Anne-Charlotte PasseraWho doesn’t like a good old rainy day to snuggle up on the couch, drink some hot cocoa and watch a movie? Kids, that’s who.
While that is fine and dandy, since it rains more than 3 months a year in Montreal, you can’t remain all cooped up inside. The kids will go bonkers and so will you. By the way, that doesn’t include snow and freezing temperatures.
So what can you do when Annie Lennox gets in your head singing “Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory…“?
Kids love rainy days and playing in puddles watching the world go by. Some people see the rain as nature’s way of cleansing the world.
Sometimes though, we want more. Luckily, Montreal offers plenty of things to do on a rainy day.
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids and want to get out of the house, here are some ideas. They vary from price to age.
Do not be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.
Vladimir Nabokov
Library
The library is a good option for a rainy day. Montreal has a great library system.
You can read a book, magazines or play a board game. They also offer free activities for kids and story telling time, generally on weekends. You’ll have to sign up for that option.
Moreover, you can rent the board games or musical instruments. It’s free, just as long as you have a library card.
Find the library closest to you and the list of activities HERE.
Manga Café
The O-Taku Lounge has a huge library of mangas. If your child is into that, it’s a good place to go to on a rainy day. Back in 2019, it was $5 to read mangas in the comfy lounge per hour. If you don’t read, it’s free to access and there is Wifi. There is also a small café to eat some ramen or onigri or sip on some bubble tea.
Swimming or surfing
Swimming and surfing are fun activities to do on a rainy day. Yes, splashing around in water but indoors when its super cold outside is a lot more fun.
There are plenty of local indoor pools to go to for FREE. A new one opened up in Rosemont. Check out the times HERE.
If you want to do something a little more exciting, learn how to surf in Laval at Maeva Surf. It’s an expensive activity to as a family, but fun. Perhaps you can go there for a special occasion such as a birthday. It is for children 8 and up.
Museums for a rainy day
There are always new exhibitions to check out in Montreal. The Pointe à Caillère Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts of Montreal (MBAM) are good places to go to.
Plan your next visit to Pointe à Caillère Museum HERE.
MBAM also offers FREE children activities on weekends. Check out their calendar HERE.
Also, you have MAI .
It is a cultural place where they offer free access to special monthly exhibits from Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 5pm.
Located close to the Saint-Laurent Boulevard, you can admire some of Montreal’s finest street art as well.
Hands on experience
The Montreal Science Center is a great place to go to as a family and play in the various exhibits.
Aside from the standard exhibition and the Imax, the Center offers special places for children for a more hands on experience.
There is a special space dedicated to kids under the age of 7.
Step inside Mini Mondo, a fascinating, interactive world where children adventure out and explore their environment.
For older kids, you have Fabrik – Creativity Factory . It’s a workshop where kids can experiment and create with tools.
Céramic Café
For a break from the bright lights and loud noises of the city, some people enjoy going to an indoor café. At the Ceramic Café you can create what you feel. It’s an interactive and colourful experience to share with kids.
Choose the piece you want to paint and let the artist within you do the rest.
Ice skating
80% of Canadians know how to skate. Most parents feel like it is a basic skill for children to learn.
Usually, local arenas will offer free ice skating sessions all year long.
In the Wintertime, many local parks will set up outdoor iceskating rinks where you can skate for free.
Skates don’t come cheap. Since kids feet grow fast, consider buying a used pair on Kijiji.
Finally, Le 1000 Atrium located in downtown Montreal is an indoor ice skating rink opened all year long. It’s not free, but if it’s your first time, it might be a great place to start. You can rent ice skates their as well.
Mini-golf
There are benefits to playing miniature-golf with kids. They can work on their hand-eye coordination and motorskills.
To make it a little more challenging, why not try yourself at some indoor glow in the dark miniature gold at Putting Edge?
Combat Archery
Play dodgeball but with an arrow. Prepare yourself to sweat, a lot.
Teams will be set up randomly so don’t expect to be on the same team as the people you show up with.
It’s another fun activity to do with kids on a rainy day in Montreal. The facilities also offer other activities. Check them out HERE.
Escape room
Escape rooms are a great way to spend a rainy day. Not only are they fun, but they can also be educational. There are many different types of escape rooms to choose from, so you can find one that is perfect for you. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging activity, try an escape room. There are plenty to choose from in Montreal.
Bowling
Bowling is a fun, inexpensive, and social activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. You don’t even have to own a bowling ball to partake in the fun.
Bowling is a great way to spend a rainy day. There are plenty of lanes in the area. You can also go for a snack after your game.
Here is one worth checking out.
Fly a trapeze
Learn to fly a trapeze and hang on the bar at the Trapezium.
See the world from a new perspective as you swing high above the crowd.
They will teach you how to swing and balance so you can feel the thrill of flying through the air. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, take the plunge into the circus world.
Indoor maze
Located in the Old Port of Montreal you’ll find SOS Labyrinthe.
It is an indoor maze that is perfect if you have younger kids.
Insectarium and Biodome
Check out the animals and insects at Insectarium and Biodome. They both recently got a face lift.
Both are perfect to go to when you have smaller kids.
Of course, there are more activity options to do with kids in Montreal on a rainy day. Check out our monthly kid-friendly activity list for more ideas.
