Spring Break 2024: 15 Activities Near Montreal for Families

Spring Break is almost here! Are you ready to make the most out of Spring Break with your kids near Montreal?

And don’t worry you don’t have to travel too far – I’ve made a list of exciting things to do that are all within a 3-hour drive from the city. I’ve organized the list from closest to Montreal to farthest away, so it’s easy to plan your adventures. Your kids (and you!) will definitely have fun at these places because some of them are among our favorite spots!

These activities, ranging from outdoor adventures to indoor activities, are not only fun but also provide opportunities for your kids to learn new things. So let’s dive in and start planning for an unforgettable Spring Break with the kids!

1 . Explore the Montreal Science Centre

Located in the Old Port of Montreal, this science center is packed with fun and educational exhibits. This is a place where kids can have a lot of fun while learning cool things about science! There are many different exhibitions to explore, where they can discover all kinds of interesting stuff about space, technology, nature, and more. They can even do fun experiments and interactive activities that will make them feel like a real scientist! It’s a great place to visit with your family and friends, and they’ll leave feeling smarter and inspired by all the amazing things they’ve learned.

My daughter and I really enjoy going to the Montreal Science Centre. We like it so much that we bought an annual pass last year for about 122 $CAD. My daughter can’t get enough of it! One of the best things about having the annual pass is that we can also visit science centers in other cities around the world. We’ve used it to visit places like the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto and the 3 museums run by Ingenium in Ottawa. It’s a fantastic way to spend time together, have fun, and even learn new skills along the way. And hey, it’s also perfect for a fun road trip adventure!

If you’re interested in more educational activities to do with your kids in Montreal, be sure to check out this post “TOP 10 EDUCATIONAL PLACES FOR KIDS IN MONTREAL.” In this post, I’ve made a list of the best places in the city where your kids can have fun while learning new things. From interactive museums to hands-on science centers, there’s something for every curious mind to explore.

2. Ice Skating at The Esplanade Tranquille

Photo by Quartier des Spectacles de Montreal

At the Esplanade Tranquille in Montreal, kids can have a great time with lots of free cultural activities and outdoor fun. They can skate for free on the big ice rink, which is a must-do activity during the winter in Quebec. It’s right in the middle of downtown Montreal, so kids can easily enjoy some winter fun with friends and family!

3. Visit 5 attractions at Espace pour la Vie

Espace pour la Vie is a really fun place to visit in Montreal! It’s like a big science and nature playground with 5 different attractions to explore.

First up, there’s the Montreal Botanical Garden. It’s partially open during the winter months, though the outdoor gardens may be closed or have limited access due to snow and cold temperatures. However, some indoor spaces, like the greenhouses, remain open for visitors to enjoy. Inside these greenhouses, kids can explore a variety of plants from different climates around the world in a warm and tropical environment. Additionally, the Botanical Garden may host special winter events or activities during this time.

Then, there’s the Biodome, which is kind of like a giant indoor zoo. Inside, kids can walk through different habitats, like a tropical rainforest and an icy polar world, and see animals living in their natural environments.

Next, there’s the Insectarium, where kids can check out all kinds of bugs and learn why they’re so important.

And don’t forget about the Planetarium, where kids can learn all about space and stars through cool exhibits and shows.

Last, there’s the Biosphere, located away from the other four attractions, a museum dedicated to the environment. It’s housed in a big dome on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and teaches kids about ways they can help protect our planet.

We also enjoy going to Espace pour la Vie – in fact, we purchased an annual pass last year, and my daughter loves it, especially the Biodome and Planetarium. She always asks to come back again this year, and it’s definitely a place we enjoy visiting as a family. In the summer, I love going to the Botanical Garden, especially the Japanese Garden, where we can have a picnic. With their annual pass, you can do all of this throughout the year. Plus, they’re offering a 25% discount on annual passes until March 8, 2024, so it’s a perfect time to visit these places during spring break.

If you’re interested in learning more about these amazing places near Montreal, be sure to check out this post “FAVORITE SPOTS YOU MUST SEE IN MONTREAL.”

4. Skydiving at iFly

Photo by iFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Indoor Skydiving is a fun and thrilling activity where the whole family can experience the sensation of skydiving without having to jump out of an airplane. Instead, you’ll float on a cushion of air in a vertical wind tunnel, with the help of a trained instructor. It’s safe, exhilarating, and suitable for people of all ages, including kids as young as 4 years old.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving is located in Laval, which is just a short drive from Montreal. It’s conveniently accessible by car and offers free parking.

5. Watch Disney On Ice Magic in the Stars at Place Bell

Photo by Disney on Ice

This event has one of the biggest casts ever seen in Disney On Ice, with 56 favorite Disney characters. From new stars like those from Frozen 2 and Raya and the Last Dragon to classic ones like Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Lightning McQueen, and Snow White, there’s a special character for every kid to enjoy!

Happening until March 3rd for Spring Break, Magic in the Stars is more than just an ice skating show, featuring fire dancers and high-flying acrobatics. It’s not just about watching characters skate on ice; it’s about being transported into a world of magic. 

6. Meet the Alpacas at Aventure Mille Îles

Photo by Aventure Mille-îles

Have your kids ever wanted to meet and interact with adorable alpacas? Well, now’s their chance! Interacting with alpacas at Aventure Mille Îles is a fun and unique experience that kids (and adults!) will love. You can pet them, feed them, and even take pictures with them. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures and learn more about them.

But that’s not all! During spring break, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well. The whole family can try ice fishing and see if you can catch some fish in the frozen lake. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you and your kids can also jump on a quad and explore the trails around the area.

