10 things to do during your holiday vacation in the Old Montreal

This year during holiday vacation, don’t rest at home the whole time. Get out of the house and find an adventure in Old-Montréal! Discover activities that will excite your children (and you, too!). Whether they’re curious, enjoy being active, or are interested in food, there is a little bit of everything for any taste here in the historic neighbourhood! Come make some outstanding memories with your children!

For the curious child: Pointe-à-Callière and the Montréal Science Centre

“Who is the Real Santa Claus?” Embark on the quest to meet Santa Claus through this fun journey offered by the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. Over the course of these guided tours, your children will have the opportunity to discover how Christmas is celebrated in different countries and which characters fill the minds of children around the world. It is an outstanding and funny tour that opens one up to other cultures, focused around a common theme.

The Pointe-à-Callière Museum also offers “The Holidays under the Peruvian Sun” as a part of its “The Incas, Treasures of Peru” exhibition. Several activities are being offered, notably workshops on creating artwork inspired by pre-Columbian civilizations (held every afternoon in the hall at the Mariner’s House). Your children will also have the chance to learn what a khipu is and even create their own! And to better appreciate the “Incas, Treasures of Peru” exhibition, kids will receive an activity book to make this visit more fun.
For the entire Pointe-à-Callière Museum program, visit their website.

For the last seven years, the Montréal Science Centre has been hosting “Clic! The Zone for Curious Young Minds”. Surrounded by shapes and colours, your curious young ones can free their imaginations to create homes and roller coasters! It’s a beautiful way to find the fun in science! Also at the Science Centre, “Explore, Life-Sized Science” will give your kids an entire parade of experiences that will get their whole body moving! These interactive experiences will surprise you and have you laughing out loud! For instance, you will be able to code a robot to dance, and communicate via satellite dishes!
For the entire Science Centre program, visit their website.

For the active kid: The Old Port Skating Rink and Guidatour

For some great family time, what’s better than a sporty activity? Share some excellent time with your children at The Old Port Skating Rink without lugging along all the necessary equipment – they rent out skates, helmets, and padlocks at the rink! There are even skate coaches available for your little beginners! And if you’re feeling a bit peckish after all this activity, no worries! The Bonsecours Bistro is there to serve you!

If your kids still have energy to spare, then take them for a walk to see the Christmas secrets of the Old Montreal, a trip proposed by Guidatour in December, on Fridays and Saturdays. During this guided visit, they will be able to see the most delightful storefronts decorated for the holidays, learn more about Christmas traditions, and discover a Victorian Christmas at the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier National Historic Site. They may end the day with tired legs, but they’ll also have memories for life.

For the budding gourmand: Château Ramezay and LApop

Bread has been the most-consumed food in New-France, and is generally widely loved everywhere! Treat your taste buds by taking part in one of the New-French style bread-making workshops at Château Ramezay. Your little chefs-in-the-making can taste their culinary creation at the end! An original and delicious way to enjoy a pleasant and cozy time with the family!

Is there a little sweet tooth in your family? You absolutely need to check out the waffles on a stick from LApop! Covered in chocolate, with fruits, topped with nuts… Make your own creation to meet your taste! Everyone in the family can find what they’re looking for in this tiny shop bursting with colours and flavours, from the most gourmet options to the healthier choices. And for those who have more of a preference for ice cream, LApop has everything you need!

And here’s a bonus!

Up to December 30th, come hang a Christmas stocking on one of the mantels at Château Ramezay and then come back after the new year (after January 2nd) to discover what Santa Claus left! Stockings are available for purchase on-site for 10 $ plus taxes.