Looking for a spring break activity in Montreal? Wondering what to do with the kids? In 2027, the school break generally falls from Monday, March 1 to Friday, March 5, 2027 in the Montreal area (check your school service center or school's calendar). A week off can feel long when it's cold: here are our suggestions for family activities, including museums, outdoor adventures, thrills, and cultural outings, both downtown and in the neighborhoods.

Spring Break 2027: When and How to Plan?

Most schools in the greater Montreal area have their break during the same week, which means large crowds at popular attractions. Here are some tips to enjoy the break stress-free:

  • Book in advance: museums, escape rooms, virtual reality, and shows often sell out during the break.
  • Alternate between indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kids (and parents!) in good spirits.
  • Check schedules and prices on each venue's official website: they often change during the break period.

Espace pour la vie's Scientific Museums

The four museums of Espace pour la vie are a safe bet for a family activity during spring break. At the Olympic Park, the Biodôme takes children on a journey through several ecosystems of the Americas, with their animals and birds. Right next door, the Planetarium offers immersive projections under the dome to explore the sky and the universe. Across Sherbrooke Street, the Insectarium reveals the fascinating world of insects, and the greenhouses at the Botanical Garden offer a touch of nature and greenery in the heart of winter. A visit to these museums allows you to see animals, plants, and stars all in one day.

These museums often have special programming during the break: check espacepourlavie.ca and book your tickets online.

Science Center and Museums in Old Montreal

At the Old Port, the Montreal Science Centre focuses on interactive exhibits where young people can touch, test, and experiment. You can combine the visit with a film at the IMAX cinema. Nearby, Pointe-à-Callière, the Montreal Archaeology and History Complex, takes visitors underground to the founding site of Montreal: a great heritage discovery for curious children.

Downtown, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts offers its collections and temporary exhibitions. For a more playful outing, the Museum of Illusions delights both young and old with its optical effects and fun photos.

Outdoor Activities in Montreal During the Break

If snow is on the ground, take advantage of outdoor activities! Mount Royal Park is the ultimate winter playground in the city center: skating on Beaver Lake, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing depending on conditions. Many neighborhood parks also offer outdoor rinks and hills for sledding, free of charge. It's often the favorite outing for the youngest, and there are plenty of places in each borough. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and you'll have a memorable outing at little cost.

Interested in alpine skiing, snowboarding, or fat biking? The ski resorts in the Laurentians and Eastern Townships are accessible by car from Montreal for a day trip. Remember to book your tickets online.

Indoor Thrills: Virtual Reality, Escape Games, and More

For stormy days or teenagers seeking adrenaline, Montreal is full of indoor entertainment centers:

  • Virtual reality team play at Zero Latency, in Montreal;
  • Team challenges in the cells of Prison Island;
  • Escape games at Vizium, in Pointe-aux-Trembles;
  • Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Putting Edge, in Saint-Laurent;
  • Spy mission with actors at Breakout, at Quartier DIX30 on the South Shore.

Escape games and indoor activities are perfect when the weather doesn't cooperate. Check the minimum age for each activity before booking.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE and Nuit blanche, Just Before the Break

The MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE festival takes place from February 18 to 28, 2027, with a free outdoor site and family activities downtown. The Nuit blanche will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2027: museums, exhibitions, and cultural venues stay open late into the night. Programming at montrealenlumiere.com.

Shows and Theater for Children

During the break, also consider youth shows. The Maison Théâtre, downtown, presents plays for ages 1 to 17 throughout the season. Check their February and March 2027 programming to find a show suitable for your children's age.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Break

When is Spring Break 2027?

In the Montreal area, it generally takes place from March 1 to 5, 2027. Dates may vary depending on the school service center or private school: check your child's school calendar.

Where to go during Spring Break?

In Montreal, Espace pour la vie museums, the Science Centre, Pointe-à-Callière, and Mount Royal Park are excellent choices. The ski resorts in the Laurentians and Eastern Townships are ideal for a getaway.

What free activities are available in Montreal during the break?

Skating on outdoor rinks, sledding hills in parks, hiking on Mount Royal, and the outdoor site of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE (until February 28) are free.

Should you book your spring break activities?

Yes, it is highly recommended: the region's attractions are very busy that week.

Practical Information

  • Dates: generally from March 1 to 5, 2027, in the Montreal area.
  • Transport: the metro serves the Olympic Park (Pie-IX and Viau stations), Old Montreal (Place-d'Armes, Champ-de-Mars), and downtown.