Anne-Charlotte PasseraAs a Montrealer family, during the Summer, we like to spend as much time as possible outdoors doing activities, and August is no exception. You might see us enjoying a drink on a terrasse, kids in tow before 8 pm (you can until 10pm), dancing on Place des Festivals, walking on the streets during an outdoor event, or watching a movie in a park under the stars. These are just some of the highlights Montreal has to offer in August but for more family activities, you can read our other summery month issues.
Montreal Family Activities
There is always something to do with kids in Montreal, no matter what the month and for every budget. In this month’s issue, I tried to find ones I hadn’t mentioned before. Of course, the indoor ones can be done all year long. Some tend to be a little pricy for a family but perhaps you can do them as part of a birthday celebration.
The goal is to diversify the activities between cultural, historical, physical, or just plain numbing fun. Parks are our favorite places to hang out because they are FREE and offer pools, kiddy pools, water jets, playgrounds, bocce courts, ping-pong tables.
And let’s not forget ICE CREAM of course! We all have a sweet tooth and you can get your fix throughout the city. I’ve put together a shortlist of interesting ice cream shops worth checking out on your next family outing in Montreal. READ ME !
Temporary Montreal Events in August
Many temporary events are FREE or half and half. Nonetheless, the following can be enjoyed with kids in tow and done on your own rhythm.
Dance in the Parks of Mont-Royal with Urban Element Zone FREE
From 10 to 99 years old, learn some new dance moves for FREE in some of Plateau Mont-Royal’s parks. This groovy class is only 1 hour long from 6pm to 7pm. You have to register online for the date of your choice HERE.
Wear comfortable shoes! I danced barefoot which wasn’t half bad but the ground was a little uneven. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, you’re going to need it.
Little Food tip: If you decide to take part in the activity in Baldwin Park, grab a delicious cheeseburger at Les Belles Soeurs just a block away on 2251 rue Marie-Anne afterward. You can take it to go and eat in the Park.
Ciné dans le Parc FREE
Unless you have an outdoor movie theatre which you can actually rent from Lozeau for a weekend, you’ll have to make do with the FREE showings offered in Montreal’s parks all summer.
Find out about one of the programs HERE. Most of the programming is however in French.
Italian Week (6-22 August)
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
That’s amore
When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine
That’s amore
Pasta, Pizza, Gelato, Pino Grigio, Fiat 500, and si si senor will be on the program during the Italian week which usually takes place in the Villeray-Little Italy area.
This festival honors the beauty and diversity of Montreal’s Italian heritage through food, of course, but music as well along with kid-friendly activities. As I’m writing this present article, the program hasn’t been divulged yet. You can check back HERE for the program.
Hot Air Balloon Festival (Every week-end of August in Saint-Jean-sur- Richelieu)
On August 7th, take part for FREE at the nightly glow of Hot Air Balloons that will resemble Chinese lanterns held at the airport of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Book your FREE ticket HERE.
Moreover, every weekend of August in the morning and evening, hundreds of hot air balloons will make their way up into the sky. You can watch them from anywhere in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
For the really early birds, participate at the crack of dawn in a FREE yoga session while Hot Air Balloons magically elevate themselves around you. This event takes place on August 15th and August 21st at 6h15 am! (weather permitting). Reserve your spot HERE (no age restriction is mentioned on the website)
For more information about the diverse family activities, the festival has to offer, visit their website HERE.
Festival Go Vélo (27-29 August)
Have you recently jumped on the bike wagon like so many of us? Guilty here!
At the end of the month, you can ride your bike through the streets of Montreal during the day or at night. It’s a paying event, unfortunately, but if you don’t want to participate, you can actually just go and watch from the sidewalk. It’s actually pretty fun watching the cyclists, who sometimes like to dress up, while they pedal away.
More information about this event HERE.
Les Mamizelles until August 29th FREE
Here is another cycling event as part of a family activity you can do until the end of August. It’s completely FREE.
Through a series of clues and enigmas, you’ll have to ride your bike through the streets of Rosemont and Villeray (approximately 8km) in order to find out where Grand-ma Prune’s birthday is going to take place. It’s in French only, so you might need google translate to solve the riddles which are super easy to solve.
Along the way, you’ll cycle on a path that follows the train tracks, discover fun playgrounds with water jets (you might want to bring a change of clothes), and swing by Marché Jean-Talon. The stops are fairly well indicated.
Little food tip: stop at the stalls of Marché Jean-Talon and snack on some fruits for FREE (don’t overdo it).
Find out about this activity and download the map right HERE.
