Glissades Gamelin
A family day out
The twins and the youngest need some fresh air; uncle is on a stopover in the city; mom and dad are dreaming of an urban cultural getaway. Gather the whole family and head for the Quartier des Spectacles where there's plenty to choose from: come see a general admission show, play outside in one of the public squares, attend a festival or check out one of the many urban animations and playful art installations.
Cultural venues for 0-99 year-olds
Would you like to see a show for young audiences, or treat all three generations of your family to a fun artistic activity? Simple: the Quartier has the highest concentration of family-friendly cultural venues in the city.
Going from west to east, let’s start with the Musée d'art contemporain and its great “MAC en famille” program, often combining a film or performance with a workshop. Next stop: Place des Arts, where you can regularly attend theatrical, operatic and musical performances for all audiences. Next up: Maison Théâtre, Quebec’s largest institution specializing in theater for young audiences. Finally, the Quartier is also home to the Auditorium de la Grande Bibliothèque, great to catch a show or a movie.
Family fun on the Esplanade Tranquille
Young and old love to come and play outside on the Esplanade Tranquille! It’s the ideal urban site for a family break during your visits to the Quartier.
In summer, the giant open-air games—giant-size Scrabble and chess—are sure to entertain adults and children alike. A wide variety of street furniture is available for those who prefer to sit in the shade and contemplate the hustle and bustle of urban life.
In winter, put on your skates and enjoy a family outing on the city’s largest refrigerated skating rink. Once your cheeks are ruby red, the whole family can gather in the warmth of the Pavilion and have great fun and laughs while playing a boardgame borrowed from the Ludothèque. There are also restrooms, and separate a room with a changing table.
Bring the whole family to the festival
Le Quartier is a well of free outdoor events, where you can always drop in with the family at a moment’s notice and find something fun to do. For once, forget about planning, and come and enjoy the crowds with the kids, and let yourself be surprised.
From the Francos de Montréal to the Festival Nuits d’Afrique and MONTRÉAL COMPLÈTEMENT CiRQUE (to name but a few), there’s something to please everyone—from your son to your grandma. As you stroll along, you may come across inviting playgrounds, refreshing fountains and spontaneous circus acts or surprise concerts. Music, comedy, dance, cinema, digital arts, performing arts: all artistic disciplines are celebrated throughout the festival year.