Anne-Charlotte PasseraIn Montreal, March is synonymous with Maple Syrup time and there are plenty of family activities in and around the city to enjoy just that.
This article was previously published in 2020. Due to the Pandemic that is still happening in Montreal in 2022, some of the activities suggested below might not be available or will have to be done online.
For many years, March, being the start of Spring, was also the start of the New Year in Europe. In fact, Britain used March 25th as the beginning of the New Year until 1752.
Each year March and June end on the same day of the week. Did you know that?
It’s also the time of year when animals start to wake up from hibernation. With our endless winter, it’s about time we start doing the same.
So what family activities can you do in Montreal this March? Let’s find out. As always, we try to provide you with a various selection of activities that are either free, low-cost or worth splurging on.
March special family activities
As usual, there is always something going on in Montreal that you can do as part of your monthly family activities, and March is no exception.
Go to the Theatre
Saturday mornings are not just for sitting in front of Netflix watching cartoons. Twice a month at the Centaur Theatre, there are various shows for kids that the whole family can enjoy.
Visit their website for shows, dates, and details.
Go to the Movies
The Montreal International Children’s Film Festival (better known under its French acronym, FIFEM) is an international film festival. It’s a family version of the biggest international film event, like Cannes, Berlin, or Sundance for kids!
The festival ends on March 6th, 2022. Check out the program HERE.
Go to a Baseball Game
Due to the Pandemic, there will be no baseball game this year (2022).
The Toronto Blue Jays will be in town on March 23rd and March 24th, 2020 at the Olympic Stadium and will be playing against the fabulous New York Yankees.
It’s a great sport to watch with the family but try to bring some snacks as it can be a very long game. Also, don’t forget to learn the 7th inning song, where you’ll be able to sing and stretch your legs at the same: Take me out to the ball game…
Buy your tickets HERE.
Outdoor Circus
To bring an end to their exhibition about the Circus , the Pointe à Callière Museum is providing FREE activities outside it doors until March 6th, 2022.
The acrobats will be taking over the street and you can find out more about the schedule HERE.
Relax at the Spa
My favorite Spa in Montreal is having a special event for families during Spring Break (March 2nd to March 6th). If you’ve been wanting to try out a Spa with the kids, now is the time to do so right in the heart of the city at Bota Bota. (Sorry, not this year 2022, due to the Pandemic)
You need to reserve online, it’s only in the morning and for kids 10 years old and up (better than nothing). Also, if you can afford it, you can let them also enjoy a massage or have a yoga session.
Afterward, grab a healthy lunch at Venice Montreal in the Old City. If you still have energy left, either enjoy some outdoor ice skating or do some scientific activities (Cité des Sciences) in the Old Port.
Montréal en lumière
Head on over to Place des Festivals with your ice skates, do the loop. A 300m long raised rink has been installed and it it lights up at night fall.
Also, you ride a ferris wheel for free and check out this year’s installation for our annual Luminotherapy. Everything is FREE.
The festival ends March 5th, 2022.
Giant puppets
There is something strange going on at Montreal’s Biodome. Oversized animals are roaming its corridors.
Available until March 6th, 2022, watch these muppets come to life before visiting the live animals.
More information and showtimes HERE.
Indoor March activities in Montreal
March sometimes looks like an in-between season in Montreal with a lot of slush going on. So, if the outdoor conditions aren’t great for ice skating, skiing or sledding, here are some indoor activities you can do in March. Otherwise, read our past monthly issues for more ideas and inspiration.
Read some Manga at the Otaku Lounge
My son, Blondie Bear really enjoys this activity. If you sign up for their FREE membership, you get 1 free reading per month instead of paying 5,50$ per hour which is pretty much the cost of a Manga. There are plenty of Mangas to choose from. You can read some recent ones right here and there.
While your child reads, you can work or read too for free by using their FREE Wifi. You don’t have to buy anything there if you don’t want to.
The reading area, despite being a little worn out, is super comfy. However, you’ll have to take your shoes off. For the best comfort, try the seating by the window all the way in the back.
Afterward, taste some ONIGIRI which is pretty much like eating a giant sushi.
The Otaku lounge is easily accessible on foot from Metro Sherbrooke. If you want to be able to pick where you want to sit, arrive before 2 pm on weekends.
Also, nearby on Saint Laurent, grab a croissant or a French dessert at La Brioche Dorée before or after your little reading adventure.
Learn how to code at Code & Café
Although Blondie Bear enjoyed this activity, he preferred the manga one. That said, there is something for all ages.