Hop on a Ferry to Pointe-aux-Trembles
If you have a monthly STM pass and your children are under the age of 11, you can hop on the ferry from the Old Port of Montreal to Pointe-aux-Trembles for FREE. Otherwise, it’s 5$ per adult one way and you can only pay by credit card.
There is a ferry that leaves from Dock Jacques Cartier every 45 minutes. The boat ride is 30 minutes. You can now book ahead through their website or at the kiosk. I strongly suggest you do that for the ride back from Pointe-aux-Trembles as it gets crowded. You can even bring your bike onboard.
On Saturdays, there is an arts and craft and farmers market that takes place in Pointe-aux-Trembles. It closes at 3pm. The market isn’t very big, but when we went there, they were given away FREE plants.
The town of Pointe-aux-Trembles isn’t particularly spectacular. There isn’t even a café or little restaurant in the heart of town. In order to make your visit a little more interesting, learn about the town’s history and see century-old buildings, download the app Balado (French). It’s FREE.
For a relaxing moment, head over to park Neuville-sur-Vanne. Sit down on a bench and admire the unobstructed and peaceful view of the St-Laurent river. It’s a great spot for a break or to have a picnic.
Despite the lack of energy at Pointe-aux-Trembles, I never pass up on a FREE boat ride.
Find out more about this ferry trip right HERE.
1 sheep, 2 sheep, 3 sheep
Count the sheep at Park Maisonneuve.
For the fourth year running, Les Mountons de Biquette is extending its herd. For the pleasure of everyone, 16 sheep graze the grounds of the park every day until September 5th.
You can visit them next to the community garden located near the corner of Rosemont Boulevard and 31st avenue.
You will also find a beehive and an urban henhouse as well as educational activities for the whole family and yoga sessions.
Open from 9h to 19h every day.
Discover the program HERE.
On the quest for Urban Art
Discover the urban art of Rosemont-Petite Patrie through a quest.
To start, you’ll have to go bit.ly/rallyemuralesrpp. There are 5 stops where you’ll have to answer questions in order to move forward. It can be done on foot or on a bicycle.
It doesn’t take too long to do, about 30 minutes. This makes it perfect if you are doing the activity with small kids. Afterward, head over to Rue Saint-Hubert and munch on some delicious dumplings from Mademoiselle Dumplings.
At the end, submit your answers and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to win a $50 gift card to shop in the area.
Indoor Family Activities in Montreal for a rainy August day
It’s not always sunny and hot in August. We do get rain once in a while or excessive heat. Here is a list of indoor places worth checking out with the kids to cool off or escape indoor boredom.
Honest moment: We have not tried them all, but they are on our to-do list.
Grand Chelem Ball Center
Take me out to the ball game, take me out the park.
Practice your swing at Grand Chelem Ball Center located on Sainte-Catherine in Hochelaga. It’s about $20 for 75 swings but various offers exist to fit your family’s budget.
I don’t know what the starting age is to use the batting cages.
Action 500
Thrill-seeking family activities all under one roof. Paintball, Karting, Escape room, Laser combat are all available at Action 500 in Hochelaga. It can be pricy for a family, but they do offer reduced rates for families or on special days.
Discover the rates HERE.
Ecomusée du Fier Monde
Located in the heart of Montreal (near Metro Berri-Uqam) lies the Ecomusée du Fier Monde exhibiting the industrial and working-class history in Montreal.
Also, presently, there is a temporary expo on the products of Familex which were a big deal to Montrealers until the early 80s.
Familex was a Montreal-based company who manufactured a wide range of household products such as medications, food essences, cosmetics, cleaning products and insecticides.
Website fier monde
Free every first Sunday of the month, 4$ on Wednesdays after 4pm, and 50% off when you have an STM card.
Sky Venture
Starting at the age of 4, live a unique experience with an indoor introduction to sky diving. It is presently closed due to the Pandemic, but you can sign up with your email, and they’ll let you know when it reopens. Hopefully soon!
Sign up for your Sky Venture HERE.
Espace Verre
Albeit, we are not in Venice, Italy which is where I saw glass blowers for the first time on the little island of Murano, in Griffintown there is a glass blowing workshop you can partake in.
Presently due to the Pandemic, the classes have been suspended but it’s something good to know as a future reference.
The workshops are for people 10 years and up, cost $40, and last 2 hours. A minimum of 6 people is required for this activity. You can also include it with a guided visit ($8) to truly familiarize yourself with the world of glass. The visit is approximately 1h long and a minimum of 6 people is required.
For more information, visit Espace Verre’s website HERE.
