Rd. (the main drag) is Alexandre Bourgeau Park (view map) and the Pointe Claire Village Pool (which has a wading pool). The park has two fenced-in areas for toddlers and older children, a picnic table and a fair bit of shade. If the kids will consent to a break from playing, you can walk across the adjacent soccer field and stand on the rocky shore of Lake St. Louis, and watch people sailing.

Behind the digger and the turtle is the big kids' hangout.

The water view ... hey, are those people available for babysitting?

If the field is free, it’s a wide open space for practising goals, flying kites or chasing down children who don’t want to leave yet. Back at the park area, the pool is open to non-Pointe Claire residents and the circular, shallow splash pool is perfect for toddlers. The main pool has a slide.

OK, great, so where’s the closest bathroom?

Well, head back to Lakeshore Rd. Almost across the street from the park is a casual cafe where you can use the bathrooms (no changing table, though) if you buy something (the muesli muffins are delicioso!). It’s got indoor and outdoor seating for lunch.

Good to know: If you can’t find parking on Lakeshore Rd., turn on St. Joachim Rd. and park in the school parking lot. You can walk from there to Bourgeau Park.

Other family-friendly attractions in Pointe Claire Village (view map to see the following locations):

Babar Books, 46 Ste. Anne St., an independent children’s bookstore that’s been in business for 20 years. Note: It’s closed on Sundays.

Rêve d’Enfant Jeux et Jouets, 290 Lakeshore Rd., an independent, family-run toy store.

Mama Mia maternity store, 262 Lakeshore Rd.

Bummis cloth diaper boutique, 278 Lakeshore Rd., which sells eco-friendly baby and parent accessories.

Bonnidée, 270 Lakeshore Rd., sells stamps and paper craft accessories.

Wild Willy’s Ice Cream parlor, 20 Cartier Ave., has TONS of crazy flavours and vanilla, too.

Belles Mamans is a mom-and-baby centre that hosts various classes, playgroups and workshops (including some on Saturdays). Note: It is closed on Sundays.

More Guided Tours of Montreal parks

Related posts:

1. Guided Tour: Thérèse Daviau Park

For parents with toddlers or a toddler and a baby, play centres are a better option. Many of them have smaller baby-friendly areas, but also have climbing structures where bigger kids can unleash their energy. Parents, keep in mind that you may have to crawl around after your children in these places. Kneepads are not a bad idea. Although hours of operation are included in some descriptions, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

Bébélatté (Laval) CLOSED
BébéCardio (Longueuil)
Belles Mamans (Pointe Claire)
Cache à L’eau (Boucherville)
Enfant et Compagnie (St. Léonard)
Fundomundo (Pointe Claire)
Funtopia (Brossard)
Funtropolis (Laval)
Ikea (St. Laurent and Boucherville)
Jungle Adventure (Laval)
Kavaloo (Outremont) CLOSED
Kazoom (Dollard des Ormeaux)
Kidnasium (N.D.G)
Kidzburee (Beaconsfield) CLOSED
Kindermotion (Pierrefonds) CLOSED
Lili Café et Compagnie (Ahuntsic)
McDonald’s Playlands
Maman, Bébé et Café (N.D.G) CLOSED
Melons et Clémentines (N.D.G.)
Montreal Children’s Museum (Laval)
L’Orange-bleu (Repentigny)
La Tasse Gamine (Mile End)
Parenthèses Montréal (Southwest Borough)
Récréathèque (Laval)
ZigZagZoo (Vaudreuil)

Fundomondo
October 2009 update: Fundomondo was recently sold to new owners, but the basic concept will remain the same. One of Montreal’s pioneer indoor play centres, Fundomondo in Pointe Claire gets top marks for:

• Its relaxed, parent-friendly vibe; some have actually been seen reading a newspaper (!!) while their children play.
• Having a climbing structure that’s big enough for kids to go crazy, small enough that parents don’t necessarily have to crawl around after them.
• The separate soft play area for children under 3: it’s got cubes, tubes, wedges and a small climbing structure with a slide.
• Delicious homemade soups; I asked for the recipe once and they gave it to me!

