Traveling to Montreal With Kids

Getting around Montreal with kids has its challenges even for those of us who live here. But what about those who are visiting Montreal with young children? This page goes out to you!

Renting baby gear and equipment

Traveling with babies and toddlers requires a lot of gear. If you can’t bring it all with you, relax. BébéGoGo to the rescue. This company, run by two local moms, rents gear including strollers, cribs, highchairs and playpens.

Downtown-area outings

If you are staying in the downtown area, here are some of the “landmark” Montreal areas where you’ll find parks or other activities for young children.

Mount Royal: Montreal’s iconic park has an ultramodern playground at the top that’s suitable for children age 6 months and up (there are toddler swings and a sand pit); there is also some water spray equipment. If you have a stroller, you can try walking to the top (takes about an hour), or take a cab. Guided Tour of Mount Royal Park’s Salamander Playground.

At the foot of Mount Royal, close to the hip/quirky St. Laurent Blvd. and Plateau area, you’ll find Jeanne Mance Park and wading pool, which is great for kids age 6 months to 5 years. If you hit the park on a Sunday in the spring/summer/early autumn months, you can stop in to see the tam tams, a weekly gathering of drummers, dancers and artisans.

Old Montreal: Old Montreal is well-known for its European flavor, cobblestone streets and the port area. The kids activities here are mostly for the older ones, although there is a small playground next to the Shed 16 Labyrinth. The Labyrinth, an indoor maze which parents and kids explore together, is fun for kids at least age 3/4 and up.

There are other attractions in the Old Port area during the summer months, including street entertainers, pedal boats, quadricycles, the opportunity to tour tall ships docked at the port, lots of ice cream places and restaurants with patios.

If you’re interested in cycling with kids, you can rent bicycles and bike trailers at Ca Roule, which is located near the bike path that runs along the water.

St. Denis St.: This street is quintessential Montreal – lined with boutiques, sidewalk cafés and restaurants. If you want to check it out with the kids, you could tie in a visit to Thérèse Daviau Park, which is a block away. Also, there’s a toy store called Franc Jeu at 4152 St. Denis (514-849-9253), and some really cute children’s toys and decor items at Zone, 4246 St. Denis St. (514-845-3530).

There are two good places for ice cream on St. Denis St.: Au Festin de Babette, which has tables for sitting and eating; and Meu Meu, where you enjoy your cone on the go. In the summer, another great place to stop is Brulerie St. Denis, 1587 St. Denis St., which has a beautiful back patio/garden eating area – it’s contained, so the kids can enjoy a little freedom while you enjoy a little coffee or breakfast.

The Insectarium’s BuzzGround and Montreal Botanical Gardens: Montreal’s Insectarium and Botanical Gardens are connected, and an outdoor park called BuzzGround, which targets kids about age 2 and up, was installed at the Insectarium in 2009. Guided Tour of BuzzGround.

Lafontaine Park: Another landmark Montreal park on the eastern side of downtown, with two playgrounds – one for older and younger kids – and a wading pool. Guided Tour: Lafontaine Park.

Westmount Park: This park is located west of downtown, close to an upscale shopping and restaurant strip on Sherbrooke St. in Westmount. There are a few high-end children’s clothing stores along the street and Art-Enfant toy store. One of the distinctive features of this park is the municipal greenhouse. Guided Tour: Westmount Park.