The Force Academy, Sabers Combat
Become a knight or a battle master, at least for one day. Who hasn’t dreamt of becoming a Jedi after watching one of Star Wars episodes? Even Princess Leah knows how to handle a sword.
You can do that at The Force Academy for 25$ per person. It’s open to all levels and the website doesn’t mention any age restriction.
Dodgebow, archery Games
If the sabers aren’t a viable option, try your hand at archery without worrying that an actual arrow will pierce right through your heart. Yikes!
Dodgebow is played indoors with foam-tipped arrows and bows. It’s safe and doesn’t hurt! Be prepared to sweat, as in a lot. The cost is 25$ per person. It’s usually for kids 8 years and up but call DodgeBow to be sure and book your tickets HERE.
August family activities outside Montreal
If you are willing to hop in the car for a short (or not) day trip. Here are some fresh ideas of family activities you can do in August outside Montreal. Some might be a tad bit far for a simple day trip but I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Water activities
When it’s hot outside and you don’t want to wait in line for the pool, the next best option is the beach. Although, from what I’ve heard, due to the Pandemic, you need to arrive really early at the beach to secure a spot and not wait over 1 hour in line.
Beaches worth checking out
Many beaches in Quebec also offer boat rentals and have picnic areas. Some also have campgrounds which might be a better option so that you won’t have to wait in line to access it.
- Lake Maskinongé, Saint-Gabriel municipality
- Lake Rawdon, Rawdon municipality
- Oka Beach, Park of Oka
- La Crémaillère Beach, National Park of Mont-Tremblant
- Lake Stukely and Lake Fraser, Park of Mont-Orford
- Lake Saint-Joseph, Fossambault sur le Lac
Supposedly, this beach located about 35 minutes from Quebec City is the only one of its kind north of Virginia (U.S.) with coconut and palm trees. There is also a floating trampoline, paddle boats, kayaks for you to enjoy. Also, it can be accessed through a campground. The beach is NOT FREE as most beaches aren’t here in Quebec and dogs aren’t allowed.
For more information, visit their website HERE.
Park Mont-Tremblant : Canoe (self) guided tour
Mont-Tremblant National Park is one of Quebec’s oldest and largest parks. It features hundreds of lakes and two major rivers: the Diable and the Assomption.
Embark on a canoe for a guided or self-guided tour and discover the diverse fauna the park has to offer. It’s a peaceful half-day canoe trip down the winding river, with plenty of places to stop and play on the wild sandy beach.
Different excursions are made available for families and the cost per canoe starts at 75$. The price seems to include the entrance fee to the park. You can book and get more information about this activity HERE.
Water Parks
Slides, whether they are water ones or not helps develop our sense of balance. Not only that, we love the sense of freedom that they provoke. It’s all about letting go and for us adults with the adrenaline pumping through our body, eliminate daily stress.
Obviously, due to the cost, it’s not something you’ll want to do every day. However, you should try to put it on your summer family activities list, budget permitting.
Les Sommets, Saint-Sauveur
According to Les Sommets, they have the largest water park in the mountains and it’s just 1 hour away from Montreal.
The slides are scattered throughout the site, so you’ll be doing some walking and not feel like you are standing in line all the time.
We took part in the Colorado River, which is the scariest but survivable. If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be reading this, am I right?
The cost for children 13 and up is $50 for the whole day. Lockers are made available and you can bring your own picnic.
Montagne d’Expérience, Bromont Parc Aquatique
Another water park worth mentioning is Montagne d’Expérience located in Bromont.
The park offers 13 slides of various levels, heated pools, animation, and also access to mountain activities such as a climbing wall, hiking trails, and more.
The entrance fee is $52 per person.
Visit their website HERE for more information.
Physical Activities
Test your cardio level with your kids and see how fit you are, but in a fun way. Who says you can’t laugh and exercise at the same time?
Altitude Montagne
An authentic center focused on rock climbing and mountain sports, discover some original activities offered at Altitude Montagne located in the Laurentides.
The rock climbing discovery session cost $63 for children and adults over 13 years of age.
Duration: 3 hours
Book your climb HERE.
Extreme Course
Located in the heart of the Lanaudière region in Saint-Calixte lies an Extreme obstacle course.
Two main events take place each year, the next one is on September 11th, 2021 BUT they do offer training Saturdays prior to the event on August 14th and 28th.
The choices are 1.5km (for kids 10 and under), 5km, or 8km. Be prepared to get very dirty and test not only your endurance but also your communication skills as a family as you will be competing as a team.
Tickets are $80 for children between the ages of 6-12 and $90 for adults.
Discover this intense activity right HERE.