Fundomondo is also a great destination for parents who are on their own with more than one child; they might even have a chance to sit down for a few sips of coffee. There are books and comfortable couches at the back for reading to the kids or breastfeeding. Then there are tables and chairs, where you can eat food from the restaurant. There’s lots of good stuff on the menu, like grilled sandwiches and homemade soup. Fundomundo is located in a strip mall that has a children’s clothing store, book store, kitchen shop, beautiful interiors shop, shoe store, craft/hobby store, knitting store and a grocery store.
Tip: No shoes are allowed at Fundomondo, so make sure you have socks (you can also buy them there). Adults may want to bring their own slippers.
Other services: Storytime, babysitting and birthday parties

Address: 245Q St. John’s Blvd., Pointe Claire (view map)
Hours: Weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check website for hours on holidays.
Parking: Yes, in the free lot outside the shopping centre
Telephone: 514-697-5678
Website: http://www.fundomondo.ca/

Maman, Bébé et Café (view map)

August 2009 update: Maman, Bébé et Café closed its 5814 Sherbrooke St. W location in June 2009. The website says the Café’s future is being planned.

Enfant et Compagnie (view map)

This stylish, modern café is geared toward parents dying for the opportunity to sit and finish a cup of coffee, and perhaps sneak a peek at a magazine. Here, moms can feel comfortable breastfeeding, or simply staring into space, on one of the two big couches, while the kids explore the play area, which has bouncy chairs, toys, a large play house with two slides for older kids.  Since the play area is not separated, parents of older children will have to watch that they’re not bulldozing the crawlers. The restaurant serves snacks, soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as cappuccinos and lattes. There’s a boutique that offers some toys, clothing and other baby products.
Other services: If you live in the area, you can plan a dinner out and take advantage of evening babysitting services. There are a wide range of classes here, from toddler/parent activities to baby photography and fitness classes for parents to cooking classes for older kids.
Tip: Enfant et compagnie is across the street from Coubertin Park.

Address: 4687 Lavoisier Blvd., between D’Aillon and Jean-Marie-Lefebvre, St. Léonard (view map)
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Telephone: 514-327-8484
Parking: Metered parking on the street.
Website: http://www.enfantetcompagnie.com/

I Spy Montreal comment: The minute I walked in, one of the owners (a teacher by profession) greeted me, asked if I needed any help getting my munchkins and gear through the door. Several classes in progress seemed to have a healthy attendance (including a cute cooking class!). My 4.5-year-old and almost two-year-old must have gone down the two mini slides 50 times, and were more interested in playing than having lunch (yummy grilled sandwiches).

Lili Café et Compagnie (view map)
This cheerful Ahuntsic café/boutique with a play area opened in 2008. There’s a beautiful mural surrounding the play area, which has a changing table to the side. There’s an emphasis on local, eco-friendly baby products here, including children’s clothing, baby care and cloth diaper accessories. Lili Café also hosts activities like walking groups (it’s located right next to Ahuntsic Park), sessions on cloth diapering and baby carriers.

Address: 650 Fleury St. E., Ahuntsic (view map)
Hours: Call in advance.
Telephone: 514-544-7181
Website: www.lilicafe.ca

Bébélatté

Sept. 2010 update: Bébélatté has closed.

This Laval parent-baby café opened in August 2009, offering a play area for babies and toddlers, parent-child classes in yoga, massage, arts and crafts and cooking. Bébélatté also hosts birthday parties.

Address: 370 Curé Labelle Blvd., Laval
Hours: Closed Sundays and Mondays. Call for hours on other days.
Telephone: 450-937-3401
Website: www.bebelatte.ca

La Tasse Gamine

This family café, which opened June 2010, is located right on Park Ave, in the midst of Mile End. Aside from being in a hip, central and “on-the-way” location, the café feels spacious and well-organized. There are two distinct play areas: one for babies and crawlers, the other for toddlers and older children. Board games are also offered. There are couches, tables and chairs for parents. The coffee is strong, the menu is organic and seasonal, with food for grownups and kids (quesadillas, grilled cheese, etc.) Read an I Spy interview with La Tasse Gamine.

Address: 5658A Park Ave. between Bernard and St. Viateur Sts.
Telephone: 514-439-9950
Website
Facebook

BébéCardio

An activity centre that hosts many postnatal, parent-baby exercise classes, as well as workshops on topics including baby sign language, knitting, etc. Classes are offered for children age 3 to 17. The centre also has a family friendly café area, and can be rented for parties and showers.

