When it’s minus-20 outside and you have one or more restless imps inside, indoor play centres and parent-baby cafés come to the rescue, saving weekends (and marriages!). They vary in terms of atmosphere and vibe. For parents with babies 0 to 18 months, parent-baby cafés are often the best choice, because they offer the best of both worlds: coffee for parents and new toys for babies in a calm environment. 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 descriptions, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

Enfant et Compagnie (St. Léonard)
Cache à L’eau (Boucherville)
Fundomundo (Pointe Claire)
Funtopia (Brossard)
Funtropolis (Laval)
Ikea (St. Laurent and Boucherville)
Jungle Adventure (Laval)
Kavaloo (Outremont)
Kazoom (Dollard des Ormeaux)
Kidnasium (N.D.G)
Kidzburee (Beaconsfield)
Kindermotion (Pierrefonds)
McDonald’s Playlands
Maman, Bébé et Café (N.D.G)
Montreal Children’s Museum (Laval)
L’Orange-bleu (Repentigny)
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 buy them there for $1). 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)
Cost: Babies under 1 year, free, toddlers 1 and 2 years, $6, kids 3 plus, $10. Adults free.
Hours: Weekdays 9 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

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)
Cost: $10 per child
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/

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)
Cost: Free for babies 0 to 6 months, weekdays: 6 to 12 months, $1; 1 to 3 years $6; 4 to 12, $9; adults, $3. Weekends: 6 to 12 months, $2; 1 to 3 years $8; 4 to 12 years, $11; adults, $3.
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)
Cost:0 to 11 months, free; Weekdays: 1 to 2 years $4.95; 3 to 12 years $7.95; adults $2.95. Weekends: 1 to 2 years $6.95, 3 to 12 years $9.95; adults $2.95
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)
Cost: Free for children under 1 year, 12 to 32 months, $5.25; 3 years and up: $11.95; adults $5.25.
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)
Cost: 0 to 12 months, free; 12 to 23 months, $4.95; 2 years and up, $8.95, adults $3.
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)
Cost: Weekdays, $6.50; weekends/holidays $10 per child, $2 per adult.
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)
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
Website: http://www.kavaloo.ca/

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.

Cost: Age 0 to 1, free. On weekdays, ages 1 to 3, $4.95, ages 4 to 12, $6.95, adults $1.95. Weekends: ages 1 to 3, $7.95, ages 4 to 12, $9.95, adults $2.95.
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.
Cost: $9.30 per person; $4.65 for 12 to 36 months; free for adults and children under 1 year old who are accompanied by a paid admission.
Parking: Free lot in front of shopping centre.
Telephone: 450-681-2144
Website: http://www.jungleaventure.com/

Kidzburree (view map)

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/

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)
Cost: Free for babies 18 months and under; children $12.40, 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/

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.

IKEA
Even if you have nothing to buy, Ikea is a legitimate family destination. If you do have something to buy, Ikea makes it a lot 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 a first-class breastfeeding room. 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 various mini play areas throughout the store. In the children’s department, there’s lots of hands-on fun – they can try out the furniture and toys in the various “rooms”. In the Boucherville location (which is larger, more modern and 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