7. Visit Parc oméga

Parc Oméga is a really fun place where you can get up close with lots of animals! It’s like a big outdoor zoo where the animals roam around freely. You can drive through the park in your car and see animals like deer, elk, bison, and even bears! They might even come right up to your car! And the best part is, you can feed some of the animals too! Just bring along some carrots and have fun feeding them. This part, where you can feed animals with carrots from your car, is our favorite part. It’s so much fun, especially for the kids! Parc Oméga is definitely a great place to spend the whole day with your family surrounded by nature.

8. Learn to ski and snowboard

Learning to ski and snowboard at Centre de la nature de Laval is a great opportunity for kids aged 5 to 8! This program is offered by Maneige.ski and it’s completely free, so you don’t have to worry about any extra costs. This program is open to everyone, not just residents of Laval, and it runs every weekend until March 18, 2024. Plus, it’s also open during spring break from March 4 to 8, 2024.

The sessions take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving plenty of time for kids to learn and have fun on the slopes. And the best part? You don’t need to bring any equipment – skis, snowboards, and helmets are all provided for free. So, all you need to do is show up and get ready to hit the slopes!

9. Discover Exporail

Photo by Exporail

Have you ever heard of Exporail? It’s a really cool place where kids can learn all about trains! At Exporail, they can see lots of different kinds of trains, like old steam trains and shiny new ones. Kids can even go inside some of them and imagine what it would be like to ride on a train a long time ago!

Exporail is like a big museum all about trains. They can explore inside and see how trains have changed over the years. There are also fun activities and games to play, so they can have a great time while they learn.

10. Slide Aux Glissades du Domaine des Pays d’en Haut

Photo by Glissade.ca

Les Glissades du Domaine des Pays d’en Haut is a really fun place to go during the winter! It’s located in the Laurentian Mountains, not too far from Montreal. Here, you can do all sorts of cool stuff like zooming down giant slides on inner tubes. It’s like sledding, but even more exciting! There are different slopes for all ages, so even little kids can join in on the fun. Plus, there’s a heated chalet where you can warm up and grab a snack. It’s the perfect way to spend a chilly winter day with your family!

11. Sleeping With Lions at Hotel de la Cité Perdue

Photo by Complexe Atlantide

Experience the thrill of sleeping with lions at Hotel de la Cité perdue, located in Familizoo! This unique opportunity allows you to stay overnight in a cozy room right next to the lions. They have special family rooms where you can watch the lions from your room! It’s like having a mini safari adventure while you relax at the hotel. Plus, there’s lots more to enjoy, like a bar, a pool, a restaurant, and even an arcade room. It’s a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s just right for a fun Spring Break trip!

12. Plan a Family Getaway at Jay Peak Resort

Located in northern Vermont, just a short drive away, about a 2-hour drive from Montreal. Jay Peak is the perfect destination for families looking for fun and relaxation.

One of the highlights of Jay Peak Resort is its amazing indoor waterpark. No matter the weather outside, kids can splash and play in the Pump House Indoor Waterpark, which features slides, a lazy river, and even a surfing wave. It’s the perfect way to beat the winter blues and have fun with the whole family.

Plus, Jay Peak Resort offers a variety of other activities and amenities, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter, hiking and mountain biking in the spring and summer, and a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving.

If you’re interested in learning more about our time at Jay Peak Resort, be sure to check out this post “THE PERFECT FAMILY GETAWAY NEAR MONTREAL: JAY PEAK RESORT.” There, you’ll find all the details about our experience and why we think it’s the ideal destination for a family getaway!

13. Visit Ingenium in Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, has lots of cool museums that families can explore together. At these museums, kids can learn all sorts of interesting stuff and even try out some hands-on activities!

One museum you won’t want to miss is the Canada Science and Technology Museum located on 1867 St Laurent Blvd. Here, they can discover how things like cars, trains, and computers work through fun and interactive exhibits.

If your kids are into airplanes and outer space, check out the Canada Aviation and Space Museum located on 11 Aviation Parkway. They can see all kinds of cool aircraft and learn about the history of flight and space exploration.

And if your kids are curious about where food comes from, head to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum located on 901 Prince of Wales Drive. Here, they can learn about farming and even meet some friendly farm animals! 

14. Explore Aquarium du Québec

Photo by Sépaq

The Aquarium du Québec is a really cool place to visit during Spring Break! It’s like stepping into an underwater world full of amazing creatures. You can see all sorts of fish, sharks, sea turtles, and even playful seals. Plus, they have special exhibits and interactive displays that make learning about marine life super fun. It’s a great way to spend the day with your family, especially if you’re looking for something indoors.

15. Enjoy Rides at Méga Parc Indoor Amusement Park

Photo by Erick Labbe

Méga Parc des Galeries de la Capitale is an indoor amusement park located in Quebec City, about a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal. It’s a super fun place to visit with your family during March Break! At Méga Parc, kids can enjoy rides, games, and even go ice skating on their huge indoor rink. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from little kids to big kids (and adults too!). Plus, the park is located inside a shopping mall, so you can also do some shopping and grab a bite to eat while you’re there. It’s definitely worth the trip from Montreal for a day of non-stop fun!

When planning your spring break trip, it’s important to consider your kids’ interests and the variety of activities available at each destination. Whether your family loves outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or thrilling attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy within a 3-hour drive from Montreal.

To make the most of your trip, be sure to book accommodations in advance, especially during the bustling spring break season. This will help ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation for the whole family.