Address: 461 Ste. Hélène St., Longueuil
Telephone: 450-332-2323
Website

Kidnasium (view map)
This N.D.G. play centre is a little off the beaten track, but definitely well worth a trip or two. Up a steep staircase, you’ll find a large, bright play space that’s full of all kinds of toys, a few small slides and playhouse structures. There are also mega building blocks, train tracks, a play kitchen and laundry machines, ride-on cars and more. If kids will allow it, parents can sit outside the play area and enjoy a coffee (there’s an espresso machine). There are toddler-size tables and high chairs available for when you want to bring kids out of the play area for a snack. They also sell snacks (snack-size bags of crackers, chips, etc.). This place is great for the parent who’s looking after one or more kids on their own – the play area is enclosed, so they can’t go far.There’s comfortable seating both in and outside the play area for breastfeeding.
Other services: Classes are offered in a separate gymnasium; birthday parties

Address: 6263 Somerled Ave., N.D.G. (view map)
Hours: Opens at 9 a.m., but closing times vary. Closed on Fridays and Sundays.
Parking: Free in the lot just outside, or meter parking on the street
Telephone: 514-482-8659
Website: http://www.kidnasium.net/

Belles Mamans

Belles Mamans offers classes for the pre- and post-natal phases, including classes on nutrition, exercise and CPR. It also offers child-care while you do classes or have a spa treatment (massage, waxing, manicure, pedicure, etc.).

Address: 173C Cartier Ave., Pointe Claire (View map)
Parking: Street parking
Telephone: 514-783-3200
Website: http://www.bellesmamans.ca/index.html

ZigZagZoo (view map)

Your child’s jaw will hit the floor the first time they see the HUMUNGOUS play structure here. Then, your little Indiana Jones will bolt into this jungle-themed heaven of tunnels, mega slides and obstacles. Parents will definitely have to get down on their hands and knees and crawl around after 2- and 3-year-olds, so as not to lose track of where they are. Attached to the main structure is soft play area for babies, with a small slide and mats. Another super feature is an enclosed mini “soccer field” where kids of all sizes can practise scoring goals. There’s also a sizeable climbing wall. There’s a snack bar here with some healthy choices and simple lunch fare. Parents of older children may have the luxury of sitting back while the kids play. It would be tough for one parent to keep track of two small children on their own here.
Other services: Birthday parties and group packages are offered.
Note: Socks are a must. If you forget, you can buy a pair there.

Address: 980 St. Charles Ave., Vaudreuil (view map)
Hours: Mon. 9:30 to 5 p.m.; Tues. to Thurs. 9:30 to 4 p.m.; Fri and Sat: 9:30 to 8 p.m.; Sun 9:30 to 5 p.m.
Parking: Yes, free lot in front
Telephone: 450-424-3244
Website: www.zigzagzoo.ca

Funtopia (view map)

Located in Brossard’s Quartier Dix30 pre-fab shopping metropolis, Funtopia has a jungle-themed play structure aimed at 2- to 8-year-olds. The structure is big, which is great for keeping the kids busy. But, it’s a bit difficult for parents to keep track of where the kids are. For kids age 2 to 4, parents will need to crawl around in the play structure and go down slides, too. There’s a separate room for 0 to 21/2-year-olds with a small play structure, large bean bag chairs and a few toys. There’s not much for babies aged 0 to 1 here: no closed off area where they can be away from the bigger, rambunctious kids. There are lots of chairs and tables, where you can sit and have a coffee or order lunch (simple sandwiches, pizza, etc.). For parents on their own with more than one child under 4, it’s hard to monitor both in such a large area.
Other services: Birthday parties and babysitting while parents shop at Dix30 or go out to dinner.