Tyroparc
Tyroparc has THE highest zip-line in (eastern) North America and is only 1h away from Montreal.
Zip and hike through a maple grove over rocky cliffs and ridges for about 2 hours. Zipline away on 4 mega ziplines ranging in length between 450m to 900m and at a height of 115m.
Starting age is 5 years old and they do offer a family package where the second child is FREE.
Discover more about this activity HERE.
Cultural Activities
A cultural outing is not just about visiting a museum or going to a play. They come in all sorts of formats and are essential to nurture and build the imagination in our children. Moreover, they help them develop their sensibility and their outlook on the world.
Trois-Rivières Prison
Would you like to discover the secrets of the longest-serving prison in Canada from 1822 to 1986?
Combining technology and testimonies of former inmates, this tour will take you behind the scenes of the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, 1h30 from Montreal. The prison is however not accessible to children under the age of 8.
Furthermore, the museum is currently having an exhibition on popular Quebecois culture from historical facts, animals, music to sports. It shares it all in an educative and interactive way. Yes, kids can actually play with some things!
The cost is 24$ per adult which includes the prison visit and the museum. Reserve your prison slot HERE and pay the rest when you arrive.
Before or after, grab a delicious lunch at Madame Woo Restaurant only 5 minutes away on foot from the prison, and then go for a stroll by the river.
Statera, Sorel-Tracy
Discover the islands and the fauna of the 103 islands around Sorel-Tracy about 1h away from Montreal.
It’s the largest archipelago of the St. Lawrence River which you can explore by taking a cruise in the islands of Sorel.
At the Statera pavilion, dive into the fascinating world of the Sorel archipelago, thanks to the interactive tour. Guided by your smart lantern, explore the fauna, flora, and history of the islands from observation platforms. It’s a great way to discover nature from a completely new perspective.
For a colorful experience, watch 1 of 4 films projected under the 360° dome daily from 11am to 8pm. Both entertaining and educational, these high-quality productions are for the whole family.
Also, under the dome, it’s possible to participate in a parent and child yoga session.
As the cost of doing these three activities quickly adds up and if you want to do all of them, get the activity passport and save 40% in the process. Book your pass HERE.
Easy going Activities outside Montreal
Sometimes, simple activities can be the most fun.
La Vallée Secrète, Québec
Go on a treasure hunt in a forest of gnomes!
This is an interactive and educational outdoor adventure that will appeal to both children and adults.
You’ll be sent on a mission and solve riddles along the paths. Items will be provided to help you along the way. What makes it great is that there is a treasure hunt and trail for all different age groups. The longest one is 2.5km and the shortest is 700m.
Dogs are allowed on site on a leash. The trails are accessible to strollers.
Note: It’s about a 2h drive from Montreal
Learn more about this activity HERE.
Foresta Lumina
Located in the Parc de la Gorge Coaticook (in the Eastern Townships) lies the Foresta Lumina which lights up at night. It’s about a 1h long experience through the forest.
Strollers aren’t recommended as you’ll have to go up some steps.
We went there during the day and you can read about our little road trip in the Eastern Townships HERE.
Nid D’Otruche – Saint-Eustache
Learn everything there is to know about Ostriches about 45 minutes away from Montreal.
From being in the egg to running around like madmen, this ostrich farm will tell you everything through a guided visit.
The visit of the ostrich farm takes 1h30. You’ll be able to hop on a safari wagon and discover where ostriches originally come from. I suggest that you start with that first. If you have to wait in line, there is a little play area for the kids to patiently wait.
Then, at your own pace, visit the little museum and installations. You’ll be able to see baby ostriches from birth to their teenage years. Also, there is a small animal farm.
The visit is really well organized and funny. There is also a snack bar. Allow yourself to be tempted by an ostrich hot dog.
Book your tickets HERE.
Intermiel – Mirabel
Discover the world of bees on the farm of Intermiel in Mirabel, less than 1h away from Montreal.
The guided visit is 1h30 long and includes the opening of a beehive, how the honey is processed, and some tasting! There are three visits per day at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
You don’t have to book ahead, but to learn more about this buzzing activity, read HERE.
Sunflowers-Ferme Forget
August is Sunflower month and you can pick some (among other things) at Ferme Forget located in Laval.
On-site, there is also an animal farm and a little expo on everything there is to know about pumpkins and the squash family.
For the picking part, prices vary depending on what you are picking. You can find out about the different pricing options HERE.
So there you have it. That’s a lot of family activities to pick from in and around Montreal in just one month. But, as I said before, some of them you can do throughout the year. Already wondering what to do in September?, Check out the September activity issue, which will be updated in a bit.
