[category]
[title]
This Montreal neighbourhood is turning into a family playground this March.
Dive into the full joy of winter with a week packed with free, fun-filled activities for all ages packed into one vibrant neighbourhood.
What are the best spring break activities for Montreal families?
We're rounded up our favourite 15 free activities happening this March. Head to Quartier des Spectacles and try your hand at snowboarding at Les Glissades Gamelin, experience a free light show thanks to Lumino’s glow-in-the-dark installations or skate amid the magic on the Esplanade Tranquille rink.
Read: Downtown Montreal is getting a new skating rink — and it’s not where you think
Create yout own Chinese lantern, sign up for a DJ workshop, or top it off with feasting and fun at Montréal en Lumière.
From hands-on indoor adventures at the Grande Bibliothèque, Complexe Desjardins, MAC, and Place des Arts to face painting and live circus shows, Quartier des Spectacles is the place to be this March!
Here are the top 15 things to do with the family during spring break:
1. Les Glissades Gamelin – Open All Week
Until March 8 | Place Émilie-Gamelin
Slide, scoot, and snow-skate your way through this fun-filled winter playground. Free equipment rentals include sleds, snow scooters, and beginner snowboards for the little ones. Take a break in the heated chalet for snacks and games. New this year: L’Inter-glisse, a free shuttle connecting Les Glissades and Esplanade Tranquille rink.
Hours: Mon–Thu: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri–Sat: 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
2. Kermesse LUMINO
March 6, 4–8 p.m. | Place Émilie-Gamelin
Step into a luminous world for one magical evening. Enjoy fluorescent face painting, a clown show, light shows, juggling, and a comedy DJ. Bring your own glowing accessories! Les Glissades remains open during the event.
3. Lantern-Making Workshop
March 4–7, 2–8 p.m. | MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises
Create your own Chinese lanterns inspired by the exhibition How Well Do You Know Your Chinatown? Your finished lanterns will brighten the windows along Sainte-Catherine Street forming a stunning collective display.
4. LUMINO Light Installations
Until March 8, nightfall–11 p.m. | Quartier des Spectacles
Explore colourful, interactive installations like Chronoharp, a playable musical sculpture; Stargate, perfect for photos; and Le coffre à jouets dégivré, an immersive video projection on the Esplanade Tranquille.
5. Esplanade Tranquille Rink & Pavilion
March 2–8, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Enjoy suncatcher workshops, juggling lessons, and the Jardin de glace ice garden for kids. Warm up with snacks and board games at Café Tranquille while enjoying views of the rink.
6. Montréal en Lumière
Feb 27–Mar 7 | Quartier des Spectacles
A must for families: giant marionettes, roving performers, games, and multidisciplinary workshops. Teens can explore music with DJ workshops and La Relâche en chanson. Don’t miss the Village Gourmand with cooking fun for kids.
7. Story Time & Creative Workshops
Feb 28–Mar 8 | Grande Bibliothèque
Keep little ones inspired with L’heure du conte, graffiti knitting, cinematic moments, and playful parties.
8. Circus Fun at Complexe Desjardins
Mar 1–8
Young children can try circus workshops, face painting, and live circus shows perfect for first-time performers.
9. MAC en Famille
Mar 3–6 | Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal
Parents and kids explore contemporary art together, with creative workshops linked to the exhibition Éloges de l’image manquante.
10. Circus Immersion at Place des Arts
Mar 3–7 | Ages 3–10
Enjoy magic shows, clown routines, circus and cooking workshops, face painting, and immersive games.
11. Pinocchio Play
Mar 5–7 | Cinquième Salle
Cap off the day with this enchanting, ticketed production in French—a perfect complement to your free March break adventures.
12. Try beginner snowboarding at Les Glissades Gamelin
13. Ice skating and playful games at Esplanade Tranquille
14. Explore interactive light art with LUMINO installations
15. Enjoy a cooking workshop with La Tablée des Chefs
March 4 to 7 | 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. | Salon urbain
For more information about spring break programming at Quartier des Spectacles, click here.
RECOMMENDED:
Complete guide to the best restaurants in Montreal
Best attractions in Montreal
Best Airbnbs in Montreal