Address:7200 Du Quartier Blvd., Brossard (view map)
Hours: Sun. to Thurs., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking: Free lot in front
Telephone: 450-926-9595
Website: http://www.funtopia.ca/

Funtropolis (view map)

Pop! Pop! Pop! That sound will reverberate in your ears after a visit to Funtropolis, where one of the main attractions is the ball-shooting machines. This is a unique – although noisy – addition to the main play maze setup. The tall structure offers little monkeys the chance to climb, explore, slide and bounce – there are also mini-trampolines here. For babies age 0 to two, there’s some nice equipment on the floor – a ball pit, mini slides, playhouse, etc. The setup of the play structure makes it fairly easy to keep an eye on your child without having to necessarily follow them around. Two- to three-year-olds will  probably need your help getting around, though. If you want to eat here, it’s casse-croute-style fare: fries, hot dogs and chicken nuggets. This place caters to older kids and has an “amusement centre” feeling, with an arcade games area next to the play structure.
Other services: Birthday parties
Note: Funtropolis is next door to the Montreal Children’s Museum.

Address: 3925 Curé Labelle Blvd., Laval (view map)
Hours: Sun. to Thurs., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. to Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking: Yes, free lot in front
Telephone: 450-688-9222

Cache à L’eau (view map)
This Boucherville play centre is themed around the ocean and pirates. Located on an industrial stretch of the highway that leads to Ikea, it’s not exactly a hot destination. But once you get inside, there’s an elaborate play maze, a bouncy ship, trampolines with harnesses for older kids and an area for smaller children with a ball pit. There’s not much here for pre-walking babies. Most of the maze is on the ground level, and it’s fairly easy to keep an eye on the kids. There’s a large, diner-style area and snack bar for lunch.
Other services: Birthday parties, day camp and group events

Address: 1235 Ampère St., suite 300, Boucherville (view map)
Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking: Yes, free lot in front
Telephone:450-641-0312
Website: http://www.cachealeau.com/

Récréathèque (Bananazoo) (view map)
The Récréathèque has been around a while and is showing its age. It’s hard to feel hip entering this amusement centre in Laval. (My husband’s exact words as we pulled up were, “Please don’t make me go in there!”) It houses a bowling alley, roller-skating rink, bingo hall and billiard facilities. But, after braving the entrance, we were pleasantly surprised to find a spacious play area for young children called Bananazoo. There’s a good-sized climbing maze and bouncy castle for the 2- to 4-year-old set, as well as a separate, carpeted baby area with play houses and slides. Another unique feature is an indoor mini train that takes kids for a ride. There are tables set up for coloring with crayons. You can buy drinks and snacks. For parents on their own with two kids, it would be manageable to watch both at Bananazoo. Across from Bananazoo, there’s an arcade games area.
Note: There’s a McDonald’s close by.

Address: 900 Curé Labelle Blvd., Laval (view map)
Hours: Sat, Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wed 10 a.m. To 3 p.m.; Fri. 7 to 9 p.m.
Parking: Yes, there’s a parking lot
Telephone: 450-688-8880
Website: http://www.larecreatheque.com/

Kavaloo (view map)
2010 UPDATE: Kavaloo has closed. Located in Outremont, Kavaloo is a restaurant with a small play area for kids. There’s a playhouse in the eating area, plus a small adjoining room with a slide and ball pit. We tried it once for dinner, and found that it’s a decent compromise if you want to go out but don’t happen to have a babysitter handy. In a casual, Ikea-style dining room, they serve French food for the grownups and very child-friendly options/portions for the little ones.
Tip: Make a reservation.
Other services: Kavaloo also hosts classes and birthday parties.

Hours: Tues. to Sun., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 1298 Van Horne, corner Outremont (metro Outremont) (view map)
Parking: Metered parking on the street
Telephone: 514-270-7715

I Spy Montreal comment: Eating out with young kids is always challenge; at Kavaloo, it’s not exactly a relaxing experience, because you’re keeping an eye on the kids while they play, diving to catch flying drinks and cutlery, and feed the little ones. But, it offers a break from cooking and dishes, plus a great excuse to have beer or wine with your meal. Even if you end up eating standing up, or chasing the kids around during the meal, you know everyone else is in the same boat. It also feels a little hipper here than it does at a suburban “family-style” restaurant. This would be a good place to try as a group, because parents could take turns supervising the kids while others eat.

