How to Keep Kids Active in Winter in Montreal

Beating the Winter Blues

Montreal winters are legendary — five months of cold, snow, and short days. For parents, keeping kids physically active during this stretch is a real challenge. But Montreal actually has incredible winter sports and indoor activity options. Here's how to keep your family moving.

Indoor Sports Centres

Atrium Le 1000 — Downtown Montreal's hidden gem: a year-round indoor skating rink on the ground floor of the 1000 de La Gauchetière tower. Public skating sessions run $8 for adults, $5.50 for kids, with skate rental available at $7. It's accessible by metro (Bonaventure station) and never too crowded on weekday afternoons.

iSaute — Indoor trampoline parks with locations across the greater Montreal area. An hour of jumping ($18-22) provides serious cardio for kids. They also offer trampoline fitness classes for teens and dodgeball tournaments. Grip socks are required ($3 if you don't have your own).

Centre Claude-Robillard in Parc-Extension is a massive municipal sports complex with an indoor track, pools, and gymnasiums. Public access to the pool and gym is extremely affordable ($5-8), and they run kids' programs in swimming, gymnastics, and multi-sport throughout the winter.

TAZ Skatepark in the Mile End is Montreal's legendary indoor skatepark, BMX park, and scooter facility. Day passes are $15 for youth, and they rent equipment on-site. It's an incredible energy-burner for kids who like action sports. They offer beginner clinics on Saturday mornings.

Outdoor Winter Activities

Don't hibernate — Montreal's outdoor winter activities are what make this city unique:

Skating: Free outdoor rinks operate across the city from December to March. The Esplanade at Olympic Park, Beaver Lake on Mount Royal, and dozens of neighbourhood rinks offer free skating (BYO skates). Refrigerated rinks stay open even during warm spells.

Tobogganing: Mount Royal's slope near Beaver Lake is the classic spot. Parc Ignace-Bourget in Verdun and several Laval parks also have groomed toboggan hills. Free — just bring a sled.

Cross-country skiing: Parc du Mont-Royal, Parc Angrignon, and Cap-Saint-Jacques all have free cross-country skiing trails. Rent equipment at La Pointe for about $20/half day.

Snowshoeing: Most nature parks maintain snowshoe trails. It's a great workout and even 4-year-olds can manage kid-sized snowshoes on gentle terrain.

Making Winter Exercise a Habit

The key to winter fitness is making it routine, not occasional:

1. Schedule it — Block time for physical activity like you would any appointment
2. Layer up properly — Merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer layer
3. Invest in good boots — Cold, wet feet end outdoor play fast. Sorel and Kamik make excellent kids' winter boots
4. Set a "no screen" rule before noon on weekends — It naturally leads to active play
5. Join a league or class — Regular commitments keep kids accountable

Winter-Specific Gear Worth Buying

• Balaclava or neck warmer — Protects the face in wind chill
• Ski goggles — Essential for tobogganing and skiing in snow
• Hand warmers — Cheap and effective for extending outdoor play
• Waterproof mittens — Gloves get soaked; mittens stay warmer

Find sports activities in Montreal on FamiliQC.