Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Montreal Science Centre
★4.4(7,387 reviews)$Museum
🕑 3-4 hours (2 hours for exhibits, plus time for IMAX or simulator experiences)👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger children (4-7) love the tactile, hands-on experiments and simple interactive displays, while older kids and tweens enjoy the more complex science challenges, simulator rides, and IMAX documentaries that dive deeper into scientific concepts.🧡 Saved by 23 families
About
The Montreal Science Centre offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment with interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on exploration, from building robots to understanding the human body. The IMAX theatre presents stunning nature and science films on a massive screen, while simulator rides add an extra dose of excitement to your visit. With exhibits designed to spark curiosity in children of all ages, this waterfront museum makes learning feel like pure fun.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on interactive science exhibits covering topics from physics to biology
- ✓IMAX theatre with larger-than-life documentary films
- ✓Simulator rides that add virtual reality and motion experiences
- ✓Temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, offering fresh experiences for repeat visitors
- ✓Fabrik: Creativity Factory exhibit where kids design, build, and test their own creations
Pro Tips
- 1.Book IMAX tickets and simulator rides online in advance, especially on weekends, as these experiences sell out quickly and can be purchased separately from general admission.
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (Monday-Friday, 9-11 AM) for the smallest crowds and the best opportunity to spend quality time at each exhibit without waiting.
- 3.The museum is bilingual (French and English), but all exhibits have English signage and interactive elements work in both languages.
- 4.Bring a light sweater as the IMAX theatre can be quite cool, and consider packing snacks since the on-site cafe options are limited and prices are higher than outside restaurants.
- 5.Combine your visit with a walk along the Old Port waterfront right outside the museum for beautiful views and seasonal activities like skating (winter) or zip-lining (summer).
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from Monday to Friday between 9-11 AM offer the quietest experience. Visit during fall or winter (October-March) to avoid peak summer tourist crowds, though the museum is comfortable year-round as an indoor activity.
What to Know
General admission is budget-friendly at around $20 CAD per adult and $13 CAD per child, but IMAX films and simulator rides cost extra. The museum is fully accessible, stroller-friendly, and has a small cafe, though many families prefer to eat at nearby Old Montreal restaurants just a short walk away.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round and makes an excellent indoor activity during Montreal's cold winters. Hours are slightly shorter on weekdays (closing at 4 PM) versus weekends (closing at 5 PM on Sunday). Check the website for special holiday programming during school breaks.
Nearby Eats
Old Montreal is steps away with family-friendly options like Olive + Gourmando (bakery and cafe with sandwiches kids love) and Jardin Nelson (outdoor terrace in summer with crepes and pizza). The Old Port food court offers quick, casual options including poutine for kids wanting to try Quebec's signature dish.
More Activities Near Montreal
Museum
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
★4.7$❤️45
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts welcomes families with dedicated children's programs, interactive art workshops, and galleries designed to spark young imaginations. With free admission to the permanent collection and special family-friendly exhibits throughout the year, it's an affordable way to introduce kids to world-class art in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
Museum
Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
★4.6$❤️60
The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière) brings the past to life through interactive exhibits and fascinating underground archaeological vaults built on Montreal's actual birthplace. Kids can explore hands-on displays, watch multimedia presentations, and walk through authentic ruins beneath the city streets, making history tangible and exciting rather than just facts in a textbook.
Museum
Montreal Insectarium
★4.4$❤️122
The Montreal Insectarium offers an incredible journey into the world of bugs with live insect displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and educational programs that captivate curious young minds. Kids can get up close with thousands of fascinating creatures, from beautiful butterflies to giant beetles, in a modern, immersive setting that makes learning about insects thrilling and memorable.
Museum
McCord Stewart Museum
★4.4$❤️166
The McCord Stewart Museum brings Montreal's fascinating history to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that engage young minds. With family-friendly programs designed specifically for children, kids can explore Indigenous heritage, immigration stories, and Quebec's cultural evolution through touchable artifacts, costume dress-up stations, and creative workshops that make learning about Canadian history fun and memorable.