Kazoom (view map)
Don’t be deterred by the strip-mall surroundings here. This place caters to both kids and parents, with a nice café area in the back that even has an electric fireplace. The front area has a clean, modern climbing structure – with slides, ropes, ramps, obstacles and tunnels – that’s great for kids age three and up. Although it’s a big structure, it’s fairly easy to keep track of where kids are, or follow them if necessary. In the back, there’s a café/bistro area, with lots of seating, a few couches and a TV near the fireplace. Within full view of the café is an enclosed area for kids under three. It’s got a play house, soft mats, mini slide, tunnel and a few toys. It’s a great space for crawlers/early walkers and their latte-craving parents. The menu offers everything from regular coffee to lattes, Panini-style sandwiches and salads, hot dogs, etc. It’s a well-designed play centre where parents can feel like they’re getting a break, too.
Other services: Birthday parties, summer camp activities, and free Wi-Fi Internet access.
Tip: Socks are obligatory.

Hours: Mon. to Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking: Free parking lot in front.
Address: 4850A Sources Blvd., (north of Highway 40), Dollard des Ormeaux (view map)
Telephone: 514-676-4386
Website: www.kazoomcafe.com

Kindermotion (view map)

October 2009 update: Kindermotion, located on Gouin Blvd. in Pierrefonds, has closed.

Jungle Adventure (view map)

This play centre is not the newest or slickest, but it’s at the top of the list for covering all the bases for kids age 0 up to age 13. Because it’s located in a dingy shopping centre in Laval, it doesn’t look promising from the outside. But, once you get in, you find some imaginative features. The main climbing structure, for ages three and up, has a ball pit where kids can also channel their inner Tarzan by swinging on ropes. There are also three trampolines, all bordered by soft mats and netting. Although you may have to follow young ones around inside the climbing structure, it’s roomier than most, so parents don’t feel too claustrophobic. The area for one to three-year-olds is very baby/toddler friendly: it’s roomy, has its own ball pit, slides, tons of soft mats, and “activity modules” to keep little ones busy. One really nice feature at Jungle Adventure is the free face painting – in a separate room, kids can get a picture on their cheek, and parents get a great photo-op. Admission includes some tokens, which can be used at the ride-on toys and arcade games. The on-site snack bar sells casse-croute food (hot dogs, fries, popcorn etc.) along with healthier options, like baked pretzels and granola bars.
Other services: Birthday parties, day camps.

Address: 1545 Le Corbusier Blvd., Laval (view map)
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking: Free lot in front of shopping centre.
Telephone: 450-681-2144
Website: http://www.jungleaventure.com/

Kidzburree (view map)

Sept. 2010 update: Kidzburree has closed.

Located in a Beaconsfield stripmall, Kidzburree looks like an open, muralled gymnasium space with various toys and equipment. For older kids, there’s a standard-size basketball net and punching bags hanging from the ceiling; for toddlers, there’s a fleet of ride-on toys, a mini train on tracks, etc.
Address: 275 Elm Ave., Unit 9, Beaconsfield (view map)
Parking: Yes, there’s a parking lot
Telephone: 514-426-8000
Website: http://www.kidzburree.com/

Melons et Clémentines
This N.D.G. shop/café specializes in breastfeeding products and services. There are classes on breastfeeding, cloth diapering, infant massage and “meet the doula” events, plus a family-friendly café with play area. Opened in 2010.
Address: 5659 Sherbrooke St. W. (between Oxford and Harvard)
Telephone: 514-482-LAIT
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Montreal Children’s Museum (view map)

Your child can pretend to be a police officer, fisherman, astronaut, cook or grocery store cashier at the Montreal Children’s Museum. Located on a highway in Laval, it doesn’t have the look or feel of a traditional museum, but it’s a great concept. This two-storey attraction has several environments set up to let kids make believe. They can get on a boat, wear a raincoat and do some fishing, mop the deck or steer. They can sit in a real police car and wear the hat, or play with tools and tires in the auto body shop. Upstairs there’s the opportunity to try a microphone and be a rock star, serve food in a restaurant, or use a construction digger. One of the most popular areas seems to be the pretend grocery store, where kids can wheel a mini cart around, pick up some plastic food, and take it to the cashier (who could be mom or dad). Although there’s a big choice of activities, the museum will keep them occupied for about an hour. For parents, although there’s nowhere to sit down once inside, it’s fairly easy to keep track of where kids are. Also, you can buy drinks but there’s no food available at the museum; if you bring your own, there are some tables where you can sit.
Note: The Montreal Children’s Museum is next to Funtropolis
Other services: They offer birthday parties and group rates.