If your child has trouble concentrating or focusing, this is an activity that can be beneficial in overcoming that. All they have to do is follow the instructions and ask questions if need be.
The activity last 1h30 and cost less than 20$. If you or your child has a monthly STM card, you can get a 2$ discount. It’s best to reserve ahead of time to make sure that there is enough room.
It’s easily accessible from Metro Mont-Royal and before or afterward, grab brunch at Café Santropol. It’s about a 15-minute walk where you can not only enjoy the food there in a quaint setting but also admire the street art the neighbourhood has to offer.
Be an astronaut
At the Cosmodome, you can be an astronaut for a day. You can complete different virtual missions or just wander through the permanent space exhibition. There is also the possibility of trying out the astronauts’ training simulators.
There are plenty of family activities to do there and for every budget. Please note that it’s in Laval and not in Montreal. A car is required to get there.
For more information about the activities offered, visit their website HERE.
Rock Climbing
Did you know that rock climbing increases strength, endurance, and flexibility?
It also helps build confidence, self-esteem and helps with stress relief among so many other benefits. So, if you and your child are in need of some bonding time, why not try out rock climbing at Allez Up!
Glow in the dark Family Night
Looking for something different to do for family night? How about dancing in the dark on trampolines among other things at Sky Zone in Dorval?
They have a special glow in the dark party on weekends in the evening. The rest of the time they have multiple activities that everyone can enjoy (even toddlers) ranging from a Ninja Warrior Course to Ultimate Dodge Ball.
Again, this activity is outside Montreal and a car is required to get there.
Solve Enigmas
Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in Montreal over the last few years. There are plenty to pick from.
The first few we tried were with A-Maze which has various locations throughout the city. However, the minimum age for an escape room is usually 10 years old.
Learn how to work together to find and solve clues and escape the room before your time is up!
Road trip to Saint-Donat
Less than 2 hours away from Montreal and 1 hour from Mont-Tremblant lies the little town of Saint-Donat.
It comes to life during the winter months with quite a few outdoor activities.
Before the snow melts, skate on a trail amidst a forest in the heart of the village. The trees light up at night. An outdoor fireplace has been installed in the park in case you need to warm up.
It’s free to skate on the 1,3km trail or you can rent the equipment there.
Rental cost for ice skates (4hr): $14 adults, $8 kids
Location: Des Pionniers Park, Saint-Donat
If you are looking for more of an adrenaline rush, head on over to La Réserve for some snow tubing fun.
Minimum age is 3 years old. (Their website was down at the time of publishing)
Sugar Shack
If it’s your first-time spending March in Montreal, going to the Sugar Shack will be THE highlight of your activities this month. It’s all about maple syrup and food. Who doesn’t like stuffing their faces with omelets, beans, and bacon all covered with maple syrup? Better yet, have you ever tasted maple syrup poured over troughs filled with fresh snow? Yeah, thought so.
Some fun facts about sugar shacks
Did you know that Quebec produces 2/3 of the maple syrup worldwide?
It takes 30 to 40 liters of sap to make just 1 liter of syrup. A maple tree can give 60 to 160 liters of sap per season depending on the weather conditions.
Supposedly, if there are 5 Sundays in February then the sugar season will advance by one month; that Easter begins or ends the sugar season.
In Canada, the sugar season lasts 4 to 6 weeks generally from mid-March to the end of April. It’s my opinion a sugar shack is most enjoyed when the ground is still covered with snow.
Fancy Sugar Shack in the City
Indulge yourself on March 14th, 2020 at the Ritz Carlton for their annual sugar shack. It’s a bit pricy (like a lot) but how often do you go to the Ritz to eat? If you can’t make it outside the city for the sugar rush, why not do it at the Ritz? (Sorry, not this year 2022).
Family Sugar Shack in Verdun
From March 19th to March 20th, 2022, bring out the whole family for some fun activities in Montreal, well Verdun actually. As it’s a little hard to park, it’s best to get there using public transportation.
Enjoy maple syrup on snow. Check out the lumberjacks working their magic and tons of kid-friendly activities.
More information about this event HERE.
Sugar Shacks outside of Montreal
There are a lot of sugar shacks outside the city. Try to pick one that has nightly entertainment on weekends to make it even more special, fun, joyful and rustic.
You might want to book ahead before going to one as they fill up fast unless you go during the week. I found this article that will give you some suggestions about Sugar Shack’s worth visiting. Don’t forget your plaid shirt to look the part!
Next month, it will officially be Springtime, finally!
[…] and a great conversation piece about the environment. I tell you more about this park in my March activity […]