Address: 3805 Curé Labelle Blvd., Laval (view map)
Hours: Mon to Thurs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri. to Sun. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Telephone: 450-681-4333
Website: http://www.museepourenfants.com/

L’Orange-bleu(view map)
This clown-themed play centre has a large play maze, a separate area for toddlers, plus an on-site snack/bar restaurant. Shows are held in the mini-theatre and free face-painting is offered.

Address:4600 Lacombe Blvd., Repentigny (view map)
Telephone: 450-657-8484
Website: www.orange-bleu.com

McDonald’s Playlands

Many McDonalds have a Playplace with tunnels and slides that are great for kids age two and up. Whatever our feelings are toward McDonalds food, parents will certainly appreciate the opportunity to simply sit and relax while the kids run themselves ragged inside in the play area. Some can be a bit grungy – take a look first to make sure it’s OK for your kids to play in. Playplaces are typically separated from the restaurant area by glass walls. If you are going to eat, kids will love the Happy Meals, which typically include a movie-related toy. You can go on the McDonald’s website to find the Playplace nearest you.
Tip: If you’re going on a driving trip and know you’ll need to stop somewhere on the way, go on the McDonalds website to locate a Playplace en route. It’s a great way to give the kids some physical activity during the trip.

Parenthèses Montréal
Address: 1384 Notre Dame St. W.
Telephone: 514-727-3687
Website: http://www.parenthesesmontreal.com/

Parenthèses Montréal opened in September 2010, offering a twist on the typical parent-baby/child café. The chic and cozy café is at the front, and the childcare area – also beautiful – is separate and at the back. The idea is that parents call in advance to reserve a place childcare area (age 5 and under), which is staffed by caregivers. Then parents can either hang out in the café (has WiFi) or go out on their own for a few hours. During hockey season, childcare is available at night for parents who would like to watch the game at the café or go to Montreal games. Parenthèses also offers prenatal classes and other sessions for parents. See photos of Parenthèses. Read an interview with the owners.

IKEA
Even if you have nothing to buy, Ikea is a legitimate family destination. If you do have something to buy, Ikea makes it easier to shop with kids. For starters, there’s family parking – wide parking slots located close to the entrance. They offer carts for kids to sit in (no need to bring a stroller), and family-friendly washrooms as well as first-class breastfeeding rooms. Kids who are between 37 and 54 inches tall are eligible for the supervised play area (Smaland) – where there’s a ball pit, tunnels and obstacles – for an hour while parents shop.

There’s a limit on the number of kids allowed, so you may not be able to get in at peak shopping times. If your child is too young for the play centre, there are a few mini play stations throughout the store. In the children’s department, there’s some hands-on fun – they can try out the furniture and toys. In the Boucherville location (which is larger and a bit more child-friendly than the Cavendish location), the restaurant has an area for kids to play, surrounded by seating for parents. There are lots of kid-friendly food options (they even sell jars of baby food). Check the website for special children’s events; past events include Easter egg hunts, workshops on painting plant pots, face painting, etc.
Tip: Younger kids may not want to be left in the children’s play area while parents shop. Try bringing a friend along to encourage them to play.
Ikea Boucherville
Address: 586 De Touraine, Boucherville (view map)
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 450-449-6755
Website: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/store/boucherville
Ikea Cavendish
Address: 9191 Cavendish Blvd., St. Laurent. (view map)
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 514-738-2167
Website: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/store/montreal

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Many moms will swear up and down that they’re really, REALLY happy with a homemade card, a bouquet of grocery store flowers, or breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day. But, what they really, REALLY want is a jumbo order of peace and quiet. In a bread bowl.

Dads, they want you to take the children away. Just for a few hours.

What you need is a game plan … and possibly some socks (we’ll explain later).

Here are 10 things to do in Montreal this weekend with your kids, plus a bonus activity. Oh, and one more thing, dads: fobbing the kids off on your own mother doesn’t count, ‘kay?

1. Hit a parent/baby cafe. The Weather Network is calling for rain on Sunday, so plan on an indoor excursion. For dads with kids age 0 to 2, a parent/baby cafe like Bebe et Compagnie in St. Leonard, Maman, Bebe et Cafe in N.D.G. or Kavaloo in Outremont is a good bet. The play areas are well contained, dads will get a chance to drink a coffee while watching the munchkins and, if the kids last, buy them lunch (avoiding at-home cooking and cleanup).

2. Indoor play centres. For kids age 0 to 8, an indoor play centre will do the trick.  Jungle Adventure (Laval and St. Leonard), Funtropolis (Laval), Fundomondo (Pointe Claire), Kazoom (Pierrefonds), Kindermotion (Pierrefonds) or ZigZagZoo (Vaudreuil) are all good bets for active kids. For those toting a baby, all of these places have an area for little ones, as well as huge climbing structures for kids age 2/3 and up. Fundomondo, Kazoom or Kindermotion are great options for parents of two children under 4 — the play areas are enclosed, making it easier to monitor the comings and goings of a 3/4/5-year old, while watching a baby. For older kids, Funtropolis has ball-shooting machines, and both it and Jungle Adventure have trampolines and video games. This is where the socks come in — many indoor play centres require that you and the kids are wearing them.

3. Do the unthinkable and call another dad. Take a deep breath. Ask your wife for the phone number of one of your friends/relatives who has kids. Call the other dad and see if he wants to do a, um, playdate, either at your house or his house, liberating the two moms for a few hours. Or, see if he wants to meet somewhere with the kids. Talk hockey, stocks, Star Trek or Star Wars while watching the kids.  May the force be with you.

4. Take the kids to the Biodome. The Biodome is a central, easy indoor outing for kids ages 18 months and up. Kids will get to see lots of animals, fish and birds (the penguins are the best part) and possibly even learn something new. Although children under age 5, with their teeny weeny attention spans, will probably whiz through everything in under an hour, you can stretch the visit by hitting the gift shop, which has lots of toys and books to look at, and the on-site Cafe Vienne.

5. Head for a bookstore. The children’s departments of Indigo bookstores are great places to hang out.  At the Indigo Pointe Claire and Brossard locations, there are Thomas the Train tables and other toys to play with, as well as areas for sitting and looking at books together. Both of these branches also have on-site Starbucks, so you can grab a latte and browse together for a while.

6. Hit IKEA. If there’s something you need for the house, it’s a good day to go to IKEA, which has all kinds of child-friendly stations throughout the store. The Boucherville location is bigger and more kid-oriented than the Cavendish one: there’s a slide in the children’s section, and an area where they can try all sorts of toys. Both branches have the drop-off children’s play area called Smaland. The Boucherville  location has a special arts and crafts activity on Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. IKEA is also a great place to be at lunch time, because the cafeteria has a play area, highchairs and various kid-friendly food options (plain pasta, meatballs, baby food in jars).

7. Check out the Children’s Museum: Would you relax? It’s not a traditional museum. Here, kids get to try out different professional roles, including fisherman, police officer, astronaut, grocery store cashier, chef, construction worker and grocery store cashier. It takes about an hour for them to see all the environments. Heads up: There’s no food on the premises.

8. Visit Wonderland: Theatre group Geordie Productions is staging Through the Looking Glass, which was positively reviewed by the Gazette, at 1 and 3 p.m. at D.B. Clarke Theatre on de Maisonneuve Blvd.

9. Catch a flick: Some of the family-friendly movies on in town, in order of age range, are: Bolt, Monsters vs. Aliens, Hannah Montana: The Movie, Hotel for Dogs, U2 3-D.

10. Ride the bus/metro: Why do so many adults on public transit look suicidal? Clearly they’ve forgotten how cool buses and metros are. If you don’t normally take public transit, treat your kid to a ride. Plan a route using the STM website. This is not a good idea for kids still in strollers though – public transit isn’t that stroller-friendly.

11. Get some groceries: If you’ve completed any of the above missions and find yourself heading home in under two hours, slow down there, cowboy. Let the kids help pick out some grub or takeout for dinner. You never know … mom could be halfway to Mexico by now. And get some flowers while you’re at it.

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